UoH confers 1,721 degrees at 26th Convocation

The University of Hyderabad (UoH) held its 26th Convocation at the Global Peace Auditorium, Brahma Kumaris Shanti Sarovar, Gachibowli, marking the graduation of students across various disciplines.

A total of 1,721 degrees, including 300 Ph.D. degrees, were conferred during the ceremony. The university also awarded 178 medals to students for academic performance and achievements.

The convocation was presided over by UoH Chancellor Justice L. Narasimha Reddy. Telangana Governor and Chief Rector Shri Shiv Pratap Shukla, Vice-Chancellor Professor J. Anuradha and Dr Samir V. Kamat, former Chairman of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and chief guest, attended the event. Addressing the graduating students, Justice L. Narasimha Reddy congratulated them on their academic journey and encouraged them to remain curious, empathetic and responsible in their future pursuits. He emphasised the importance of using education responsibly and contributing to society while maintaining integrity and inclusivity.

Dr Samir V. Kamat urged graduates to remain adaptable and continue learning as they enter professional and academic environments. Drawing on his experience at DRDO, he spoke about the importance of taking calculated risks, developing new skills and working collaboratively. He also referred to the long-standing association between DRDO and UoH through the DRDO Industry Academia Centre of Excellence.

Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla encouraged graduates to remain humble and grounded after completing their studies. He emphasised that education extends beyond academic qualifications and includes character, values and social responsibility.

Presenting the university’s achievements for 2025–26, Vice-Chancellor Professor J. Anuradha highlighted its research, academic and international activities. The university reported 179 active research projects valued at more than Rs 184 crore, while 34 faculty members were recognised among the world’s top two per cent of cited researchers.

The university also reported collaborations under the Rs 100-crore ANRF-PAIR initiative, involving six institutions and around 180 investigators, as well as initiatives supporting deep-tech startups through ASPIRE. Other developments included new interdisciplinary research facilities, international academic collaborations and a four-year undergraduate Chemistry programme under NEP 2020.

The university also announced the 2026 Chancellor’s Awards for five faculty members for contributions across research, teaching and student mentoring. The recipients were Dr T. Saravanan, Dr Jogi Madhuprakash, Dr Ramachandrarao Yalla, Dr Anagha Ingole and Dr Naresh Annem.

Among the medal recipients, Dilip Kumar received the Dr Nandivada Rathnasree Medal for Best Ph.D. Thesis in Astrophysics/Theoretical Physics, while Sreya P.K. received the Prof. N. Siva Kumar Medal for Best Ph.D. Thesis in Life Sciences. Amruta Vilas Barbadikar received the Raj Narhari Pershad Medal for the Best Ph.D. Thesis in Sanskrit Studies. Dorothy Diengdoh received the Sarojini Naidu Memorial Trust Medal, CT Indra Endowment Medal and SC/ST Medal.

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