Ambedkar Education: How Many Degrees and PhDs Did He Have?

ByMilind Tambe

Dr. B. R. Ambedkar was one of the most educated leaders in Indian history.

His education journey is inspiring for students even today.

Let us understand his education step by step in simple language.

Early School Education

Dr. Ambedkar completed his early schooling in Maharashtra.

He studied at Elphinstone High School in Mumbai.

At that time, very few students from his community were allowed to study. Passing the matriculation exam was a big achievement.

He later joined Elphinstone College under Bombay University.

College Education in India

He completed his B.A. degree in Economics and Political Science from Bombay University in 1912.

This was already a rare achievement at that time.

But he did not stop there.

Higher Studies in the United States

In 1913, he received a scholarship from the Maharaja of Baroda.

He went to Columbia University in New York.

There, he studied:

  • Economics
  • Sociology
  • History
  • Philosophy
  • Politics

He completed:

✔ M.A. (Master of Arts)
✔ Ph.D. (Doctor of Philosophy) in Economics

His Ph.D. thesis was on India’s economic problems.

He was one of the first Indians from a marginalized community to earn a Ph.D. abroad.

Studies in London

After studying in America, he went to London.

He joined the London School of Economics (LSE).

There he completed:

✔ D.Sc. (Doctor of Science) in Economics

He also studied law at Gray’s Inn in London.

He qualified as a Barrister-at-Law.

This meant he was officially trained as a lawyer.

How Many Degrees Did Ambedkar Really Have?

There is a popular belief that he had 32 degrees and 4 PhDs.

This is not correct according to official academic records.

What we know for sure:

He earned:

  • B.A.
  • M.A.
  • Ph.D. (Columbia University)
  • D.Sc. (London School of Economics)
  • Bar-at-Law (Gray’s Inn)

He also received honorary doctorates later in life for his contribution to society.

But the claim of 32 degrees is an exaggeration.

Did Ambedkar Have 4 PhDs?

No verified academic record shows that he had 4 separate PhD degrees.

He had:

✔ One Ph.D. from Columbia University
✔ One D.Sc. from London (which is a doctoral-level degree)

Some people confuse D.Sc. with Ph.D., but they are different degrees.

So it is not correct to say he had 4 PhDs.

Which Languages Did Ambedkar Know?

Dr. Ambedkar was very knowledgeable in many languages.

He could read and write in:

  • Marathi
  • Hindi
  • English
  • Sanskrit
  • Pali

He also had knowledge of:

  • Gujarati
  • Persian

There is no official list that proves he knew exactly 9 languages fluently.

But he was highly skilled in English and Marathi and studied ancient texts in Sanskrit and Pali.

Why Was His Education So Special?

During his time:

  • Most Indians did not study abroad.
  • Very few people from oppressed communities got higher education.

He completed advanced studies in America and Britain.

This made him one of the most educated leaders in India.

His deep knowledge helped him:

  • Write the Indian Constitution
  • Study economics
  • Understand law
  • Analyze social problems

What Students Can Learn From Ambedkar’s Education

Dr. Ambedkar believed:

“Education is the key to freedom.”

His life teaches students:

  • Never stop learning.
  • Education can break barriers.
  • Hard work brings respect.
  • Knowledge gives power.

He studied even when he faced discrimination and financial problems.

That is why education became his strongest weapon.

Quick Summary of Ambedkar’s Education

  • School: Elphinstone High School
  • B.A.: Bombay University
  • M.A. & Ph.D.: Columbia University
  • D.Sc.: London School of Economics
  • Law: Gray’s Inn (Barrister-at-Law)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Where did Ambedkar complete his Ph.D.?
He completed his Ph.D. at Columbia University.

2. Did Ambedkar have 32 degrees?
No official records confirm 32 degrees.

3. How many PhDs did Ambedkar have?
He had one Ph.D. and one D.Sc.

4. Did Ambedkar study law?
Yes, he studied law in London and became a barrister.

Conclusion

Ambedkar’s education was extraordinary. He studied in India, America, and Britain. He earned some of the highest degrees of his time.

Even though some claims about 32 degrees and 4 PhDs are exaggerated, his real achievements are already remarkable.

His life proves that education can change not only one person’s life but the future of an entire nation.

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