The Extraordinary Education of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar

Dr. Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar, the chief architect of the Indian Constitution, is widely regarded as one of the most highly educated Indians of his generation. Despite facing severe social discrimination due to his caste, his academic brilliance took him to the top universities in the world.

Question (Click to Flip)

How many degrees did Dr. B.R. Ambedkar have?

Answer

He had a total of 4 formal university degrees (B.A., M.A., Ph.D., M.Sc., D.Sc.) plus his Barrister-at-Law qualification. He also received two honorary doctorates later in life.

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Key Facts

Dr. Ambedkar was the first Indian to pursue a doctorate in economics abroad.

He was a master of multiple subjects: Economics, Law, Political Science, Sociology, and Philosophy.

Columbia University later awarded him an honorary L.L.D. (Doctor of Laws) in 1952.

1. Early Education in India

He completed his matriculation from Elphinstone High School in Bombay (Mumbai) in 1907, becoming the first person from the Mahar caste to do so.
He earned his B.A. (Bachelor of Arts) degree in Economics and Political Science from Elphinstone College, University of Bombay in 1912.

2. Education in the USA (Columbia University)

With a scholarship from the Gaekwad ruler of Baroda, he went to the United States in 1913.

He earned his M.A. (Master of Arts) in Economics from Columbia University, New York in 1915.
He completed his Ph.D. in Economics from Columbia University in 1927. His famous thesis was titled 'The Evolution of Provincial Finance in British India'.

3. Education in the UK (London School of Economics & Gray's Inn)

He later traveled to London to continue his rigorous studies.

He joined the prestigious London School of Economics (LSE) and earned a Master's degree (M.Sc) in 1921.
He earned his second doctorate, a D.Sc (Doctor of Science) from LSE in 1923 for his thesis 'The Problem of the Rupee: Its Origin and its Solution' (which later inspired the creation of the Reserve Bank of India).
Simultaneously, he studied law at Gray's Inn, London, and was called to the Bar, becoming an official Barrister.

Questions and Answers

How many degrees did Dr. B.R. Ambedkar have?+

He had a total of 4 formal university degrees (B.A., M.A., Ph.D., M.Sc., D.Sc.) plus his Barrister-at-Law qualification. He also received two honorary doctorates later in life.

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