Delhi University, Johns Hopkins, Engineering, UN Job: What Are Prashant Kishor’s Educational Qualifications?

While some reports suggest he is a Delhi University graduate, other mention he made a short visit to the world-famous Johns Hopkins University.

One of the most influential political strategists in India, Prashant Kishor, is known for questioning politicians about their educational qualifications. But it is PK himself whose educational qualifications aren’t clear till now.

Born on March 20, 1977, he is known for his expertise in winning elections, having been involved in the campaigns for many prominent politicians. Often referred to as PK, he is a highly successful political strategist who has worked with multiple parties including the BJP, DMK, and TMC. While some reports suggest he is a Delhi University graduate, other mention he made a short visit to the world-famous Johns Hopkins University. However, there is still no conformation on the same.

Kishor was born in Konar, Rohtas, Bihar to Dr. Shrikant Pandey, a physician and Sushila Pandey, a homemaker. He later moved to Buxar where his said to have completed his secondary education. Some reports had earlier suggested that Kishor had failed in his Class 12 exams. However, the claims were denied by Kishor in a viral video. “I recently saw a video claiming that I failed my Class 12 exams! If I really failed in Science College, you can ask K.C. Sinha sir — he was one of my professors,” he said in a video. “I studied there from 1991 to 1993. My roll number was 68, Section A. You can go to Science College and verify how I performed and what marks I got.”

He also clarified that he studied Public Health, and his graduation was in Business Administration. Kishor noted that these qualifications laid the groundwork for launching his international career.

In the same video, switching from defense to offense, Kishor directed his remarks toward Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary — the very person who had initiated the allegations. “He talks about affidavits. Well, his affidavit is out now. Check it yourself and see when he actually cleared Class 10!” Kishor retorted.

Highlighting his own openness in contrast, Kishor added, “You asked me, and I shared every detail in seconds — roll number, marks, teachers, even classmates. But can anyone point out where his affidavit mentions when he passed his 10th? That’s what people should be asking.”

There were also reports that Kishor has dropped out of a Delhi University and did a short course at leading US university, Johns Hopkins University. However, there is no clarity on such claims.

However, Prashant Kishor did work with the United Nations (UN). Kishor spent eight years working in public health programmes supported by the United Nations until 2011. During his tenure as Head of Social Policy and Planning at UNICEF in Chad, he led a UN aid mission and authored a paper highlighting the paradox of economic growth alongside persistent malnutrition in India. The report was forwarded to then Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and also drew the attention of Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi, who then invited Kishor to join his team as a political strategist.