Bhubaneswar: Utkal University in Bhubaneswar is all set to observe its 52^nd convocation tomorrow.

The convocation ceremony will commence at 11.30 am on December 23 (Friday) at the New Convocation Hall of the varsity, sources said.

Former Supreme Court justice V. Gopala Gowda will grace the occasion as chief guest. Governor and Chancellor Ganeshi Lal will preside over the ceremony while Higher Education department Principal Secretary Bishnupada Sethi will be the guest of honour.

Vice-chancellor Sabita Acharya, PG Council Chairman Durga Shankar Pattanaik, Registrar Abhaya Kumar Nayak, faculty members and students of the varsity will be present on the occasion.

As many as 163 candidates will be awarded with PhD degrees and 99 students will be provided with gold medals at the convocation. Besides, D.Litt degree will be conferred on one candidate, sources said.

The awardees have been asked to reach the venue before 9 am, university sources said.