74,763 Undergraduates, 329 PhD Scholars Receive Degrees At VTU Convocation

A total of 74,763 undergraduate students and 329 PhD scholars received their degrees at the 26th annual convocation of Visvesvaraya Technological University at its Jnana Sangama campus in Belagavi, where Deputy Chief Minister G. Parameshwara told graduating engineers that their knowledge and innovation must serve humanity and the country’s development.

Parameshwara links engineering careers to public purpose

Dr. Parameshwara, who addressed the convocation as the chief guest on Saturday (September 26), said graduates would carry greater responsibilities as they entered professional life.

He urged them to use their knowledge, intelligence and innovation for the benefit of humanity, while emphasising that technological advancement should contribute to the development of the country.

“Among those graduating today may be the person who will build India’s next great Artificial Intelligence company, achieve breakthroughs in renewable energy, transform agriculture, or solve social problems. We must never underestimate anyone’s strength or capability,” he said.

Dr. Parameshwara said emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), quantum computing, biotechnology and satellite development were transforming industries and creating new opportunities.

He told engineers that they must continuously update their skills to remain relevant in a changing technological environment.

“AI is no longer optional, it is essential. Engineering students must learn AI. Learning is lifelong,” he said, adding that technology developed by graduates should contribute to India’s progress.

Dr. Parameshwara also cautioned students against taking shortcuts to achieve their goals and stressed that sustained hard work was essential for lasting success.

“If a bridge is built in less time than required, it will collapse quickly,” he said, drawing a parallel between engineering principles and the importance of perseverance.

Graduates asked to remember teachers, parents and friends

Congratulating the graduates, Dr. Parameshwara asked them to acknowledge the contribution of their teachers, parents and friends to their achievements.

“Teachers have not just taught engineering, they have created engineers,” he said.

Describing VTU as one of the country’s leading universities, Dr. Parameshwara said its reforms in examinations and administration had earned it recognition in engineering education, research and innovation.

“Universities are not factories producing graduates; they are ecosystems that nurture ideas, innovation and research,” he said.

His remarks placed the convocation in the larger context of engineering education, where graduates were told that professional success, public benefit and technological responsibility were connected.

VTU to plan aviation and railway engineering courses

Higher Education Minister Basavaraj Rayareddi said VTU would introduce courses in aviation and railway engineering to improve employment opportunities for graduates.

He said a special expert committee would be constituted to design job-oriented programmes.

The committee would also help the university secure a place among the top 10 universities in the country, he said.

The proposed courses and committee were presented at the convocation as part of VTU’s efforts to strengthen employment-linked engineering education.

Vice-Chancellor urges responsible professional freedom

VTU Vice-Chancellor S. Vidyashankar congratulated the graduates and urged them to shoulder the responsibilities that came with professional freedom.

“Use your knowledge. The decisions you make will brighten your careers. May success come to all of you,” he said.

His message echoed the broader emphasis at the convocation on applying technical education with responsibility, judgment and a sense of purpose.

Gold medals and degrees awarded

Thirty-eight students received VTU gold medals at the convocation.

Another 49 students received endowment gold medals with cash prizes, while seven students received endowment gold medals without cash prizes.

In all, 45 students were honoured with 94 gold medals.

The degree awards included 74,763 undergraduate students and 329 PhD scholars, making the convocation a major academic milestone for VTU and its graduating students.

The report was published on September 26, 2026, at 06:21 pm IST.

Source: The Hindu