IIT Palakkad awards degrees to 305 graduates at eighth convocation

Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Palakkad awarded degrees to 305 students during its eighth convocation on Saturday, July 18, 2026. The graduating batch included 149 B.Tech., 67 M.Tech., 46 MSc, 30 PhD, and 13 MS (by research) students, marking a significant milestone for the institution.

Tessy Thomas Encourages Ethical Innovation

Dr. Tessy Thomas, former Director General (Aeronautical Systems) at the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), delivered the convocation address. She highlighted India's transition from being a technology importer to a global exporter of innovations.

Addressing the graduates, Dr. Thomas emphasized the importance of combining technical expertise with ethical and human values to shape the future of technology. “Your generation has the unique opportunity to serve the aspirations and values of humanity with your knowledge and intelligence,” she said. She also underscored the role of dedication and collaboration in achieving extraordinary innovation.

Campus Expansion Plans Announced

The ceremony, presided over by IIT Palakkad board chairman Ramesh Venkateswaran, also featured an update on the institute's development. Director A. Seshadri Sekhar presented the annual report, announcing that construction of Phase 1A of the permanent campus had resumed. He revealed that the Union Ministry of Education has sanctioned ₹2,597 crore for Phase B, which will expand the campus to accommodate 2,600 students and 260 faculty members over the next four years.

Outstanding Students Recognized

Dr. Thomas also presented medals to top-performing students. Gayathri S received the Institute Medal for B.Tech., while Manal Jaleel Poovathingal was awarded the Institute Medal for M.Tech. Students with the highest CGPA in their respective departments and winners of best project awards were also honoured during the ceremony.

The convocation marked a moment of pride for the graduates and a step forward in IIT Palakkad’s journey to becoming a hub for academic and research excellence.

Source: The Hindu