In March 2020, as the world grappled with uncertainty during the pandemic, two determined 21-year-olds from Madhya Pradesh—Atharva Puranik and Pranay Chouhan—decided to transform India’s online education scene. With just Rs 2,000 and a dream, they launched Padhle, an EdTech platform that would soon become a household name in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities across the country.
Reimagining Learning with Relatable Content
Most EdTech platforms talk to students. Padhle talks with them. Instead of long, boring lectures, Padhle integrates memes, conversational Hindi, and pop culture references to simplify concepts. Whether it's physics formulas or chemistry reactions, the content feels like it’s coming from a friendly senior rather than a distant teacher. The goal? Make learning so engaging that students want to come back for more.
Starting Small, Dreaming Big
The journey began with courses tailored for students in grades 9 and 10. Atharva and Pranay understood the pressure students face and wanted to make foundational learning as clear and enjoyable as possible. But they didn’t stop there. Soon, they were working on expanding their offerings to include:
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Classes for grades 11 and 12
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College-level crash courses
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Competitive exam preparation (NEET, JEE)
This roadmap reflects their larger mission: empower every student, regardless of age or location, with quality education that sticks.
Education That Doesn’t Break the Bank
Affordability has been one of Padhle’s strongest pillars. While most EdTech giants price out students in smaller cities, Padhle keeps its pricing accessible. The content is delivered in Hindi, breaking both financial and language barriers. It’s a platform built for the students who are often ignored in mainstream digital learning.
Going Mobile, Staying Relevant
Understanding the Indian student’s preference for mobile learning, the team developed the Padhle app. Available on Android, it features chapter-wise video lectures, concise handwritten notes, and extensive practice materials across subjects. With over 100,000 downloads and glowing reviews, the app proves that intuitive design paired with quality content wins every time.
Student Support Beyond the Screen
Padhle isn’t just about what you learn—it’s also about how you feel while learning. The platform hosts weekly Zoom sessions for both paid and free users, where students can ask questions and get motivated. There are also personal mentorship sessions and student meetups to foster community and mental well-being. This blend of emotional support and academic guidance sets Padhle apart.
Numbers That Speak for Themselves
In a world obsessed with valuations, Padhle’s bootstrapped journey is refreshing. Starting with just Rs 2,000, the platform has scaled to a valuation of over Rs 25 crore. Their growth story is phenomenal:
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FY22: ₹43 lakh revenue with ₹4.8 lakh profit
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FY23: ₹3 crore in revenue
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FY24: ₹5 crore in revenue, doubling year-on-year
The first quarter alone of FY25 brought in over ₹1 crore. And they did it all without external funding—yet.
The Founders’ Vision: Learning Without Limits
Atharva and Pranay aren't just building a business—they’re shaping a movement. Their long-term vision is to make Padhle a global name in education, especially for underrepresented learners. With continued innovation in content, language support, and affordability, they're on the path to disrupt education not just in India but globally.
Wrapping Up
Padhle’s story is a testament to what passion, empathy, and smart innovation can achieve. Atharva and Pranay didn’t just create another app; they built a platform that understands the student’s mindset. By turning education into an engaging, supportive, and affordable experience, they’ve redefined what EdTech can look like in India. For any aspiring entrepreneur or student out there—this is proof that age is just a number, but impact is limitless.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What is Padhle?
Padhle is an EdTech startup offering fun, affordable, and Hindi-first online courses founded by Atharva Puranik and Pranay Chouhan in 2020.
Q2. How is Padhle different from other platforms like Byju’s or Unacademy?
Padhle uses memes, storytelling, and casual Hindi to make learning engaging, whereas most platforms rely on traditional lecture formats.
Q3. What types of courses does Padhle offer?
They currently provide courses for grades 9 and 10, with expansions into grades 11-12, college crash courses, and NEET/JEE prep on the way.
Q4. Is Padhle’s content only available in Hindi?
Yes, the platform primarily delivers content in Hindi to ensure inclusivity and ease of understanding for Tier 2 and Tier 3 students.
Q5. Is Padhle a free platform?
While Padhle offers some free resources, most structured courses are paid—but at a much lower cost than mainstream platforms.
Q6. How many students use the Padhle app?
As of now, the app has been downloaded over 100,000 times and boasts thousands of positive reviews from students across India.
Q7. Is Padhle seeking funding?
Currently bootstrapped, the founders aim to remain financially independent for now but are open to funding aligned with their growth goals.
Q8. How does Padhle support student mental health?
Through mentorship sessions, Zoom Q&As, and motivational meetups, Padhle addresses the emotional well-being of its learners.