Geshe Lharampa, which means "intellectual" in the Tibetan language, is the highest academic degree for the Gelugba School -- also known as the Yellow Sect -- of Tibetan Buddhism. The history of Geshe Lharampa goes back 400 years.

The award ceremony was held in the Jokhang Temple in downtown Lhasa, the regional capital.

Phuntsog Tendar, a 34-year-old monk from the Ganden Monastery, won the first prize in the examination, saying he would work hard to impart his knowledge to the young monks and be a disciplined monk.

By end of 2018, a total of 117 monks have received the degree since the exam was restored in 2004.