It is claimed that Ambedkar has 32 degrees. However, universities that have a record of teaching him state a much shorter list. He has a PhD, MA from Columbia University, MSc and a DSc from the London School of Economics, a BA from Bombay University, and completed his training for the Bar from Gray’s Inn. (Columbia University Archives, “Notable Columbians”; Wikipedia, “B. R. Ambedkar”). This references the education he received, clarifies what each of these qualify, and gives reasons for the “32 degrees” claim. It states a degree only when a university states it or it is qualified in a reliable source. Our biography of Ambedkar gives more information about his life.
Ambedkar education: the timeline
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1912 | Bachelor of Arts, University of Bombay (Elphinstone College). First person from Mahar caste to attend the college. |
| 1913 | Admitted to the graduate program in Political Science at Columbia University. |
| 1915 | Master of Arts, Columbia University. |
| 1920s | Pursued bar-at-law at the London School of Economics and Gray’s Inn. |
| 1923 | Awarded a Ph.D. in Economics and a Master of Science from the London School of Economics. |
| 1927 | Doctorate in economics and PhD in Provincial Finance, Columbia University. |
| 1952 | Honorary Doctorate of Laws, Columbia University. |
Doctor of Arts, Columbia University, 1915; Doctor of Philosophy, 1927; and Doctor of Laws, 1952.
Different dates for Ambedkar’s PhD can be found in various publications, but his official record reflects 1927.
Ambedkar studied in London: the LSE and Gray’s Inn
Ambedkar studied at LSE from 1916 to 1920, and in 1923 was awarded a doctorate from them (Wikipedia). Three degrees are listed in his Wikipedia entry: an MSc from LSE, a DSc from University of London, and a doctorate from Columbia in 1927 (Wikipedia). He studied law at Gray’s Inn, London (Wikipedia) and was admitted to the Bar in Bombay in 1923 (Columbia University, “Ambedkar” Timeline). He hoped to pursue his research at the University of Bonn in 1922 (Columbia University, “Ambedkar” Timeline). Our document on the Rupee’s Problem gives more information on Ambedkar and his work in Economics.
Ambedkar’s doctorate and master’s degrees
Ambedkar obtained his second doctorate in economics from Columbia University in 1927 (Wikipedia). His master’s degree from Columbia University was awarded to him in 1915 (Columbia University Archives). He also obtained an MSc from the LSE (Wikipedia). His master’s degree in Economics from the University of Mumbai, mentioned in his obituary in Wikipedia, is unverified.
Ambedkar 32 degrees: where the claim origins
Numerous academic and educational websites enumerate “32 degrees of Ambedkar.” One of these websites states that the exact number is undocumented and ambiguous (Leverage Edu, “32 Degrees of Ambedkar”). Likewise, multiple lists give repetitive degree information, such as one list in the aforementioned article stating that Ambedkar earned a BA from the University of Bombay on more than one occasion, and an MA from Columbia University repeated more than once (Leverage Edu, “32 Degrees of Ambedkar”). Even worse, some of these lists are further speculative by including honors and awards Ph.D. degrees from various Indian universities (Brainly). Since Brainly’s website content is moderated by users, the information posted is speculative and provides no legitimate evidence.
I have consulted multiple formal records, personal archives, and standard biographies that state or suggest that Ambedkar earned 32 formal degrees and honors. Based on what the records do state, he earned several formal degrees and professional qualifications as well as a number of honors. The Columbia School of International and Public Affairs states that Ambedkar was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Laws in 1952, among other honorary degrees he earned (250). Please see the log for additional honorary doctorates.
Reviewing a claim like this
An educational claim’s evidence is strongest when it includes the name of the degree-awarding institution, the title of the degree, and the year the degree was awarded, and the institution verifies it. In Dr. Ambedkar’s case, Columbia has pages verifying his MA, PhD and honorary LLD. Making a list with numbers and no corresponding institutions or dates is questionable. The “32 degrees” claim is shared with no citations. With the Ambedkarite Educational Program, you can learn to start a blog and website, and learn email marketing for ₹297 (~$4 USD).
The takeaway
Regarding Ambedkar’s formal degrees, in addition to the “32 degrees” claim, other claims shared with no citations include “dozens” and “over a hundred.” In addition to standard references and Columbia, other sources verified Ambedkar’s Bombay BA (1912), a Columbia MA (1915), an LSE MSc and DSc (1923), a PhD from Columbia (1927), training at Gray’s Inn, and an honorary LLD from Columbia (1952).
Frequently Asked Questions
Where did Ambedkar study abroad?
He studied at Columbia from 1913-1916 and at the LSE from 1916-1918. He also studied at Gray’s Inn.
Did Ambedkar have two doctorates?
Yes, he obtained his Ph.D. from Columbia University in 1927 and his Doctorate of Science from the LSE in 1923.
Is it true he has 32 degrees?
No, I found no evidence to support this claim. I could not locate any official documentation to support this.
What was the title of his PhD thesis?
Based on official records from Columbia University, the title of his PhD thesis is “The Evolution of Provincial Finance in British India.”
SOURCES
- Columbia University Archives, “Notable Columbians: Bhimrao Ambedkar”
- Columbia 250, “Columbians Ahead of Their Time: Bhimrao Ambedkar”
- Columbia Center for New Media Teaching and Learning, “Ambedkar” timeline
- Columbia, Institute for Comparative Literature and Society, “What B.R. Ambedkar Wrote to W.E.B. Du Bois”
- Wikipedia, “B. R. Ambedkar”
- Leverage Edu, “32 Degrees of Ambedkar”
- Brainly, “32 degrees of ambedkar list” (user-written answer)
- Brainly, “32 degrees of ambedkar list wich year” (user-written answer)
