Raghuram Rajan Biography: Age, Height, Net Worth, Family, Career & Achievements in 2025

Raghuram Rajan is a distinguished Indian economist, academic, and author, best known for his tenure as the 23rd Governor of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). Renowned for his insightful economic policies and global influence, Rajan has played a pivotal role in shaping India’s financial landscape and continues to contribute to international economic thought from his academic base in the United States.

Quick Facts

Full Name	Raghuram Govind Rajan
Profession / Occupation	Economist, Academic, Author
Birth Date	3 February 1963
Age	62 (as of 2025)
Birth Place	Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, India
Nationality	Indian
Famous For	Former Governor of Reserve Bank of India, Chief Economist at IMF
Known For	Economic Reforms, Academic Research, Policy Advocacy
Ethnicity	Indian
Zodiac Sign	Aquarius
Height & Weight	5 ft 10 in (178 cm), approx. 72 kg
Hair Color	Black
Eye Color	Brown
Education	IIT Delhi (B.Tech), IIM Ahmedabad (PGDM), MIT Sloan (Ph.D.)
Religion	Hinduism
Marital Status / Spouse	Married to Radhika Puri Rajan
Children	2
Relatives	Govind Rajan (father)
Hobbies	Reading, Tennis, Traveling
Employer / Organization	University of Chicago Booth School of Business
Years Active	1991–present
Net Worth (Estimated)	$5–7 million (2025)

Early Life & Education

Raghuram Rajan was born on 3 February 1963 in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, India, into a Tamil family. His father, Govind Rajan, was a senior official in India’s intelligence services, which meant the family moved frequently during his childhood. Rajan attended Delhi Public School, RK Puram, and later pursued a Bachelor of Technology in Electrical Engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi. He went on to earn a Post Graduate Diploma in Management from the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Ahmedabad, graduating at the top of his class. Driven by a passion for economics, he completed his Ph.D. at MIT Sloan School of Management, specializing in finance.

Career Journey

Raghuram Rajan’s career reflects a blend of academic brilliance and impactful public service.

Academic Beginnings

After completing his Ph.D., Rajan joined the University of Chicago Booth School of Business as a faculty member. His research focused on banking, corporate finance, and economic development, earning him recognition as a thought leader in the field.

International Recognition

In 2003, Rajan was appointed as the Chief Economist and Director of Research at the International Monetary Fund (IMF), making him one of the youngest to hold this prestigious position. During his tenure, he was lauded for his prescient warnings about the impending 2008 global financial crisis, highlighted in his 2005 paper, “Has Financial Development Made the World Riskier?”

Governor of the Reserve Bank of India

Rajan returned to India in 2013 to serve as the 23rd Governor of the Reserve Bank of India. His tenure was marked by decisive action against inflation, stabilization of the rupee, and the introduction of new banking licenses. He also launched initiatives to address non-performing assets and improve financial inclusion. Rajan’s reforms brought significant credibility to India’s monetary policy on the global stage.

Return to Academia & Ongoing Influence

After his term at the RBI ended in 2016, Rajan resumed his role as Professor of Finance at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business. He continues to contribute to economic policy debates worldwide, serves on international advisory boards, and publishes extensively on global finance and development.

Personal Life

Raghuram Rajan is married to Radhika Puri Rajan, an academic in her own right. The couple has two children and resides in Chicago, USA. Outside of his professional life, Rajan enjoys reading, playing tennis, and traveling. He is known for his humility and commitment to education and community engagement, often participating in public lectures and mentorship initiatives.

Awards & Achievements

Fischer Black Prize (2003) – American Finance Association
Central Banker of the Year (2015) – Euromoney
Banker’s Banker Award (2016) – The Banker magazine
Deutsche Bank Prize in Financial Economics (2013)
Padma Shri, Government of India (2023)
Honorary Doctorates from several global universities

Physical Statistics

Height	5 ft 10 in (178 cm)
Weight	Approx. 72 kg
Hair Color	Black
Eye Color	Brown

Quotes

“The true test of reform is not whether it is announced, but whether it is implemented.”
“India’s greatest strength is its young population, and the challenge is to provide them with opportunity.”
“Good economics is good politics in the long run.”

Controversies

During his term as RBI Governor, Rajan faced criticism from some political quarters for his outspoken views on economic reforms and social issues. His warnings about the Indian banking sector’s bad loans were initially downplayed by some policymakers but later recognized as accurate. Rajan’s decision not to seek a second term as RBI Governor in 2016 also sparked widespread debate in the media and among economists.

Favorites

Favorite Book: “The Great Gatsby” by F. Scott Fitzgerald
Favorite Sport: Tennis
Favorite Cuisine: South Indian
Favorite Economist: John Maynard Keynes
Favorite Place: Chicago, USA

Salary & Net Worth

Raghuram Rajan’s net worth is estimated to be between $5–7 million as of 2025. His earnings stem from his academic salary at the University of Chicago, speaking engagements, advisory roles, and royalties from published works. While his salary as RBI Governor was modest by global standards, his international consultancy and academic roles have contributed significantly to his wealth.

Interesting Facts

Rajan was the youngest Chief Economist at the IMF when appointed in 2003.
He predicted the 2008 global financial crisis years before it happened.
He is an avid tennis player and often participates in faculty tournaments at the University of Chicago.
Rajan has authored several influential books, including “Fault Lines” and “The Third Pillar.”
He is frequently listed among the world’s most influential economists.

Social Media Links

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Raghuram Rajan best known for?
Raghuram Rajan is best known for his tenure as the 23rd Governor of the Reserve Bank of India and for predicting the 2008 global financial crisis.
Where does Raghuram Rajan work now?
As of 2025, he is a Professor of Finance at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business.
Is Raghuram Rajan married?
Yes, he is married to Radhika Puri Rajan, and they have two children.
What are some of Raghuram Rajan’s notable books?
Some of his notable books include “Fault Lines” and “The Third Pillar.”
What is Raghuram Rajan’s net worth?
His estimated net worth is between $5–7 million as of 2025.
Did Raghuram Rajan serve more than one term as RBI Governor?
No, he served a single term from 2013 to 2016.

Conclusion

Raghuram Rajan’s journey from a brilliant student in India to a globally respected economist and policy influencer is truly inspiring. His work continues to impact economic thought and policy worldwide. If you found this biography insightful, please share it with others interested in economics and leadership stories!

Sources
Chicago Booth
Reserve Bank of India
International Monetary Fund
Wikipedia