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
This is not into official academic records of till up now. it’s require research.
Though he reads many Research papers, done lots of research on social and political problems. He also received honorary doctorates later in life for his contribution to society. but today
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)
However the claim of 32 degrees is nothing in front of his brilience. he had mastery on the vast knowledge. Ambedkar was a voracious reader. Britishers was call him a mobile University. do you know ? He had mastery over these subject’s-
- Law
- Political Science
- Sociology
- Anthropology
- History
- Economics
- Philosophy
- Religion
- Psychology
- Literature
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Biology
- Environmental Science
- Civil Engineering
- Architecture
- Constitutional Law
- Public Administration
- Governance & Policy Making
- International Law
- Public Finance
- Industrial Economics
- War Science
- Defense Studies
- Strategic Planning
- Geopolitics
- Hinduism
- Buddhism
- Islam
- Christianity
- Jainism
- Sikhism
- Comparative Religion
- English
- Sanskrit
- Pali
- Hindi
- Marathi
- Persian
- Urdu
- French
- German
- Education
- Journalism
- Criminology
- Ethics
- Feminism & Women’s Rights
- Human Rights
- Social Work
- Rural Development
- Urban Planning
- Cooperative Movements
- Banking & Monetary Policy
- Stock Market & Financial Planning
- Transportation & Infrastructure Development
- Agriculture & Agrarian Economy
- Labor Laws
- Corporate Law
- Industrial Relations
- Mass Communication
- Media Studies
- Public Speaking
- Cultural Studie
Still nowadays there is Thousands of book’s in his personal Library on each subject. and I saw it personally. Now it is in People’s education societies property. it distributed in all its college’s Libraries.
Which Languages Did Ambedkar Know?
Dr. Ambedkar was very knowledgeable in many languages.
He could read and write in:
- English
- Sanskrit
- Pali
- Hindi
- Marathi
- Persian
- Urdu
- French
- German
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?
Till up now No official records confirm 32 degrees.
3. 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 need research, 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.






