Nagaland University awarded degrees to 6,884 students during its 8th Convocation, celebrating academic achievement and institutional growth in the presence of Hon’ble Vice President of India Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan,
The convocation saw 107 PhD scholars, 825 postgraduate students, 846 graduates from professional programmes, and 5,106 undergraduate students receiving their degrees. A total of 54 gold medals were awarded to students in recognition of outstanding academic performance.
The Convocation was held in the presence of distinguished dignitaries including Shri Ajay Kumar Bhalla, Governor of Nagaland & Chief Rector of Nagaland University, Shri T.R. Zeliang, Deputy Chief Minister of Nagaland, Shri Metsubo Jamir, Minister, Rural Development, Govt of Nagaland, Shri Bashangmongba Chang, Minister, PWD (Housing) and Mechanical Engineering, Govt of Nagaland, Dharam Raj, IAS, Deputy Commissioner, Zunheboto District, Nagaland, Shri Ajit Kumar Verma, IAS, Deputy Commissioner, Mokokchung District, Nagaland, and Shri Amit Khare, IAS, Secretary to the Vice-President of India, among others.
Addressing the Convocation held in Nagaland University’s Lumami Campus today (6th March 2026), Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan, Hon’ble Vice President of India, said, “A university’s greatest achievement is not only the knowledge it stores but also the leaders it creates. You are going to be the leaders of tomorrow. The character that embody the excellence they pursue and the contributions they make to the society are the measures of the success of any university. I think, from the Vice Chancellors’ address, we understand that Nagaland University is contributing a lot not only at the State level, not only at the National level but even by their research, they are contributing at the International level. My appreciation to the Nagaland University. Since 1994, Nagaland University has been created as a separate university from North-Eastern Hill University. The University, till today and into the future shall continue to elevate the standards of education in Bharat.”
Lauding the contributions of Nagaland University in development of North East, Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan added, “The Nagaland University has expanded its academic reach to ensure that quality education becomes available to the students across the region. The University’s achievements in all fields, be it setting up the Cancer Research Laboratory, upholding the traditional Naga community values by preservation and documentation of indigenous languages and customary laws and other academic pursuits, have been truly extraordinary.”
Further, Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan said, “Acceleration of holistic and inclusive growth across North Eastern States was launched by our Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi – The ‘Prime Minister’s Development Initiative for North East Region’ (PM-DevINE) announced in the Union Budget 2022-23. With the allocation of Rs. 1,500 crore and 100 % Central funding, this scheme was launched to fund infrastructure, social development projects and livelihood initiatives…Nagaland is a living canvas where nature, culture and courage blend in a breathtaking harmony. Nagaland’s culture is one of the colourful cultures in the country… This year’s Union Budget of 2026-27 has seen a record allocation of over Rs. 6,800 Crore for the development of North Eastern Region…More and more Nagaland youngsters must participate in UPSC and you all must get very successful and serve the rest of the Nation…Development is the most needed thing but development with sustainability should be taken care. I also urge all of you to always say no to drugs. That is my humble request. That only should be free from drugs, you should make your friends and family members free from drugs.”
Research and innovation remain a central focus of the University’s growth. Nagaland University is currently implementing 53 externally funded research projects, with 15 new projects secured this year from agencies including DBT, DST, ICAR, ICSSR, DRDO and CSIR. In addition, 30 internal research projects are being supported by the University.
Addressing the students, Shri Ajay Kumar Bhalla, Governor of Nagaland & Chief Rector of Nagaland University, said, “We are living in a time of rapid technological transformation and global challenges. The future demands creativity, resilience, and ethical leadership. I urge you to remain lifelong learners, to embrace change with confidence, and to uphold the highest standards of character and professionalism in all your endeavors.”
Congratulating the graduating students, Prof. Jagadish K. Patnaik, Vice-Chancellor, Nagaland University, said, “Today is a day of celebration — but above all, it is a day of achievement for our graduates. Your degree represents not only academic success, but perseverance, resilience, and commitment. As you leave this campus, remember that a university degree is not merely a certificate — it is a responsibility. The knowledge you have gained must serve society.”
Highlighting the University’s expanding academic and research ecosystem, Prof. Jagadish K. Patnaik said, “Nagaland University is expanding academic flexibility through credit transfer systems and digital learning platforms such as SWAYAM, enabling wider access to higher education and interdisciplinary learning. Innovation and intellectual property generation have also gained momentum, with 96 patents published and 39 patents granted during the year.”
Speaking earlier, Shri T.R. Zeliang, Deputy Chief Minister of Nagaland, said, “Nagaland stands at a crucial juncture of growth and transformation. With improved connectivity, digital expansion and increasing focus on entrepreneurship and skill development, our State is opening new avenues for the youth. I urge you to be innovators, job creators and ambassadors of peace and progress. Let your success contribute to the advancement of our State and Nation. To parents and teachers, I offer my sincere appreciation. Your sacrifices, guidance and encouragement have made this achievement possible.”
Faculty research output has shown strong momentum during the 2025–26 academic year. A total of 320 research articles were published in Scopus-indexed journals, 106 in Web of Science-indexed journals, 118 in UGC-CARE-listed journals, and 184 in other peer-reviewed journals. Faculty members also published 201 books and book chapters, reflecting the institution’s expanding knowledge contribution. The varsity further strengthened its research ecosystem through structured incentives for high-impact publications and fellowships such as NET-JRF, NFST, Non-NET and Post-Doctoral fellowships.
Nagaland University students have also achieved notable success in professional and competitive fields. Eight students secured positions in the Civil Services, while 44 graduates joined higher education institutions as teachers, with 73 per cent of these successful candidates being women, highlighting the University’s commitment to inclusivity and gender equity.
The University is simultaneously expanding its infrastructure to support growing academic and research needs. Under HEFA Phase I, seven buildings worth ₹73.4 crore have been completed and are operational. Under HEFA Phase II, 20 additional buildings across the University’s three campuses have been sanctioned with an estimated investment of ₹239.47 crore. The projects are being executed by Engineering Projects India Ltd (EPIL), a Mini-Ratna Central Public Sector Undertaking.
Nagaland University also plans to expand its academic offerings, with proposals under consideration by the Ministry of Education for new departments in Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physical Education, and Vocational Studies & Skill Development.
Established in 1994 through an Act of Parliament, Nagaland University is the only Central University in the State and has grown into a vibrant academic institution comprising six Schools of Studies, 43 departments and five UGC Centres of Studies with 239 faculty members.
The University currently serves more than 26,000 undergraduate students across 77 affiliated colleges, alongside postgraduate and research scholars. With campuses at Lumami (headquarters), Kohima and Medziphema, Nagaland University continues to strengthen its role as a major centre for higher education, research and innovation in North East India.
