The Krishna Kumar Birla (K K Birla) Goa Campus of Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS) Pilani held its 2026 convocation ceremony, conferring degrees on 1,109 students. The graduating class included 674 first-degree recipients, 257 dual-degree students, 121 higher-degree candidates, and 57 Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) scholars. The event brought together faculty, officials, graduates, and their families to celebrate academic accomplishments.
Rakesh Kumar Verma, a BITS Pilani alumnus and the co-founder, chairman, and managing director of MapmyIndia, served as the chief guest. BITS Pilani Group Vice Chancellor V Ramgopal Rao and Goa campus Director Suman Kundu were also present, underscoring the significance of the occasion.
Academic Honors and Awards at the Convocation
Several students were recognized for their outstanding academic performance during the ceremony. Among first-degree graduates, Shamit Khetan earned the gold medal, while Vrishti Deepak Godhwani and Aditya Ashok Tailor received silver and bronze medals respectively. In the higher-degree category, Sumit Sakharam Ghodke and Rudraksh Alias Bhagwant Mukund Suryarao Sardesai jointly secured the gold medal. Silver medals were awarded to Vignesh A and Neelima M.
The convocation also highlighted research excellence through awards such as the Suman Kapur Memorial Best PhD Thesis Award 2026 and the Raghurama Outstanding Student Award for 2025-26, recognizing exceptional contributions to scholarship and innovation.
Expanding Academic Programs and Research Initiatives
The Goa campus has recently broadened its academic offerings by introducing Master of Engineering (ME) programs in quantum science and technology, as well as quantum information processing. Additionally, a minor in computing and intelligence was launched, along with a 2+2 computer science program in partnership with RMIT University in Australia, providing students with international exposure and interdisciplinary learning opportunities.
Research at the campus is thriving, with 91 sponsored projects totaling over Rs 30.72 crore in funding. The campus produced 720 research publications covering cutting-edge fields such as quantum technology, green hydrogen, semiconductor devices, and navigation systems. To support this growth, the institute has enhanced its research infrastructure by upgrading laboratories and establishing nine new international collaborations.
Vision for Future Graduates and Institutional Growth
Vice Chancellor V Ramgopal Rao encouraged graduates to embrace curiosity, integrity, and excellence as they embark on their careers. He emphasized the importance of interdisciplinary skills, noting that future leaders will need to navigate multiple fields rather than specialize narrowly. This approach is reflected in the campus’s curriculum redesign, which incorporates flexible electives and expanded minors.
Rao also highlighted the entrepreneurial spirit of BITS Pilani alumni, pointing out that graduates have founded 140 deep-tech startups, more than any other Indian institution, surpassing even IIT Bombay and IIT Delhi. He affirmed that BITS Pilani’s vision focuses on building excellence, promoting equity, and expanding thoughtfully, values he hopes graduates will carry forward in their professional journeys.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How many students graduated from BITS Pilani Goa campus in 2026?
A: A total of 1,109 students received degrees, including first-degree, dual-degree, higher-degree, and PhD scholars.
Q: What new academic programs were introduced at the Goa campus?
A: The campus added ME programs in quantum science and technology and quantum information processing, a minor in computing and intelligence, and a 2+2 computer science program with RMIT University, Australia.
Q: What research achievements did the Goa campus report?
A: The campus secured 91 sponsored research projects worth over Rs 30.72 crore and published 720 research papers in areas like quantum technology, green hydrogen, and semiconductor devices.
