643 students awarded degrees; 63 PhD scholars among graduating class
Munish Sood
Mandi
The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Mandi celebrated its 14th Convocation on Saturday at its picturesque North Campus in Kamand Valley, marking another significant milestone in the institute’s journey as a leading centre of technological education and research in the Western Himalayas.
A total of 643 students received degrees during the ceremony, including 321 undergraduate students, 259 postgraduate students, and 63 PhD scholars. Notably, this year’s graduating class included the largest B.Tech batch in the institute’s history, underscoring IIT Mandi’s steady academic growth and expanding educational footprint.
The convocation was attended by B.K. Goenka, Founder of Welspun World, as the Chief Guest. The ceremony was also graced by Prof. V. Kamakoti, Director, IIT Madras, and Prof. Rangan Banerjee, Director, IIT Delhi, as Guests of Honour. Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Kanwal Jeet Singh Dhillon, PVSM, UYSM, YSM, VSM, Chairman of the Board of Governors, presided over the event.
Addressing the graduating students, B.K. Goenka urged them to embrace the values of joy, originality and courage as they step into an increasingly technology-driven world.
“In the era of Artificial Intelligence, preserve your originality, have the courage to learn from failures and remain adaptable to change. Knowledge is readily available today, but what truly matters is how you apply it. India’s future will be shaped by your ideas, actions and commitment,” he said.
Congratulating the graduating class, Prof. Laxmidhar Behera, Director, IIT Mandi, encouraged students to contribute towards the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047 through innovation, research and technological excellence.
He highlighted that the institute has recently secured externally funded research projects worth nearly ₹100 crore, further strengthening its research ecosystem. He also noted that IIT Mandi has launched India’s first B.Tech programme in Quantum Science and Engineering, along with new programmes in Agricultural Engineering with Data Analytics and Chemical Engineering with Data Analytics, reflecting its commitment to future-ready education.
Academic Excellence Recognised
The convocation witnessed the recognition of outstanding academic achievements across disciplines.
Vayun Goyal emerged as the top performer, receiving the prestigious President of India Gold Medal along with the Institute Gold Medal in B.Tech (Computer Science and Engineering).
The Director’s Gold Medal was awarded to Sukhvansh Jain for excellence in academics, leadership and overall development.
Institute Gold Medals were also conferred upon Sneha Chandna (Bioengineering), Khushi Rewar (Civil Engineering), Bipanjit Singh (Data Science and Engineering), Akshar Agrawal (Electrical Engineering), Aridaman Singh Chauhan (Engineering Physics) and Pranjal Vats (Mechanical Engineering).
Archita received the Rani Gonsalves Memorial Medal for excellence in academics and co-curricular activities, while Khushi Rewar, Ojasvi Hemant Chaudhary and Niharika Chauhan were honoured with the NBCC Awards for outstanding performance in Civil Engineering.
The Institute Innovation Silver Medal was presented to Ananya Rai and Virani Devendrabhai Dineshbhai for promoting innovation and entrepreneurship, while Ekansh Verma received the Kiran Bala Arora Memorial Award.
Among postgraduate students, Institute Gold Medals were awarded to Sneha Vijayan (M.A. Development Studies), Khushi Garg (MBA Data Science & Artificial Intelligence), Kashish Chaudhary (M.Sc. Applied Mathematics), Preeti (M.Sc. Chemistry), Manav Gupta (M.Sc. Physics), Chikirsha Gulati (M.Tech Biotechnology), Ayush Thakur (M.Tech Power Electronics & Drives) and Adarsh Arya (M.Tech Structural Engineering).
The ceremony brought together faculty members, parents, alumni and distinguished guests to celebrate the achievements of the graduating students and reaffirm IIT Mandi’s commitment to nurturing innovation, interdisciplinary research, entrepreneurship and socially responsible leadership.
As the graduating class embarks on new journeys in industry, academia, research and entrepreneurship, the convocation symbolised not only the successful completion of their academic pursuits but also the beginning of their contribution towards nation-building through knowledge, innovation and service.
