IIT Kanpur Convocation 2026: 3104 degrees offered to UG, PG students, Sagar K. V. receives gold medal
IIT Kanpur Convocation 2026: Over 3,100 Degrees Awarded to UG and PG Students
Bharatmorningnews.com – The 2026 IIT Kanpur Convocation marked a historic milestone as the institute conferred 3,104 degrees to undergraduate and postgraduate students. This event, held at the iconic IIT Kanpur campus, celebrated the academic achievements of a diverse cohort of graduates, highlighting the institution’s commitment to excellence in education and innovation. The focus keyword, IIT Kanpur Convocation 2026, underscores the significance of this annual tradition, which not only honors students but also reflects the broader impact of their academic journeys.
Programme Breakdown and Recognition of Excellence
The convocation ceremony witnessed a total of 3,104 graduates, comprising 1,325 postgraduate students, 1,247 undergraduates, and 532 participants in the eMasters outreach program. This impressive number highlights the institute’s growing reach and the dedication of its students. Among the notable accolades, 390 PhD candidates and 852 BTech graduates were recognized for their exceptional performance. Additionally, 212 BS students, 502 MTech recipients, 186 MSc graduates, 59 MBA students, 36 MDes graduates, 66 MS (Research) scholars, 107 Dual Degree candidates, 35 Double Major students, and 40 PGPEX-VLFM graduates received their degrees, underscoring the breadth of academic programs at IIT Kanpur.
Gold Medalists and Prestigious Awards
During the convocation, several students were honored with the prestigious President’s Gold Medal and Director’s Gold Medal, a testament to their outstanding academic and research contributions. Sagar K. V., a standout in computer science and engineering, was awarded the President’s Gold Medal, while Aditya V. from the Statistics and Data Science department and Ritwik Shankar from Aerospace Engineering received the Director’s Gold Medal. These awards not only celebrate individual brilliance but also reinforce the value of innovation and perseverance in the IIT Kanpur community.
Academic excellence was further acknowledged through the presentation of the Ratan Swarup Memorial Prize, which went to Dhruv Budhedeo for his work in aerospace engineering. Other recipients were honored with institute medals for their remarkable contributions in academics, research, and leadership. The event also celebrated the achievements of students in the joint degree programs, emphasizing collaboration and interdisciplinary learning as key pillars of the institution’s educational philosophy.
Inspirational Address by Dr. Pawan Goenka
Dr. Pawan Goenka, Chairperson of IN-SPACe and a Padma Shri awardee, delivered a thought-provoking address to the graduating class during the convocation. He emphasized that the journey of academic success is akin to a long engineering project, requiring resilience, bold risks, and continuous learning. “Life is not a 100-metre sprint won in the first few metres. It’s a marathon filled with design iterations and setbacks,” he remarked, encouraging graduates to embrace challenges as opportunities for growth.
“Never give up, take bold risks, trust others, never believe you’re too old to learn, and always listen to your heart,” Dr. Goenka urged the audience. His words aligned with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047, which seeks to transform talent into leadership and possibilities into achievements. He challenged the graduates to ask themselves, “What legacy did I leave behind?” as they stepped into the next phase of their careers.
The convocation’s two-part format ensured a seamless and grand celebration of academic milestones. The first session at the Main Auditorium honored top achievers, while the second session, held across multiple lecture halls, allowed for a more intimate distribution of degrees. Attendees included prominent figures, such as Dr. Goenka, whose speech resonated with the ethos of perseverance and innovation that defines IIT Kanpur. The event also showcased the traditional convocation attire, a symbol of pride and academic tradition at India’s premier engineering institute.
Meanwhile, the convocation underscored the importance of student engagement beyond academic achievements. While the main event celebrated the culmination of scholarly efforts, it also highlighted the role of graduates in driving societal progress. The diverse programs and awards reflect IIT Kanpur’s dedication to fostering talent across disciplines. As the institute continues to expand its educational offerings, the 2026 convocation serves as a reminder of the transformative power of education and the responsibility of graduates to contribute meaningfully to their fields and communities.