Alakh Pandey

Alakh Pandey is the founder, chairman and chief executive officer of education company PhysicsWallah.

Journey

Pandey studied mechanical engineering but left college before completing the degree and worked as a teacher in Allahabad. He launched a YouTube channel called Physics Wallah in 2016, posting physics lessons in Hindi for students preparing for engineering and medical entrance examinations. The channel grew because the instruction was accessible and the cost to learners was low.

Pandey partnered with Prateek Maheshwari in 2020 to turn the channel into a company and learning platform. PhysicsWallah expanded from recorded courses into live classes, test preparation, offline centres, books and acquired education businesses. The company listed in 2025. Official material identifies Pandey as founder and CEO, with responsibility for academic direction, brand and overall strategy.

Working approach

Pandey's teaching style relies on plain language, emotional connection with students and pricing below many established coaching providers. The company has tried to preserve that identity while adding professional management and physical centres.

Assessment

His strength is building trust with a large learner community before constructing the company around it. The challenge is maintaining teaching quality, governance and affordable outcomes across a much larger, acquisition-heavy and publicly listed organisation.