318 students graduate at XISS’s 65th Annual Convocation
Xavier Institute of Social Service (XISS), Ranchi, one of the premier B-Schools of the country, hosted its 65thAnnual Convocation Ceremony where 318 graduating students of batch 2024–26 received their PGDM diplomas on 2 May 2026.
318 studentsacross four programmes, including 121students in Human Resource Management, 74 students in Rural Management, 62 students in Financial Management, and 61 students in Marketing Management graduated during the ceremony. 21students from across four programmes were declared top rank holders and amongst them 11 gold, 06 silver, and 04 bronze medals were distributed. Meanwhile, 05 students received cash prizes worth Rs 1,72,000/-. 27 students were also awarded with Institutional Scholarships worth Rs 7.85 lakhs.The institute's thematic song and anthem were also released during the program.
Mr D Shivakumar, Operating Partner, Advent International & Former Chairman, PepsiCo India delivered the Convocation Address and said that I am honored to speak at the 65th Convocation of this 70-year-old institution. It is important to recognize that XISS Ranchi was established in the 1950s, making it older than every single IIM in India, the first of which was established only in the 1960s. You carry a rich legacy that began in this region in 1869 with the arrival of the early Jesuits. Today, the Jesuits employ 14,000 teachers and graduate 400,000 students annually in higher education; your graduating class of 318 represents just 0.1% of that remarkable global output.
He further added that, we live on a planet of 8.3 billion people, with 3.5 billion currently employed. Of those employed, 2 billion work in the informal sector, while the IMF predicts that AI will impact 40% of these jobs in the near future, I believe the influence will extend to all 3.5 billion roles. To understand this shift, we must look at how society reacted to previous technological milestones and learn the lesson.
Concludinh his speech, Mr Shivakumar urged the graduates to invest in yourself as a "Re-inventor"—a term recently adopted by Accenture for its 800,000-strong workforce. Challenge convention, take calculated risks, and remember: tomorrow is always a better day than today.
Earlier, opening the 65th convocation ceremony, Fr Ajit Kumar Xess SJ, Chairman, XISS-Governing Body addressed the students and honoured the profound transformation of the graduates, recognizing the sacrifices behind every milestone. He reminded that a degree is a threshold for a lifelong journey fueled by humility. He said to the graduates to challenge themselves to measure success not by material wealth, but by the integrity and the lives you uplift and by choosing conscience over convenience, you will truly embody the spirit of service.
Director, XISS, Dr Joseph Marianus Kujur SJ presented the Annual Report of 2025-26, during the ceremony, highlighting the activities and achievements of the Institute. Dr Kujur emphasised on the successful culmination of the Platinum Jubilee celebrations of the institute which made an indelible mark in the global education platform. Taking steps in ensuring international quality management education, XISS is now a member of the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), while staying true to its roots of Jesuit values of service.
Dr Kujur addressed the students and said that as you step into a new chapter, I want you all to remember that success lies not only in achievement but in the impact, you create in the society. This day onwards, you all will carry forward the legacy of XISS-of service, integrity, and excellence. Use your knowledge for positive change, honour those who guided you, and remain mindful of your responsibility to your family and society at large.
Dr Kujur in his report also mentioned the placement report of the batch, where this year the highest CTC is 22.20 lakhs per annum. A total of 112 companies participated in the campus placement process, offering 209 jobs across diverse domains including Banking, Consultancy, Energy & Power, Hospitality, Fintech, Financial Services, Manufacturing, IT, E-Commerce, Development Sector, etc. The overall placement percentage achieved is 70% and few organisations are still conducting the process.
Further in the ceremony, 13th Fr Michael Van den Bogaert SJ Memorial "Distinguished Alumni Award" was awarded to Mr Nipun Jain, an alumnus of PGDM Marketing, batch of 2015-17. The Platinum Jubilee "Distinguished Alumni Award" was awarded to Mr Mussarat Hussain, Head of Human Resources, Suzuki Research & Development India, an alumnus of PGD PM & IR, batch of 1985-87.
The ceremony continued with the releases of AXIS 2026 – Annual of XISS and Combined Volume of Jharkhand Journal of Development and Management Studies (JJDMS) 2025-26. Special recognition announcement was done for Dr Prakash Dash & Ms Koyel Mukherjee on completion of 15 years of service. The Director’s Excellence and Appreciation Awards were also announced for faculty and staff including Dr Pinaki Ghosh, Dr Ratnesh Chaturvedi, Dr Shyamal Gomes, Dr Raj Shree Verma, Dr K Kusumavathi, Dr Sant Prasad, Dr Uma Saha, Mr R K Bhagat, Mr Aditya Raj, Ms Aditi Mehrotra, Ms Shruti Sahay, Mr Arvind Dey, Mr Harsh Vardhan, and Mr Christopher Crasto.
