Nagaland University celebrated its 8th convocation today, 6 March, with the Vice President of India, CP Radhakrishnan, gracing the ceremony. The event also saw the Governor of Nagaland, Ajay Kumar Bhalla, and the Chancellor, Samudra Gupta Kashyap, in attendance, along with faculty, students, and parents.
A total of 6,884 students graduated this year, including 107 PhD scholars, 825 postgraduates, 846 professional program graduates, and 5,106 undergraduates. Fifty-four gold medals were awarded to top performers, highlighting academic excellence across disciplines.
The Vice-Chancellor, Prof Jagadish Kumar Patnaik, emphasized the university’s growing research and innovation culture. During the academic year 2025–26, 53 externally funded and 30 internal research projects were undertaken, supported by premier agencies including DBT, DST, ICAR, ICSSR, DRDO, and CSIR. Faculty members published 320 Scopus-indexed and 106 Web of Science-indexed journal articles, 201 books and book chapters, and achieved 39 granted patents out of 96 published, demonstrating a strong pipeline from research to innovation. Four faculty members are listed among the world’s top 2% scientists, reflecting Nagaland University’s global research visibility.
Student achievements extended beyond academics. Eight graduates secured positions in the Civil Services, 44 entered higher education teaching, and 73% of these successful candidates were women. The university also performed strongly in sports, with its football team qualifying for the All India tournament and one player shortlisted for Churchill Brothers FC, Goa.
Infrastructure development was also highlighted. HEFA Phase I saw seven new buildings completed at Rs 73.4 crore, while HEFA Phase II plans 20 more buildings across campuses, worth Rs 239.47 crore. Engineering Projects India Ltd (EPIL), a Mini-Ratna CPSU, has been appointed as the executing agency for the Rs 239.47 crore Phase II expansion.
The Vice President laid the foundation stones for seven new buildings at the Lumami campus. New departments in Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physical Education, and Vocational Studies & Skill Development are under consideration by the Ministry of Education.
Prof Patnaik urged graduates to use their education to serve society, uphold integrity, and contribute to the State of Nagaland, stressing that a university degree is not merely a certificate, but a responsibility.