Popular Indian Politicians Who Transitioned From Academia to Politics

The former Prime Minister of India, Dr Manmohan Singh served as a professor of Economics at Punjab University and the Delhi School of Economics. 

The 13th President of India, Pranab Mukerjee worked as a professor of Political Science in a college in Kolkata. 

The former Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Mulayam Singh Yadav began his career as a lecturer in Karhal. He has served as the CM of UP three times. 

The 11th President of India, Dr Kalam taught in various educational institutions such as IIM Shillong, IIM Indore, BHU, and Anna University. He was honoured with the Bharat Ratna. 
 

Mayawati, the leader of BSP, taught in a school in the slum areas of JJ colony in Delhi. She has served as the Chief Minister of UP four times. 

Rajnath Singh, the present Defence Minister of India, taught Physics at KB Post Graduate College in Mirzapur. He has served as the CM of UP in the past. 

Murli Manohar Joshi, a veteran politician, served as a professor at Allahabad University. Changing careers, he later became a Union Minister.

A prominent BJP leader and Rajya Sabha MP, Dr Subramaniam Swamy was a professor of Economics. He worked at institutions like IIT Delhi and Harvard University, USA.

The second President of India, Dr Radhakrishnan served as a professor at Oxford University. He was honoured with Bharat Ratna Award.