Alakh Pandey: From Struggles to Success, The Story Behind

PhysicsWallah

In a world focused on quick success, Alakh Pandey’s journey shows that

determination, purpose, and patience can lead to remarkable achievements. He is not

only the co-founder of PhysicsWallah, a company valued at over a billion dollars, but

also an example of how challenges can shape strong individuals.

Humble Beginnings

Alakh Pandey was born in Prayagraj (Allahabad), Uttar Pradesh, to a modest

middle-class family. His father was a contractor, and his mother worked as a school

teacher. Life was tough, marked by constant financial challenges, and the pressure to

excel academically weighed heavily on him.

Despite these difficulties, Alakh excelled in his studies from a young age. His motivation

came not just from grades, but from a desire to understand concepts deeply and to

make education simpler and more accessible for everyone.

The Turning Point

He dropped out of engineering college in his third year. He realized that rote learning

and rigid systems were stifling the true essence of education. Rather than pursuing a

degree, he chose to follow his passion for teaching.

In 2016, he started posting Physics videos on YouTube under the name

PhysicsWallah. With no fancy setup, no marketing budget, and no backup plan — just

a whiteboard, a marker, and his passionate voice — he began teaching.

The Struggles Behind the Screen

The early days were challenging. Views were low, earnings were nearly non-existent,

and doubt was a constant companion. He lived in a rented apartment and struggled to

earn enough from YouTube to get by.

People advised him to "get a real job." Investors turned him down. Many questioned

whether students would care about online education from someone on YouTube.

But Alakh persevered.

The Breakthrough

His genuine teaching style began to connect with thousands of students across India.

He was not just teaching; he was inspiring, simplifying, and transforming the way

students learned.

By 2020, during the pandemic, PhysicsWallah’s YouTube channel took off. With

students at home and eager for quality education, Alakh delivered consistently and with

commitment.In 2022, PhysicsWallah became India's 101st unicorn startup, raising $100 million in

funding. From being a solo teacher, Alakh built a team of over 2,500 members. His

journey evolved from mere survival into a movement.

How He Earned Money (With Integrity)

Unlike many ed-tech startups that charge high fees, Alakh kept his courses very

affordable, typically between ₹500 and ₹2000. His success came not from exploiting

students, but from volume and building trust.

He expanded into app-based learning, launched test series, printed books, provided

doubt-solving features, and created hybrid coaching centers — always prioritizing

student value over profit.

What We Can Learn from Alakh Pandey

Here are some timeless lessons from Alakh’s story:

1. Purpose Over Profit

He prioritized impact before income, and that made a significant difference.

2. Start with What You Have

No elaborate equipment, no team — just a smartphone, a marker, and a clear vision.

3. Consistency Wins

He consistently uploaded content for years before seeing significant results. Slow

growth isn’t failure; it's progress over time.

4. Stay Grounded

Even after becoming a millionaire, Alakh remains relatable and dedicated to teaching.

5. Disrupt the Norm

He took the bold step to leave college and challenge India's traditional coaching industry

— and succeeded.

6. Don’t Wait for Validation

He pushed through when people mocked, doubted, and ignored him. Believing in

oneself is the ultimate advantage.

How to Take Risks Like Alakh Pandey

Taking risks doesn’t mean being careless. It means:

• Knowing your passion and believing in yourself.

• Starting small and gradually expanding.

• Trusting the process even when immediate rewards are lacking.

• Having a mission bigger than your own interests.

Final Words: Be Your Own PhysicsWallah Alakh Pandey’s story goes beyond Physics or business; it is about courage, clarity,

and making a difference. In a noisy world, he built something genuine by remaining

true to his values.

If you feel stuck, confused, or hesitant to take the next step, remember this:

You don’t need to be perfect to start. You just need to begin.

Inspired by the story of Alakh Pandey – A true educator, innovator, and

visionary.

Written by: Aditya Singh

Follow this blog for more stories of real risk-takers and game-changers.