TLDR: At its 71st convocation on July 15, 2025, IIT-Kharagpur Director Suman Chakraborty announced the institution’s significant strides in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and cloud computing. The institute is focusing on human-centric AI applications in critical sectors like healthcare and climate, expanding its AI department with new degree programs, and contributing to national defense through advanced research. A total of 3,731 degrees were awarded, emphasizing the institute’s commitment to producing graduates capable of innovative, interdisciplinary solutions.
IIT-Kharagpur is actively pushing the boundaries in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and cloud computing, positioning itself as a national leader in applying AI responsibly to real-world challenges, particularly in healthcare and climate. This was the key message delivered by Director Suman Chakraborty at the institute’s 71st convocation held on Tuesday, July 15, 2025.
During his address, Chakraborty highlighted the substantial expansion of the AI department, which now offers a comprehensive range of programs including BTech, MTech, and interdisciplinary dual degree courses. He emphasized that the institute’s research spans a wide spectrum, from virtual accident monitoring and wastewater engineering to next-generation wireless communication. IIT-Kharagpur is at the forefront of developing responsible and explainable AI, with a strong focus on human-centric applications.
Beyond academic expansion, the institute has made significant contributions to national defense. Chakraborty noted the strides taken to strengthen defense capabilities through the DRDO Industry Academia Centres of Excellence (DIA-CoEs) at IIT Kharagpur, with dedicated research on underwater robotics and cyber-physical defense systems. Furthermore, the institute’s healthcare technologies are being deployed in rural India, and its AI models are playing a crucial role in disaster response efforts and precision agriculture initiatives.
Chakraborty articulated a forward-looking vision, stating, “The world does not need more technocrats. It needs humans who can think and feel — who can use algorithms, but are not ruled by them. The future belongs to those who can combine emotional intelligence with technical intelligence.” He stressed the importance of equipping future students with the knowledge to use AI ethically and to innovate, interpret, and converge between domains to create solutions that are both technologically advanced and human-centric.
Tata Steel Managing Director and IIT-Kharagpur Board of Governors Chairman T.V. Narendran also spoke at the event, remarking, “India is on a steady path to becoming a global leader in technology and manufacturing. Our journey is closely linked to the nation’s growth story. IIT-Kharagpur is evolving with the times and playing a crucial role in shaping the future.”
The convocation saw a total of 3,731 degrees awarded, including 277 PhDs, 956 M.Tech, 786 Dual Degrees, and 614 B.Tech (Hons), among others. Prestigious honors such as the President’s Gold Medal and the Prime Minister’s Gold Medal were also presented to meritorious students. The event was graced by distinguished guests, including former ISRO Chairman S. Somanath as the chief guest, Anand Deshpande, Founder and Chairperson of Persistent Systems, and Anuradha Acharya, CEO of Mapmygenome.
Also Read:
- Kolkata Principals Convene to Redefine Education: Integrating AI and Liberal Arts for Future Learning
- Generative AI’s Transformative Power Takes Center Stage on AI Appreciation Day 2025
This convocation underscored IIT-Kharagpur’s commitment to pioneering research and education in critical technological domains, fostering a new generation of innovators focused on societal impact.
