Ajit Singh Singhvi was initially in second place in the awards list of Rajasthan University in 1969.
However, he disputed the result, after declaring that he deserved first place.
Mr Singhvi collected his medal after a prolonged legal conflict and deferrals by the university.
The retired civil servant said: “I am happy, but I wish I had received this medal long ago. It would have helped my career in the civil service.”
His friend Trilochan Singh said: “Mr Singhvi had set an example for others that you must fight for what you believe in.”
