Indian edtech firm PhysicsWallah jumps 49% in trading debut, valued at $5.2 billion
India’s edtech sector shows signs of revival as PhysicsWallah makes a powerful stock-market entry, delivering strong gains and renewed investor confidence after years of turbulence in the industry.
Indian edtech company PhysicsWallah made a strong public market debut as its shares surged nearly 49% on the first day of trading, giving the firm an estimated valuation of around $5.2 billion and signaling a fresh wave of optimism for the country’s digital learning sector.
The impressive listing reflects a renewed appetite for education-technology companies after a prolonged downturn that had dampened investor confidence across the industry.
The company’s stock opened significantly higher than its issue price and reached close to 162 rupees during morning trade in Mumbai, far outpacing broader market trends that were slightly weaker.
The successful debut highlights investor belief in profitable and sustainable edtech models at a time when major players have struggled to maintain momentum and control financial losses.
This public offering marks an important moment for the Indian startup ecosystem because it is the first major edtech listing after several high-profile setbacks within the sector.
The collapse of Byju’s, once valued above $20 billion, and the financial strain faced by platforms like Unacademy had created uncertainty among investors, raising concerns about long-term sustainability and cash-burn business strategies.
PhysicsWallah, originally launched as a YouTube teaching channel in 2016, has transformed into a large hybrid learning platform with both online and offline coaching centers serving millions of students.
Its scale, cost-efficient model, and steady user growth have helped it stand out during a period when many edtech firms faced rising operational costs and slowing enrollment.
The company targeted a valuation of a little over $3 billion through its public issue and raised nearly $393 million from the market. Demand from investors was strong, with the offering attracting substantial bids, not including anchor investments.
The robust response suggests the market sees long-term potential in the company’s financial performance, product expansion, and brand loyalty among students preparing for competitive exams.
In the financial year ending in March, PhysicsWallah recorded revenue growth of 50% while sharply reducing its losses to 2.4 billion rupees, a considerable improvement compared to the previous year.
These financial results contributed to confidence among market participants who believe the firm has established a more stable and profitable business structure than many of its peers.
The company now holds a valuation higher than several other prominent unlisted education platforms. Competitors backed by global investors, including upGrad and Unacademy, currently have valuations between $2.2 billion and $3.4 billion, placing PhysicsWallah ahead in terms of market perception and scalability potential.
Investors are also encouraged by the company’s ability to adapt to changing student needs and diversify into offline learning centers, test preparation services, and hybrid learning environments.
India’s public markets have been experiencing strong momentum, with 2025 shaping up to be a record year for IPO fundraising. More than 300 companies have already tapped the market, raising billions of dollars across various sectors.
PhysicsWallah’s successful entry is likely to boost confidence for other digital-first firms considering public listings in the coming months.
The company’s promising debut also aligns with broader trends of investors increasing exposure to sectors that demonstrate sustainable revenues, strong operational controls, and clear demand-driven growth.
With India’s education market continuing to expand due to rising competition for college admissions and professional training, companies with robust teaching frameworks and hybrid learning models appear well positioned for long-term success.
Looking ahead, PhysicsWallah is expected to use the newly raised capital to scale its operations, expand into more physical learning centers, invest in technology upgrades, and strengthen its teaching infrastructure.
As demand for high-quality educational content increases across India’s vast student population, the company aims to deepen its presence and compete strongly in an evolving marketplace where digital and physical teaching methods are merging rapidly.
