- Advertisement -
From people who love collecting degrees, to reformers and scientists who made a big difference in the field of academics — India has produced some of the world’s most outstanding scholars. These people are an example of how education, when pursued with passion and purpose, can transform both the individual and the nation. Here’s a list of some of the most educated Indians and their qualifications:
Dr. Shrikant Jichkar
- Known for: India’s most qualified person (Limca Book of Records).
- Degrees: 20 university degrees including MBBS, MD, LLB, LLM, D.Litt. in Sanskrit, DBM, MBA, BJourn, and 10 MAs (in subjects like Public Administration, Sociology, Economics, Political Science, History, Psychology).
- Highlights: Sat for 42 university exams between 1973–1990, won 28 gold medals, served as IAS, IPS, MLA, Rajya Sabha MP, and Minister in Maharashtra.
2. V. N. Parthiban
- Known for: Having one of the world’s largest personal degree collections.
- Degrees: Over 140 academic qualifications, including 13 MAs, 8 MComs, 4 MScs, 10 LLMs, 12 MPhils, 14 MBAs, plus numerous diplomas and certificates.
- Highlights: Professor in Chennai, still actively studying and adding to his academic portfolio.
- Advertisement -
3. Dr. Dashrath Singh Shekhawat
- Known for: International Book of Records holder for “Most Educationally Qualified Person” (2019).
- Degrees: 36 formal educational credentials — including 2 PhDs, 11 master’s degrees, 8 bachelor’s degrees, 5 diplomas, and 10 certifications.
4. Dr. C. N. R. Rao
- Known for: India’s top scientist and Bharat Ratna awardee.
- Degrees: BSc, MSc, PhD in Chemistry, plus 86 honorary doctorates from universities worldwide for his research contributions in solid-state and materials chemistry.
5. Dr. B. R. Ambedkar
- Known for: Architect of the Indian Constitution and a rare combination of legal, economic, and political scholarship.
- Degrees:
- M.A. and Ph.D. in Economics – Columbia University
- D.Sc. in Economics – London School of Economics
- Barrister-at-Law – Gray’s Inn, London
- Additional postdoctoral work and honorary doctorates.
Here’s a comparison table showing their degrees, and achievements:
| Rank | Name | Total Degrees / Qualifications | Main Fields of Study | Notable Achievements |
| 1 | Dr. Shrikant Jichkar | 20 degrees | Medicine, Law, Business, Journalism, Sanskrit, Public Administration, Sociology, Economics, Political Science, History, Psychology | Cleared IPS & IAS; Youngest MLA in India at the time; Held 14 ministerial portfolios; Won 28 gold medals; Limca Book record holder |
| 2 | V. N. Parthiban | 140+ academic qualifications | Arts, Commerce, Science, Law, Management, Philosophy, Education | Professor in Chennai; Holds record for maximum postgraduate degrees in multiple fields; Still actively studying |
| 3 | Dr. Dashrath Singh Shekhawat | 36 credentials | Arts, Science, Law, Management, Education | International Book of Records holder; 2 PhDs, 11 Master’s, 8 Bachelor’s, plus diplomas and certificates |
| 4 | Dr. C. N. R. Rao | 3 formal degrees + 86 honorary doctorates | Chemistry, Materials Science | Bharat Ratna recipient; Over 1,600 research papers; Internationally acclaimed chemist |
| 5 | Dr. B. R. Ambedkar | Multiple advanced degrees & doctorates | Economics, Law, Political Science | Architect of the Indian Constitution; PhD & DSc in Economics; Barrister-at-Law; Championed social justice and education reform |
- Advertisement -
