IIT Bombay Replaces Convocation with more “inclusive” Commencement Ceremony

The Senate of IIT Bombay approved a new form of celebration called the ‘Commencement Ceremony’ by replacing the existing notion of Convocation.

IIT Bombay is introducing a new form of convocation called Commencement Ceremony, for the first time starting this year, to be held on Tuesday, May 2, 2023. The Minister of Education and Skill Development and Entrepreneurship Dharmendra Pradhan will be the Chief Guest for the function.

IIT Bombay will also confer the award of Degree of Doctor of Science (Honoris Causa) on Prof. Rohini Godbole, Honorary Professor, Centre for High Energy Physics, IISC Bangalore, during this function.

The convocation of IIT Bombay is usually held in August every year. In the past, many students were not able to attend the convocation as they had already moved out of campus to pursue higher education or employment opportunities by August. The parents of the graduating students also missed the opportunity to see their ward graduating in person due to space constraint in accommodating them in the Convocation Hall.

In order to facilitate the right of passage of prospective graduates, the Senate of IIT Bombay approved a new form of celebration called the ‘Commencement Ceremony’ by replacing the existing notion of Convocation.

Since Commencement 2023 is being held immediately after end-Sem exams in May while all the students are still on campus, a majority of them along with their parents will be able to attend the program in person. All students whose academic program duration notionally ends by July 2023 or has already ended can participate in the Commencement Ceremony.

Graduands will attend the function in a white attire with uttariya, as has been the practice.

The Commencement Ceremony will resemble the convocation. However, ‘Commencement Ceremony’ does not involve awarding of any degree certificates since the students are yet to complete their academic requirements.

As per IIT Bombay statement, although most of the students are expected to graduate by August 2023, a few may take a little longer to complete the necessary course credits. Degrees will be awarded during August in the respective academic departments, after verification of graduation requirements.

Commenting on the new format of convocation, Director of IIT Bombay Prof. Subhasis Chaudhuri said, “We want our students to celebrate their journey through IIT Bombay along with all their batch-mates and family members while they embark on a new phase in their life”.

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