Ropar, November 1
The National Institute of Electronics and Information Technology (NIELIT) Deemed to be University (NDU), under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), Government of India, held its first convocation today at its main campus in Bada Phull, Rupnagar (Ropar), Punjab, conferred Master’s degrees on 102 graduates. This was the first graduating cohort since NIELIT was granted the status of a Deemed-to-be University in 2024. In recognition of academic excellence, eight Gold Medals and five Silver Medals were awarded to the top-performing students.
The formal message of Jitin Prasada, Minister of State for Electronics and Information Technology and Commerce and Industry, Government of India, and Pro-Chancellor of the University, was read out by Deepak Wasan, Executive Director, NIELIT Ropar.
In his message, Prasada said that India’s technology journey was entering a new phase, with the country’s capabilities in electronics, semiconductors, telecommunications, artificial intelligence and cybersecurity expanding rapidly. He emphasised that India needs skilled professionals who can design, develop, secure, manufacture and improve technologies.
Highlighting the vital role of educational institutions, he said that they must combine strong academic foundations with practical exposure to prepare students to address real-world challenges. He stressed that India needs researchers, entrepreneurs, product developers, educators and technologists who can contribute to public welfare and strengthen the country’s technological self-reliance.
- Krishnan, IAS, Secretary, MeitY, attended the convocation as the Chief Guest. Addressing the gathering, he highlighted the Ministry’s long-standing experience in electronics, information technology, training and capacity building, and its transition towards a university platform focused on higher education and research. He observed that the Ministry’s expectations from the institution extended beyond producing graduates to supporting applied research, strengthening industry linkages and responding swiftly to emerging technologies, including semiconductor and electronics design, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and telecommunications.
Highlighting the significance of the first graduating batch, Krishnan said, “The reputation of a university is built over time, and its first graduates become part of that foundation of the institution.” He also emphasised India’s rapid progress in semiconductors and artificial intelligence, noting that educational and research institutions have a vital role in advancing these technologies and contributing to the country’s technological development.
Prof. (Dr.) M. M. Tripathi, Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor, presented the University Report, highlighting the institution’s expanding academic base, research initiatives, infrastructure and academic achievements. He also outlined its contributions to technical education, research, skill development and capacity building in electronics, information technology and emerging technologies. He informed that out of the 102 graduating Master’s students, 65 have already secured placements, while placement activities for others are in progress and recent industrial placement will be finalised soon.
The proceedings began with a welcome address by Shri Deepak Wasan, Executive Director, NIELIT Deemed-to-be University, Main Campus, Ropar. The Master’s degrees were formally conferred on the graduating students, and the oath was administered by Dr. Manish Arora, Registrar, NDU. The University Convocation Report was also released on the occasion.