NITK Surathkal 23rd Convocation: A Celebration of Excellence and Industry-Academia Synergy

On November 20, 2025, the lush green campus of National Institute of Technology Karnataka (NITK) Surathkal came alive with pride, nostalgia, and forward-looking optimism as it hosted its 23rd Convocation ceremony. Under a bright Mangalorean sky, 1,995 graduates — comprising 1,132 B.Tech, 467 M.Tech, 107 MBA, 92 MCA, 134 M.Sc, and 103 PhD scholars — stepped into the next chapter of their lives, armed with degrees, memories, and the unmistakable NITK spirit.

A Ceremony Steeped in Tradition and Vision

The event was graced by Mr. Kamal Bali, Managing Director and Country President of Volvo Group India, as the Chief Guest. In his convocation address, Mr. Bali urged the graduating batch to embrace continuous learning and innovation in an era dominated by rapid technological disruption. Drawing from his rich experience in the automotive and manufacturing sectors, he emphasized the critical need for industry-linked research — a message that resonated deeply with NITK’s own evolving academic ethos.

Director Prof. B. Ravi, in his annual report, highlighted the institute’s growing focus on translational and industry-sponsored research projects, rising corporate R&D partnerships, and the newly strengthened Industry-Institute Interaction Cell. He proudly noted that NITK now ranks among the top 10 NITs in research funding and has significantly expanded its portfolio of patents and technology transfers in the last three years.

Gold Medals, Smiles, and Standing Ovations

The ceremony saw the conferment of 46 institute gold medals and several branch-topper awards. From Computer Science to Civil Engineering, from Metallurgical & Materials to Chemical Engineering, every department celebrated its shining stars. The loudest cheers, as always, were reserved for the PhD scholars who walked across the stage — a testament to years of perseverance and groundbreaking work.

From Convocation Gowns to Placement Suits — The Transition Begins

In a delightful twist of timing, while graduates were still soaking in the applause on November 20, the placement season for the incoming batch officially kicked off the very next day. Companies have already started rolling out offers, and the campus is buzzing with a familiar mix of excitement and nervous energy. For the fresh graduates, the transition from black convocation robes to formal interview attire has been remarkably swift — a reminder of how seamlessly NITK bridges academic excellence with professional opportunity.

A Proud Moment for the NITK Family

The 23rd Convocation was more than a degree-distribution ceremony; it was a celebration of resilience, innovation, and the unbreakable bond between students, faculty, alumni, and industry partners. As the new graduates step into the world — whether to top-tier companies, prestigious universities abroad, or entrepreneurial ventures of their own — they carry forward the legacy of an institute that continues to punch above its weight on the national stage.

To the Class of 2025: Congratulations! You’ve earned this moment.
To NITK Surathkal: Thank you for yet another year of inspiration.

Here’s to many more milestones, stronger industry collaborations, and brighter futures.