IIT Madras Celebrates Global Excellence: 46 International Students Awarded Degrees by Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri

Graduates from 12 Countries Honoured at IIT Madras Degree Distribution Ceremony, Reflecting India’s Growing Global Education Leadership

Inn/chennai,@infodeaofficial

Chennai, June 11, 2026: Reinforcing its position as a premier global education destination, the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) awarded degrees to 46 international students from 12 countries during a special Degree Distribution Programme held on campus on June 5, 2026. The degrees were presented by Shri Vikram Misri, Foreign Secretary, Government of India, in the presence of senior institute leadership, faculty members, students, and parents.

The ceremony celebrated students graduating from diverse academic programmes, including M.Tech, I2MP M.Tech, M.A., M.Sc., JMP KU–IITM M.Tech, and IITM Zanzibar M.Tech. The graduating cohort represented a vibrant international community from Nepal, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Somalia, Sudan, Uganda, Afghanistan, Rwanda, Liberia, Cameroon, the United States of America, and India.

IIT Madras Strengthens Its Global Academic Footprint

The event highlighted IIT Madras’ continued commitment to internationalization, academic excellence, and cross-border collaboration. Organized by the Office of Global Engagement, the programme underscored the institute’s efforts to attract talented students from across the world while fostering a multicultural learning environment.

The graduating students came from a wide range of disciplines, including Civil Engineering, Ocean Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Computer Science and Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Physics, Chemistry, Humanities and Social Sciences, Data Science and Artificial Intelligence, and Energy Systems under the School of Interdisciplinary Studies (SiDIS).

Vikram Misri Encourages Graduates to Shape the Future

Addressing the graduating students, Foreign Secretary Shri Vikram Misri emphasized the transformative power of emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, Space Systems, and Sustainable Infrastructure.

He noted that today’s rapidly evolving technological landscape presents unprecedented opportunities for innovation and problem-solving. He also highlighted the emergence of new global innovation hubs across Asia and Africa, stating that cities such as Bengaluru, Nairobi, Lagos, Accra, Cairo, and Colombo are becoming powerful centers of entrepreneurship and technological advancement.

Encouraging students to become changemakers, he remarked that the world is increasingly multipolar, dynamic, and driven by young talent capable of reshaping the future through knowledge, innovation, and collaboration.

Collaboration Is the Key to a Sustainable Future

Speaking at the event, Prof. V. Kamakoti, Director, IIT Madras, stressed the importance of international cooperation in addressing global challenges.

He highlighted the need for nations to work together under the vision of “One Earth, One Future, One Family,” emphasizing that sustainable progress depends on strong partnerships and interdependence among countries.

Prof. Kamakoti also noted that the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 has placed significant emphasis on internationalization, enabling Indian institutions to build stronger global academic networks.

IIT Madras Sees Growing International Interest

Highlighting the institute’s global outreach initiatives, Prof. Preeti Aghalayam, Dean (Global Engagement), IIT Madras, said that the IIT Madras Strategic Plan 2021–2027 aligns closely with the objectives of NEP 2020 by promoting multiculturalism, inclusivity, and international partnerships.

She revealed that during the current academic year, approximately 150 students from 17 countries have been selected for Master’s and PhD programmes across various departments. Four students from IIT Madras Zanzibar were also among those graduating during the ceremony.

Prof. Aghalayam further noted that IIT Madras has built a strong global alumni network comprising more than 60,000 alumni worldwide, including around 250 international graduates who have completed Master’s and PhD programmes at the institute.

IIT Madras Emerging as a Global Education and Research Hub

The Degree Distribution Programme served as a testament to IIT Madras’ growing reputation as an international center for higher education, cutting-edge research, innovation, and academic collaboration.

By welcoming students from diverse cultural and academic backgrounds, IIT Madras continues to strengthen India’s role in the global knowledge economy while preparing future leaders, researchers, innovators, and entrepreneurs to address complex global challenges.

As the institute expands its international partnerships and student community, IIT Madras remains committed to creating a world-class educational ecosystem that promotes excellence, inclusivity, and global engagement.