The vote of thanks was delivered by Dr Pradeep Kerketta SJ, Assistant Director, XISS. The event was attended by Dr Kumar Mohit Spring, Head PGDM (Human Resource Management); Dr Anant Kumar, Head PGDM (Rural Management); Dr Ratnesh Chaturvedi, Head, PGDM (Finance), and Dr Bhabani Prasad Mahapatra, Head, PGDM (Marketing). Other faculty and staff members, distinguished guests, esteemed alumni, and parents of graduating students of batch of 2024-26 were also present during the annual ceremony. The ceremony was successfully coordinated by Raj Shree Verma and Dr Indrani Ghatak. The ceremony closed with the national anthem as the student’s bid adieu to the Institute.
List of medal winners –
| Sl. No. | Programme Name | Gold Medal (1st Rank) | Silver Medal (2nd Rank) | Bronze Medal (3rd Rank) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | PGDM-HumanResource Management | Mr Rohit Kumar | Ms Riya Gupta | Ms Priyanka Soni |
| 2. | PGDM-Rural Management | Mr Pratham Nishad | Ms Puja Rani | Mr Manav Raj |
| 3. | PGDM-Marketing Management | Ms Radha Bhala | Ms Kashish Bhardwaj | Ms Shristi |
| 4. | PGDM-Financial Management | Ms Mayuri Poddar | Ms Akriti Goel | Ms Manshi Giri |
Other constituted Medals and Cash Awards
- (HRM) NTPC Gold Medal, New Delhi – Mr Rohit Kumar
- (HRM) NTPC Gold Medal, New Delhi for ST/SC – Ms Anshu Shelly Lakra
- (HRM) Best Social Worker (Silver Medal) – Ms Shrishti Raj
- (HRM) Best Communication Cash Award of Rs. 10,000/- – Mr Tanmay Tushar
- (HRM) Shruti Choudhary Memorial Gold Medal & Cash Award of Rs. 10,000/- (Female) – Ms Riya Gupta
- (HRM) Pramod Kumar IR Excellence of Rs 1,00,000/- – Mr Priyanshu Bhattacheryya
- (RM) NTPC Gold Medal, New Delhi for ST/SC – Ms Jyoti Jarika
- (RM) SODA Silver Medal, Best Social Worker – Mr Kumar Aprit
- (RM) Saibal Baroi Memorial Award (Rs 25,000/-) – Ms Anjali Singh
- (MM) Gold Medal (SC/ST Student) – Ms Retika Sneha Ekka
- (MM) Kamalratna Gold Medal & Cash Award of Rs 27,000/- – Ms Radha Bhala
- (FM) Gold Medal (SC/ST Student) – Ms Aditi Malakar
List of Students Receiving the XISS Scholarship (2024-26 – 2nd Year)
| Sl. No. | Name of the Scholarship | Rural Management | Financial Management | Marketing Management | Human Resource Management | Amount (in Rs.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Fr Michael Van den Bogaert SJ Memorial Scholarship | Ms Jyoti Jarika | Ms Aditi Malakar | Ms Retika Sneha Ekka | Ms Anshu Shelly Lakra | 50000/- |
| Ms Leeza Shiney Kullu | Ms Nidhi Monica Tewan | Ms Jennifer Kujur | Ms Manila Murmu | 40000/- | ||
| 2 | Fr Michael Albert Windey SJ Memorial Scholarship | Mr Pratham Nishad | Ms Mayuri Poddar | Ms Radha Bhala | Mr Rohit Kumar | 30000/- |
| Ms Puja Rani | Ms Akriti Goel | Ms Kashish Bhardwaj | Ms Riya Gupta | 20000/- | ||
| 3 | Fr Louis Francken SJ Memorial Scholarship | Mr Manav Raj | Mr Arnav Kumar | Ms Radha Bhala & Ms Shreya Sristi | Mr Rohit Kumar | 30000/- |
| Mr Pratham Nishad | Mr Ashish Kumar & Ms Prachi Priya | Ms Shristi | Ms Riya Gupta | 20000/- | ||
| 4 | Fellow Programme in Management | Ms Swati Chandra | 25000/- | |||
Topper’s Speak: Gold Medalists
Human Resource Management
Mr Rohit Kumar – Placed Tata Steel Ltd
“Behind this achievement are countless lessons, failures, and growth moments. I see this gold medal as a responsibility, not just recognition. HR is about creating impact through empathy and ethics, and I’m grateful to XISS for shaping that perspective.”
Rural Management
Pratham Nishad – Placed at Tata Power
“My journey at XISS was built by an intent to learn, deliver with purpose & stand by my people. Taking on diverse responsibilities shaped my perspective and resilience. I’m grateful for my peers, trust of faculty and the institution that helped me grow both personally and professionally and truly earn this milestone.”
Financial Management
Ms Mayuri Poddar – Pursuing Higher Education
“This is a deeply joyful moment for me and my family. Consistency has been the cornerstone of my journey. I am truly grateful to my parents for their unwavering belief and to my teachers for their constant guidance and support. This experience has taught me the importance of staying calm under pressure and striving for continuous improvement.”
Marketing Management
Radha Bhala – Placed at Kohler India
“This achievement holds a special place in my heart. It reflects not just hard work, but also the lessons, challenges, and growth that have shaped me throughout this journey. I’m grateful to those who believed in me and excited for what lies ahead.”