2150 degrees awarded during the 26th Convocation of IIT Guwahati

2150 degrees awarded during the 26^th Convocation of IIT Guwahati

⮚     In the 30 years of its excellence, 22600+ students have graduated from IIT Guwahati

⮚     The graduating students include 932 B.Tech. & B.Des. students, 655 M.Tech. and M.Des., 277 PhD and Dual (Masters + PhD) students, 182 M.Sc. students, 54 M.A. students, 34 MS (Research) students, and 16 MBA students

⮚     4 Gold Medals and 16 Silver Medals were awarded to the top-performing students, along with 14 Best PhD Thesis Awards and 14 Best Master's Thesis Awards

GUWAHATI, 14^th July 2024: A total of 2150 students (1682 Male and 468 Female) of Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati received their degrees in various disciplines today during the 26th Convocation Ceremony.

The graduating students include:

· 932 B.Tech. and B.Des. students

· 655 M.Tech. and M.Des. students

· 277 PhD & Dual (Masters + PhD) students

· 182 M.Sc. students

· 54 M.A. students

· 34 MS (Research) students

· 16 MBA students

Vedant Gaurang Shah, B.Tech. in Computer Science and Engineering, achieved the top score in the entire B.Tech/B.Des batch and was awarded the President of India Gold Medal. Rethyam Gupta, B.Tech. in Engineering Physics, received the Dr. Shankar Dayal Sharma Gold Medal. Additionally, Arpita Ray, M.Tech. in Geotechnical Engineering, was awarded the Governor of Assam PG Gold Medal, while Pranshu Kandoi, B.Tech. in Computer Science and Engineering, was awarded the Governor of Assam UG Gold Medal.

The Convocation Video can be viewed through the following livestream link –

YouTube Link: https://www.youtube.com/live/d0M33vRhlrs

Padma Shri awardee Dr. Sridhar Vembu, Founder and CEO of Zoho Corporation, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest, alongside Prof. Gautam Barua, Former Director of IIT Guwahati, who attended as the Guest of Honor. Dr. Rajiv I. Modi, Chairman, Board of Governors, presided over the event virtually, while Dr. Prahlada Rama Rao, Acting Chairperson, Board of Governors, IIT Guwahati, delivered the welcome address.

Presenting the Convocation Report, Prof. Devendra Jalihal, Director of IIT Guwahati, said, “We are proud to celebrate IIT Guwahati's 26^th Convocation. This milestone reflects the hard work and dedication of our graduating students, who have excelled in their academic and research pursuits. Our institute's achievements in tech transfer, patent filings, and high-quality research publications highlight the innovative spirit of our graduates.”

Prof. Jalihal added, "Our comprehensive efforts, recognized in the NIRF 2023, Times Higher Education Impact Rankings, Nature 2024, and QS World University Rankings 2025, underscore our unwavering commitment to excellence and innovation. With 11 departments, 9 academic centers, 5 academic schools, and the AAHII Hospital, IIT Guwahati not only strives for academic excellence but also actively fosters a culture of research-driven discovery and societal impact. Our initiatives exemplify our dedication to advancing knowledge, empowering global collaborations, and pioneering solutions that positively transform communities worldwide."

Prof. Jalihal concluded by expressing his heartfelt congratulations to all the graduates and expressing his confidence in each student to excel in life.

IIT Guwahati draws talented students from all over the country for its undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs, with an increasing number of international students. Over its 30-year history, IIT Guwahati has seen over 22,600 graduates.

Delivering the Convocation address, Chief Guest Dr. Sridhar Vembu, Founder and CEO of Zoho Corporation, congratulated the graduating class on their remarkable achievement. He encouraged them, saying, "As you embark on conquering the world with your knowledge and skills, allow me to share insights from my own journey. Indigenizing technology starts with proactively addressing immediate challenges, seeing them as fertile ground for innovation. It requires a steadfast commitment to investing in research and development, fostering a culture of creativity and resilience. Embrace challenges as they arise—they not only test and refine your strengths but also spark breakthroughs that drive significant progress and lasting impact. Remember, the lessons learned from experience are invaluable, guiding your path forward. Together, let us focus on developing our country and building our nation by enhancing our capabilities and expanding opportunities for all."

