Nagpur, 15 September 2026

Visvesvaraya National Institute of Technology (VNIT), Nagpur, celebrated its 24th Convocation, marking a significant milestone for graduating students and showcasing the institute’s achievements in academics, research, innovation, entrepreneurship, industry collaboration and student development during 2025–26.

The convocation was held on Engineers’ Day and the birth anniversary of Bharat Ratna Sir M. Visvesvaraya. Addressing the graduating students, Dr. R. Balasubramaniam, Member, NITI Aayog, Government of India, urged them to combine technical knowledge with judgement, integrity, responsibility and a commitment to solving real-world problems. He stressed that a degree demonstrates academic achievement, while true capability develops through experience, continuous learning and collaboration.

Highlighting the institute’s motto, “योगः कर्मसु कौशलम्” (excellence in action), Dr. Balasubramaniam advised graduates to perform their work with skill and dedication without being overly attached to outcomes. He called upon them to become problem-solvers rather than merely problem-identifiers, and to use their education to improve systems, pursue meaningful research and contribute to society.

Chairman, Board of Governors, Shri Madabhushi Madan Gopal (IAS Retd.), called upon graduates to become creators of technology and active participants in India’s development. He emphasised that modern technological capabilities must be accompanied by ethics, accountability, sustainability and empathy, while urging students to remain connected to India’s cultural and intellectual heritage.

Presenting the Director’s Report, Prof. Prem Lal Patel highlighted major institutional achievements during 2025–26. VNIT introduced five new undergraduate and three postgraduate programmes in emerging areas including AI and Data Science, Mathematics and Computing, VLSI Design and Technology, Engineering Physics and Bioprocess Technology.

The institute further strengthened its innovation ecosystem, with 100 student teams registering for prototype funding, around 50 pitching their ideas and 26 teams being selected for funding. The VNIT Ventures Vault Foundation (V3F) was inaugurated as the institute’s dedicated incubation centre, while VNIT secured ₹5 crore under the DST-NIDHI TBI scheme for healthcare-related product development and technology transfer.

Research continued to be a major strength, with 34 patents granted to VNIT faculty members and 94 ongoing R&D projects worth approximately ₹60 crore in areas such as electric mobility, wireless charging, 6G, AI, renewable energy, quantum technology and healthcare. Eight VNIT faculty members were included in Stanford University–Elsevier’s World’s Top 2% Scientists list for 2025.

VNIT signed 22 MoUs with academic institutions, industries and government organisations. A key achievement was its collaboration with Hyundai Motor Group for a Hyundai Centre of Excellence, making VNIT the only NIT in India selected under Hyundai’s National Academic-Industrial Research Network for Battery Technology and Electrification.

The 2026 placement season recorded strong results, with 170 organisations offering 843 jobs. The highest package was ₹58.30 lakh per annum, while the average package stood at ₹10.45 lakh per annum. The highest internship stipend reached ₹2 lakh per month, and an Industry Mentorship Programme was launched with 250 students being guided by 50 industry mentors.

Academic Excellence and Medal Honours

Academic excellence was a major highlight of the 24th Convocation. Pranav Prashant Jaronde received the prestigious Dr. Mulkraj Madan Gold Medal for achieving the highest yearly GPA of 9.9700 in the 7th and 8th semesters taken together. He also received multiple other prizes and honours during the convocation. His overall CGPA was 9.3471, while 9.9700 represents his combined yearly GPA for the 7th and 8th semesters.

Among the B.Tech graduates, Shah Mann Vipul recorded the highest overall CGPA of 9.7151 among all B.Tech disciplines, including the highest CGPA in B.Tech Computer Science and Engineering.

VNIT students also excelled in innovation, robotics, drones and sports. The IvLabs team secured second position in the Drone Helix Competition and reached the finals of Gujarat Robofest 4.0, winning ₹2.5 lakh. At the All India Inter-NIT Tournament 2025, VNIT won 2 Gold, 2 Silver and 1 Bronze medal, while Rohan H. R. set a new All India Inter-NIT record in the 100-metre event with a timing of 10.84 seconds.

The institute also continued its commitment to inclusion and student welfare. The Rupa Rahul Bajaj Scholarship for Women in Engineering supported 13 meritorious women engineering students with scholarships totalling ₹24.91 lakh.

The speakers called upon the graduating students to use their knowledge for innovation, social responsibility and nation-building, contributing to Atmanirbhar Bharat and Viksit Bharat. The convocation concluded with a message to the graduates to dream boldly, work with integrity and discipline, remain connected to their roots, and measure success by the positive impact they create for society and the nation.

Darak Smruti Om Prakash Highest CGPA in M.Tech. Structural Dynamics & Earthquake Engg. Program

MUNDHE KSHITIJ RAMDAS Highest CGPA in M.Tech. Structural Engg. Program

PRANAV PRASHANT JARONDE 9.3471Ins tute Medal Academic Excellence Prize Watwe Educa on Trust Prize Late  Shri Hemant Karkare  Prize Late Smt. Shalini Pangarkar Prize Late Dr. V.N. Joshi Prize In Memory of Mr. Anil Dharashivkar Highest CGPA in B.Tech.Mechanical Engg and Dr. Mulkraj Madan Gold Medal Topper of 7th+8th Semesters taken together (i.e highest Yearly Grade Point Average of 7th & 8th Semesters taken together)

KANAK GAGAN HOLANI 9.2511Ins tute Medal Academic Excellence Prize Prof. S. D. Adane Medal Late Dr. V. M. Pangarkar Prize Late Arch Pradip Vishanji Thacker Medal Highest CGPA in B. Arch

SHAH MANN VIPUL9.7151Sir Visvesvaraya Medal Late Shri N.G. Joshi Prize Late Dr. A.G. Paithankar Medal Late Mahamahopadhyay Padmavibhushan Dr. V.V. Mirashi Medal Academic Excellence Prize Late Shri Parag Tijare  First Prize Highest CGPA in B.Tech. Computer Science Engg. Highest CGPA amongst all disciplines of B.Tech. program

 

 

 

PIB Nagpur | Dhananjay Wankhede / Priti Malandkar

 

 

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