New Delhi, October 03, 2025 — In a striking turn of events in India’s wealth rankings, Alakh Pandey, co-founder of edtech unicorn Physics Wallah (PW), has seen his personal net worth soar to ₹14,510 crore, surpassing the fortune of Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan, who is estimated to be worth ₹12,490 crore. The revelation comes from the Hurun India Rich List 2025, which highlighted Pandey as one of the fastest wealth creators in the country despite his company’s recent financial losses.

Meteoric Rise in Wealth

Pandey’s net worth surged by an astonishing 223% in the past year, according to Hurun. His fellow co-founder, Prateek Maheshwari, also saw an identical increase, taking his wealth to ₹14,520 crore. The rise has propelled both founders into India’s elite circle of billionaires, underscoring the edtech sector’s potential to generate outsized wealth even amid market turbulence.

A statement from Hurun noted: “Alakh Pandey and Prateek Maheshwari of Physics Wallah saw their wealth surge 223% each, reaching INR 14,520 crore, as the edtech major continues its strong growth trajectory from Allahabad and Ajmer, respectively.”

Beating Bollywood’s Badshah

One of the standout takeaways from the list was Pandey’s net worth overtaking that of Shah Rukh Khan, often referred to as the “Badshah of Bollywood.” With decades of cinema dominance and massive brand endorsements, Khan’s wealth of ₹12,490 crore was once seen as a benchmark for celebrity riches.

The fact that a relatively young entrepreneur in the education technology sector has surpassed one of India’s most iconic entertainers highlights the shifting dynamics of wealth creation in the country.

Business Growth Despite Losses

While Physics Wallah has made headlines for creating immense wealth for its founders, the company itself is not currently profitable. In FY25, PW reported a net loss of ₹243 crore. However, this was a marked improvement from a ₹1,131 crore loss in FY24, representing a 78% reduction in losses year-on-year.

During the same period, the firm’s total income rose to ₹2,886 crore, up from ₹1,940 crore in the previous fiscal. This growth trajectory indicates that while the company is still grappling with profitability, it is steadily expanding its revenue base and narrowing its losses.

IPO on the Horizon

Adding to the excitement around Physics Wallah is its planned Initial Public Offering (IPO) later this year. The company has already filed draft papers with the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) through the confidential pre-filing route. Reports suggest that it has received a preliminary green light from the regulator, paving the way for the filing of a Red Herring Prospectus (RHP).

The IPO, if successful, will be a landmark moment for the edtech sector, signaling that investor appetite remains strong for companies addressing India’s education needs despite financial headwinds.

Who Is Alakh Pandey?

Born in 1991 in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, Alakh Pandey’s journey is one of resilience, vision, and innovation. He initially enrolled in a B.Tech in Mechanical Engineering at Harcourt Butler Technical University (HBTU) in Kanpur but dropped out in his third year to pursue his passion for teaching.

In 2016, Pandey launched a YouTube channel named “Physics Wallah”, aiming to provide affordable education to students preparing for engineering and medical entrance exams. His unique teaching style, relatability, and commitment to making quality education accessible quickly gained traction among aspirants, especially those from smaller towns with limited access to resources.

The channel’s success led to the formal incorporation of Physics Wallah as an edtech company, which has since grown into one of India’s most recognized and trusted education platforms.

From Startup to Unicorn

Physics Wallah’s journey from a YouTube channel to a billion-dollar enterprise has been rapid. The company focuses on providing low-cost, high-quality educational content for competitive exams, including JEE and NEET, while also expanding into foundation courses, skill development, and job-focused training.

Its emphasis on affordable pricing has made it a favorite among students from tier-II and tier-III cities. This model, often contrasted with high-priced competitors, has helped PW scale to millions of users while maintaining a socially impactful brand identity.

India’s Fastest Wealth Creators

The Hurun India Rich List 2025 places Pandey and Maheshwari among India’s fastest wealth creators, alongside entrepreneurs from sectors such as industrial products, technology, and jewelry. Their extraordinary wealth jump comes at a time when many edtech companies are struggling to cope with slowing demand post-pandemic.

For Pandey, the recognition not only validates his entrepreneurial journey but also places him among a new generation of wealth creators reshaping India’s economy

Looking Ahead

While questions remain about Physics Wallah’s ability to sustain profitability, its IPO plans, improving financial performance, and massive user base suggest strong growth potential. If managed well, the firm could become a case study in how mission-driven businesses can scale sustainably in India’s complex education ecosystem.

For Alakh Pandey, surpassing Shah Rukh Khan in net worth is symbolic of more than just personal success—it reflects the broader transformation in India’s wealth creation landscape, where technology, education, and startups are increasingly competing with traditional sectors of entertainment, industry, and real estate.

Conclusion

Alakh Pandey’s rise from a small-town dropout to one of India’s richest young entrepreneurs epitomizes the new India dream. By leveraging technology to democratize education, he has not only built immense personal wealth but also empowered millions of students.

As Physics Wallah heads toward its IPO, Pandey’s story continues to inspire a generation of entrepreneurs and educators. And while Bollywood retains its glamour, the edtech revolution is showing that in the new age, the chalkboard can be just as powerful as the silver screen.

References

1. LiveMint – “This loss-making startup founder is richer than Shah Rukh Khan after a 223% jump in his net worth”
2. IndianStartupNews – “PhysicsWallah’s loss declines nearly 80% to Rs 243 crore in FY25”
3. Inc42 – “PhysicsWallah Files Updated DRHP For INR 3820 Cr IPO”
4. DigitalLearning (elets online) – “PhysicsWallah Files Updated DRHP with SEBI”

Disclaimer: This article is based on information available from public sources. It has not been reported by EQMint journalists. EQMint has compiled and presented the content for informational purposes only and does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness. Readers are advised to verify details independently before relying on them.