Ranchi: India's one-day international cricket captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni is all set to take up a challenge of a different kind.

He has enrolled himself at a college here to study for a commerce degree.

Dhoni took admission on Thursday in St. Xaviers college here. He was not present in Ranchi himself but his sister and brother-in-law, Gautam, completed the admission formalities.

He took admission in office management and secretarial practice, part of the Bachelors in Commerce course, said officials in St. Xaviers college.

The officials also said Dhoni, who was conferred the nation's highest sporting honour Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Aug 29, has sought exemption from attending classes.

"The college management will decide about exempting Dhoni from attending classes," an official said.

Students and teachers are excited about having Dhoni in their college.

"It is indeed a great moment for us. We can meet and talk to Dhoni in the college. Dhoni, who is inaccessible to people, will now visit the college," said Neha Kumari, a first year student.

Rajesh Sen, another student, said: "We are feeling proud to be a batch mate of Dhoni. We are feeling elated as our college will be recognised at national and international level."

Dhoni had met college Principal Nicloas Tete when he visited Ranchi last and expressed his desire to take admission in the graduation course.

Tete had accepted the request and agreed to grant admission in sports quota.

"It is big gift for us on Teachers' Day. We thank Dhoni for selecting our college to pursue graduation," said Walter Vengra, head of department of journalism.