IIT Mandi Hosts 14th Convocation, Celebrates Largest-Ever B.Tech Graduating Batch.

643 Students Awarded Degrees; Vayun Goel Receives President of India Gold Meda

Shimla:

The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Mandi marked a significant milestone in its academic journey as it hosted its 14th Convocation at the scenic North Campus in Kamand Valley on Friday. The ceremony witnessed the graduation of 643 students, including the largest-ever B.Tech batch in the institute’s history, underscoring IIT Mandi’s growing stature as a center of excellence in higher education, research, and innovation.

Among the graduating students were 63 Ph.D. scholars, 259 postgraduate students, and 321 undergraduate students. The event celebrated academic achievements, research excellence, innovation, and leadership while reaffirming the institute’s commitment to nurturing future-ready professionals and nation-builders.

The convocation ceremony was attended by distinguished dignitaries, including Mr. B.K. Goenka, Founder of Welspun World, who served as the Chief Guest. Guests of Honour included Prof. V. Kamakoti, Director of IIT Madras, and Prof. Rangan Banerjee, Director of IIT Delhi. The ceremony was presided over by Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Kanwal Jeet Singh Dhillon, Chairman of the Board of Governors, IIT Mandi.

Graduates Encouraged to Lead with Courage and Innovation

Addressing the graduating class, Chief Guest Mr. B.K. Goenka urged students to embrace originality, courage, and adaptability in an increasingly technology-driven world.

“Stay original in the age of artificial intelligence, have the courage to learn from failures, and never stop adapting. Knowledge today is only a button away; what truly matters is how you apply it. Knowledge must be complemented by courage and resilience to overcome every challenge. Remember, your time is India’s time, and the future of our nation will be shaped by your ideas, actions, and commitment,” he said.

Congratulating the students, Prof. Laxmidhar Behera, Director of IIT Mandi, emphasized the role of young graduates in realizing the national vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.

“As our graduates embark on a new journey, I encourage them to use their knowledge, innovation, and determination to contribute towards the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047. Every challenge presents an opportunity to innovate and create meaningful solutions for society,” he said.

Prof. Behera also highlighted recent achievements of the institute, including securing externally sponsored research projects worth nearly ₹100 crore. He noted that IIT Mandi has expanded its academic offerings by becoming the first IIT in India to launch a B.Tech programme in Quantum Science and Engineering, alongside new B.Tech programmes in Agricultural Engineering with Data Analytics and Chemical Engineering with Data Analytics.

Largest-Ever B.Tech Batch Graduates

A major highlight of the convocation was the graduation of 321 B.Tech students, the highest number of undergraduate engineers to graduate in a single year since the institute’s inception.

The achievement reflects IIT Mandi’s rapid academic growth and increasing contribution to producing highly skilled engineers and innovators for the nation.

The graduating cohort represented diverse disciplines including engineering sciences, artificial intelligence, data science, management, sustainability, healthcare technologies, and advanced manufacturing, demonstrating the institute’s expanding interdisciplinary focus.

Vayun Goel Wins President of India Gold Medal

One of the most prestigious recognitions of the day was awarded to Vayun Goel, who received the President of India Gold Medal for outstanding academic performance and overall excellence.

Goel also received the Institute Gold Medal in B.Tech. (Computer Science and Engineering), making him one of the most distinguished graduates of the Class of 2026.

Honouring Excellence Across Disciplines

Several students were recognized for their exceptional academic achievements, leadership qualities, research contributions, and innovative spirit.

The Director’s Gold Medal was awarded to Sukhvansh Jain for exemplary performance in academics, leadership, and overall development.

Among undergraduate programmes, Institute Gold Medals were awarded to:

– Sneha Chandna – B.Tech. Bioengineering
– Khushi Rewar – B.Tech. Civil Engineering
– Bipanjit Singh – B.Tech. Data Science and Engineering
– Akshar Agrawal – B.Tech. Electrical Engineering
– Aridaman Singh Chauhan – B.Tech. Engineering Physics
– Pranjal Vats – B.Tech. Mechanical Engineering

The Rani Gonsalves Memorial Medal was presented to Archita for excellence in academics and co-curricular activities.

The NBCC Awards were conferred upon Khushi Rewar, Ojaswi Hemant Choudhary, and Niharika Chauhan for their distinguished performance in Civil Engineering.

Recognizing innovation and entrepreneurship, the Institute Innovation Silver Medal was awarded to Ananya Rai and Virani Devendrabhai Dineshbhai.

The Kiran Bala Arora Memorial Award was presented to Ekansh Verma.

Postgraduate Students Shine

The convocation also celebrated exceptional achievements among postgraduate students.

Institute Gold Medals were awarded to:

– Sneha Vijayan – M.A. Development Studies
– Khushi Garg – MBA Data Science and Artificial Intelligence
– Kashish Chaudhary – M.Sc. Applied Mathematics
– Preeti – M.Sc. Chemistry
– Manav Gupta – M.Sc. Physics
– Chikirsha Gulati – M.Tech. Biotechnology
– Aayush Thakur – M.Tech. Power Electronics and Drives
– Adarsh Arya – M.Tech. Structural Engineering

A Celebration of Achievement and Future Aspirations

The 14th Convocation brought together students, faculty members, parents, alumni, and distinguished guests in a celebration of perseverance, innovation, and academic excellence.

The ceremony highlighted IIT Mandi’s growing role in advancing interdisciplinary research, entrepreneurship, sustainability, and social impact. As the graduates embark on careers in industry, research, academia, entrepreneurship, and public service, the institute reaffirmed its mission of developing responsible leaders and innovators capable of addressing the challenges of the future.

With its largest-ever B.Tech graduating class and a growing portfolio of cutting-edge academic programmes and research initiatives, IIT Mandi continues to strengthen its position as one of India’s leading institutions of higher education and technological innovation.

The Class of 2026 now leaves the institute carrying forward the values of lifelong learning, compassion, innovation, and service to society, while contributing to the nation’s journey toward a developed India.