Punjab News Express
IIT Ropar Holds Its 14th Annual Convocation
Date: December 10, 2025
Location: Ropar, Punjab
On July 17, 2025, the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Ropar celebrated its 14th Annual Convocation at its permanent campus. This year’s ceremony was marked by the presence of distinguished guests and a significant increase in the number of degrees awarded.
Chief Guest and Keynote Address
The Chief Guest for the occasion was Mr. Shrikant Madhav Vaidya, the former Chairman of Indian Oil Corporation Ltd. In his convocation address, he inspired the graduates to take on the responsibility of leading India towards energy sovereignty. He stated, “India imports nearly 90% of its crude oil and 60% of gas. Energy independence by 2047 is our collective goal. Graduates today have a unique opportunity to shape this journey through innovation, reliability, and integrity.”
Degrees Awarded
This year, a total of 720 degrees were conferred upon the graduating students, which included:
- 354 B.Tech degrees
- 181 M.Tech degrees
- 69 M.Sc degrees
- 114 PhD degrees
- 2 B.Tech-M.Tech Dual Degrees
This marks a remarkable 31.87% increase in the number of graduating students compared to the previous year.
Director’s Address
Prof. Rajeev Ahuja, the Director of IIT Ropar, presided over the ceremony and highlighted the institute’s rapid growth as one of India’s fastest-growing IITs. He noted that currently, 30% of India’s deep-tech agricultural startups are emerging from IIT Ropar. The institute has also launched a B.Tech program in Digital Agriculture and is in the process of developing a Large Language Model (LLM) for agriculture in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture.
Encouragement from the Board of Governors
Adil Zainulbhai, the Chairman of the Board of Governors, addressed the graduates with words of encouragement. He urged them to maintain a connection with their alma mater and to contribute meaningfully to its growth. He stated, “Success brings recognition, and your roots at IIT Ropar will always define you.”
Highlights from the Event
The convocation ceremony was not only a celebration of academic achievements but also a platform for inspiring future endeavors. The presence of esteemed guests and the impactful speeches delivered created an atmosphere of motivation and aspiration among the graduates.
Future Initiatives
IIT Ropar is committed to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship among its students. The institute’s focus on deep-tech solutions, particularly in agriculture, is indicative of its dedication to addressing pressing challenges faced by the nation. The introduction of programs like B.Tech in Digital Agriculture reflects the institute’s proactive approach in equipping students with relevant skills for the future.
Community Engagement
As the graduates embark on their professional journeys, the emphasis on community engagement and contribution to society remains a core value at IIT Ropar. The institute encourages its alumni to stay connected and contribute to its legacy of excellence.
Conclusion
The 14th Annual Convocation of IIT Ropar was a testament to the hard work and dedication of the students and faculty alike. With a significant increase in graduates and a focus on innovation, the institute is poised to make a substantial impact in various sectors, particularly in agriculture and technology.
Note: This article is based on the events and announcements made during the IIT Ropar 14th Annual Convocation held on July 17, 2025.
