Many Indians, in addition to Ambedkar and Narayanan, have received the Doctor of Science degree - FACTLY
Sai Krishna Muthyanolla
June 27, 2023
A post featuring images of B.R. Ambedkar and former Indian President K.R. Narayanan is being widely shared on social media, claiming that only these two individuals from India have passed the world’s toughest exam called Doctor of Science. Let’s verify the claim made in the post.
Claim: B.R. Ambedkar and K.R. Narayanan are the sole individuals from India who have successfully passed the world’s toughest exam known as Doctor of Science.
Fact: While it is true that B.R. Ambedkar received the Doctor of Science for his thesis presented to the University of London in 1923, and K.R. Narayanan received an honorary Doctor of Science in 1987 from the University of Toledo, numerous Indian scientists, academicians, and others have also received this distinction. It is important to note that there is no definitive authority that ranks the difficulty of exams, and in the case of the Doctor of Science, such rankings are not applicable as there is no specific exam associated with this degree. Hence the claim made in the post is MISLEADING.
The Doctor of Science (D.Sc. or Sc.D.) is a higher doctorate degree, also known as a postdoctoral degree program, awarded to individuals who have made significant contributions to the field of research and science. Many universities confer this degree based on the extensive research work published in reputable science journals. After completing a PhD, the D.Sc. may be awarded to candidates who have acquired vast experience in higher academia, and research, and have achieved excellence as academicians and researchers in specific fields. The time required to achieve a Doctor of Science can vary depending on factors such as the university, field of study, country, and other considerations, typically taking around 6-8 years. Additionally, the D.Sc. can also be awarded honoris causa, as an honorary recognition, to individuals who have demonstrated remarkable achievements and contributions to their respective fields, even without fulfilling the usual requirements for the degree.
According to a report published by the National Council for Education Research and Training (NCERT) on Ambedkar’s life and works, Ambedkar was awarded the Doctor of Science by the University of London in 1923 for his thesis titled ‘The Problem of Rupee‘.
Also, in 1987, K.R. Narayanan was bestowed with an honorary Doctor of Science degree by the University of Toledo, USA. As mentioned earlier, honorary doctorates are granted to individuals who have showcased exceptional accomplishments and significant contributions to their respective fields, regardless of not fulfilling the standard requirements for the degree.
Furthermore, it is worth noting that in addition to B.R. Ambedkar and K.R. Narayanan, several other notable Indians such as former President APJ Abdul Kalam, renowned chemist and Bharat Ratna recipient C.N.R. Rao, agricultural scientist M.S. Swaminathan, and many others who have excelled in their respective fields and made significant contributions to society, have also been awarded the Doctor of Science degree.
Furthermore, the Doctor of Science degree is bestowed upon individuals based on their significant research work and notable contributions to their respective fields, as exemplified by B.R. Ambedkar. It is also granted on an honorary basis, as seen in the case of K.R. Narayanan. It’s important to note that there is no definitive authority that ranks the difficulty of exams, and in the context of the Doctor of Science, such rankings are not applicable as there is no specific exam associated with this degree.
To sum it up, apart from B.R. Ambedkar and K.R. Narayanan, numerous individuals have been awarded the Doctor of Science degree.