The event witnessed participation of around 150 students representing 10 Student Chapters, including IIT (ISM) Dhanbad; IIT Guwahati; JNTUK Kakinada; MIT World Peace University (MIT-WPU), Pune; Indian Institute of Petroleum and Energy (IIPE), Visakhapatnam; Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Petroleum Technology (RGIPT), Jais Amethi; University of Petroleum and Energy Studies (UPES), Dehradun; Osmania University, Hyderabad; Dibrugarh University, Assam; and Pandit Deendayal Energy University (PDEU), Gandhinagar.

The convention commenced with the rendition of the IIT (ISM) Anthem, followed by the ceremonial lighting of the lamp by distinguished dignitaries, marking the formal inauguration of the event. Prof. Vikas Mahto, HoD, Petroleum Engineering, IIT (ISM), Dhanbad welcomed the gathering. In his welcome address, he emphasized the importance of such platforms in fostering academic collaboration and strengthening industry–academia engagement. He highlighted the role of the Convention in promoting innovation, facilitating knowledge exchange, and preparing students with the requisite skills to navigate the evolving energy landscape, while also contributing to their holistic professional development.

Following the welcome address, opening remarks were delivered by Mr. Deb Adhikari, Director (Exploration & Production), FIPI; a special address by Prof. Partha Sarthi Das, Dean (R&D), IIT (ISM) Dhanbad and a keynote address by the Chief Guest, Mr. Lalit Aggarwal, Managing Director, SLB South Asia. In their addresses, the distinguished speakers shared valuable insights into the evolving landscape of the oil and gas sector, highlighting key trends, pressing challenges, and emerging opportunities driven by Artificial Intelligence (AI). They underscored the transformative role of AI in reshaping the industry, driving innovation, enhancing operational efficiency and promoting sustainable practices. The speakers also emphasized the growing importance of stronger industry-academia collaboration in nurturing talent and accelerating research and development.



Furthermore, they highlighted how the strategic integration of AI and advanced technologies can play a pivotal role in unlocking India’s vast hydrocarbon potential, paving the way for a more resilient, efficient and future-ready energy sector.

The distinguished Jury Panel comprising eminent academicians and industry leaders, Mr. Samarendra Roychaudhury, Director (Strategy & Business Development), Antelopus Selan Energy Limited; Mr. R.K. Singh, AI & Innovation Factori Manager, SLB India; Prof. Kumar Hemant Singh, Department of Earth Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay; and Mr. Sunil Kumar Singh, GM (GP-S), GEOPIC-ONGC delivered insightful addresses to an audience of bright and aspiring students. Drawing from their extensive professional experience, the panel members provided a comprehensive perspective on the evolving dynamics of the oil & gas sector. They discussed emerging technologies, operational complexities and strategic priorities shaping the industry today, while emphasizing the importance of innovation, adaptability and continuous learning for young professionals entering this domain.

A key highlight of their address was the growing significance of AI in transforming the oil & gas landscape. The jury members elaborated on how AI-driven solutions are enhancing exploration accuracy, optimizing production processes, improving predictive maintenance and enabling data-driven decision-making. They further shed light on how the integration of AI and digital technologies is instrumental in overcoming existing challenges and unlocking India’s vast hydrocarbon potential.

Mr. Sunil Singh, an eminent geophysicist, delivered an insightful presentation highlighting the transformative role of Artificial Intelligence in hydrocarbon exploration and production. He elaborated on how advanced AI-driven technologies are enhancing efficiency, optimizing resource extraction, and improving decision-making in the energy sector. Emphasizing its strategic significance, he underscored the contribution of AI in strengthening the nation’s energy security.

Subsequently, the participating Student Chapters delivered presentations aligned with the convention theme. The presentations delivered were insightful and thought-provoking, reflecting a deep understanding of the evolving energy landscape. They highlighted the transformative role of advanced technologies, particularly AI, in strengthening India’s exploration and production (E&P) capabilities. Through their perspectives, the students demonstrated how AI-driven solutions such as data analytics, predictive modeling and automation, can significantly enhance the efficiency, accuracy and speed of hydrocarbon exploration. They also emphasized the potential of these technologies in optimizing resource utilization, reducing operational risks and improving decision-making processes across the value chain.

After meticulous evaluation and deliberation by the Jury, the results were declared. IIT Guwahati was declared the winner and received a trophy and a cash prize of Rs. 50,000, while Dibrugarh University emerged as the runner-up and awarded a trophy and a cash prize of Rs. 25,000. As a special commendation, MIT-WPU, Pune was declared as a second runner-up.

Earlier the Student Chapters annual activities during 2025-26 were evaluated through virtual mode presentations by a jury panel comprising of Mr. Deb Adhikari - Director (E&P), FIPI and Mr. DLN Sastri - Former Director (Oil Refining & Marketing), FIPI. 

FIPI Student Chapters presented a comprehensive overview of their year-long activities including technical and strategic events, insightful article and paper presentations, industrial visits, and meaningful initiatives aimed at community development. The chapters also demonstrated strong engagement in research and innovative R&D activities, contributing to knowledge creation and industry-relevant solutions.

Based on the jury’s evaluation of the online presentations, IIT (ISM) Dhanbad and Dibrugarh University emerged as Joint Winners. The winners received a trophy along with a cash prize of Rs. 50,000 each during the Annual Convention event at IIT (ISM) Dhanbad.

As a token of appreciation, Mr. Deb Adhikari, Director (E&P), FIPI, felicitated all participants by presenting certificates, while the student office bearers and the faculty coordinator of the host chapter were honoured with mementoes.

The event concluded with a formal vote of thanks delivered by Prof. Archana, Faculty Coordinator of the FIPI Student Chapter IIT (ISM) Dhanbad. She conveyed her sincere appreciation to the distinguished dignitaries, the FIPI Management and the organising team, and the participants for their valuable contributions. Special acknowledgment was extended to the dedicated student volunteers of IIT (ISM) Dhanbad for the excellent arrangements and coordination. Their collective efforts were instrumental in ensuring the seamless and successful conduct of the Annual Convention.