During his address Prof. Gautam Barua, Former Director of IIT Guwahati and IIT Guwahati 26^th Convocation Guest of Honor, said, “Congratulations to the graduating students on achieving this significant milestone! As you progress, I encourage you to explore diverse areas of interest and deepen your expertise. My best wishes to each of you for achieving continued success and fulfillment in all your future endeavours.”

Prof. Barua added, “Sustaining the momentum of growth and excellence is fundamental to the success of IITs. Our institute is defined by its rich culture and supportive environment, which must be preserved and passed down to future generations of faculty and students.”

IIT Guwahati is on its path to being recognized as one of the world’s top institutes/universities. By implementing NEP 2020 policies, IIT Guwahati is advancing in interdisciplinary, multi-disciplinary, and transdisciplinary research and technology development. This includes offering courses in futuristic areas, fostering a start-up culture, promoting entrepreneurship at all levels, and creating jobs in the Northeast.

During the reporting year, IIT Guwahati is spearheading a significant multi-institutional transformational project known as the “Digital Nerve Center,” in partnership with the National Health Mission Assam, TATA Medical & Diagnostics, and the Gates Foundation. This project exemplifies the involvement of a major academic institute for the first time, fostering partnerships with local and national governments, industry, and international agencies to significantly impact the healthcare delivery system in the northeast.

With the aim of strengthening and expanding the educational landscape of the entire Northeast region, IIT Guwahati has partnered with the state government to facilitate a range of training and mentoring programs for both teachers and students at the school level, encouraging them to pursue academic excellence. Over 100,000 students participated in the mega Science and Maths Olympiad conducted by the institute.

Additionally, the institute currently has 698 research and consultancy projects in progress, with a total sanctioned value of approximately Rs. 389 crores. In the year under review, 473 new research and consultancy projects, with a sanctioned value of Rs. 145 crores, have been initiated.

To cultivate innovation and excellence in drone technology services and education, IIT Guwahati launched India’s largest Remote Pilot Training Organization (RPTO). This facility spans 18 acres and can simultaneously operate 9 medium-class drones.

The institute also hosted an innovative three-month training program for defense personnel, including Junior Commissioned Officers (JCOs) and other officers, aiming to modernize armed forces operations.

These initiatives will help in developing indigenous technologies and generate direct and indirect employment opportunities.

On national and international recognition front, IIT Guwahati has retained the 7th position among the best engineering institutions in India and the 9th position in both ‘Overall’ and ‘Research’ categories in the ‘India Rankings 2023’ declared by the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) of the Union Ministry of Education. Additionally, IIT Guwahati’s subjects in Data Science and Petroleum Engineering have been ranked among the top 100 globally in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024.

Medal Winners For 26th Convocation

President of India Gold Medal

The President of India Gold Medal is awarded each year to the student who stands first securing the highest Cumulative Performance Index among all eligible students of the batch receiving the degrees of Bachelor of Technology and Bachelor of Design.

Dr Shankar Dayal Sharma Gold Medal

Dr. Shankar Dayal Sharma Gold Medal is awarded to a graduating student adjudged to be the best in terms of General Proficiency including Character, Conduct, Excellence in Academic Performance, Extra-curricular Activities and Social Service.

Governor of Assam Gold Medal (UG)

The ‘Governor of Assam Gold Medal’ for excellence to meritorious Undergraduate Student is awarded to the student who secures the second highest Cumulative Performance Index among all eligible students of the batch receiving the degrees of Bachelor of Technology and Bachelor of Design.

Governor of Assam Gold Medal (PG)

The ‘Governor of Assam Gold Medal’ for excellence to meritorious Postgraduate Student is awarded to the student who secures the highest Cumulative Performance Index among all eligible students of the batch receiving the postgraduate degrees across all disciplines of the Institute.