Apart from musical learnings he did his graduation in humanities from Asutosh College, Kolkata. He did his Masters as well as Ph. D from Rabindra Bharati University. His thesis was entitled "Nazrulgeeti - Roop O Rashanabhuti". During his school and college days, Anup took part in many reputed music competitions(All India) where he secured highest marks in different classical, light classical, Bengali songs(traditional and modern), Rabindra Sangeet and folk songs. Anup stood first in 'Sangeet Bharati Degree Examination'(classical music) in the year 1966-67 and was awarded a gold medal. He is a National Scholar, selected in 1966-67(securing highest position in classical music).

Anup's first venture into movies as a playback singer was at the age of 19 yrs, when he sang for the movie of all times, 'Goopi Gyne Bagha Byne', by the legendary Satyajit Ray. His association with Ray continued which made him the rightful recipient of National Award in 1981 for 'Hirak Rajar Deshe'. He has sung for various Bengali as well as Hindi movies, and also in Bhojpuri and Assamese.

Dr. Ghosal has visited UK, USA, Canada, Germany for various musical concerts. He has been equally appreciated in the countries abroad as has been in India. He still visits the Western countries to promote Indian Musical Culture with special reference to Bengali songs along with folk songs of Bengal. Anup Ghosal has also written an authoritative book on Indian Music, "Ganer Bhubane". He believes that music is universal and is the best unifying force.

Works
Music lovers first heard the voice of Anup Ghosal in 'Varsha Mangal', long playing released from HMV where he rendered a beautiful Rabindra Sangeet (Kotha je udhao holo). His next release was in 1969 from HMV, in a SP record of Nazrulgeeti. His first major break in the world of play back singing for the movies came when he was asked by Satyajit Ray for his film 'Goopi Gyne Bagha Byne'. Dr. Ghosal can truly be called a find of Mr. Ray, the film Maestro. Can anyone really forget the strains of 'Dekho re nayan mele' as the sun slowly rises in the horizon? Well that was Anup Ghosal. Thereafter there was no looking back for him. He gave his golden voice for movies like 'Hirok Rajar Deshe', 'Goopi Bagha Phire Elo', 'Sasti', 'Atattatar Din Pare', 'Naikar Bhumikaye', 'Kabi', 'Chhadabesi', 'Jiban Jerakam', 'Nimantran', 'Phuleswari', 'Biraj Bou', 'Mohan Baganer Maye', 'Subarnagolak', 'Bancharamer Bagan', 'Harmonium', 'Ek Je Chilo Desh', 'AajabGayer Aajab Katha' & 'Sagina Mahato' in Bengali.

Tujhse naraz nahi' of Masoom was one in particular that won him both critical and popular acclaim. On an invitation from Bappi Lahiri, Dr. Ghosal sang a song for the Raj Babbar-Smita starer Sapath. 'Husun bhi aaphai, ishk bhi aap hai' was a ghazal based rendering with a disco tempo. 'Sishe ka Ghar', 'Patal Bhairavi', 'Main Tere Liye' were other Hindi movies for which he sang.

Awards
Dr. Anup Ghosal received his first National Award in 1980-81, from the President of India, as the Best Male Playback singer for the film 'Hirok Rajar Deshe'. He also received the Bengal Film Journalists' Association Award (BFJA) for 4 times for Tapan Sinha's 'Sagina Mahato', Satyajit Ray's 'Hirok Rajar Deshe' and 'Goopy Bagha Phire Elo', Shekhar Kapoor's 'Masoom', and many other awards from different Film Critics Association.

As a reward for his versatile musical talent Dr. Ghosal has been awarded a 'Top-Grade' in the category of light music by All India Radio and Doordarshan, considered most prestigious recognition by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. He has also been recognized as the Honorary Citizen of Chicago in 1994, by the Mayor Richard Daley, of the state of Illinois.