University of Madras preps for 167th convocation amid chaos

On Tuesday, the ramparts of the Senate Hall in University of Madras buzzed with energy. The university band played, while NCC cadets marched to the beat. They were rehearsing the forthcoming convocation of the university on Thursday.

The teaching and non-teaching staff looked busy planning the rundown of events, beginning from the arrival of the chancellor and the chief guest, to their departure.

The last convocation (166^th) was held in September 2024, which was delayed due to several procedural constraints due to the absence of a Vice Chancellor. The Vice Chancellor’s post continues to remain vacant following an ongoing tussle between the Governor and the State government delaying the convocation by over a year.

The University has invited K. Sivathanu Pillai, former CEO and MD of BrahMos Aerospace, to be the chief guest for the convocation. The Governor of Tamil Nadu, R.N. Ravi, has consented to participate as well.

Students under the regular course who have passed exams in April 2024 and April 2025 and those under the Institute of Distance Education who have cleared exams in April 2024 and November 2024 will be conferred degrees during this convocation, university officials said.

As many as 950 PhD candidates, 188 prize and medal winners, and 182 rank holders will be felicitated at the convocation by the dignitaries. In total, 1.8 lakh undergraduate and postgraduate students spread across affiliated colleges will earn their degrees during this convocation, but their degrees will be distributed to them at the convocations of their respective colleges, said Rita John, Registrar.

The convocation will be held at 10.30 a.m. on January 22, 2026 at the Senate House.