Who is Khan Sir? The Educator Who Revolutionized Learning in India

Khan Sir, born Faizal Khan, is a name synonymous with accessible education and innovative teaching in India. A renowned educator, YouTuber, and entrepreneur, he has transformed the educational landscape by making learning engaging, affordable, and widely accessible. From his humble beginnings in Deoria, Uttar Pradesh, to becoming a household name with over 24 million YouTube subscribers, Khan Sir’s journey is a testament to dedication, resilience, and a passion for empowering students. This article delves into his life, career, controversies, and lasting impact on education in India.

Early Life and Education

Faizal Khan, popularly known as Khan Sir, was born in 1993 in Deoria, Uttar Pradesh, into a middle-class family. His father was a contractor, and his mother a homemaker, while his elder brother serves in the Indian Army. Growing up in modest circumstances, Khan faced financial challenges but remained determined to pursue education. He completed his early schooling at Parmar Mission School in Bhatpar Rani, Deoria, where his grandfather, Iqbal Ahmed Khan, was a teacher.

Khan’s academic journey took him to Allahabad University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) and a Master of Science (M.Sc.) degree. Additionally, he holds a Master of Arts (M.A.) in Geography. During his school years, Khan aspired to join the Indian Army and appeared for the Sainik School entrance exam but did not clear it. He also attempted the polytechnic entrance and the National Defence Academy (NDA) exam, passing the written test for the latter but failing the physical round due to a medical issue with his arms. These setbacks, including missing the IIT entrance exam after oversleeping, did not deter him. Instead, they fueled his resolve to carve a different path.

The Rise of Khan Sir

Khan Sir’s teaching career began modestly at a coaching institute in Patna, Bihar, where he initially taught small batches of six students. His unique teaching style—blending humor, real-life examples, and a conversational approach—quickly gained traction. The number of students grew from six to over 150, and his popularity posed a challenge for the institute’s management, who feared losing students if he left. They reportedly asked him to teach under a pseudonym, leading to the moniker “Khan Sir.” Some sources also mention him being referred to as Amit Singh among students, though he later clarified this was not his real name.

In 2019, Khan Sir founded the Khan GS Research Centre in Patna, with a mission to provide quality education at affordable rates, particularly for economically disadvantaged students. His institute charged nominal fees, as low as ₹200, making education accessible to those who could not afford expensive coaching. This commitment to affordability set him apart in an industry often criticized for high costs.

The turning point in Khan Sir’s career came during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, when physical coaching centers shut down. Seizing the opportunity, he launched the Khan GS Research Centre YouTube channel in April 2019, which exploded in popularity. His videos, covering subjects like current affairs, general studies, history, geography, and mathematics, were delivered in a conversational Hindi and Bihari dialect, making complex topics relatable and easy to understand. Within months, the channel amassed millions of subscribers, becoming one of India’s most-followed educational platforms. As of 2025, it boasts nearly 24 million subscribers and over 400 videos.

In 2021, Khan Sir expanded his digital presence by launching the Khan Sir Official mobile application, offering structured courses and study materials to students nationwide. His innovative approach, combining online and offline teaching, made quality education accessible to millions, particularly those preparing for competitive exams like UPSC, BPSC, SSC, Railways, and NDA.

Teaching Style and Philosophy

Khan Sir’s teaching style is his hallmark. He breaks down complex topics into simple, bite-sized explanations, often using humor, satire, and real-life analogies. His classes are interactive, engaging, and infused with a “desi” charm that resonates with students across India. Whether explaining geopolitics or mathematics, he connects with his audience by speaking their language—literally and figuratively.

His philosophy centers on making education inclusive. Rejecting a ₹107 crore offer from a leading educational organization, Khan Sir chose to continue teaching at affordable rates, emphasizing his commitment to students from underprivileged backgrounds. He has also contributed to society by establishing a Goshala (cow shelter) and a library in Patna, reflecting his dedication to social welfare.

Controversies and Challenges

Despite his popularity, Khan Sir has faced controversies. In April 2021, a video on France-Pakistan relations sparked accusations of Islamophobia from some social media users, leading to the hashtag #reportonkhansir trending on Twitter. The controversy intensified when images of him celebrating Raksha Bandhan, a Hindu festival, surfaced, prompting speculation about his religious identity. Khan Sir clarified in a YouTube video that he respects all religions and celebrates festivals like Eid and Raksha Bandhan, emphasizing unity over division.

In January 2022, Khan Sir was named in an FIR alongside other coaching teachers in connection with violent protests over the Railway Recruitment Board’s NTPC examination results. Authorities alleged he incited students, though he denied the claims, stating his videos aimed to guide aspirants on their rights. More recently, in December 2024, he supported protests against changes to the BPSC Preliminary Examination format, reinforcing his role as an advocate for students.

Questions about his real name have also surfaced. While most sources confirm his name as Faizal Khan, some speculated he was Amit Singh, a claim he debunked. These controversies, while challenging, have not overshadowed his contributions to education.

Personal Life and Recent Developments

Khan Sir has kept his personal life private, focusing on his professional mission. In May 2025, he announced his marriage to A.S. Khan, a government officer from Siwan, Bihar, during a live classroom session. The wedding was low-key due to heightened India-Pakistan tensions, reflecting his sense of responsibility toward his country and students. He shared the news first with his students, underscoring their importance in his life, and planned a grand reception on June 2, 2025, followed by a feast for students on June 6. Little is known about A.S. Khan, who maintained her privacy by remaining veiled at the reception.

Impact and Legacy

Khan Sir’s net worth is estimated at ₹41 crore (approximately $5 million), derived from his coaching institute, YouTube channel, app, and book publications. Despite his wealth, he remains grounded, donating significant portions to public welfare and maintaining low coaching fees. His books, often priced as low as ₹149, challenge the notion that quality education requires expensive resources.

With coaching centers now in Patna, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and Dehradun, Khan Sir’s Khan Global Studies continues to grow, offering innovative and affordable education. His appearance on The Kapil Sharma Show in 2022, alongside figures like Vivek Bindra and Gaur Gopal Das, and his social media following, including Bollywood actress Raveena Tandon, highlight his widespread influence.

Conclusion

Khan Sir’s journey from a small-town teacher to a national educational icon is a story of perseverance and purpose. His ability to make learning fun, accessible, and impactful has inspired millions, particularly those from marginalized backgrounds. Despite controversies, his focus remains unwavering: to empower students through education. As he continues to innovate and expand his reach, Khan Sir stands as a beacon of hope, proving that dedication and a unique vision can transform lives.