Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the 57th convocation of IIT Delhi on Saturday, August 8, where more than 3,000 graduating students, including 587 PhD scholars, were conferred degrees. The Prime Minister urged the graduates to keep national interest at the centre of their decisions and consider how their work could contribute to India’s development.
The ceremony brought together students, faculty members and families for one of the country’s most prominent academic events. Modi also presented IIT Delhi’s prestigious honours to meritorious students.
IIT Delhi 57th Convocation: Over 3,000 Students Graduate
The 57th convocation marked an important milestone for more than 3,000 IIT Delhi students completing their academic journeys.
Among them were 587 PhD scholars, highlighting the institute’s growing research and higher-education ecosystem.
The graduating batch includes students from undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral programmes who are now entering careers spanning technology, research, entrepreneurship, industry and public service.
PM Modi’s Message to IIT Delhi Graduates
During his address, PM Modi encouraged students to keep the national interest in mind while making professional and personal decisions.
He asked graduates to think about how their knowledge and skills could address India’s needs and contribute to the country’s progress.
The message comes at a time when India’s technology ecosystem is undergoing rapid changes driven by artificial intelligence, advanced computing, semiconductors and emerging technologies.
For IIT graduates, the challenge is increasingly moving beyond simply securing a job. The larger question is how their technical expertise can translate into research, innovation and products that solve real-world problems.
IIT Delhi Convocation Highlights Research and Innovation
The large number of doctoral graduates also puts the spotlight on research.
India is investing heavily in areas such as artificial intelligence, semiconductor technology, quantum computing, high-performance computing and advanced engineering.
Premier institutions such as IIT Delhi are expected to play a major role in developing the talent and research capabilities needed for these sectors.
The institute’s emphasis on doctoral research is particularly significant because PhD scholars often move into academia, industrial R&D, startups and specialized technology fields.
PM Modi Inaugurates Param Pragya AI Supercomputing Facility
The convocation also featured a major technology milestone.
PM Modi inaugurated Param Pragya, an AI-powered high-performance supercomputing facility established at IIT Delhi’s Sonipat campus. The facility is intended to strengthen the institute’s capabilities in advanced computing, artificial intelligence and research.
The development adds a technology dimension to this year’s convocation, connecting the academic achievements of graduating students with India’s wider push toward advanced computing infrastructure.
IIT Delhi’s Prestigious Awards Presented
The ceremony also included recognition for the institute’s top-performing students.
Among the honours presented were the President’s Gold Medal, Director’s Gold Medal, Shankar Dayal Sharma Gold Medal and Perfect Ten Gold Medals.
These awards recognize exceptional academic performance and achievement during students’ time at the institute.
Why IIT Graduates Matter to India’s Technology Push
IIT graduates occupy important positions across India’s technology and innovation ecosystem.
Many move into:
- Artificial intelligence and machine learning
- Software and technology companies
- Semiconductor and electronics industries
- Research institutions
- Consulting and finance
- Entrepreneurship and startups
- Government and public policy
With India aiming to strengthen its position in high-tech manufacturing and research, the demand for highly skilled technical talent is likely to remain significant.
Gender Representation Also Comes Into Focus
The convocation also brought attention to gender representation among top academic performers.
During the ceremony, Modi commented that there should have been more women among the medal winners after noting that only one or two of the recipients were girls.
The observation highlights a continuing challenge for India’s premier technical institutions: increasing women’s participation not only in engineering education but also among the highest levels of academic achievement and research.
The Bigger Message for the Graduating Class
A degree from IIT Delhi opens doors, but the rapidly changing technology landscape means graduates will need to continue learning throughout their careers.
The speed of developments in AI, automation and advanced computing means skills acquired during college can quickly become outdated.
That makes adaptability, research capability and continuous learning increasingly valuable for the next generation of engineers and scientists.
Final Thoughts
The PM Modi IIT Delhi convocation was more than a formal graduation ceremony. With more than 3,000 students receiving degrees, 587 PhD scholars being recognized and the inauguration of the Param Pragya supercomputing facility, the event highlighted both India’s growing technical talent and its push toward advanced research infrastructure.
For the graduating students, the next stage will be about turning years of education into practical innovation, research and solutions. For India, the challenge is to create an ecosystem where this talent can contribute to technology development, entrepreneurship and the country’s broader economic ambitions.
FAQ
How many students graduated from IIT Delhi in 2026?
More than 3,000 students received degrees at IIT Delhi’s 57th convocation, including 587 PhD scholars.
When did PM Modi address IIT Delhi’s 57th convocation?
Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the ceremony on August 8, 2026.
What did PM Modi tell IIT Delhi graduates?
He urged students to keep national interest at the centre of their decisions and consider how their work could contribute to addressing India’s needs.
What is Param Pragya?
Param Pragya is an AI-powered high-performance supercomputing facility inaugurated by PM Modi at IIT Delhi’s Sonipat campus.
Which honours were presented at the IIT Delhi convocation?
The ceremony included the President’s Gold Medal, Director’s Gold Medal, Shankar Dayal Sharma Gold Medal and Perfect Ten Gold Medals.
