Rajiv Gandhi Failed Twice? A Look At Ex-PM’s Academic Qualifications Amid Mani Shankar Aiyar Redux – News18

Last Updated:March 06, 2025, 14:01 IST

In a video shared by BJP’s Amit Malviya, Mani Shankar Aiyar questions Rajiv Gandhi’s qualifications, highlighting his failed attempts at Cambridge and Imperial College London.

Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar sparked controversy with remarks about former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi’s education. In a video shared by BJP’s Amit Malviya, Aiyar questions Gandhi’s qualifications, highlighting his failed attempts at Cambridge and Imperial College London.

“Rajiv Gandhi struggled academically, even failing at Cambridge, where passing is relatively easy. He then moved to Imperial College London but failed there as well…,” Malviya posted on X.

While the video’s timing is unclear, Congress swiftly dismissed Aiyar’s comments, defending Gandhi’s legacy. Ajay Singh Yadav stressed Aiyar’s irrelevance, while Tariq Anwar argued that despite any academic setbacks, Gandhi excelled in his political career, achieving significant progress during his time as Prime Minister.

A Look At Rajiv Gandhi’s Educational Qualification

Born on August 20, 1944, Rajiv Gandhi’s early years were spent in Delhi, at Teen Murti House, alongside his grandfather and mother, Indira Gandhi. His education began at Welham Prep in Dehradun, followed by Doon School. For higher education, he joined Trinity College, Cambridge, and subsequently to Imperial College, London, where he pursued mechanical engineering. After returning to India, he pursued his passion for flying, obtaining a commercial pilot’s license from the Delhi Flying Club and subsequently joining Indian Airlines as a pilot.

Rajiv Gandhi’s Political Journey

Shri Gandhi became the youngest Prime Minister of India on October 31, 1984.

Indira Gandhi spearheaded impactful educational reforms in India. Her time as Prime Minister saw the foundation of the Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) and the establishment of Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas, both crucial in expanding access to education. Furthermore, 1986 marked the introduction of the New Education Policy under her leadership, aiming to revitalize and reshape India’s education system.