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.

Zomato has launched a new “Order Scheduling” feature, allowing users to pre-plan their food orders for precise delivery timing. This addition enables customers to schedule orders up to two days in advance, making it ideal for organizing office lunches, weekend gatherings, or even daily coffee routines.

Expanding in the E-Catering Industry

Currently available across 35,000+ restaurants in 30 cities, including major hubs like Delhi, Bengaluru, Mumbai, and Pune, the feature aims to enhance convenience and flexibility for Zomato users. The introduction of this feature aligns with Zomato’s strategy to improve user experience and cater to the growing demand for reliable food delivery services.

How It Works

With Order Scheduling, customers can set delivery times ranging from two hours to two days ahead. After selecting their items, they choose a delivery time at checkout. If their preferred time slot is unavailable, Zomato suggests an alternative. Users can also cancel scheduled orders up to three hours before the planned delivery time, providing added flexibility.

Benefits for Restaurant Partners

The Order Scheduling feature not only benefits customers but also supports restaurant partners by helping them manage capacity and balance order flow during slower hours. This can lead to steadier sales, as restaurants can better anticipate demand. Integration of the feature requires no additional training for restaurant staff, allowing for seamless adoption. Restaurant partners can also select which menu items are available for scheduled orders.

Built-In Safeguards

To ensure reliability, Zomato has implemented several safeguards:

• Only restaurants with strong records of timely preparation and high availability are eligible.
• Restaurants receive advance notifications for scheduled orders.
• They control which items are available for pre-order, reducing the chance of substitutions or shortages.

Market Context and Strategic Importance

The introduction of the Order Scheduling feature is part of Zomato’s broader strategy to differentiate itself in a competitive market where players like Swiggy are constantly innovating. By offering a service that caters to both individual users and businesses requiring precise delivery timing, Zomato enhances customer loyalty and attracts new users who value flexibility in their food ordering experience.

Customer Feedback

Initial responses from users have been positive, with many expressing excitement about the convenience of scheduling meals ahead of time. This feature is particularly appealing to corporate clients, families, and individuals who prefer planning their meals in advance.

Future Expansion Plans

Zomato plans to expand this feature beyond the initial 30 cities and may eventually offer it across all orders regardless of value. The company aims to continuously improve its service offerings based on customer feedback and operational capabilities.

Conclusion

Zomato’s launch of the Order Scheduling feature marks a significant advancement in its service offerings, enhancing the overall food delivery experience for users. By allowing customers to pre-plan their meals and providing reliable delivery options, Zomato is positioning itself as a leader in the evolving food tech landscape.

As this feature rolls out and gains traction among users, it will be interesting to see how it influences customer behavior and impacts Zomato’s market position relative to its competitors. The focus on convenience and reliability reflects changing consumer preferences in an increasingly busy world.

In an unexpected development, JioHotstar.com—originally owned by a Delhi-based app developer aiming to fund his Cambridge education—has found a new purpose. The domain is now home to a mission of charity, led by Dubai-based siblings Jainam and Jivika, who have transformed the website into a platform for their philanthropic journey, titled “Welcome to Our Journey of Seva.” Their mission focuses on helping underprivileged children gain access to education and encouraging them to dream big.

The Siblings’ Mission

Visitors to the domain are greeted by a heartfelt message from Jainam and Jivika:

“Hello! We are Jainam and Jivika – siblings from Dubai, UAE, on a mission to make a difference. Even though we’re just kids, we believe that age is only a number when it comes to spreading kindness and positivity. Our recent journey began during our summer holidays when we left our home in Dubai for 50 unforgettable days in India. We had a purpose: to connect with children from various backgrounds, share our love for learning, teach skills for studying and setting goals, and inspire them to dream big.”

This shift in purpose comes after the domain’s original owner, a Delhi tech enthusiast, bought JioHotstar.com speculatively, hoping to capitalize on a potential partnership between Reliance Industries and Disney+ Hotstar. Drawing on Reliance’s history of rebranding—like Saavn to JioSaavn—the developer envisioned a similar “JioHotstar” rebrand. His ambitious goal was to sell the domain to Reliance in exchange for funding his Cambridge studies, estimated at around ₹1 crore.

The Developer’s Initial Proposal

To pursue this goal, he posted a letter on the site proposing the sale to Reliance. However, the tech giant rejected his offer, warning of legal consequences for trademark infringement. The developer quickly removed his proposal and took to social media with a humorous note about his parents’ worries over the growing media attention:

“My parents read the news and they are worried, actually super super worried. Itna bhi viral nhi hona tha yaar. Shayad legal battle phir bhi handle ho jaye, bhai saab maa baap ka samjhana is so difficult. Good Kalesh today,” he shared, lightening the situation.

A New Purpose for JioHotstar.com

With the developer stepping back, UAE siblings Jainam and Jivika have now given JioHotstar.com a fresh purpose. Their story of kindness has turned the domain from a tech-driven dream into a platform of service and inspiration, reshaping its journey into one of community impact and compassion.

Charitable Initiatives

The siblings plan to use the platform not only to share their experiences but also to inspire others. They aim to raise awareness about educational disparities faced by underprivileged children and encourage donations or support for their initiatives.

“Throughout our journey, we were met with inspiring moments and new friendships. We taught kids not only about studying but also about having the courage to set ambitious goals,” they wrote on their website.

Community Engagement

The change in ownership has sparked interest across social media platforms, with many users expressing admiration for Jainam and Jivika’s mission. Their approach highlights how digital platforms can be repurposed for positive social impact rather than mere commercial gain.

Future Aspirations

The siblings have indicated that they will keep the domain open for future sale to anyone interested in continuing this positive mission. They also plan to share videos documenting their charitable activities and challenges they undertake as part of their journey.

Conclusion

The transformation of JioHotstar.com from a speculative tech venture into a platform dedicated to charity represents an inspiring turn of events. Jainam and Jivika’s commitment to empowering underprivileged children through education showcases how young individuals can make meaningful contributions to society.

As this story unfolds, it serves as a reminder of the potential for digital spaces to foster community engagement and promote positive change in the world. The journey of these siblings illustrates that even small actions can lead to significant impacts when driven by passion and purpose.