Security guard clears MSc exam at the age of 56, after 23 failures in 25 years

JABALPUR: Rajkaran Baraua, a 56-year-old man from Jabalpur, has achieved something remarkable. Despite facing numerous challenges, including not having a home, a family, savings, or a steady job, Rajkaran's determination and perseverance have led him to earn an MSc degree in mathematics after 25 years of relentless pursuit.

Rajkaran's journey was not an easy one. He failed in his attempts 23 times, all while juggling double shifts as a security guard and taking up odd jobs to sustain himself. However, his passion for mathematics never wavered. In 2021, he finally succeeded in passing his exams and proudly declared, "But mere paas degree hai (I have a degree)."


Celebrating this achievement was a personal affair for Rajkaran. As he explained, "I could only celebrate behind closed doors. I jumped and gave myself a high five. But I couldn't go out and tell anyone because my employers used to taunt their children by giving my example. They would say look at his determination and how hard he is studying at this age. I didn't want to embarrass them, so I celebrated quietly and kept it to myself." However, now that he has quit his job, Rajkaran can finally share his accomplishment with others.

A turning point came for Rajkaran in 2015 when a report about him was published by TOI. Feeling low after his 18th failed attempt, the report brought him much-needed motivation. "Once the report was published, people started seeing me differently. TV channels came looking for me. It was a huge dose of motivation," he recollected.

Currently, Rajkaran works as a security guard at night, earning Rs 5,000 per month, and also helps out at a bungalow in exchange for food, shelter, and an additional Rs 1,500 per month. Despite struggling to make ends meet, Rajkaran estimates that he has spent around Rs 2 lakh over the past 25 years on books, exam fees, and related expenses to achieve his dream of obtaining an MSc degree in mathematics.

When asked about his decision not to marry, Rajkaran responded, "Who would have married me? Besides, I was married to my dream." His passion for mathematics was ignited during his interactions with students at a school after completing his MA in 1996. The appreciation he received from teachers for his teaching methods inspired him to pursue a postgraduate degree in mathematics.

However, Rajkaran was unaware of the challenges that awaited him. "I didn't even know I had these reserves of determination," he chuckled. Despite facing numerous failures, he remained undeterred. Over time, he began passing in two subjects and eventually, in 2020 and 2021, he cleared his first-year and second-year examinations, respectively, even amidst the Covid-19 pandemic.

Reflecting on his journey, Rajkaran emphasized the importance of effort and patience. "Effort and patience. They will get you through anything," he concluded.