In today’s hyper-competitive education system, parents are constantly bombarded with pressure—from schools, from peers, and from EdTech companies promising top scores at “affordable” prices. Coaching classes like Physicswallah have become household names, selling dreams of exam success. But is this really the kind of learning our children need? Or are we just feeding them into a system that values marks over minds?
In this candid conversation, a concerned parent speaks with Dr. Malpani about the hidden costs of commercial tuitions—and discovers an alternative path that empowers children to become confident, curious, and self-motivated learners.
Parent: Dr. Malpani, I wanted to ask you something that’s been on my mind lately. Everyone around me is sending their kids to commercial tuition classes like Physicswallah. The fees are “affordable,” and they promise high scores. Am I missing something if I don’t enroll my child too?
Dr. Malpani: That’s a very good question—and one every thoughtful parent should ask. I completely understand your concern. In a world obsessed with marks, commercial tuitions seem like the logical next step after school. But let me ask you—do you want your child to crack exams, or to succeed in life?
Parent: Ideally both! But the pressure is very real. The schools aren’t enough, and tuitions seem like the only backup.
Dr. Malpani: I get that. But the sad truth is that most commercial coaching classes like Physicswallah are in the business of mass-producing crammers, not thinkers. They sell the illusion of education by focusing on rote learning. The more marks a student gets, the more “successful” the tuition center looks. But that’s not real education—that’s just exam training.
Parent: But don’t these classes help build discipline and focus?
Dr. Malpani: Discipline is important—but not the kind where students are told to shut up and memorise textbooks and exam answers. What we need is the kind of discipline that comes from intrinsic motivation, from curiosity, from wanting to learn because it’s fun—not just to beat a test.
Parent: So, you’re saying these classes are more about business than education?
Dr. Malpani: Exactly. Let’s call a spade a spade. Most of these companies are EdTech startups funded by investors who are chasing IPOs and profits. Their business model is simple: the more students they enroll, the more money they make. Their goal isn’t your child’s growth—it’s revenue.
Parent: Hmm. But the results speak for themselves, no? I see kids scoring high after attending.
Dr. Malpani: Sure, they may score well in one exam. And don’t forget that these businesses game the system by providing scholarships and prizes to lure the toppers – who would have done will in the exam anyway, because of their own efforts, and not because of the tuitions. And what happens after the exam ? Do they know how to solve real-world problems? Can they think for themselves, collaborate, or communicate clearly? These tuitions teach kids to obey instructions, not to question them. And the long-term cost? A generation of children who lack creativity, confidence, or critical thinking.
Parent: So what’s the alternative? I don’t want my child to fall behind.
Dr. Malpani: That’s where ApniPathshala comes in. We don’t teach children what to think—we teach them how to think. We don’t measure success in marks, but in skills—like curiosity, creativity, and problem-solving. And we’re not here to make money off your child. Our pods are community-based and free.
Parent: But can students really learn without a formal class or teacher?
Dr. Malpani: You’ll be surprised. Children are natural learners—if you give them the right environment. We provide them with an ApnaPC, a safe learning space, their peers, and powerful EdTech tools like an AI-powered chatbot that guides them through their learning journey.
Parent: A chatbot?
Dr. Malpani: Yes! It acts like a 24/7 mentor—patient, kind, and always ready to help. It doesn’t replace teachers—it empowers learners to take charge. Students set their own goals, explore at their own pace, and learn by doing. We call it self-directed learning—a skill for life. And we provide a AI -powered CoTutor chatbot to help them do this !
Parent: That sounds very different from what we’re used to. What’s the catch?
Dr. Malpani: No catch. Just a belief that education should serve students—not shareholders. ApniPathshala isn’t just about academics. It’s about building confidence, collaboration, and character. And guess what? Kids still do well in exams—because they understand the concepts, not just cram the content.
Parent: But what if I want to start something like this in my own community?
Dr. Malpani: That’s exactly what we want! We believe in community ownership. You don’t need fancy degrees or big budgets. Just a few computers, a caring adult, and a small space where kids can learn together. We provide the tools, resources, and support. You create the magic.
Parent: And it’s really free?
Dr. Malpani: Yes. Our mission is to make quality education available, accessible, and affordable. This is not charity—it’s empowerment. We trust parents to take the lead, and students to take charge. We’re simply providing the GPS for learning—they choose the destination.
Parent: You’ve really given me a new perspective. I never realised how much our children are missing out by staying trapped in the marks race.
Dr. Malpani: It’s never too late to change course. The future belongs to lifelong learners, not just test-takers. Let’s teach our children to ask questions, take initiative, and trust themselves.
Take matters in your own hands by starting your own digital learning pod – your children will not get a second chance! 👉 https://www.teachtoearn.in/start-a-teach-to-earn-learning-pod/