Jalandhar/Kapurthala, October 27, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
I.K. Gujral Punjab Technical University (IKGPTU), Kapurthala, held its 15th convocation on Tuesday, awarding degrees to 1,644 research scholars and undergraduate and postgraduate students. Punjab Governor and University Chancellor Gulab Chand Kataria attended the ceremony as the Chief Guest, highlighting the importance of research, innovation, entrepreneurship and nation-building.
The ceremony began with the arrival of the Governor, followed by Vande Mataram, Shabad Gayan, the traditional lamp-lighting ceremony and the formal inauguration. Vice-Chancellor Prof. (Dr.) Arvind Kumar Bansal presented the university’s annual report, followed by the conferment of Ph.D. degrees.
Addressing the graduating students, Governor Gulab Chand Kataria congratulated them on their achievements and said education should not be limited to individual success but should also contribute to the progress of society, Punjab and the nation. He urged students to uphold honesty, discipline, excellence and social responsibility while remaining connected to their cultural roots.
The Governor also emphasised the role of young people in promoting entrepreneurship, creating employment opportunities, fostering scientific thinking and helping build a drug-free Punjab.
Appreciating the university’s academic and research achievements, Kataria stressed the need to strengthen research and innovation in emerging technologies, expand collaboration with industry and develop practical solutions to social and rural challenges.
Presenting the annual report, Vice-Chancellor Prof. (Dr.) Arvind Kumar Bansal highlighted the university’s progress in academics, research and innovation. He said 1,094 research scholars from Engineering, Management, Pharmacy and Human Values were awarded Ph.D. degrees at the 15th convocation. In addition, 281 postgraduate students and 269 undergraduate students were recognised for their academic achievements during the period from 2016 to 2023.
Highlighting research and innovation, Bansal said the university secured five patents during the preceding academic year. It also undertook three sponsored research projects supported by three funding agencies, receiving grants worth approximately ₹63.9 lakh. Additionally, the university completed four consultancy projects for two organisations, with a combined value of approximately ₹1.78 lakh.
According to the latest Scopus report cited by the Vice-Chancellor, the university’s total research publication count had reached 7,467, including approximately 1,000 research papers contributed by faculty members at the main and constituent campuses. During the 2025–26 academic year, the university campuses published 118 research papers, including 52 SCI-indexed and 39 Scopus-indexed papers.
University Registrar Dr. Navdeepak Sandhu delivered the vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to the Chief Guest, Governor Gulab Chand Kataria; Prof. Sanjeev Kumar Sharma, Vice-Chancellor of Maharaja Ranjit Singh Punjab Technical University, Bathinda; members of the Board of Governors and Academic Council; graduating students; parents; faculty members; and other distinguished guests who contributed to the successful organisation of the event.
The ceremony concluded with the convocation pledge administered by Vice-Chancellor Prof. (Dr.) Arvind Kumar Bansal. The graduating students reaffirmed their commitment to honesty, professional excellence and service to society and the nation.
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