The Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee (IIT Roorkee) conferred degrees on 1,277 undergraduate students on the first day of its two-day Convocation 2026, marking the completion of their academic journey and transition into professional life.
The undergraduate degree recipients comprised 1,001 male and 276 female students across B.Arch, B.Tech, Integrated M.Tech, Integrated M.Sc., IDD, BS-MS and B.S. programmes.
Highest-ever degrees in two-day convocation
Convocation 2026 is significant for IIT Roorkee as the institute is conferring its highest-ever 2,701 degrees across the two-day ceremony. The institute is also awarding the BS-MS degree for the first time under its five-year Dual Degree Programme.
Ajit Kumar Doval, KC, National Security Advisor of India, was the Chief Guest and delivered the Convocation Address. General N. S. Raja Subramani, PVSM, AVSM, SM, VSM, Chief of Defence Staff of India and Secretary, Department of Military Affairs, was the Guest of Honour.
Adv. Harish Salve, former Solicitor General of India and Chairman, Board of Governors, IIT Roorkee, presided over the ceremony.
Focus on learning and innovation
IIT Roorkee Director Prof. K.K. Pant said the graduation of 1,277 undergraduate students marked not just the completion of their academic programmes but the beginning of a journey where their knowledge, creativity and values could contribute to society and the nation.
“I encourage you to never lose the habit of asking questions and the curiosity to keep learning,” Prof. K.K. Pant said, adding that IIT Roorkee seeks to equip students with technical knowledge, critical thinking and the ability to innovate responsibly.
Srivaradan Balaji, a student of BS-MS Chemical Sciences, received the President’s Gold Medal for securing the highest CGPA among undergraduate students admitted through JEE (Advanced).
Doval receives Honoris Causa
A key highlight of the ceremony was the conferment of the Honoris Causa degree on Shri Ajit Kumar Doval, KC, recognising his distinguished public service.
Doval said institutions such as IIT Roorkee play an important role in preparing young minds to address emerging national challenges through technology, innovation and research.
He encouraged the graduating students to use their knowledge and skills for the larger good of society and the nation.
General N. S. Raja Subramani also emphasised the role of young professionals and researchers in addressing emerging challenges through technology, innovation and research.
Harish Salve urged graduates to embrace challenges and learn from setbacks as they move beyond the institute.
Research and innovation gains
IIT Roorkee has continued to strengthen its research and innovation ecosystem. During the year, the institute filed 136 patent applications, secured 144 patent grants and supported the establishment of 11 faculty-led start-ups.
In the QS World University Rankings, IIT Roorkee was placed 335th globally and seventh nationally. In the NIRF 2025 rankings, it secured seventh position in the Overall category and sixth in Engineering, while Architecture retained the top position for the fifth consecutive year.