AIIMS at 16, UPSC at 22: The inspiring journey of the man behind a ₹26,000 crore revolutionary company

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): Roman Saini's journey is an inspiring blend of academic excellence and entrepreneurial achievement. His early success came at the age of 16 when he cleared the highly competitive AIIMS entrance exam, earning a spot at one of India's top medical institutions. By 21, he had completed his MBBS degree, exemplifying his extraordinary capabilities from a young age.

After his medical education, Saini tackled the Union Public Service Commission Civil Services Examination (UPSC-CSE), one of India’s most challenging exams. He passed it at the age of 22 becoming one of the youngest IAS officers in Madhya Pradesh. During his tenure as a district collector he demonstrated a commitment to societal welfare and effective governance. Yet, Saini's ambitions reached beyond the boundaries of civil service. In 2015, he co-founded Unacademy with Gaurav Munjal and Hemesh Singh. Initially launched as a YouTube channel providing free educational content, Unacademy grew into a premier ed-tech platform valued at approximately ₹26,000 crore. It focuses on democratizing education by offering quality resources for competitive exam preparation, particularly for UPSC aspirants.

By 2022, Saini's earnings were reported at ₹88 lakh, while his co-founders earned higher salaries reflecting the tremendous growth and success of Unacademy. Roman Saini’s transformation from a young IAS officer to a pioneering entrepreneur highlights his dedication to education and innovation. His story exemplifies the impact of vision and determination, motivating others to overcome challenges and pursue excellence in their respective fields.