Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS) Pilani's Hyderabad campus recently held its 2026 convocation ceremony, where over 1,500 students were awarded degrees. The event gathered graduates, their families, faculty, alumni, industry leaders, and special guests to honor the accomplishments of the class of 2026.
The convocation was chaired by V Ramgopal Rao, vice chancellor of BITS Pilani, with Dharmarajan Sriram, director in charge of the Hyderabad campus, also in attendance. Hari Menon, co-founder of BigBasket, served as the chief guest and addressed the graduates.
Convocation Highlights and Degree Distribution
The ceremony recognized a diverse group of graduates across various academic levels. More than 1,200 students received degrees from first-degree programs, nearly 200 were awarded higher degrees, and over 100 earned PhDs. This range reflects the campus’s commitment to comprehensive education spanning undergraduate to doctoral studies.
Special honors were presented to top-performing students. Among first-degree recipients, Archith Casheekar earned the gold medal, Alok Desai received silver, and Shreya Kunjankumar Mehta took bronze. In higher degree categories, gold medals went to Fahma Khadeeja, Kota Rohith Raj, and Kasala Nidheesh, while Harichithra C was awarded silver. PhD candidates Velmurugan K, Ronanki Suresh, and Shovon Sengupta were recognized for outstanding theses in Science, Engineering, and Non-STEM fields respectively.
Messages from Leadership and Chief Guest
Dharmarajan Sriram encouraged graduates to carry forward the values of integrity, innovation, resilience, and lifelong learning as they embark on their professional journeys. He emphasized the importance of contributing positively to society through their careers.
Hari Menon highlighted the significance of character, hard work, empathy, and continuous learning in building a successful and meaningful career. He advised graduates to learn from their experiences and maintain ethical standards to achieve lasting success.
Research Achievements and Placement Success
The convocation also showcased the Hyderabad campus’s strong performance in research and student placements during the 2025-26 academic year. Faculty secured 116 sponsored research projects totaling Rs 37.90 crore, demonstrating robust engagement with industry and government initiatives.
Additionally, faculty members published 1,968 research papers across various disciplines, reflecting a vibrant academic environment. On the placement front, over 750 students have already secured jobs, with a median annual salary reported at Rs 20 lakh, indicating strong demand for graduates from the institute.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How many degrees were awarded at the BITS Pilani Hyderabad 2026 convocation?
A: More than 1,500 degrees were conferred, including over 1,200 first degrees, nearly 200 higher degrees, and more than 100 PhDs.
Q: Who were the chief guests and key speakers at the event?
A: The convocation was chaired by V Ramgopal Rao, vice chancellor of BITS Pilani, with Dharmarajan Sriram, director of the Hyderabad campus, attending. Hari Menon, co-founder of BigBasket, was the chief guest.
Q: What were the placement outcomes for the graduating class?
A: Over 750 students secured placements with a median annual salary of Rs 20 lakh, reflecting strong career prospects for graduates.
