Shah Rukh Khan once cracked the IIT entrance just to prove a point to his mother. Later, chose a different career path

Before he became one of Bollywood’s most celebrated names, this superstar surprised everyone with an unexpected academic feat. Long before the films, fame, and “King Khan” tag, he had a brush with one of India’s toughest exams. While most fans know he holds a degree in Mass Communication, few are aware that he once cleared the IIT entrance exam — not to pursue engineering, but simply to prove a point to his mother.

Mother’s insistence on IIT

In a 2000 BBC interview with journalist Karan Thapar, he revealed that although he had studied science in school, he wanted to switch to a different subject for his graduation. His mother, however, encouraged him to stick to science and pushed him to attempt the IIT entrance exam.

He recalled telling her that he wanted to study economics. She asked him if he could clear the IIT entrance. To prove it, he appeared for the exam, cleared it, and then told his mother that he had fulfilled her wish. Only then did she allow him to pursue economics instead of engineering.

His academic journey

As per his LinkedIn profile, he completed his schooling at St. Columba's School in New Delhi. He went on to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Economics at Hansraj College, Delhi University. Later, he studied at Jamia Millia Islamia, where he earned a Master of Arts (MA) degree in Mass Communication/Media Studies.

Shah Rukh Khan's National Award Win

Recently, he bagged the National Film Award for Best Actor for his performance in Jawan. Up next, he is preparing for King, an action drama directed by Siddharth Anand of Pathaan fame. The film will see him share screen space with Suhana Khan and Abhishek Bachchan in the lead roles, along with cameo appearances by stars like Deepika Padukone, Rani Mukerji, and more. In addition, he has been busy promoting Aryan Khan’s directorial debut, The Bads of Bollywood, which is backed by Gauri Khan’s Red Chillies Entertainment.