Patna, Nov. 28: Patna University has decided to host its annual convocation ceremony on the campus of the constituent colleges from this year.

For the past 39 years, the convocation has been held off the campus.

The institution selected as the venue this year is Patna College. Earlier, the convocation ceremony used to be organised at SK Memorial Hall.

Patna University vice-chancellor Shambu Nath Singh said: “The university administration has decided to organise this year’s convocation function at Patna College.” The annual ceremony will be organised at the different colleges under the varsity on a rotational basis. “This year, the function is being held at Patna College, next year the function could be held at Patna Science College,” added Singh.

The date for the convocation ceremony has not been fixed yet — the options are December-end or first week of January — as the chief guest has not been finalised. Sources said the university administration is planning to invite Union human resource development minister Kapil Sibal.

The decision behind organising the convocation function on college campuses is set to benefit the institutions, many of which are crying out for maintenance. With the responsibilities to organise the convocation ceremony, the colleges would get some construction and renovation work done. This time, Patna College is spending Rs 59 lakh from its internal resources for renovation.

Established in 1863, Patna College is the oldest institution under Patna University. Built in the Dutch architectural style, the building is in a dilapidated condition with crumbling plaster off walls and leaking rooms.

Construction and renovation work ahead of the convocation will start soon, said sources. Patna University will felicitate postgraduate toppers in different subjects.

The last date for postgraduate students of the 2010-11 session to apply for taking part in the convocation is December 15. The students will be awarded certificates at the convocation, while toppers would be awarded gold medals. A senior university official, on condition of anonymity, said the gold medal that would be given to the students would be gold plated in silver. The students should not hope for original gold.

This year, the varsity also felicitated undergraduate toppers on its foundation day function in September.