PhysicsWallah, renowned as an online education platform, is eyeing substantial growth in its offline revenue, targeting Rs 1,050 crore in FY25. To meet this ambitious goal, the company plans to launch 75 new centres, further extending its reach to both established and untapped locations, including cities like Udaipur, Pune, Akola, and Indore, with an emphasis on expanding into regions such as Jabalpur, Pulwama, Baramulla, and Chennai.
Recent Funding and Expansion Plans
With a recent $210 million funding round concluded on September 20, PhysicsWallah—backed by WestBridge Capital—currently operates 124 offline centres in 94 cities. By adding new centres, the company aims to establish approximately 200 centres, primarily in North India, while also focusing on expanding into the South.
Ankit Gupta, CEO of PhysicsWallah’s offline centres vertical, highlighted a 52% growth in offline revenue year-on-year. He noted that since launching its offline business in 2021, it now contributes about 45% of the edtech firm’s total revenue.
“We see great potential in bringing quality education to every corner of the country through physical centres,” said Gupta, stressing the platform’s commitment to providing affordable access to education, especially in smaller cities that traditionally lacked coaching infrastructure.
Financial Performance
In FY24, PhysicsWallah’s consolidated revenue reached Rs 2,000 crore—a 2.5x rise compared to the previous year. However, net profit declined to Rs 16 crore from Rs 98 crore in FY22 due to increased employee expenses and other provisions. Competing with established players like Byju’s Aakash Institute, Allen Career Institute, and Unacademy, PhysicsWallah’s offline centres offer coaching for engineering and medical entrance exams.
Investment in Infrastructure
With edtech witnessing a pivot to offline models post-COVID, PhysicsWallah has invested approximately Rs 400 crore to date in its physical centres, namely Vidyapeeth and Pathshala. Vidyapeeth centres are equipped with tech-enabled classrooms, while Pathshala centres follow a hybrid model that combines online lessons with in-person doubt sessions.
To further its expansion into tier II–IV cities, PhysicsWallah plans an additional investment of Rs 100-150 crore next year. Gupta explained:
“In tier III and IV cities, access to quality education remains limited,” emphasizing the potential impact of the Pathshala model on smaller towns.
Strategic Goals and Future Prospects
Founders Alakh Pandey and Prateek Maheshwari noted that the latest funds will support the platform’s offline expansion, regional diversification, and possible acquisition initiatives. The company previously secured $100 million in 2022, valuing it at $1.1 billion. This year, the Indian edtech sector has raised approximately $215 million, down from $321 million in 2023, reflecting a broader shift in the industry towards sustainable growth models.
Competitive Landscape
As PhysicsWallah expands its offline presence amid increasing competition from established players, it aims to leverage its strong brand recognition and existing infrastructure. The focus on tier II–IV cities aligns with market trends indicating rising demand for quality education outside major urban centers.
Conclusion
PhysicsWallah’s ambitious target of achieving Rs 1,050 crore in offline revenue for FY25 underscores its commitment to expanding access to quality education across India. By investing significantly in new centres and leveraging its existing network, the company is strategically positioned to capitalize on emerging opportunities within the education sector.
As this expansion unfolds, it will be crucial for PhysicsWallah to maintain its focus on quality while navigating the challenges associated with rapid growth. The ongoing investment in both infrastructure and innovative educational models reflects a proactive approach to fostering long-term success in a competitive landscape.
