Age Is No Barrier 75-Year-Old Milkhi Ram Appears for Another Exam After Earning 32 Degrees
Photo Credit: PTI (Press Trust of India) Milkhi Ram, a retired Himachal Pradesh Forest Department officer, continues his passion for education by appearing for another IGNOU examination at the age of 75 after earning 32 academic degrees.
Learning has no age limit, and the inspiring story of Himachal Pradesh Milkhi Ram proves exactly that. At a time when many people spend their retirement enjoying a slower pace of life, the 75-year-old has chosen a different path.
Instead of putting his books away, he continues to pursue higher education with the same passion he had decades ago. Milkhi Ram recently appeared for yet another university examination, even after already earning an incredible 32 academic degrees.
His remarkable achievement has inspired people across India and reminded everyone that education is a lifelong journey rather than a destination.
A Lifelong Love for Education
Milkhi Ram belongs to Kangra district in Himachal Pradesh. His educational journey is unlike most people. While many students complete their studies before starting a career, he continued learning alongside his professional responsibilities for several decades.
He joined the Himachal Pradesh Forest Department in 1972 and built a successful career through dedication and hard work. Despite the demands of government service, he never allowed his passion for education to fade. Instead, he kept enrolling in new courses, attending examinations, and earning degrees one after another.
Even after retiring in 2010 as a Grade-I Forest Department officer, his desire to learn became stronger rather than weaker. Retirement did not mark the end of his academic life it opened a new chapter filled with even more learning opportunities.
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Appearing for Another Examination at 75
On June 30, 2026, Milkhi Ram appeared for another examination conducted by the Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) at its Hamirpur Study Centre in Himachal Pradesh.
The examination was for the Master of Arts (MA) in Sanskrit programme, which is recognised by IGNOU as equivalent to the traditional Acharya degree. According to reports, he was the oldest candidate appearing for the examination at the centre, attracting admiration from students, teachers, and officials alike.
While many younger students often feel nervous before examinations, Milkhi Ram walked into the examination hall with confidence built from decades of learning experience.
An Incredible Collection of Academic Degrees
Over the years, Milkhi Ram has earned an astonishing 32 academic degrees across various disciplines. His qualifications include higher education in languages, literature, law, management, journalism, education, economics, sociology, political science, history, and more.
Some of his notable qualifications include:
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Hindi
- Master of Philosophy (MPhil)
- Master of Business Administration (MBA)
- Bachelor of Laws (LLB)
- Bachelor of Education (B.Ed)
- Journalism and Mass Communication
- Bachelor of Arts in Sanskrit
- Multiple Master of Arts degrees in Hindi, English, Political Science, Sociology, Economics and History
This extraordinary academic record reflects not only intelligence but also remarkable consistency, discipline, and determination over several decades.
Balancing Career, Family and Studies
One of the most inspiring aspects of Milkhi Ram’s story is that his educational achievements did not come during a life free of responsibilities. Throughout his career, he balanced government service, family commitments, and higher education at the same time.
Managing office duties while preparing for university examinations required careful planning and self-discipline. Instead of viewing responsibilities as obstacles, he treated education as an important part of his daily routine.
His journey proves that with determination and proper time management, continuous learning is possible even during the busiest stages of life.
The Support Behind His Success
Milkhi Ram has often acknowledged the important role played by his family. He credits his wife, retired Forest Department officer Vidya Devi, along with his son and daughter-in-law, for encouraging him throughout his educational journey.
Family support made it possible for him to continue studying even while managing professional and personal responsibilities. Their encouragement became a source of motivation whenever academic challenges arose.
An Inspiration for Every Generation
His story carries an important message not only for senior citizens but also for students and working professionals. Many people postpone learning because they believe they are too busy or too old to start something new.
Milkhi Ram challenges those assumptions. His example demonstrates that education does not belong to a particular age group. Whether someone is 18 or 75, curiosity and the willingness to learn remain the most valuable qualities.
Young students often hesitate after facing a single failure or examination setback. In contrast, Milkhi Ram has spent decades continuously challenging himself by pursuing new subjects and expanding his knowledge.
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Education Beyond Certificates
For Milkhi Ram, collecting degrees is not simply about certificates or titles. His academic journey reflects a genuine love for learning and personal growth.
Knowledge improves confidence, broadens thinking, and enables individuals to understand society from multiple perspectives. His choice to continue studying Sanskrit after already earning numerous degrees highlights his belief that education should continue throughout life.
His journey reminds us that true education is driven by curiosity rather than competition.
A Message to Young Learners
Milkhi Ram has encouraged young people to value education because it is an asset that cannot be taken away. He believes age should never become an excuse to stop learning.
His simple yet powerful message is that if the desire to learn remains alive, no obstacle including age can prevent a person from achieving academic success.
Conclusion
Milkhi Ram’s remarkable journey stands as one of India’s most inspiring examples of lifelong learning. After earning 32 academic degrees, he continues to appear for university examinations, proving that education has no retirement age.
His dedication, discipline, and unwavering curiosity remind us that learning is not limited by time, profession, or age. In a world where many people stop studying after completing formal education, Milkhi Ram continues to inspire millions by showing that every new day is another opportunity to gain knowledge.
His story is more than a record of academic achievements—it is a powerful lesson that passion for learning can remain alive throughout life. As long as the mind is eager to learn, every stage of life can become the beginning of a new educational journey.
Source: Information compiled from verified reports published by Press Trust of India (PTI), NDTV, and publicly available statements related to IGNOU Hamirpur Study Centre.
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