Roman Saini’s remarkable academic journey began in Jaipur, Rajasthan, where he was born into a middle-class family. By the age of 16, he successfully cleared the AIIMS entrance examination, demonstrating exceptional aptitude and hard work. Notably, the AIIMS entrance tests were later integrated into the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET-UG) in 2020, but during his time, they were independent.

After his success, Saini enrolled at AIIMS New Delhi to pursue his MBBS degree, completing the programme by the age of 21. Following his graduation, he took on a role as a junior resident doctor at the institution. While his medical career was promising, Saini had other ambitions that would redirect his professional path.

Success in Civil Services Examination

In pursuit of further challenges, Saini commenced preparations for the highly competitive UPSC Civil Services Examination, considered one of the most demanding exams in India. At merely 22 years old, he achieved a notable feat by passing the examination on his first attempt, earning an impressive All India Rank (AIR) of 18. This accomplishment led him to join the 2014 batch of the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), where he was assigned to the Madhya Pradesh cadre.

Saini’s rapid ascent in the education and administrative sectors established him as a noteworthy figure among aspiring civil servants. Many individuals dedicate several years preparing for this examination, but Saini managed to achieve this milestone with remarkable efficiency and success.

Despite the promising future within the IAS, Saini opted for a path that diverged from traditional expectations.

Founding an EdTech Venture

In 2015, Saini collaborated with engineer and YouTuber Gaurav Munjal and Hemesh Singh to establish Unacademy. The venture aimed to provide accessible quality education to students aiming for competitive examinations without the burden of significant financial investment in coaching institutes. Initially, Unacademy started as a YouTube channel, delivering free educational content to a growing audience.

As user engagement increased, Unacademy expanded its reach, becoming a comprehensive edtech platform that offered live classes, recorded lectures, mock tests, and specialised courses for UPSC, IIT-JEE, NEET, and various other competitive exams. This evolution marked a significant shift in the educational landscape, catering to the needs of students nationwide.

Unacademy soon positioned itself as one of the leading companies in India’s edtech sector. During the peak of online learning’s popularity, it drew considerable investments, achieving a peak valuation of approximately 28,700 crore (around $3.44 billion). However, recent reports indicate a decline in value, with Unacademy worth about 2,055 crore as of mid-2026 while undergoing a potential acquisition by upGrad.

Professional Trajectory and Current Status

Roman Saini’s professional profile indicates a brief tenure as a Junior Resident at AIIMS New Delhi from February 2014 to June 2014. Following his time in medical practice, he served in the IAS for one year and eight months, from June 2014 until January 2016. After resigning from civil service, Saini transitioned into entrepreneurship as a co-founder of Unacademy, thereby marking a significant milestone in his career journey.

His story has garnered attention on social media, illustrating the impact of innovative educational solutions in India. The trajectory of Saini’s career raises interest in the evolving landscape of education technology in the country.

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