The 21st Annual Convocation of Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) Deemed to be University was held from 26th to 28th September 2025, marking yet another momentous milestone in the university’s remarkable journey of excellence. The three-day convocation was organised to seamlessly accommodate the large number of graduating students and their families, reflecting KIIT’s growing stature as one of India’s most sought-after universities.
A total of 8863 degrees were conferred upon the graduating students, including 6868 undergraduates, 1995 postgraduates, and 195 Ph.D. scholars from various disciplines. The event witnessed the conferring of D.Sc. and D.Litt. (Honoris Causa) degrees upon distinguished personalities from India and abroad for their outstanding contributions to their respective fields and to society at large.
Distinguished Guests and Honoris Causa Recipients
The convocation was graced by an august gathering of eminent personalities of global repute.
The Chief Guests across the three days included:
- Prof. Mohan Munasinghe, Founder Chairman, Munasinghe Institute of Development (MIND Group); Vice Chair, UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC-AR4), Nobel Peace Prize 2007; and Honorary Senior Advisor to the Government of Sri Lanka.
- H.E. Ouided Bouchamaoui, Nobel Peace Prize Laureate 2015 and Former President, Tunisian Confederation of Industry, Trade, and Handicrafts (UTICA), Tunisia.
- Hon’ble Dr. Justice Abdulqawi Ahmed Yusuf, Judge, International Court of Justice (ICJ) & Former President, ICJ, The Hague.
The Guest of Honour was Hon’ble Dr. Justice Dalveer Bhandari, Judge, International Court of Justice (ICJ), The Hague. During the ceremony, the university conferred Honorary Doctorate Degrees (Honoris Causa) upon the following eminent personalities:
- Dr. Huzaifa Khorakiwala, Executive Director, Wockhardt Ltd. and Global Humanitarian & Peace Advocate, Mumbai
- Mr. S. K. Sachdeva, Chairman & Editor, Competition Success Review, New Delhi
- Dr. Fidel Reyes Lee, Rector, Universidad Rural de Guatemala and Member of Congress, Republic of Guatemala
- Mr. Norbert Sauer, Chairman, Archeological Park, Germany
- Shri Anant Mahapatra, noted Film and Theatre Director, Odisha
- Mr. Sunjoy Hans, Founder Chairman, Lalchand Group, Bhubaneswar
Their presence and acceptance of the honorary degrees added prestige and global significance to the convocation.
Reflection by the Founder
In his message to the graduating class, Prof. (Dr.) Achyuta Samanta, Founder of KIIT, KISS and KIMS, reflected on the growth of the institution over 28 years — from a humble beginning in 1997 to a globally recognised centre of learning. He highlighted that KIIT today is home to over 40,000 students supported by 3,000+ faculty members across 30 schools on a vast 36-square-kilometre campus.
He emphasised that KIIT’s commitment to Shiksha with Sanskar – education blended with values – has been its guiding philosophy since inception. The Founder underscored the university’s remarkable achievements, including its consistent top positions in QS World University Rankings and Times Higher Education Rankings, international accreditations from ABET (USA) and IET (UK), and the NAAC A++ Grade.
Highlighting the institution’s world-class infrastructure – from the 2,600-bedded KIMS super-speciality hospital and 22-storey Research and Innovation Tower to 18 sports complexes and eco-friendly campuses – he said KIIT provides a holistic environment that nurtures excellence. The Founder also noted KIIT’s prominence in sports, with 24 Olympians studying at the university and many others representing India globally.
He expressed gratitude to the parents, faculty, staff, and well-wishers who have supported KIIT’s vision, while urging graduates to carry forward the values of humility, service, and leadership with integrity. “Knowledge with humility, success with service, and leadership with integrity must define your journey ahead,” he remarked.
Address by the Chancellor
In his address, Shri Ashok Kumar Parija, Chancellor of KIIT Deemed to be University, congratulated the graduating class of 2025 and commended their hard work and perseverance. He stated that the ceremony is not only an academic milestone but a moment of collective pride for students, parents, and the entire KIIT fraternity.
He reminded graduates that true success is achieved when knowledge is combined with compassion and values. Reflecting on the Founder’s life as a source of inspiration, he said, “Dr. Achyuta Samanta’s journey exemplifies how empathy humility, and determination can transform lives.” He called upon students to be change-makers who work for a more just and equitable world.
