55 graduates have already secured AI engineering roles, reflecting the Campus’s strong alignment with evolving industry demand

Dubai: BITS Pilani, Dubai Campus (BPDC) celebrated its 2026 Convocation on 5 September, conferring degrees on 398 graduates across first-degree, higher-degree and doctoral programmes. As graduates step into a changing workplace, more than 50% of registered students have already secured career opportunities, including 55 AI engineering roles, alongside opportunities across engineering and management functions.

The Batch of 2026 comprises 313 First Degree, 73 Higher Degree and 12 Doctoral graduates. The ceremony marked a significant milestone for students, their families and the BPDC community as graduates prepare to pursue careers, higher studies and entrepreneurial opportunities in the UAE and globally.

The ceremony was attended by Mr. Prem Jain, Distinguished BITS Alumnus and Chairperson, BITSAA International, as Chief Guest, and Mr. Francis Alfred, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Sobha Realty, as Guest of Honour, along with Prof. V. Ramgopal Rao, Vice Chancellor, BITS Pilani; Prof. Souri Banerjee, Director, BITS Pilani, Dubai Campus; Col. S. Chakrabarty, Registrar; members of the BITS Pilani General Body and Senate, alumni, industry partners, faculty, families and invited guests.

Addressing the Batch of 2026, Mr. Prem Jain reflected on his own journey as a BITS alumnus from the Class of 1973 and the profound changes in technology since then. He urged graduates to embrace innovation while remaining grounded in values, curiosity, adaptability and human connection, encouraging them to consider not only what technology can build, but how it can improve human life.

Prof. Souri Banerjee, Director, BITS Pilani, Dubai Campus, highlighted the Campus’s continued focus on academic excellence, industry relevance and future-ready education. BPDC currently offers 22 programmes — 15 First Degree, 6 Higher Degree and 1 Doctoral programme — across engineering, sciences, management and humanities, and has approximately 3,027 students, including more than 160 doctoral scholars.

A key feature of the graduating cohort has been its strong industry orientation. Placements span AI, data analytics, renewable energy, retail, logistics, manufacturing, ELV systems and full-stack development, across engineering and management roles. These placements reflect the growing demand for graduates equipped to work with emerging technologies.

Mr. Akshay Chutani, Deputy Registrar and Officer-in-Charge of the Registrar’s Office, BITS Pilani Dubai Campus, said, “The Convocation of the Class of 2026 assumes a singular significance in the history of our Campus. All academic programmes represented by this graduating cohort have received accreditation from the Commission for Academic Accreditation, and every degree conferred upon the Class of 2026 is recognised by the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Government of the UAE. This landmark achievement is the culmination of sustained institutional endeavour, meticulous regulatory engagement and the collective commitment of our academic and administrative teams.

The Batch of 2026 embodies the intellectual rigour, resilience and restless curiosity that lie at the heart of a BITS Pilani education. As artificial intelligence redraws the contours of human endeavour, our graduates step into the world not merely as accomplished technologists, but as conscientious thinkers—equipped with the discernment to harness innovation responsibly and the courage to navigate an increasingly complex future.”

BPDC’s industry engagement extends beyond placements. Its Practice School ecosystem is supported by more than 300 industry partners, providing students with hands-on experience across the UAE, India, Qatar, Europe, Saudi Arabia and Singapore. The Campus has also strengthened its Industry Connect initiative, enabling industry professionals to contribute directly to academic delivery and bring workplace perspectives into the classroom.

The industry-academic connection is also evident in BPDC’s doctoral community, with around 80% of its doctoral scholars having industry experience or pursuing industry-linked research pathways, strengthening the Campus’s focus on applied research and real-world relevance.

Guest of Honour Mr. Francis Alfred congratulated the graduating Class of 2026 and urged the graduates to embrace fearlessness, adaptability and continuous learning as they embark on their professional journeys. He said, “Be fearless, adapt faster than the world changes, and keep building your capabilities. Success is never achieved alone—seek help when you need it and, along the way, help others reach where they aspire to go.

The Convocation also recognised outstanding student achievement, honouring medalists for sustained excellence over four years. The Chancellor’s Medals for academic performance were awarded to Siddharath Malavalli Nagesh (Gold), Mustafa Juzer Fatehi (Silver) and Mohammed Haroon (Bronze) from the Integrated First Degree programmes, and Mayank Tripathi (Gold) and Ganne Sowmya (Silver) from the Higher Degree programmes. The Director’s Medal 2026 for Best All-Round Achievement was awarded to Krishna Maloo in the male category and Mysha Ali in the female category.

As the Batch of 2026 moves into careers, higher education and entrepreneurship, BPDC continues to strengthen the connection between academic learning, industry experience and emerging technologies, preparing graduates to contribute confidently to a rapidly changing world of work.