Roorkee, Uttarakhand, Sept 20: The Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee (IIT Roorkee) celebrated the academic achievements of its graduating undergraduate students on the first day of Convocation 2026, held today at the Institute. A total of 1,277 undergraduate students were conferred degrees, marking a significant milestone in their academic journey and the beginning of a new phase of their professional and personal lives.
The ceremony was graced by Shri Ajit Kumar Doval, KC, National Security Advisor of India, as the Chief Guest, who delivered the Convocation Address. General N. S. Raja Subramani, PVSM, AVSM, SM, VSM, Chief of Defence Staff of India and Secretary, Department of Military Affairs, was the Guest of Honour.
Adv. Harish Salve, Former Solicitor General of India and Chairman, Board of Governors, IIT Roorkee, presided over the ceremony.
The first day of the two-day Convocation focused on the Institute's undergraduate graduating students and celebrated their accomplishments across diverse academic disciplines. The undergraduate degrees include B.Arch, B.Tech, Integrated M.Tech, Integrated M.Sc., IDD, BS-MS and B.S. programmes. The official degree details record 1,001 male and 276 female undergraduate degree recipients.
A milestone in IIT Roorkee's academic journey
The Convocation 2026 is particularly significant as IIT Roorkee is conferring its highest-ever number of degrees, 2,701, across the two-day ceremony. The Institute is also awarding the BS-MS degree for the first time under its five-year Dual Degree Programme.
The ceremony featured the presentation of Institute-level awards and medals, and the Convocation Address by the Chief Guest, followed by the conferment of undergraduate degrees, the graduates' oath and the presentation of other medals and prizes.
Prof. K.K. Pant, Director, IIT Roorkee, said, “Convocation is a moment of immense pride for our students, their families, our faculty and the entire IIT Roorkee community. A total of 2,701 students are receiving their degrees over the two-day convocation. Today, the graduation of 1,277 undergraduate students marks not merely the completion of an academic programme, but the beginning of a journey in which their knowledge, creativity and values can contribute to society and the nation. I encourage you to never lose the habit of asking questions and the curiosity to keep learning. At IIT Roorkee, we strive to nurture young minds who are equipped not only with technical knowledge, but also with the ability to think critically, innovate responsibly and address complex challenges. As you embark on this new chapter, I urge you to carry your achievements with humility and remain open to learning throughout your journey. I am confident that our graduates will carry forward the spirit of excellence and service that defines IIT Roorkee and make meaningful contributions wherever their journeys take them.”
Mr. Srivaradan Balaji, a student of BS-MS Chemical Sciences, received the President's Gold Medal for securing the highest CGPA among the undergraduate graduating students admitted through JEE (Advanced).
Adv. Harish Salve, Chairman, Board of Governors, IIT Roorkee, said, “As you step beyond the familiar and secure environment of IIT Roorkee, you will encounter a world that will not always offer easy answers or predictable paths. Embrace these challenges, and do not be afraid of failure, for failure is often the best teacher. The successes you achieve will be important, but the setbacks you face will often teach you the lessons that shape your character and strengthen your resolve. As you move forward, remember that your achievements stand on the shoulders of those who have supported and guided you.. I hope you will use the opportunities before you not only to build fulfilling lives, but also to contribute meaningfully to society and the nation. I extend my heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to all the graduating students and their families.”
General N. S. Raja Subramani, PVSM, AVSM, SM, VSM, Chief of Defence Staff of India and Secretary, Department of Military Affairs, said, “I am delighted to be part of the Convocation of IIT Roorkee and to witness this important milestone in the lives of its graduating students. The progress of a nation depends greatly on the knowledge, capabilities and commitment of its young generation. Institutions such as IIT Roorkee play an important role in preparing young minds to address emerging challenges through technology, innovation and research. I encourage the students to pursue excellence while remaining conscious of their responsibility towards the nation and society. I extend my warm congratulations and best wishes to all the students.”
A significant highlight of the first day of Convocation 2026 was the conferment of the Honoris Causa degree upon Shri Ajit Kumar Doval, KC, National Security Advisor of India. The honour, conferred by the Chairman, Senate, recognises his distinguished public service and marks a notable moment in the Institute’s Convocation proceedings. His presence at IIT Roorkee added further significance to the occasion as the graduating students embarked on the next phase of their academic and professional journeys.
Shri Ajit Kumar Doval KC, National Security Advisor of India, said, “It is a privilege to be part of the Convocation of IIT Roorkee, an institution that has made significant contributions to the nation through excellence in education, research and technological innovation. As the graduating students embark on the next phase of their journey, they carry with them not only the knowledge and skills acquired at the Institute but also the responsibility to use them for the larger good of society and the nation. The challenges before India require young professionals and researchers who can think innovatively, act with integrity and contribute with a strong sense of purpose. I congratulate all the graduating students and wish them every success in their future endeavours.”
IIT Roorkee continues to strengthen its position as a leading institution in education, research and innovation. In the QS World University Rankings, the Institute secured 335th position globally and 7th position nationally, while in the NIRF 2025 rankings, it was placed 7th in the Overall category and 6th in Engineering, with Architecture retaining the top position for the fifth consecutive year. During the year, the Institute further strengthened its research and innovation ecosystem, filing 136 patent applications, securing 144 patent grants and supporting the establishment of 11 faculty-led start-ups.
Gold Medal Winners for Convocation 2026
|
Sl. No |
Award |
Student name and stream |
|
1. |
President Gold Medal |
Mr. Srivaradan Balaji |
|
2. |
Director Gold Medal |
Mr. Navneet Kumar |
|
3. |
The President of India Dr. Shankar Dayal Sharma Gold Medal |
Ms. Aashi Jain |
|
4. |
Institute Silver Medal |
Mr. Roopam Taneja |
|
5. |
Institute Bronze Medal |
Mr. Sukrit Jindal |
The Convocation at IIT Roorkee celebrated the achievements of its graduates while reaffirming the Institute’s commitment to advancing education, research and innovation. As the graduates embark on their new journeys, they carry forward the legacy of IIT Roorkee’s excellence and are poised to make meaningful contributions to academia, industry, research and society. The first day highlighted the Institute’s continued emphasis on developing graduates with strong academic foundations and the capacity to contribute across diverse sectors, with distinguished guests emphasising the importance of knowledge, leadership, innovation, responsibility and service to the nation. The Institute congratulated all graduating students and their families and acknowledged the contribution of faculty members, mentors and staff in shaping their academic journey.
The Convocation 2026 celebrations will continue on 20 September 2026, with the Institute conferring postgraduate and PhD degrees on 1,424 students, further recognising academic excellence, research and scholarly achievements across diverse disciplines.
