Thirteen monks obtained the highest academic degree available at the Geluk School of Tibetan Buddhism on Sunday after passing the annual sutra debate in Lhasa, Xizang autonomous region.

The Geshe Lharampa degree is equal to a doctorate. Monks gather at Lhasa's Jokhang Temple to present their ideas in debate form in the hopes of earning this title.

The newly accredited Geshe Lharampas come from Geluk School monasteries in Shigatse, Lhokha, Chamdo, Nagchu, and Lhasa. To date, 215 monks have been awarded the degree.