Summary
Highlights
The speaker opens the ceremony by welcoming everyone to a special occasion, celebrating both BS degree graduates and prize winners. The 2024 graduating class includes all students who completed their requirements in the calendar year 2024, differing slightly from a typical class definition but celebrating the achievements of students across various program levels, including certifications, diplomas, and degrees.
The program has grown significantly, with about 30,000 students across various levels (17,000 in foundation, 10,000 in diploma, 694 in BC, and 337 in BS). A total of 197 students have completed the BS level, and 507 have completed the BC level. The speaker also details the number of certificates and diplomas awarded, noting a significant number of BS graduates are expected in 2024.
The class of 2023 is defined as students who completed their BC degree in 2023. There are 131 such students, with 99 completing their BS, and a large fraction being dual-degree students. The CGPA statistics show a high number of students, particularly BS graduates, achieving excellent grades (8-10 bracket). The gender and age split indicates a significant portion are 20-25 years old, with women constituting about 20%. Maharashtra leads in state-wise representation. Most graduates are currently working (89), pursuing PG (18), or undertaking internships (12).
The program has had a profound impact on students' careers, with anecdotal evidence showing significant salary increases, top ranks in competitive exams, and successful transitions into diverse fields (AI, data analytics). Students are pursuing higher education in prestigious institutions globally. The speaker highlights the diversity of students, including those from commerce backgrounds, mature students returning to education, and those in US-based startups.
Prize categories include Merit (CGPA 9-9.5), Distinction (CGPA 9.5-10), and Toppers (top students in distinction category). Toppers are chosen based on exceptional performance, with flexibility for multiple toppers if scores are very close. This year, new prizes for Foundation plus one diploma have been introduced, sponsored by the Readington Foundation.
A total of 139 prize winners are recognized, spanning diverse age groups and states. Notably, Nikhil Chaudhri (a doctor) is the BS degree topper with a 9.82 CGPA. Rajalakshmi Jani achieved a perfect 10 CGPA at the end of both diplomas, a rare and exceptional feat. Shamana Sinha (9.98 CGPA) and Ashit Handa (9.95 CGPA) are also toppers in the two-diploma category. Rajalakshmi Jani is also a topper in Diploma in Programming and Diploma in Data Science, the latter sponsored by the Readington Foundation along with Anurag Shukla and Vishwash Mehra. Direct Admission toppers include Sheikh Gufran Jabar and Chhatar Sarar.
The speaker then guides the audience to the website to view the full list of awardees. Five students achieved Academic Distinction in the BS degree category (CGPA > 9.5). A longer list of students received Certificates of Merit (CGPA 9-9.49) at the BS level and for completing two diplomas, showing a broad base of high-achieving students.
Professor Indras and other coordinators congratulate all graduates, emphasizing the rigor of the program and the impressive achievement of maintaining high CGPAs. They highlight the dedication required to excel. Several students share their experiences, including Rajalakshmi Jani, who humorously acknowledges the pressure of maintaining a perfect CGPA, and Shamana Sinha, who discusses her enjoyment of the courses. Ashit Handa advises focusing on learning over CGPA. Students also express gratitude for the program's impact on their careers and personal growth.
The coordinators express excitement for the upcoming Paradox event where original BS certificates will be awarded. They encourage graduates to stay in touch through the alumni network. Students also share their diverse journeys, including those transitioning from other fields, current instructors who were former students, and individuals whose careers were transformed by the program. The session concludes with a renewed emphasis on graduates representing the program positively in their professional lives.