IIT Bombay Awards 620 PhD Degrees In 2025-26 Academic Year

The Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT Bombay) has achieved an unprecedented academic milestone by awarding a total of 620 PhD degrees during the 2025-26 academic year. This marks the highest number of doctorates conferred by any IIT in a single year.

The significant increase in PhD graduates can be attributed to a review of students conducted by the department who had not kept their research on hold for over eight years. According to the academic staff at IIT Bombay, nearly 100-125 students had pending research, and the department provided them with the necessary support to complete it in a timely manner.

The record figures were highlighted during the institute's 64th Convocation and Departmental Degree Award Functions (DDAF) held at its Powai campus on August 22 and 23, 2026. During the 2025-26 academic session, IIT Bombay conferred a total of 3,763 degrees upon 3,442 graduating students, including 791 women and 2,651 men.

The total degree tally included 1,713 undergraduate, 1,430 postgraduate, and 620 doctoral degrees. The autumn session alone saw 3,333 degrees being distributed across academic departments to 3,042 graduating students. This seasonal cohort featured 1,663 undergraduate recipients, 1,319 postgraduate recipients, and 351 PhD scholars.

A department-wise breakdown of the autumn session's 351 doctoral graduates revealed that Chemistry led with 47 PhD conferrals, followed by Electrical Engineering with 30, Mechanical Engineering with 27, Biosciences and Bioengineering with 24, and Humanities & Social Sciences alongside Metallurgical Engineering and Materials Science both recording 23 degrees.

The proceedings coincided with a Medal Distribution Ceremony presided over by Chief Guest Prof. Umesh Waghmare, Secretary of the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India. The ceremony felicitated Padma Shri Award 2026 honorees Prof. Emeritus Juzer Vasi and alumnus Shashi Shekhar Vempati.

Among top student honors, the President of India Medal went to Electrical Engineering BTech student Samar Perwez, while the Institute Gold Medal was awarded to Vighnesh J. R., a Dual Degree student in Aerospace Engineering. The Dr. Shankar Dayal Sharma Gold Medal for overall excellence was presented to Nimma Rambabu from the Department of Civil Engineering, while 50 students received the Naik and Rastogi Excellence in PhD Research Awards.

IIT Bombay Director Prof. Shireesh Kedare congratulated the graduates and research scholars, acknowledging the critical mentorship of faculty and support from families throughout. The achievement is a testament to the institute's commitment to academic excellence and research.

The record number of PhD degrees awarded by IIT Bombay is a significant milestone for the institute and a reflection of its growing reputation as a hub for research and academic excellence. The achievement is expected to have a positive impact on the institute's reputation and attractiveness to prospective students and researchers.

In conclusion, IIT Bombay's achievement of awarding 620 PhD degrees in a single academic year is a remarkable feat that highlights the institute's commitment to academic excellence and research. The record figures are a testament to the hard work and dedication of the students, faculty, and staff at IIT Bombay.

The achievement is also a reflection of the growing importance of research and development in India's academic landscape. As the country continues to grow and develop, the need for highly skilled researchers and academics will only continue to increase. IIT Bombay's achievement is a significant step in the right direction, and it is expected to have a positive impact on the country's academic and research landscape.

Overall, IIT Bombay's record-breaking achievement is a significant milestone that highlights the institute's commitment to academic excellence and research. The achievement is expected to have a positive impact on the institute's reputation and attractiveness to prospective students and researchers, and it is a significant step in the right direction for India's academic and research landscape.