IISER Tirupati Holds 6th Convocation, Confers 255 Degrees

TIRUPATI: The Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Tirupati, conducted its sixth annual convocation on Tuesday, conferring degrees upon 255 students. The event also marked a major milestone, as the institute completed ten years since its inception, evolving from the youngest IISER to a nationally recognised centre for research and innovation.

Delivering the convocation address, chief guest Samir Somaiya, chairman and managing director of Godavari Biorefineries and chancellor of Somaiya Vidyavihar University congratulated the graduating students and praised the architectural design of the campus.

Emphasising the importance of integrating science with social responsibility, he urged students to co-create solutions with farmers and shift focus from an oil-based to a soil-based economy. He underlined the value of blending modern scientific practices with traditional agricultural wisdom and shared insights from his family’s 70-year legacy in academic philanthropy.

Chairperson of the Board of Governors Prof. Jhillu Singh Yadav called upon students to become agents of change by prioritising sustainability in science and industry. He identified agriculture, sustainable chemistry, semiconductor manufacturing, and enzyme production as critical sectors for India’s future growth. “Focus on manufacturing processes that are environmentally friendly,” he advised.

Director Prof. Santanu Bhattacharya said IISER Tirupati was envisioned as a place where curiosity is fostered and cutting-edge research is part of daily academic life. He highlighted the institute’s steady progress, including the publication of 210 research papers and the securing of ₹29.43 crore in research funding during 2024–25. IISER Tirupati was ranked 33rd among Indian academic institutions in the Nature Index 2025, and eight faculty members were featured in Stanford University’s list of the world’s top 2% scientists.

Registrar-in-charge Inderpreet Singh Kohli noted that the campus infrastructure itself reflects the academic vision. Designed with symbolic features such as an open-book shaped entrance and a library engraved with the names of Indian and international scientists, the campus also features a periodic table on the auditorium façade. The institute has received the GRIHA 4 Star LD Rating from the GRIHA Council and TERI for its sustainable campus design.

A total of 255 degrees were awarded during the ceremony, including 22 PhDs, 8 Integrated PhDs, 3 MS degrees, 141 BS-MS dual degrees, 69 Professional Master’s degrees, 6 BS degrees, and 6 BSc degrees. The event concluded with a unique trilingual vote of thanks by Registrar Kohli, delivered in Hindi, Telugu, and English.