For most people, exams are obstacles to overcome. For Professor VN Parthiban from Chennai, they are milestones in a lifelong journey of learning. At 60, the man who calls education his daily work stands surrounded by over 150 academic degrees, a shelf full of certificates, and an undying curiosity that has made him a living legend in India’s academic circles.
Known fondly as the “Repository of Degrees” and the “Walking Encyclopedia,” Professor Parthiban holds what is believed to be the world’s highest number of academic qualifications earned by a single individual. His journey, however, started not with success but with struggle — and a promise.
A Promise That Became a Purpose
After barely passing his first degree, Parthiban made a heartfelt vow to his mother that he would pursue education relentlessly. What began as a personal challenge soon became his life’s mission. Since 1981, he has been continuously studying — enrolling in new courses, sitting for exams, and earning one degree after another.
Unlike most lifelong learners, Parthiban funds his own studies. Nearly 90% of his salary goes toward tuition fees, books, and exam costs. Currently, he serves as Associate Professor and Head of the Commerce Department at RKM Vivekananda College, Chennai, where he began teaching in 1982, just a year after earning his first degree.
Study as Daily Work
Professor Parthiban’s life runs on a disciplined schedule. He wakes up at 5 AM and studies until 11:30 PM, a habit maintained for over four decades. Sundays are no exception — they are reserved for research, exams, or lectures. His only leisure ritual is listening to Kannadasan songs on Sunday evenings, a brief pause in an otherwise study-filled week.
“I really enjoy studying. It’s not difficult at all,” he shared in an interview with Sunday Indian. “I have been continuously in the process of preparing for exams and applying for new degrees or diploma courses.”
A Walking Course Catalogue
Professor Parthiban’s academic record reads like a university prospectus. His astonishing list of qualifications includes:
- 13 Masters of Arts (MA)
- 8 Masters of Commerce (MCom)
- 4 Masters of Science (MSc)
- 13 Masters of Law (LLM in various branches)
- 12 Masters of Philosophy (MPhil)
- 14 Masters of Business Administration (MBA)
- 20 professional courses
- 11 certificate courses
- 9 PG diploma courses
- Several other diplomas
He also holds multiple master’s degrees in Economics, Political Science, Public Administration, and Law, and is currently pursuing a PhD in Management and a Master’s in Corporate Law.
The Cost of Relentless Learning
The pursuit has come with sacrifices. Years of rigorous study have taken a toll on his memory — he sometimes forgets faces or routes. Yet, his spirit remains unshaken. His wife, M Selvakumari, herself a holder of nine degrees, has been his pillar of support through countless exams and late-night study sessions.
A Legacy of Learning
For Professor Parthiban, education is not about collecting certificates but keeping promises — to his mother, to his students, and to himself. His journey challenges the conventional idea that degrees are just credentials. Each one represents dedication, discipline, and a lifelong pursuit of wisdom.
His story stands as a testament to what true passion for learning looks like — when study becomes not just a means to an end, but a way of life.
