The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Ropar held its 15th convocation on Thursday, awarding degrees to 761 students across undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs. The event also marked the announcement of a redesigned undergraduate curriculum set to begin in the 2026-27 academic year, along with new academic offerings and expanded research and infrastructure initiatives.
Convocation Highlights and New Academic Programs
The graduating class included 377 Bachelor of Technology (BTech) recipients, 177 Master of Technology (MTech) graduates, 65 Master of Science (MSc) students, one Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree holder, one diploma awardee, and 140 Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) scholars. The ceremony was attended by Padma Shri awardee Satyanarayan Nuwal, founder and chairman of Solar Industries India Limited, who served as the chief guest. Adil Zainulbhai, chairman of the IIT Ropar Board of Governors, presided over the event, while Director Rajeev Ahuja presented the institute's annual report.
Among the key announcements was a comprehensive redesign of the undergraduate curriculum. Starting from the 2026-27 academic session, students will complete their core courses by the end of their third year. The remaining time will be dedicated to electives, internships, research projects, or startup initiatives, offering greater flexibility and opportunities for hands-on learning.
The institute also introduced an interdisciplinary integrated dual degree program and launched a one-year postgraduate diploma in UAV operations and drone technology. This diploma is offered in partnership with Rajiv Gandhi National Aviation University, reflecting IIT Ropar's commitment to emerging technologies and industry collaboration.
Research Expansion and Infrastructure Developments
Director Rajeev Ahuja highlighted the institute's robust research portfolio, noting that IIT Ropar is currently managing 616 sponsored research projects and approximately 1,130 industrial consultancy projects. The institute has strengthened its defense research capabilities through two projects funded by the Army Technology Board and a memorandum of understanding with the Indian Air Force.
IIT Ropar's AgriTech initiative, ANNAM.AI, has also expanded its reach. The program recently hosted the AgriAI Global Summit and organized a hackathon in collaboration with Syngenta in France. Additionally, the initiative has deployed hyperlocal weather stations across Punjab to support precision agriculture.
On the infrastructure front, construction has begun on a new 500-seat girls' hostel and a lecture hall complex, aimed at enhancing campus facilities and accommodating the growing student body.
Messages to Graduates and Future Outlook
Chief guest Satyanarayan Nuwal urged graduates to pursue challenging careers rather than comfortable ones. He emphasized that persistence, not background, determines success and encouraged students to become builders who tackle difficult, regulated fields and master them over time.
Adil Zainulbhai reminded graduates that IIT Ropar, established in 2008, represents new opportunities in India’s higher education landscape. He encouraged students to seek out hard problems and less obvious paths, highlighting the unique moment for young professionals in India today.
Director Rajeev Ahuja concluded by stressing that education is not just about academic achievement but also about developing character and values. He expressed the institute's ongoing commitment to fostering research-driven, inclusive education and investing in academic infrastructure and innovation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How many students graduated at IIT Ropar's 15th convocation?
A: A total of 761 students received degrees across undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs.
Q: What changes are being made to the undergraduate curriculum?
A: Starting in the 2026-27 academic year, students will complete core courses by the end of year three and then focus on electives, internships, research, or startups for the remainder of their studies.
Q: What new academic programs has IIT Ropar introduced?
A: The institute launched an interdisciplinary integrated dual degree program and a one-year postgraduate diploma in UAV operations and drone technology in partnership with Rajiv Gandhi National Aviation University.
