IIT Roorkee Convocation 2025 Marks Milestone with 23% Female Representation and Surge in Women PhD Scholars

A Historic Day for IIT Roorkee

On September 5, 2025, the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Roorkee held its much-anticipated Convocation ceremony, celebrating the achievements of its graduating class. This year’s event conferred degrees upon 2,614 students, of which 602 were women, reflecting a 23% female representation across all programs. Among the most remarkable highlights was the sharp rise in women PhD scholars, signaling a significant shift in gender inclusion in advanced research and academics at one of India’s premier institutes.

The ceremony was graced by Dr. Jitendra Singh, Minister of State for Science and Technology, who attended as the Chief Guest, as well as several other dignitaries and academic leaders.

Women’s Participation: A Transformative Shift

The 2025 convocation underscored IIT Roorkee’s growing success in fostering inclusivity. Out of the 500 doctoral scholars, a record 178 were women, making up 35.6% of the total PhD graduates. This figure is especially notable compared with earlier years: only 57 women earned PhDs in 2023, while the number rose to 146 in 2024.

This upward trajectory reflects a change in campus demographics and speaks to the effectiveness of institutional reforms, research opportunities, and national efforts to promote women in STEM fields.

The consistent increase in women’s participation is being hailed as a milestone that could inspire further transformation across India’s higher education ecosystem.

Graduating Class Composition

The graduating batch of 2025 was diverse and academically strong, comprising:

• 1,267 undergraduate students
• 847 postgraduates
• 500 doctoral scholars

This balance illustrates IIT Roorkee’s comprehensive academic footprint, which covers undergraduate education, postgraduate specialization, and cutting-edge doctoral research.

Convocation Report: Patents, Research, and National Contributions

In his annual Convocation Report, Prof. K. K. Pant, Director of IIT Roorkee, highlighted the institute’s wide-ranging achievements. During the year, IIT Roorkee:

• Filed 146 patents, strengthening its innovation pipeline.
• Secured Rs 399 crore in research funding, reinforcing its reputation as a hub for advanced R&D.
• Expanded projects in critical domains such as clean energy, defence, and quantum technology.
• Earned designation as a Centre of Excellence under the National Critical Mineral Mission, underscoring its role in shaping India’s resource and energy future.

These accomplishments position IIT Roorkee as an academic leader and a vital contributor to national priorities in science and technology.

Academic Reforms and Start-up Culture

The institute also reported significant strides in academic reforms to make education more flexible and industry-relevant. Among the reforms were:

• Updates to existing curricula.
• The introduction of a flexi-credit system will give students greater academic freedom.

In parallel, IIT Roorkee’s entrepreneurship ecosystem thrived, with over 180 start-ups valued collectively at more than Rs 4,700 crore. This growth reflects the institute’s strong mentorship, incubation facilities, and encouragement of innovation-driven careers.

Placements and Alumni Contributions

Placements at IIT Roorkee remained strong, with more than 1,100 job offers, including 12 international placements. These outcomes highlight recruiters' continued trust in IIT Roorkee graduates and the institute’s robust industry connections.

Adding to this success, alum contributions during the year reached Rs 31 crore, a testament to the enduring loyalty and support of IIT Roorkee’s global alum network. Such contributions provide financial backing and strengthen collaborations and mentorship opportunities for current students.

Celebrating Student Excellence

The convocation also recognised individual brilliance. Among the notable honours:

• Vansh Saini received the President’s Gold Medal for academic excellence.
• Hardik Sahni was awarded the Director’s Gold Medal for outstanding overall performance.
• Several other students were conferred with institute-level awards, celebrating achievements across academics, leadership, and contributions to campus life.

These awards highlighted the talent and dedication of IIT Roorkee’s student community, which continues to uphold the institute’s legacy of excellence.

Teachers’ Day Celebrations and Faculty Recognition

Coinciding with Convocation 2025, IIT Roorkee also marked Teachers’ Day celebrations. Faculty members were honoured for their exceptional contributions in teaching and research. Awards included:

• The Lifetime Teaching Achievement Award recognises sustained excellence and dedication to education.
• The Outstanding Teacher Award acknowledges innovation and impact in classroom teaching.

By honouring its faculty alongside graduating students, IIT Roorkee emphasized the crucial role of educators in shaping academic journeys and fostering innovation.

Looking Ahead: IIT Roorkee’s Role in India’s Education and Research Landscape

The 2025 convocation was more than just a graduation ceremony—it reflected IIT Roorkee’s evolving identity. With rising female participation, especially at the doctoral level, the institute is setting new benchmarks for inclusivity. Simultaneously, its research achievements, start-up ecosystem, and national contributions position it as a vital force in India’s academic and technological growth.

As Prof. Pant noted in his address, the institute’s focus on academic reforms, innovation, and inclusivity is designed to prepare students for today’s challenges and the transformative roles they will play in shaping the future.

Conclusion

The IIT Roorkee Convocation 2025 will be remembered as a landmark event that celebrated not just academic achievements but also progress in gender representation, innovation, and societal impact. The 23% female representation, including a record 178 women PhD graduates, signals a decisive shift in India’s higher education landscape.

By aligning academic excellence with inclusivity, innovation, and national service, IIT Roorkee is reinforcing its status as a premier institution that continues to inspire students, empower women, and drive meaningful change in science, technology, and beyond.