• The President of India Gold Medalist This Year Is Also A Female Student
• IIT Mandi will celebrate 15th year convocation as home coming for the first batch

Mandi; November 13th, 2025:  The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Mandi held its 13th Convocation today at its scenic North Campus in Kamand Valley. The ceremony marked another milestone in the institute’s journey as a premier center of technological innovation and interdisciplinary research in India’s Western Himalayas.

A total of 604 students were awarded degrees this year, including 71 Ph.D., 245 postgraduates, and 288 B.Tech graduates. Among these, over 25 percent of graduates are female. This year’s convocation showcased IIT Mandi’s growing reputation for academic excellence, research impact, and innovation-driven learning and preparation of next-gen entrepreneurs.

The grand event was graced by Prof. Shekhar C. Mande, Former Director General, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), as the Chief Guest who delivered the Convocation Address. In his inspiring speech, he emphasized the importance of innovation for sustainable development and encouraged graduates to lead with empathy and integrity in addressing national goals and global challenges. Dr. Jagannath Nayak, Director, Centre for High Energy Systems and Sciences (CHESS), DRDO, and Prof. Budaraju Srinivasa Murty, Director, IIT Hyderabad, attended as Guests of Honour. The ceremony was chaired by Prof. Laxmidhar Behera, Director, IIT Mandi. 

In his address, Prof. Behera, congratulated the graduating students and lauded their resilience, creativity, and commitment to excellence.  He said, “IIT Mandi continues to nurture a vibrant ecosystem of learning and innovation in the Himalayas. Over the years, IIT Mandi has established itself as a hub of interdisciplinary research that bridges between technological advancements and human values. Our graduates are not only brilliant engineers and scientists but attend to challenges of sustainability through technological innovations that resonate with our local and national priorities.”

Lastly, he remarked, “I congratulate 604 students graduating today, 26% of which are female graduates.  Remarkable to note is that The President of India Gold Medalist today is also a female student.  IIT Mandi albeit a second generation IIT is known for research and innovation.  We are putting a special focus on reverse engineering for products which the world today is depending upon.  Our achievements are now visible in NIRF Rankings 2025 where we have taken a big leap in overall NIRF rankings.  We are committed towards development of the region and working closely for disaster management in the state.

Prof. Shekhar C. Mande, Former Director General, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), said, “I congratulate IIT Mandi for creating such a beautiful campus and institution. Students must think about how they can contribute to the success of nation. Science and Tech should help the society and should not be used in ugly events like the one that happened in Delhi.   Science without humanity isn’t useful.

Prof. Budaraju Srinivasa Murty, Director, IIT Hyderabad and Dr. Jagannath Nayak, Director, Centre for High Energy Systems and Sciences (CHESS), DRDO emphasised students towards contributing to the success of nation. They asked students to focus on becoming job creators and not just job seekers.  

Celebrating Academic Excellence

This year’s Convocation was especially significant as it witnessed the graduation of the first batches from the newly introduced B.Tech–M.Tech Dual Degree, B.Tech with Second Major, and B.Tech with Specialization programs — a milestone reflecting IIT Mandi’s dynamic and future-oriented approach to education. For the first time, the institute also granted degrees in “B.Tech with Specialization in Entrepreneurship” strengthening its expanding focus on interdisciplinary and experiential learning ecosystem. Additionally, 13 students received B.Tech (Honours) degrees this year, marking a new benchmark in academic achievement.

Awarding Excellence and Leadership

The ceremony recognized Outstanding Academic and Research Performances through the presentation of prestigious medals and awards.

• Riya Arora was awarded the President’s Gold Medal and the Institute Silver Medal in B.Tech (Computer Science and Engineering) for her exceptional all-round performance.
• Vaibhav Kesharwani received the Director’s Gold Medal for his outstanding contributions to academics and leadership.
• Bhavya was conferred the Institute Gold Medal (Postgraduate Programmes) for exemplary scholastic excellence.
• Eshaan received the Institute Silver Medal for B.Tech (Bio-Engineering), while Bishwadeep Purkayastha earned the Institute Silver Medal for B.Tech (Civil Engineering).
• Other students awarded the Institute Silver Medal are: Raj Singh Bani for B.Tech (Data Science and Engineering), Lakhan Dharamvir Gupta for B.Tech (Electrical Engineering), Arush Samadhia for B.Tech (Engineering Physics), and Keshav Verma for B.Tech (Mechanical Engineering).
• Among PG students, Institute Silver Medals were awarded to: Yashashvi Trivedi for MBA (Data Science and Artificial Intelligence), Nikhil Tyagi for M.Tech. (VLSI), Praveen Kumar for M.Sc (Applied Mathematics), Vanshika Gupta for M.Sc (Chemistry), and Bhavya for M.Sc (Physics).
• Aishal Gupta was recognised with the Rani Gonsalves Memorial Medal for her exceptional performance in academics and extracurricular excellence.
• Akshat Sharma was recognised with the Ms. Kiran Bala Arora Memorial Award.
• Awards were also presented to Anugraha K Kurian, Najnin Khatun, Vaibhav Sharma, Wanode Ashish Yogendra and Deekshant Sharma for their distinguished academic accomplishments.

As a highlight, NBCC (India) Limited Awards were presented to three top-performing B.Tech students in Civil Engineering, acknowledging their excellence and promise in the field of sustainable infrastructure development.

Charting the Future

The 13th Convocation Ceremony was a true celebration of perseverance, innovation, and excellence. It also underscored IIT Mandi’s unwavering commitment to interdisciplinary research, entrepreneurial spirit, and societal impact. Faculty members, parents, alumni, and dignitaries joined together in applauding the accomplishments of the graduating class.

The event reaffirmed IIT Mandi’s mission to nurture technologists, researchers, and innovators who will lead with creativity, compassion, and courage in shaping a sustainable future.