The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Rajkot marked a historic milestone on its journey of academic excellence by hosting its first-ever convocation ceremony in 2026. The grand event was held under the esteemed presence of the President of India, Droupadi Murmu, making it a memorable day for the institution and its graduating students. During the ceremony, 49 MBBS students from the institute’s inaugural batch were awarded their medical degrees, officially stepping into the healthcare profession and dedicating themselves to public service.
Since its establishment in 2020, AIIMS Rajkot has rapidly emerged as one of the promising medical institutions in the country, contributing significantly to medical education, healthcare delivery, and research advancement. The first convocation stands as a reflection of the institute’s steady progress and its commitment to producing skilled and compassionate doctors.
49 MBBS Graduates and PDCC Scholar Honoured
At the convocation, a total of 49 MBBS graduates were awarded degrees after successfully completing their internship training. In addition, one Post Doctoral Certificate Course (PDCC) trainee also received certification, marking another academic achievement for the institute.
To recognize outstanding academic performance, 10 meritorious students were awarded gold, silver, and bronze medals along with merit certificates. These awards were given to students who excelled consistently across all three professional years of their MBBS program. The recognition highlighted their dedication, discipline, and academic excellence throughout their medical education journey.
Dignitaries Emphasize Health, Lifestyle, and Medical Responsibility
The event was attended by several distinguished dignitaries who addressed the graduating doctors with inspiring messages.
Acharya Devvrat, the Governor of Gujarat, emphasized the importance of lifestyle and preventive healthcare. He noted that modern diseases such as cancer, heart conditions, and diabetes were far less common decades ago and highlighted environmental and dietary factors as major contributors to their rise. He encouraged the promotion of natural farming and healthier food habits while urging doctors to guide patients toward improved lifestyles. He also stressed the importance of cow conservation and reducing dependence on junk and fast food.
Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Anupriya Patel, also addressed the gathering. She highlighted the rapid transformation of India’s healthcare and medical education system. She pointed out that the number of medical colleges in India has increased from 387 to 818 in the past 12 years, while MBBS seats have grown from 51,000 to 1.29 lakh and postgraduate seats from 31,000 to 85,000. She further mentioned that India had only seven AIIMS institutions before 2014, whereas today the number has expanded to 16, including AIIMS Rajkot. She emphasized that patient welfare must remain the top priority for doctors to achieve the vision of a healthy and developed India.
President Droupadi Murmu Graces the Ceremony
The convocation ceremony witnessed the presence of nearly 1,000 invited guests, including students, faculty members, and parents. President Droupadi Murmu served as the chief guest, adding national significance to the occasion. Her presence highlighted the importance of strengthening medical education and healthcare infrastructure across the country.
Also present were Gujarat Health Minister Pradipsinh Pansheriya (commonly known as Praful Pansheriya in public references), senior administrative officials, members of AIIMS governing bodies, and institutional faculty members. Their participation reflected the collective effort behind the institute’s rapid growth and academic achievements.
AIIMS Rajkot’s Growth and Future Vision
The first convocation of AIIMS Rajkot symbolizes a defining moment in the institute’s development. In a short span since its establishment, the institution has evolved into a center of excellence in medical education, patient care, and research innovation.
AIIMS Rajkot has expanded its undergraduate and postgraduate programs while also integrating modern technologies such as artificial intelligence into medical training and clinical practice. This forward-looking approach aligns with India’s broader healthcare goals and strengthens the country’s vision of accessible, advanced, and technology-driven medical services.
With its strong academic foundation and commitment to innovation, AIIMS Rajkot is steadily positioning itself as a key contributor to India’s healthcare system. The successful graduation of its first MBBS batch marks the beginning of a new era for the institute, one that promises continued excellence in medical education and public health service.
