Avadh Ojha, a prominent figure in the UPSC coaching community, is making waves by entering the political arena as he stands as the candidate for the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) for the upcoming 2025 Delhi Assembly Elections. An educator and motivational speaker, Ojha is well-known for his engaging teaching style and has earned the love of over 20 lakh followers on social media. His decision to join politics stems from his desire to improve the education system, which has been his lifelong mission.
Born on July 3, 1984, in Gonda district, Uttar Pradesh, Ojha grew up in a middle-class family. His father, Shrimata Prasad Ojha, was committed to funding his education, going so far as to sell family land to support his son’s aspirations of becoming part of the Indian Administrative Service (IAS). Despite not yet clearing UPSC Mains, Ojha’s resilience shone through as he shifted his focus to coaching, eventually establishing himself as one of the leading educators focused on preparing students for civil service examinations.
Ojha’s academic qualifications are notable. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Law from Lucknow University and later pursued a Master’s degree in Mathematics from Patna University. His quest for education brought him to Delhi, where he aimed to prepare for the UPSC exams. Even though he successfully cleared the UPSC Prelims, he faced setbacks at the Mains stage. Instead of being disheartened, he turned to teaching and quickly became one of the most sought-after educators around.
Launching his coaching career back in 2005, Ojha worked for various prestigious institutes, such as ABC Academy of Civil Services and Chanakya IAS Academy, before he started his own venture, IQRA IAS Academy, which became known for offering quality education at affordable rates. His popularity surged during the COVID-19 pandemic, as he pivoted his tutoring sessions online, reaching even more students through digital platforms and his Avadh Ojha Mobile Application.
Despite the accolades and successes, the road to politics has not been devoid of criticisms. One event casting shadows over his reputation occurred after the tragic deaths of three UPSC aspirants during flooding incidents in Old Rajinder Nagar, when Oyha faced backlash for his silence—many felt it was necessary for someone of his standing to address such tragedies impacting the community he serves.
Avadh Ojha’s political aspirations formally began when he joined the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in December 2024. He expressed his commitment to enhancing the educational framework within India, stating, "Education is the soul of a family, society, and nation." Contesting the Patparganj constituency seat, formerly held by Manish Sisodia, whom he hopes to replace, Ojha's aim is to drive significant legislative changes to uplift the education sector.
Arvind Kejriwal, Delhi's Chief Minister and AAP's National Convenor, lauded Ojha during his induction, saying, "Avadh Ojha ji has made lakhs of youth capable of employment and living good lives by giving them good education." Kejriwal’s endorsement signals strong backing from party leadership, which could play a pivotal role as Ojha positions himself for primary contests against other candidates from various parties—this election being one framed as pivotal for Delhi’s political future.
With elections fast approaching, Avadh Ojha is not just relying on his previous reputation as an educator. He is engaging with the local community, holding meetings and events to connect with the electorate. He emphasizes a vision where education is improved both through structural changes within institutions and through community involvement. His bid is not only about winning seats; Ojha seeks to create lasting change, envisioning educational reform as the bedrock of societal upliftment.
While many are excited to see what Ojha brings to the political table, as with any newcomer, there are skeptics who question whether he can navigate the political sphere with the efficacy he demonstrated as an educator. Nevertheless, his unprecedented transition from education to politics has already set the stage for intriguing dynamics within the upcoming elections.
Avadh Ojha stands as evidence of the ever-blurring lines between education and politics. For many aspiring educators and politicians alike, his story is both inspirational and aspirational, representing the hope for transformative change grounded firmly in the belief of education’s powerful role within society. Watching his campaign progress may offer insights not just for Delhi but for other regions hoping to address educational challenges through political engagement.