PUNJAB: The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Ropar marked a major milestone at its 15th Convocation, awarding degrees to 761 students while unveiling a revamped undergraduate curriculum designed to give students greater academic flexibility and encourage research, innovation, entrepreneurship, and interdisciplinary learning. The announcements reflect the institute’s growing focus on preparing graduates for the rapidly evolving demands of industry and technology.
The graduating batch included 377 BTech, 177 MTech, 65 MSc, 140 PhD, one BSc, and one Diploma student, celebrating years of academic achievement across multiple disciplines. The convocation was attended by Padma Shri awardee Satyanarayan Nuwal, Founder and Chairman of Solar Industries India Limited, as the chief guest, while IIT Ropar Director Prof. Rajeev Ahuja presented the institute’s annual report highlighting its recent accomplishments.
One of the biggest announcements was the introduction of a redesigned undergraduate curriculum from the 2026–27 academic session. Under the new structure, students will complete their core courses by the end of the third year, allowing the remaining period to be devoted to electives, internships, research projects, startup ventures, and interdisciplinary studies. The institute also launched an Integrated Dual Degree Programme and a one-year postgraduate diploma in UAV Operations and Drone Technology in collaboration with Rajiv Gandhi National Aviation University.
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Highlighting its expanding research ecosystem, IIT Ropar revealed that it is currently executing 616 sponsored research projects and nearly 1,130 industrial consultancy projects. The institute has also strengthened its defence research through projects supported by the Army Technology Board and a collaboration with the Indian Air Force. In the agricultural technology sector, its ANNAM.AI initiative has expanded through global partnerships, hackathons, and the deployment of hyperlocal weather stations across Punjab. Construction has also begun on a 500-seat girls’ hostel and a new lecture hall complex to support the institute’s growing academic community.
Addressing the graduating students, Satyanarayan Nuwal encouraged them to embrace challenging opportunities and pursue long-term excellence rather than choosing the easiest career paths. Echoing the sentiment, Prof. Rajeev Ahuja reminded students that true education goes beyond academic success, emphasizing the importance of character, values, and lifelong learning in shaping meaningful careers.
With its flexible curriculum, expanding research portfolio, new academic programmes, and infrastructure development, IIT Ropar is positioning itself as a forward-looking institution focused on nurturing innovators, researchers, and entrepreneurs who can contribute to India’s technological and economic growth.