Delhi Election 2025: Top 7 AAP Candidates Education Qualifications; Most Educated Name Here

As Delhi gears up for the Assembly Elections on February 5, 2025, education remains a key pillar of the Aam Aadmi Party’s (AAP) governance model. With a strong emphasis on informed leadership, the party has nominated candidates with diverse academic qualifications, highlighting its commitment to knowledge-driven policymaking.

Beyond political debates, this election has also sparked discussions about the educational backgrounds of the candidates. A recent analysis by the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) provides insights into the academic credentials of the 699 contenders. The report showcases a wide range of qualifications, from individuals without formal schooling to highly educated professionals, reflecting the varied educational landscape of Delhi’s political arena.

Educational Background of Candidates in Delhi Election 2025

According to the ADR report, the educational qualifications of the candidates are as follows:

The report indicates that nearly 46% of the candidates have completed education between Class 5 and Class 12, while another 46% hold higher education degrees, ranging from undergraduate studies to doctorates.

Among them, AAP’s top seven candidates have notable academic credentials. Their qualifications highlight the role education plays in leadership and governance. Here’s a look at these candidates, their educational backgrounds, and how education continues to be a key factor in shaping policies.

Top 7 AAP Candidates' Education Qualifications

Arvind Kejriwal

Arvind Kejriwal was born on August 16, 1968, in Siwani, Haryana, into an upper-middle-class family. He completed his schooling at Campus School in Hisar and later at Holy Child School in Sonipat. In 1985, he cleared the IIT-JEE exam, securing an All India Rank (AIR) of 563, and went on to study Mechanical Engineering at IIT Kharagpur.

After graduating, Kejriwal joined Tata Steel in Jamshedpur in 1989. However, in 1992, he left the job to prepare for the UPSC Civil Services Examination. He succeeded in his attempt and, in 1995, joined the Indian Revenue Service (IRS) as an Assistant Commissioner in the Income Tax Department. In 2006, he resigned from his government position and founded the Public Cause Research Foundation.

Kejriwal gained widespread recognition in 2010 when he became involved with social activist Anna Hazare in the fight for the Jan Lokpal Bill. Later, due to disagreements with Hazare on turning the anti-corruption movement into a political party, Kejriwal formed the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP).

Manish Sisodia

Manish Sisodia earned a diploma in journalism from Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan and worked as a journalist between 1996 and 2005. He later left his job to support the movement for the Right to Information (RTI).

He was also actively involved in the Jan Lokpal movement led by Anna Hazare. In 2006, Sisodia, along with Arvind Kejriwal, co-founded the Public Cause Research Foundation. He was among the key figures who helped establish the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP).

Atishi Marlena 

Atishi completed her schooling at Springdales School in New Delhi. She pursued her higher education at St. Stephen’s College, Delhi University, earning a Master’s degree in History. Later, she received a prestigious Chevening Scholarship, which allowed her to complete a postgraduate degree at Oxford University.

Awadh Ojha

Awadh Ojha was born on July 3, 1984. He completed his graduation from Fatima Inter College in Gonda, Uttar Pradesh. From a young age, he aspired to become an IAS officer. His father even sold land to support his education in Delhi.

Ojha worked hard and managed to pass the UPSC preliminary exams, but he could not clear the mains. He later became a well-known UPSC coach and educator. Today, he is popularly referred to as "Ojha Sir" by aspirants preparing for the civil services exams.

Jasmine Shah

Serving as the Vice-Chairperson of the Dialogue and Development Commission of Delhi, Jasmine Shah holds a bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering from Anna University and a master's degree in Public Administration from Columbia University.

Raghav Chadha

A chartered accountant by profession, Raghav Chadha has been active in AAP's financial and economic planning. He holds a degree in commerce from the University of Delhi and is a qualified Chartered Accountant.

Saurabh Bharadwaj 

He is a trained engineer with a degree in Computer Science from Bharati Vidyapeeth's College of Engineering. He has also earned an LLB from Osmania University. As an MLA from Greater Kailash, he plays a key role in Delhi’s administration and currently manages the Health and Vigilance departments in the state government. Additionally, he has contributed to several technology-driven initiatives within the government.

Delhi Elections 2025: List of All Aam Aadmi Party Candidates With their Educational Background