IIST celebrated its 14th Convocation on 30th July 2026, reaffirming its position as one of India's premier institutions for higher education and research in space science, space technology, and allied disciplines. The ceremony witnessed the conferment of 332 degrees to graduating students and was marked by inspiring addresses from eminent leaders of the Indian space programme and the country's academic community.Shri Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, the Hon'ble Governor of Keralam, graced the function as the Chief Guest and delivered the Convocation Address. Dr. B. N. Suresh, Chancellor, IIST, presided over the function, while Dr. V. Narayanan, Chairman, ISRO, Secretary, Department of Space and President, IIST Governing Body, addressed the graduating students. Prof. Dipankar Banerjee, Vice Chancellor and Chairman, Executive Council, IIST, presented the annual report highlighting the Institute's achievements, and Prof. Kuruvilla Joseph, Pro-Vice Chancellor, led the convocation procession. Dr. U. P. Rajeev, Director, Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), attended as the Guest of Honour, while Shri N. Jayan, Director, Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC), also graced the occasion.

A total of 332 degrees were awarded, comprising 129 Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech.), 23 Dual Degree (B.Tech.-M.Tech./M.S.), 146 Master of Technology (M.Tech.) and Master of Science (M.S.), and 34 Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degrees across various academic departments.The Institute honoured outstanding academic performers during the ceremony. Kum. Zeel Gabani received the Gold Medal for securing the first rank in the B.Tech. Aerospace Engineering programme, while Shri Harsh Goyal received the Gold Medal for emerging as the overall topper among the postgraduate programmes through the M.S. in Astronomy and Astrophysics under the Dual Degree Programme. Shri Ankit Raj received the Excellence Award for securing the highest rank in B.Tech. Electronics and Communication Engineering (Avionics), and Kum. Pendharkar Nupur Dayanand was honoured with the Best All-Round Performance Award.Presenting the report on the achievements of the Institute since the previous convocation, Prof. Dipankar Banerjee, Vice Chancellor, highlighted IIST's continued expansion in academics, research, innovation, and national collaborations. Dr Banerjee shared that IIST was re-accredited by NAAC with the highest grade A++ and secured the 61st position in the engineering category, reflecting the academic and research excellence despite being a highly specialized institution.

IIST is a partner in the National Quantum Mission and the Hon'ble Prime Minister has approved the establishment of a 5G Use Case Laboratory at the Institute, opening new opportunities for advanced research and technology development. The Vice Chancellor also highlighted IIST's growing national and international collaborations through Memorandum of Understanding with several leading universities and research institutions in India and abroad. He noted that IIST is an active member of the Thiruvananthapuram Knowledge Cluster, collaborating with premier institutions including Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology (SCTIMST), Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Thiruvananthapuram, Tropical Botanic Garden and Research Institute (TBGRI), Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology (RGCB) and other institutions to strengthen interdisciplinary research and academic cooperation. Institute currently have 433 Ph.D. scholars working across seven academic departments, contributing to cutting-edge research in science, engineering, and technology. IIST students have secured prestigious international internships and research opportunities at leading institutions worldwide, including NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory and universities in Canada, France, Germany, and Australia. Also strengthened international collaborations with institutions across Europe, Asia, and North America. IIST also achieved a historic milestone by flying an astrobiology payload aboard the Axiom-4 mission to the International Space Station. The experiment is investigating the effects of spaceflight on food-crop seeds and has opened exciting possibilities for future space biology research. Over 90% of IIST placements are in the core engineering, research, and development sectors. Since its inception, IIST has contributed 1,567 scientists and engineers directly to ISRO, underscoring IIST's enduring role in strengthening India's space capabilities.

He further remarked that IIST alumni have played a transformative role in India's emerging commercial space ecosystem, with graduates having established nearly 70 space start-ups across the country.Delivering the Convocation Address as the Chief Guest, Hon'ble Governor of Keralam, Shri Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, congratulated the graduating students and described the occasion as a celebration not only of academic excellence but also of the sacrifices and unwavering support of parents and teachers. He remarked that the achievements of the graduates represented the true Guru Dakshina offered to those who had guided them throughout their educational journey.

