The Impressive TimesNew Delhi, June 7 – Drishti IAS, one of India’s oldest civil services coaching institutes, has confirmed that it will continue operating independently for the foreseeable future. The institute, founded by Vikas Divyakirti, revealed that it had evaluated various funding avenues last year, including discussions with the online education unicorn Physics Wallah and plans for an Initial Public Offering (IPO). However, Drishti IAS ultimately chose not to pursue these options at this time.
Speaking to ThePrint, Drishti IAS CEO Vivek Tiwari said that the institute’s decisions align with a long-term vision. Although it explored investment opportunities with strategic partners like Physics Wallah and considered raising capital through an IPO, it prefers to sustain growth on its own for now. Tiwari also noted the possibility of reassessing future funding options depending on circumstances.
The education sector has seen growing consolidation, with major coaching brands such as Drishti IAS, Chaitanya Academy, Rau’s IAS Study Circle, and Sarathi IAS being eyed by online-first players like Physics Wallah and Unacademy. These online education platforms aim to enhance their offline presence and broaden offerings, especially targeting Hindi-medium and regional students preparing for the UPSC exams.
Established in 1999 by Vikas Divyakirti in Mukherjee Nagar, Drishti IAS has long been recognized as a top choice for Hindi-speaking UPSC candidates. In the financial year 2023-24, the institute reported revenues of Rs 405 crore and a net profit of Rs 90 crore. Vikas Divyakirti’s influence extends beyond classrooms, with his lectures garnering millions of views on social media and even inspiring his appearance in the film 12th Fail.
Last year, Drishti IAS relocated to Noida following concerns about infrastructure safety in Mukherjee Nagar, especially after several tragic incidents at other coaching centers in the area prompted closer regulatory scrutiny.
Physics Wallah, originally famous for its affordable online coaching for JEE and NEET aspirants via YouTube, has been actively expanding its reach into civil services preparation since partnering with OnlyIAS in 2022. Acquiring Drishti IAS was seen as a strategic step to strengthen Physics Wallah’s offline coaching footprint and diversify its offerings before its anticipated IPO.
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