64th Convocation at IIT Bombay: 3,763 Degrees Conferred, Including 620 Doctorates

The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay celebrated its 64th Convocation and Departmental Degree Award Functions (DDAF) for the academic year 2025-26, marking a significant milestone in its history. During this event, the institute conferred a total of 3,763 degrees to 3,442 graduating students, which included a record-breaking 620 PhD degrees. This achievement represents the highest number of doctoral degrees awarded by any IIT in a single academic year, underscoring the institute's commitment to advancing research and education.

Of the total degrees awarded, 1,713 were undergraduate degrees, 1,430 were postgraduate degrees, and 620 were doctoral degrees. The Autumn session alone accounted for 3,333 degrees awarded to 3,042 students, comprising 1,663 undergraduate, 1,319 postgraduate, and 351 PhD graduates. Notably, among the graduating cohort, 791 were women and 2,651 were men, reflecting a diverse and inclusive academic environment.

The increase in the number of PhD graduates this academic year is particularly noteworthy, as it marks a significant rise compared to the previous five years, during which the number of PhD graduates at IIT Bombay ranged from approximately 300 to nearly 500. Faculty members attributed this surge to a comprehensive review of students whose research had been pending for several years, identifying nearly 100 to 125 students with research delays exceeding eight years.

During the Autumn session, the Department of Chemistry led the way in PhD conferrals, awarding 47 doctoral degrees. Following closely were the Department of Electrical Engineering with 30 PhD degrees and the Department of Mechanical Engineering with 27. Additionally, the Departments of Biosciences and Bioengineering awarded 24 PhD degrees, while the Humanities and Social Sciences and Metallurgical Engineering and Materials Science departments each conferred 23 doctoral degrees.

This year's convocation not only highlights IIT Bombay's academic excellence but also its ongoing efforts to enhance research output and support its students in their academic pursuits. As the institute continues to evolve, it remains dedicated to fostering an environment that encourages innovation and scholarly achievement among its diverse student body.