In his speech the Hon'ble Governor urged the graduates to dedicate their knowledge and talents to the service of society and the nation. He observed that modern education should not create followers but individuals capable of mastering themselves and becoming leaders. "Today, even space is no longer the limit for your aspirations," he remarked, recalling the extraordinary journey of India's space programme from the visionary efforts of Dr. Vikram Sarabhai to its present status as a globally respected space power.

Referring to India's recent technological and strategic achievements, the Governor said that the country's growing capabilities across science, technology and national security have transformed global perceptions of India. He credited the nation's scientists and engineers for these achievements and called upon the graduates to contribute meaningfully towards the vision of Viksit Bharat. He emphasised that Viksit Bharat isnot merely an economic aspiration but a vision for the country's holistic development, and encouraged every graduating student to become a contributor to that national mission. Describing the graduates as among the fortunate few who have received exceptional education and guidance, he urged them to remain true to the dreams of India's scientific pioneers and committed to the welfare of the common people.

Dr. V. Narayanan, Chairman, ISRO, observed that IIST has evolved into an institution of global repute over the years. He said that students of IIST enjoy the unique privilege of interacting continuously with some of the country's finest scientists and engineers, providing them with unparalleled exposure to excellence and innovation.Highlighting India's rapid progress in space exploration, Dr. Narayanan stated that the nation today leads the world in several critical areas of space operations, citing landmark achievements such as the discovery of water-related evidence on the Moon and the historic soft landing near the lunar south pole through the Chandrayaan mission. He described the space sector reforms announced by the Hon'ble Prime Minister as a transformational milestone that has opened unprecedented opportunities for private participation. Referring to the recent successful launch of Vikram-1 by Skyroot Aerospace, he noted that the achievement reflected the strength of India's public-private partnership in the space sector and the continued support extended by ISRO to the emerging commercial ecosystem. Addressing the graduating students, Dr. Narayanan said they would serve as lifelong ambassadors of IIST. He encouraged them to continuously expand their knowledge and skills, remain committed to serving the nation, and never lose sight of the needs of rural India and its villages. He also advised them to maintain a healthy balance between professional excellence and personal well-being throughout their careers.

In his presidential address, Dr. B. N. Suresh, Chancellor, IIST, observed that the Institute has reached astronomical heights since its modest beginning in 2007 through the dedication of its faculty, students and staff. He noted that India is emerging as a global innovation leader, but emphasised that innovation alone is not sufficient unless it is translated into globally competitive technologies and scalable enterprises. He stressed that dedication, perseverance, hard work and complete involvement are essential for achieving excellence. Encouraging students to pursue continuous self-improvement, he advised them not to compare themselves with others but instead strive to become the very best version of themselves while contributing to an Atmanirbhar Bharat through globally competitive innovation. Dr. U. P. Rajeev, Director, VSSC, reflected on the remarkable journey of IIST since its establishment and recalled the vision behind creating a dedicated institution for space education in India. He said that the Institute continues to uphold the culture, values and dedication inspired by Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam, whose vision laid the foundation for nurturing world-class space professionals. He observed that the relationship between IIST and ISRO has become exceptionally strong through collaborative research and by consistently supplying highly competent scientists and engineers to the Indian space programme. He noted that the quality and commitment of IIST graduates joining ISRO have been exemplary and continue to strengthen the organisation's future missions. The 14th Convocation reflected IIST's continued commitment to academic excellence, cutting-edge research, innovation and nation-building through the development of highly skilled professionals and researchers for India's rapidly expanding space sector. With its graduates contributing to ISRO, academia, industry and the growing commercial space ecosystem, IIST continues to play a pivotal role in strengthening India's emergence as a global leader in space science, technology and innovation.