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GSFC University Convocation Sees Women Lead The Gold Medal Tally

815 Students Receive Degrees at GSFC University Convocation in Vadodara

Female graduates take 12 of 17 gold medals as university marks its eighth convocation

VADODARA: GSFC University awarded degrees to 815 students at its eighth convocation ceremony at Fertilizernagar on August 29, with female students taking most of the top academic honours.

The graduating group included 488 male students and 327 female students from the School of Technology, School of Science, and School of Management and Entrepreneurship. Seventeen students received gold medals, and 15 were awarded silver medals. Women accounted for 12 of the 17 gold medals.

The ceremony was attended by students and their parents, university officials, faculty members, government representatives, industry leaders and senior officials from Gujarat State Fertilisers and Chemicals Limited (GSFC Limited).

Padma Bhushan Dr V. K. Saraswat, former Director General of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and former Member of NITI Aayog, was the chief guest. He presented the gold and silver medals, while degrees were formally conferred by Shri P. K. Taneja, IAS (Retd.), President of GSFC University.

The result in the medal tally gives female students a strong presence among the university’s highest-performing graduates. The university had also reported a similar pattern in the previous year, with women outperforming men in gold medals for the second consecutive year, according to a report published before this year’s ceremony.

For the students receiving degrees, the ceremony marked the end of their studies at the Vadodara-based university. Their next steps include jobs, higher education, research and entrepreneurship.

GSFC University began academic activity in 2015-16 with the School of Technology at the GSFC Training Institute in Fertilizernagar. The university’s own account records 141 students and two programmes at the start. The School of Science was added in 2016, followed by the School of Management in 2017. A School of Fire and Safety has since been introduced.

The institution was promoted by GSFC Limited through the GSFC Education Society. The society was formed in 2010 as part of GSFC’s corporate social responsibility programme. The university received recognition under the Gujarat Private Universities Act, with the relevant notification taking effect from December 18, 2014.

The university now has more than 3,300 students, according to its current website. Its website lists programmes in areas including engineering, science, management, computer applications and fire and safety. The university’s president said during the convocation that it had grown from two academic programmes to 26 programmes and more than 3,400 students over 11 years. Current university web material, however, lists 23 programmes, suggesting that programme numbers have changed as new courses have been added.

The growth reflects the wider expansion of the institution beyond its original engineering base. When GSFC University began its first academic year in 2015, its initial offering was centred on chemical and mechanical engineering.

The university has also placed considerable emphasis on industrial training. Its academic model includes mandatory internships, and the institution says it has arrangements with more than 100 industries for student training.

Employment remains a key concern for students and families attending university. GSFC University said three programmes recorded 100% placements for the 2026 graduating batch: B.Tech Chemical Engineering, B.Tech Fire and Environment, Health and Safety Engineering, and M.Sc Chemistry. A July 2026 report said 67 students from these programmes took part in the placement process and received more than 60 offers from over 12 companies.

The university’s M.Sc Chemistry programme includes specialisations in Organic Chemistry and Analytical Chemistry. Students also receive training in Industrial and Sustainable Chemistry, with industrial internships forming part of the course.

Such programmes fit closely with Vadodara’s long-standing industrial base, where chemicals, engineering, pharmaceuticals and manufacturing form important parts of the local economy. For graduates, industry exposure can provide experience with workplace practices before they enter full-time employment.

Speaking to the graduating students, Dr Saraswat referred to the changing demands created by technology and India’s long-term development goals.

He urged students to keep learning and adapting as technology changes. He also stressed scientific thinking, digital skills, critical thinking, teamwork, resilience, integrity and character.

In his address, he said:

“Your degree is not merely a qualification; it is a responsibility to use knowledge, innovation and technology to create meaningful impact. As India moves towards Viksit Bharat @ 2047, your generation will play a defining role. Continue to learn, adapt and innovate, but never compromise on integrity and character. Let your knowledge solve meaningful problems, let your leadership inspire others, and let your success contribute to the progress of our nation.”

The reference to Viksit Bharat @ 2047 places the university’s academic message within India’s wider target of becoming a developed country by 2047. For graduates entering engineering, science and management fields, the emphasis on technology and research is tied to areas where India is seeking a larger skilled workforce.

P. K. Taneja told the graduates that their degrees should mark the start of their working lives and responsibilities.

“Your degree marks not an end, but the beginning of a journey of opportunities, aspirations and responsibilities. As you step forward, remain Industry-Aligned, Technology-Driven and Future-Ready. Continue to learn, adapt and grow, but never lose sight of the importance of character and quality. We expect each of you to carry the values of GSFC University with pride and become an outstanding ambassador of the University wherever your journey takes you.”

Vice Chancellor Professor G. R. Sinha presented the university report during the ceremony. The report covered academic work, research, industry links and student development during the academic year.

The event ended with a vote of thanks from Registrar Shri Manish Pradhan. He thanked the chief guest, university leadership, staff, parents and students.

For the 815 graduates, the immediate question now shifts from examination results and medals to what comes next. Some will enter companies, while others will continue with postgraduate study or research. The eighth convocation therefore closes one stage of their education while sending another batch of GSFC University graduates into the workplace and higher education.