NIT Rourkela Honours Academic Excellence with Distinguished Convocation

NIT Rourkela Sends Off 2,065 Graduates into a Future of Innovation and Leadership

The National Institute of Technology Rourkela (NIT Rourkela) marked a significant milestone on 20 June 2025 as it hosted its 22nd Convocation Ceremony for the graduating class of 2024. The event celebrated the academic accomplishments of 2,065 students, comprising 457 female and 1,608 male graduates across various disciplines.

The convocation unfolded in the presence of esteemed dignitaries and academic leaders. Mr Uday A. Kaole, Chairman-cum-Managing Director of Mahanadi Coalfields Limited, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest and delivered an inspiring address to the graduating cohort. Additionally, Mr S. N. Subrahmanyan, Chairman of the Board of Governors at NIT Rourkela, addressed the gathering virtually, reaffirming the institute’s unwavering commitment to excellence and innovation.

Subsequently, Prof. K. Umamaheshwar Rao, Director of NIT Rourkela, presented the Director’s Report, outlining the institution’s academic progress, research advancements, and strategic initiatives undertaken during the past year. His remarks underscored the institute’s mission to nurture future-ready professionals who contribute meaningfully to national and global development. In terms of academic distribution, the institute recorded a notable increase in female graduates, with women accounting for over 22% of the 2,065 total graduates. Among the 457 female students, 208 earned Bachelor's degrees, 186 completed Master's programmes, and 63 were awarded PhDs. Of the total degrees conferred, 1,061 students received Bachelor of Technology degrees (200 female and 861 male), while 21 students, eight of whom were female, graduated with a Bachelor of Architecture.

Furthermore, 39 students were conferred B.Tech.–M.Tech. Dual Degrees, predominantly male. The institute also awarded degrees to 68 students in the Integrated Master of Science (five-year) programme and 180 in the Master of Science course, with female students representing a substantial proportion. Additionally, six students earned a Master of Arts, 43 completed an MBA, and 469 were awarded a Master of Technology. Notably, one female student was conferred the Master of Technology (Research) degree. The Doctor of Philosophy degree was awarded to 177 candidates, including 63 women. Among the graduating class were 93 international students,72 males and 21 females, representing countries such as the United States, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Bangladesh, and Nepal. In addition, 25 Non-Resident Indian (NRI) students also completed their studies.

To recognise academic distinction, NIT Rourkela presented eight Institute Gold Medals, six Endowment Gold Medals, seven Endowment Awards, and 59 Silver Medals to the branch toppers of the 2024 graduating cohort. While presenting the Director’s Report, Prof. Rao extended heartfelt congratulations to the graduating students on behalf of the institute. He emphasised that NIT Rourkela takes pride in producing not only competent professionals but also socially responsible citizens. Moreover, he highlighted the launch of new programmes such as B.Tech. in Artificial Intelligence and acknowledged the growing presence of international students, thereby positioning the institute to prepare its graduates for a rapidly transforming global environment.

As part of the celebration, NIT Rourkela also honoured four distinguished alumni for their exceptional contributions in the fields of academia, industry, entrepreneurship, public life, and institutional support. The recipients of the Distinguished Alumnus Awards were: Prof. Sukumar Mishra, Director of IIT (ISM) Dhanbad; Er. Ashok Kumar Basa, Managing Director of C.E.M. Engineers & Consultants Pvt. Ltd.; Er. R. S. Raghavan, Managing Director of Proman Infrastructure Services Pvt. Ltd.; and Dr Bhartendu Deo, Head of Electrical for the Qatargas North Field Expansion Project. Overall, the 22nd Convocation Ceremony at NIT Rourkela commemorated academic success and reaffirmed the institute’s dedication to shaping visionary leaders for a global society.

Editor’s Note:

The 22nd Convocation of NIT Rourkela stands as a testament to the institution’s sustained commitment to academic excellence and social impact. Beyond the impressive statistics lies a narrative of progress: rising female participation, robust international representation, and a celebration of alumni who exemplify leadership across diverse fields. The ceremony served not only to confer degrees but also to reaffirm the institute's vision of preparing graduates for a world characterised by complexity, innovation, and global engagement. The introduction of future-oriented programs and the recognition of distinguished contributions reflect a culture that values both tradition and transformation.

As per Skoobuzz, NIT Rourkela continues to advance its mission; the narratives behind each medal, each graduate, and each commendation underscore the enduring truth that education remains one of the most potent instruments of nation-building. It is in such moments that the fundamental purpose of higher education is brought into sharp focus.