TISS Postpones Convocation Days Before Event, Stranded Students Face Losses

The Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) has postponed its 86th annual convocation just two days before it was scheduled to be held on Sunday. Chief Justice of India Surya Kant was to attend as the chief guest.

In an email sent to students at 12:50 a.m. on Friday, July 31, 2026, the institute cited “unforeseen circumstances” for the decision. A statement issued later in the day said the postponement was in the “best long-term interests of the institute,” adding that the well-being of students, faculty, staff, dignitaries, guests, and the campus community was taken into account.

The institute did not provide a specific reason for the change. Some students said the administration may have cancelled the event over concerns of protests linked to the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP). However, students said no protest had been planned or discussed, either on or off campus. They also said they had not been informed in advance that the Chief Justice would attend the ceremony.

The last-minute cancellation caused financial losses to students who had travelled to Mumbai with parents and relatives. Several affected students said they had spent money on non-refundable flight and train tickets, as well as hotel bookings. Some had taken leave from work to attend the ceremony.

The Progressive Students’ Forum, a students’ collective, questioned the institute’s decision. The group pointed out that final semester results had already been delayed. It demanded accountability from the institute for the cancellation and compensation for students who suffered financial losses.

In its statement, TISS acknowledged the inconvenience caused to graduating students and their families. The institute said it would examine requests related to financial hardship on a case-to-case basis. It also said it was working to reschedule the convocation and exploring alternative formats for the ceremony.

Students described the midnight communication as a cause of avoidable hardship. One student said several members of the graduating batch were awaiting placements and could not afford another trip to Mumbai. Some students requested the institute to issue degree certificates and final marksheets without a ceremony. According to one student, this request was declined. They added that many students may not be able to travel again if the convocation is rescheduled.