In a first, the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay has introduced a new format of convocation titled — Commencement Ceremony — which will be held in May. “In the past, many students were not able to attend the convocation as they had already moved out of the campus to pursue higher education or employment opportunities by August. The parents of the graduating students also missed the opportunity to see their ward graduating in person due to space constraints in accommodating them in the Convocation Hall," the institute underlined in a statement. "In order to facilitate the right of passage of prospective graduates, the Senate of IIT Bombay approved a new form of celebration," it added. The commencement ceremony will be replacing the traditional convocation ceremony. It will be held for the first time this year on May 2. Union Minister of Education and Skill Development and Entrepreneurship Dharmendra Pradhan will be the chief guest. Director of IIT Bombay Prof. Subhasis Chaudhuri said, “We want our students to celebrate their journey through IIT Bombay along with all their batchmates and family members as they embark on a new phase. " Graduates will attend the event in a white attire with 'uttariya', which resembles a shawl, as has been the practice for the convocation . In this session, 2,500 students will be invited for a photo opportunity with the director. The ceremony will not involve awarding of degrees as the requirement for completing academic requirements will be pending. Degrees will be awarded in August.
