In this compelling episode of AfterHours with All About Eve, we sit down with Alakh Pandey, widely known as Physics Wallah, for a conversation that goes far beyond academics and exam preparation. This isn’t just a story about cracking IIT or building an edtech empire, it’s a heartfelt exploration of India’s educational crisis, the emotional cost of social mobility, and the inner life of a teacher carrying the hopes of millions.Physics Wallah on the Indian education systemWhy is it that, in India, every second child is expected to become a doctor or engineer? Alakh Pandey begins by unpacking this cultural obsession — a reflection of a society that equates job security with success. But what if the very system people are trying to succeed within is broken? With more than half of Indian schools still lacking access to computers, and children requiring tuition despite attending school, Alakh Pandey argues that the education system has deeply failed both its learners and its educators.Alakh Pandey's insecurities despite the success of Physics WallahSharing candid memories from his modest upbringing, Alakh recounts how he once owned only two pairs of jeans and how, even today, spending money can make him feel uneasy. Despite his financial success, Alakh Pandey admits he often wrestles with the emotional residue of a middle-class life. He opens up about using his earnings to pay for students' college fees or support budding entrepreneurs, and how he constantly questions the balance between personal comfort and public responsibility.This interview also tackles hard-hitting questions: Is UPSC coaching a kind of scam? Should education in India be free? Why are Indian students going to Bangladesh and Ukraine to study? Alakh Pandey doesn’t shy away from uncomfortable truths — he talks about how India only spends around 3% of its GDP on education, how gender biases still persist (with boys receiving phones while girls are excluded), and the ways in which edtech has both helped and hurt the cause of education.He shares insights from a conversation with Nandan Nilekani about how to redesign education in India, and discusses promising initiatives like government-funded internships via the country’s top 500 companies. (00:00) Episode begins(02:52) Why does everyone want to be an engineer or doctor?(07:28) What drives Alakh Pandey?(14:51) Literacy: India vs the US(15:51) Physics Wallah and imposter syndrome(17:54) How he uses his income(19:04) “I feel very fortunate…”(19:24) Does spending money make Alakh feel guilty?(23:06) “There’s no pride in poverty”(26:53) Alakh Pandey's biggest insecurity(28:52) Is education a national priority?(31:59) Why tuitions are still needed(32:44) Teachers underpaid & overworked(38:11) “Those who can’t, teach”?(39:04) What makes a great teacher?(40:10) AIR 1 is AIR 1 — no matter who teaches(48:10) Teaching is performative(50:37) Do rude students bother Physics Wallah?(50:59) Is teaching becoming theatrical?(53:26) Is UPSC preparation a scam?(54:10) Training for IIT the right way(55:52) Education still gets just 3% of GDP(57:12) Why students go abroad(01:01:10) Should education be free?(01:02:47) Why students drop out after primary school(01:03:17) Vocational training as a solution(01:07:14) Bangladesh’s smart spending(01:07:39) What China does after grade 10(01:08:19) India’s internship scheme(01:10:23) The future of edtech & Byju’s missteps(01:13:40) Half of schools lack computers(01:14:34) Boys get phones, girls don’t(01:16:27) Evolving classroom tech(01:18:35) Sal Khan (Khan Academy) & Elon Musk(01:20:39) Conversation with Nandan Nilekani(01:26:35) GameFollow us: Instagram: / allabouteve_in #physicswallah #physicswallah_akakh_pandey #alakhpandey #indianeducation #iit #upsc #education #interview #podcast #physics #education #season4 #neetpreparation