IIT Bombay has achieved a historic milestone by awarding 3,763 degrees, including a record-breaking 620 PhDs during the 2025-26 academic year.
- IIT Bombay conferred a total of 3,763 degrees.
- A record 620 PhD degrees were awarded, the highest for any IIT.
- The graduating batch included 791 women and 2,651 men.
- Chemistry department led with 47 PhD awards.
The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay has marked a significant milestone in its academic history by awarding 3,763 degrees to 3,442 students during the 2025-26 academic year. This landmark achievement includes a record-breaking 620 PhD degrees, the highest number of doctoral degrees conferred by any IIT in a single academic year.
According to official institute data, the breakdown of the degrees includes 1,713 undergraduate, 1,430 postgraduate, and 620 doctoral degrees. Reflecting the evolving demographic of technical education, the graduating cohort consisted of 791 women and 2,651 men, preparing them for advanced research and professional leadership roles globally.
Historical Context and Research Surge
The unprecedented surge in doctoral graduates is not merely a statistical anomaly but a result of strategic academic oversight. The institute recently conducted a comprehensive review of long-pending research projects. During this rigorous process, IIT Bombay identified approximately 100 to 125 students whose research had remained incomplete for over eight years. By facilitating the completion of these long-standing projects, the institute has significantly boosted its doctoral output compared to the previous five-year average, which typically ranged between 300 and 500 PhDs.
This record-breaking PhD count signifies a shift towards resolving academic bottlenecks and accelerating high-level research output in India.
Departmental Breakdown
The distribution of PhD awards highlights the strength of various scientific disciplines within the institute. The Department of Chemistry emerged as the leader, awarding 47 PhDs. Other notable contributors included Electrical Engineering (30), Mechanical Engineering (27), Biosciences and Bioengineering (24), and the Humanities and Social Sciences department (23).
Why This Matters
BozokMedia analysis shows that this surge in doctoral graduations positions IIT Bombay as a powerhouse in global research. By successfully managing and concluding long-term research projects, the institute is setting a benchmark for other technical institutions in India to streamline their doctoral programs and enhance research productivity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question 1: How many total degrees did IIT Bombay award this year?
Answer: IIT Bombay awarded a total of 3,763 degrees during the 2025-26 academic year.
Question 2: Which department recorded the highest number of PhDs?
Answer: The Department of Chemistry recorded the highest number with 47 PhD degrees awarded.