On the occasion of its 68th Foundation Day, the Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi (IIT-Delhi), unveiled its inaugural Alumni Impact Report, marking a significant milestone in the institution's storied history. This comprehensive document highlights the remarkable journey of IIT-Delhi from its humble beginnings with a class of 150 in 1966 to a sprawling global network of over 65,000 alumni today, who are making substantial contributions across various sectors worldwide.
Unveiling the Alumni Impact Report
The report was officially released in New Delhi on January 27, 2026, by Dr. Gurtej S. Sandhu, a distinguished alumnus and Principal Fellow and Corporate Vice-President at Micron Technology, alongside IIT-Delhi Director Professor Rangan Banerjee. The event, held on campus, celebrated the institute's legacy and the pivotal role its graduates play in shaping industries, entrepreneurship, public service, and academia both in India and abroad.
Leadership and Global Recognition
According to the report, approximately 10,000 IIT-Delhi alumni currently occupy leadership positions in key sectors such as banking and finance, manufacturing, and engineering. Notably, around 70% of these leaders are based in India, while more than 1,000 alumni serve on the boards of major corporate organizations. Dr. Sandhu emphasized the critical role of alumni 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, with non-Indians often recognizing the prestige associated with an IIT degree.
Entrepreneurial Excellence
The report documents an impressive entrepreneurial spirit among IIT-Delhi graduates, with more than 2,500 founders and co-founders emerging from the institute. These entrepreneurs have contributed to an estimated 4.8 lakh direct jobs, underscoring their role in job creation and economic growth. Prominent alumni entrepreneurs include:
- Sachin and Binny Bansal, founders of Flipkart
- Deepinder Goyal, founder of Zomato and Blinkit
- Vidit Aatrey and Sanjeev Barnwal, founders of Meesho
- Harsh Jain, co-founder of Groww
- Jyoti Bansal, founder of AppDynamics
Public Service and Academic Contributions
In the realm of public service, the report reveals that over 650 IIT-Delhi alumni are currently serving in public institutions. This includes more than 270 Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officers, over 100 officers in the Indian Police Service (IPS), Indian Revenue Service (IRS), and Indian Foreign Service (IFS), and approximately 250 individuals 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, highlighting the institute's commitment to national defense.
Academically, IIT-Delhi alumni have made significant strides, with more than 50 serving as faculty in QS Top 100 universities worldwide and over 300 teaching at other IITs. This demonstrates the institute's influence in shaping future generations of engineers and leaders.
Financial Support and Endowment Growth
The report also sheds light on the growth of the IIT-Delhi Endowment Fund, which has been built entirely through alumni contributions. To date, 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 and scholarships
- International travel grants for students and faculty
- Infrastructure projects such as the Mittal Sports Complex, the Yardi School of AI, and the CERCA climate research centre
Reflections on Growth and Impact
Professor Rangan Banerjee, in his address, highlighted the transformative journey of IIT-Delhi, stating, "From 150 alumni in 1966 to 65,000 today, our graduates remain the heartbeat of India's technological and social progress." He further noted that the alumni report illustrates how IIT-Delhi graduates have evolved into global leaders, pioneering entrepreneurs, and dedicated public servants, creating profound economic and social footprints worldwide.
Dr. Sandhu, who graduated in 1985 with an MTech in Electrical Engineering, also delivered a talk on 'The Future of Chip Technology and Role of Innovation,' emphasizing the ongoing contributions of alumni to technological advancements. The release of this report not only commemorates IIT-Delhi's foundation but also serves as a testament to the enduring legacy and global impact of its alumni network, reinforcing the institute's position as a premier institution in engineering education and innovation.
