The Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) has postponed its 86th convocation just two days before it was scheduled to take place on August 2. The institute informed graduating students through an email sent on Thursday night, stating that the ceremony had been deferred due to “unforeseen circumstances.”
The convocation was expected to bring together graduating students from TISS campuses in Mumbai, Tuljapur, Hyderabad, and Guwahati. According to reports, Chief Justice of India Justice Surya Kant was scheduled to attend the event as the chief guest.
While the institute did not specify the reason behind the postponement in its official communication, campus sources cited in reports suggested that security concerns may have influenced the decision. However, TISS has not officially confirmed these claims.
In its email to students, the institute expressed regret over the inconvenience and assured graduates that a revised date for the convocation would be announced as soon as possible. The administration acknowledged the importance of the ceremony for students, their families, faculty members, and staff.
The decision has sparked criticism from the Progressive Students Forum (PSF), a student organisation at TISS. The group said the postponement has caused financial, professional, and emotional difficulties for graduating students. According to the PSF, many students and their families had already booked travel and accommodation, while working professionals had taken leave to attend the event.
The student body also pointed to ongoing concerns regarding delays in the declaration of final results and issuance of degree certificates. It argued that these issues have affected students applying for higher education, competitive examinations, and employment opportunities. The forum urged the institute either to conduct the convocation as originally scheduled or to ensure that graduating students receive their degree certificates and other essential academic documents without further delay.
Responding to the concerns, TISS issued a statement on its official website acknowledging the inconvenience caused by the postponement. The institute said it would consider requests related to financial hardship arising from the delay on a case-by-case basis, in accordance with its applicable rules. It added that the affected students had already been informed about the support process through email.
The institute has not yet announced a new date for the convocation ceremony.
