New academic and sports infrastructure dedicated to students; institute highlights innovation, industry readiness and holistic development
Raipur, August 21, 2026: The National Institute of Technology (NIT) Raipur organised an orientation programme for newly admitted first-year students of the 2026 batch on August 21, 2026. The programme was held at the Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay Auditorium.
Prior to the orientation programme, newly developed academic and sports infrastructure on the institute campus was formally inaugurated.
The inauguration ceremony was led by Dr. Suresh Haware, Chairman, Board of Governors, NIT Raipur.
Several distinguished guests attended the event, including Sanjay Som, Director (Mining & Construction), Bharat Earth Movers Limited (BEML); Sudhir Vasudev, former Chairman and Managing Director of ONGC and former Chairman, Board of Governors, NIT Raipur; Manish Patil, Director (Human Resources), ONGC; Dr. N. V. Ramana Rao, Director, NIT Raipur; Umesh Chitlangia, President, Alumni Association GEC-NIT Raipur; and Dr. Shubhashish Sanyal, Dean (Corporate Relations & Resource Mobilisation), NIT Raipur, among others.
ONGC-Funded Smart Classrooms Inaugurated
Among the facilities dedicated to the institute were smart classrooms developed with financial assistance of ₹94 lakh from Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Limited (ONGC).
The classrooms are equipped with modern facilities, including air-conditioning units, smart boards, projectors and other technology-enabled learning infrastructure.
The initiative is aimed at strengthening the academic environment and providing students with technology-enabled teaching and learning facilities.
BEML Sports Facilities Also Inaugurated
Sports infrastructure developed with the support of Bharat Earth Movers Limited (BEML) was also formally inaugurated.
BEML provided ₹30 lakh towards the development of volleyball and basketball courts.
The newly developed courts feature three-layer coating and high-quality turf, providing students with improved facilities for sports and physical activities.
NIT Raipur Highlights Its Academic Standing
Delivering the welcome address, Dr. N. V. Ramana Rao, Director, NIT Raipur, highlighted the institute’s position at the national level.
He stated that the institute’s overall student intake across its undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral programmes is 5,938, with the academic programmes being aligned with the objectives of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
Addressing the newly admitted students, Dr. Ramana Rao encouraged them to remain curious and develop a habit of learning beyond the boundaries of the classroom.
He urged students to make full use of the academic, technological and extracurricular opportunities available at the institute.
Book ‘NIT Raipur: A Legacy of Excellence’ Released
A book titled “NIT Raipur: A Legacy of Excellence,” authored by Dr. Suresh Haware, was also formally released during the programme.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Haware emphasised the importance of innovation and delivered the message, “Idea is Power.”
He expressed pride in the institute’s academic and research achievements and stated that 15 professors from NIT Raipur have been included in Stanford University’s list of the world’s top 2% scientists.
He also highlighted the contribution of NIT Raipur alumni to major national programmes, including the ISRO Chandrayaan missions and the nuclear energy sector.
ONGC Stresses Soft Skills and Industry Readiness
Addressing the students, Manish Patil, Director (Human Resources), ONGC, highlighted the importance of developing skills beyond technical knowledge.
He emphasised the role of soft skills, teamwork and business understanding in building successful professional careers.
According to him, students need to combine strong technical capabilities with communication, collaboration and an understanding of the professional environment.
BEML Highlights Character and Problem-Solving
Sanjay Som, Director (Mining & Construction), BEML, said that technical institutions play an important role in developing qualities such as character, patience and problem-solving ability.
He noted that these qualities are essential for students aspiring to take up leadership responsibilities in industry.
Former ONGC Chairman and Managing Director Sudhir Vasudev and Alumni Association President Umesh Chitlangia also shared their views with the students.
They encouraged the new batch to focus on practical problem-solving, mentorship and continuous learning throughout their academic journey.
Students Briefed on Academic Rules and Campus Life
The second session of the orientation programme focused on introducing students to the institute, its systems and important rules and regulations.
Dr. Manoj Chopkar, Dean (Student Welfare), highlighted NIT Raipur’s zero-tolerance policy towards ragging and explained the relevant code of conduct and student guidelines.
This was followed by detailed presentations on various aspects of campus life and student development.
Dr. Subhojit Ghosh, Associate Dean (Academics), briefed students about academic rules and regulations.
Dr. Vivek Kumar Gaba provided information about the Career Development Centre and placement activities, while Dr. Suvendu Roop introduced students to cultural and social clubs.
Information about hostel facilities was provided by Dr. Deepmala Sharma and Dr. Pradeep Singh.
The students were also briefed on mental health and wellbeing services by Dr. Shivali Srivastava, Co-founder and CEO of BetterSpace.
New Academic Session Begins
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Dr. Shubhashish Sanyal, Dean (Corporate Relations & Resource Mobilisation).
The orientation programme marked the formal beginning of the academic journey of NIT Raipur’s 2026 first-year batch, while the inauguration of the new smart classrooms and sports facilities further strengthened the institute’s academic and extracurricular infrastructure.
The programme underlined NIT Raipur’s focus on combining academic excellence, innovation, industry exposure, sports, student wellbeing and holistic development as it welcomes its newest batch of students.
