On the occasion of its 68th Foundation Day, the Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi, unveiled its inaugural Alumni Impact Report, showcasing a remarkable transformation from a modest class of 150 in 1966 to a vast global network of over 65,000 alumni today. This comprehensive document highlights the profound contributions of IIT-Delhi graduates across various sectors, emphasizing their role in shaping India's technological and social landscape on a worldwide scale.
Release of the Alumni Impact Report
The report was officially launched during a ceremony held on campus, featuring Dr Gurtej S Sandhu, a distinguished alumnus and Corporate Vice-President at Micron Technology, alongside IIT-Delhi Director Professor Rangan Banerjee. Dr Sandhu, who graduated in 1985 with an MTech in Electrical Engineering, delivered an insightful talk titled 'The Future of Chip Technology and Role of Innovation,' underscoring the institute's commitment to cutting-edge research and development.
Alumni Contributions in Leadership and Entrepreneurship
According to the report, approximately 10,000 IIT-Delhi alumni currently occupy leadership positions in key industries such as banking, finance, manufacturing, and engineering. Notably, about 70% of these leaders are based in India, while more than 1,000 alumni serve on the boards of major corporate organizations, driving economic growth and innovation.
In the realm of entrepreneurship, the report documents over 2,500 founders and co-founders who have emerged from IIT-Delhi, collectively generating an estimated 4.8 lakh direct jobs. Prominent examples include Flipkart founders Sachin and Binny Bansal, Zomato and Blinkit founder Deepinder Goyal, Meesho founders Vidit Aatrey and Sanjeev Barnwal, Groww co-founder Harsh Jain, and AppDynamics founder Jyoti Bansal, all of whom have significantly impacted the startup ecosystem.
Public Service and Academic Excellence
The report also sheds light on the substantial involvement of IIT-Delhi alumni in public service, with over 650 individuals currently serving in various public institutions. This includes more than 270 IAS officers, over 100 officers in the IPS, IRS, and IFS, and around 250 professionals in public sector undertakings, regulatory bodies, and scientific missions. Additionally, the Naval Construction Wing at IIT-Delhi has trained over 700 officers for the Indian Navy, enhancing national security and defense capabilities.
In academia, the institute's alumni have made significant strides, with more than 50 serving as faculty members in QS Top 100 universities globally, and over 300 teaching at other IITs. This academic influence underscores IIT-Delhi's role in fostering educational excellence and research innovation across the world.
Financial Support and Endowment Growth
The Alumni Impact Report highlights the growth of the IIT-Delhi Endowment Fund, which has been built entirely through alumni contributions. The fund has recorded pledges worth Rs 477 crore, with Rs 338 crore already realized. A notable contribution came from the Class of 2000, which pledged over Rs 70 crore during their Silver Jubilee Reunion in December 2025. These funds are being utilized to support various initiatives, including academic chairs, scholarships, international travel grants, and infrastructure projects such as the Mittal Sports Complex, the Yardi School of AI, and the CERCA climate research centre.
Reflections from Leadership
During the event, Dr Sandhu emphasized the critical role alumni play beyond financial support, stating, "It's not always about financial support, which is also important, but it can be much more than that in terms of guidance and connecting back through their companies, their institutions — wherever they are working — to the IITs." He added that the global recognition of IITs has been significantly bolstered by their alumni, noting, "When a non-Indian hears you are from an IIT, they recognise the name."
Professor Rangan Banerjee echoed these sentiments, remarking, "From 150 alumni in 1966 to 65,000 today, our graduates remain the heartbeat of India's technological and social progress." He further highlighted how the alumni report demonstrates the evolution of IIT-Delhi graduates into global leaders, pioneering entrepreneurs, and dedicated public servants, creating profound economic and social footprints worldwide.
The release of this report not only commemorates IIT-Delhi's rich legacy but also sets a benchmark for future achievements, inspiring current and prospective students to contribute to India's growth story. As the institute continues to expand its global network, the impact of its alumni is poised to drive innovation and progress across diverse fields for years to come.