Address by the Pro-Chancellor
Prof. (Dr.) Subrata Kumar Acharya, Pro-Chancellor of KIIT, extended warm greetings to all graduands and guests. He described the convocation as both a
culmination and a new beginning, symbolising dedication and the pursuit of knowledge.
He emphasised that KIIT aims to develop holistic individuals who combine competence with compassion. “As you step into a rapidly changing world, remember
that innovation, integrity, and inclusivity must guide your journey,” he advised. He congratulated parents, faculty, and staff for their vital role in shaping the students’ success.
Vice-Chancellor’s Report
Presenting the Vice-Chancellor’s Report, Prof. (Dr.) Saranjit Singh shared the university’s key achievements during the year.
In the NIRF 2025 Rankings, KIIT was placed among the top 17 public and private universities in India. In the Times Higher Education Rankings, KIIT ranked 184th
in Asia and within the 601–800 global band, with notable subject rankings in Computer Science, Engineering, Business, Economics, and Health Sciences. In the
QS World University Rankings 2025, it achieved a global rank of 719 and 257 in Asia, with an impressive 80th rank globally in Environmental Sustainability.
The Vice-Chancellor highlighted KIIT’s internationalisation efforts, including partnerships with 130+ global universities and new MoUs with 17 international institutions for academic collaboration. Over 150 foreign faculty visited KIIT in 2025, and the university hosted the Global University Fair with 42 participating
universities. KIIT also continues to hold Special Consultative Status with the United Nations ECOSOC, the only private university in South Asia with this distinction.
In placements, KIIT maintained an outstanding record with 700+ recruiters, 5,500 job offers, and the highest package of ₹53 LPA. Over 1,500 students secured
dream jobs (₹15 LPA and above).
The university’s research achievements included 2,769 Scopus-indexed and 1,399 Web of Science publications this year, and 24 KIIT scientists were featured in
Stanford University’s World’s Top 2% Scientists list. The institution has filed 687 patents, of which 198 have been granted.
KIIT’s prominence in sports continued to grow. The university emerged as the top medal-winning Indian university at the World University Games 2025, Germany,
securing 6 medals, half of India’s total tally. Eleven KIIT students qualified for the World Athletics Championship 2025, marking the first-ever representation from
Odisha at this level.
Prof. Singh also noted several national and international awards received by KIIT faculty and students across disciplines, underscoring the university’s comprehensive excellence.
Medal Winners and Ph.D. Scholars
The convocation honoured the achievements of outstanding students across programmes.
- Founder’s Gold Medals were awarded to Liwa Patnaik, Barsha Priyadarshini Kar, and Anwesha Das for all-round excellence.
- Chancellor’s Gold Medals, Vice-Chancellor’s Silver Medals, and other memorial and sponsored medals recognised academic brilliance across diverse fields including Medicine, Biotechnology, Engineering, Law, Management, and Arts.
- 195 scholars were conferred the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree in various disciplines, celebrating their contribution to research and innovation.
Registrar’s Address and Vote of Thanks
In his concluding address, Prof. (Dr.) Jnyana Ranjan Mohanty, Registrar, proposed the vote of thanks. He expressed gratitude to the Chief Guests, Honoris Causa recipients, dignitaries, faculty, staff, and students for their contributions to the success of the convocation.
He extended special thanks to Prof. (Dr.) Achyuta Samanta, the Hon’ble Founder of KIIT, KISS and KIMS, whose vision of “poverty eradication through education” has transformed KIIT into a world-class institution. He lauded the dedication of the organising committees and technical teams for ensuring the seamless conduct of the convocation over three days.
A Celebration of Excellence and Values
The 21st Annual Convocation of KIIT Deemed to be University was a grand celebration of achievement, humility, and vision. It reaffirmed KIIT’s steadfast commitment to academic excellence, innovation, inclusivity, and human values. As the graduates of 2025 step into a new chapter of their lives, they carry with them the ethos of KIIT — knowledge with humility, success with service, and leadership with integrity — continuing the legacy of an institution that believes education is the most powerful means to change the world.
