Mukesh Ambani's Academic Journey: IIT JEE and Chemical Engineering at ICT Mumbai

Mukesh Ambani, the chairman and largest shareholder of Reliance Industries Limited, is a prominent figure in India's business and tech landscape. While many questions and speculations surround his academic background, herein we explore the truth behind the claims made about his academic journey, specifically his participation in the IIT JEE and his educational path at the Institute of Chemical Technology (ICT) Mumbai.

Is It True That Mukesh Ambani Cleared the IIT JEE and Opted for ICT Mumbai?

The truth of Mukesh Ambani's academic journey is a subject of much debate and misinformation online. Some claims have been made that he cleared the IIT Joint Entrance Examination (IIT JEE) and chose to pursue a degree in Chemical Engineering at the Institute of Chemical Technology (ICT) Mumbai over an IIT. However, upon closer examination of credible sources, the situation is far more nuanced.

Multiple Sources and Claims

There are several online websites and forums that suggest Mukesh Ambani cleared the IIT JEE and joined ICT Mumbai directly after inter-science results. However, these claims are not substantiated by reliable primary sources. Some other sources suggest that he joined IIT Bombay before leaving for ICT Mumbai, but the veracity of these claims is questionable.

Official Information and Reliable Sources

According to official records and reliable sources, Mukesh Ambani attended the University of Mumbai and completed his Bachelor of Chemical Engineering () degree at the Institute of Chemical Technology (ICT) Mumbai, formerly known as UDCT – University Department of Chemical Technology. ICT Mumbai, like other premier technical institutions in India, offers a high-quality education tailored specifically to chemical engineering.

Mukesh Ambani's Personal Insights

Mukesh Ambani, in interviews, has described his choice to pursue Chemical Engineering at ICT Mumbai as a personal decision. In an excerpt from an interview:

Nobody asked me to do chemical engineering. I chose to study science and which college I would go to. By that time -- the early 70s -- Vimal was a fairly successful textile brand. So everybody expected me to do textile engineering. I shocked them by saying that I would go to IIT. Interestingly 4-5 of us friends studying together for Inter-science were all among the top 10. Ajay Parekh who runs Pidilite topped Bombay University. I stood fifth or sixth.

Inter-science results were announced after the IIT entrance, and so I joined IIT-Bombay. After the Inter-science results a few weeks later, I left and joined University Department of Chemical Technology (UDCT), along with my friends.

Conclusion

While the exact sequence of events surrounding Mukesh Ambani's academic journey is still a subject of speculation, it is clear that he did not clear the IIT JEE and did not join an IIT directly. Instead, he pursued a Bachelor of Chemical Engineering degree from ICT Mumbai. This decision was influenced by various factors, including personal interests, educational quality, and proximity to family. His choice further underscores the high standards and opportunities available in educational institutions such as ICT Mumbai.