IIT Bombay is currently re-evaluating its student disciplinary procedures and has postponed mid-semester examinations until October following the tragic death of second-year student Sahil Wakode. Wakode was discovered deceased in his hostel room just hours after he was reportedly caught using ChatGPT during an exam.
The incident has ignited significant campus unrest, including protests, a hunger strike, and serious allegations of caste-based discrimination against a professor, who has since been placed on leave. The case has also garnered political attention, with local police launching an investigation into the caste discrimination claims.
New Committee Formed to Revise Academic Conduct Rules
In response to the escalating situation, IIT Bombay has established a 10-member committee. This body is tasked with developing student-friendly Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for invigilators and thoroughly reviewing how suspected academic misconduct incidents are handled. Both faculty and students will have equal representation on this committee, a key demand from students presented in an 18-point charter on September 20.
Key demands from students included the suspension of Professor Suryanarayana Doolla, enhanced administrative accountability, mental health reforms, a task force dedicated to preventing student suicides, increased student representation in decision-making, and improved on-campus counselling and psychiatric support.
Proposed Changes to Disciplinary Process and Exam Conduct
One proposal under consideration is to allow students suspected of exam malpractice to consult with their student mentors—senior students with years of campus experience—before facing a disciplinary committee. This measure aims to reduce mental stress and help students understand that such incidents do not necessarily end their academic journey at IIT.
Additionally, the institution is contemplating printing exam malpractice rules and potential consequences directly on the first page of answer sheets to ensure students are fully aware of the regulations. Faculty members have also requested clearer instructions for invigilators on conducting exams and managing suspected misconduct effectively.
Exams Postponed, Professor on Leave Amidst Investigation
Mid-semester exams, originally scheduled for September 26-27, have been rescheduled to October 10-11. This postponement allows the newly formed committee sufficient time to finalize a clear and student-centric SOP for invigilators and revised rules concerning academic misconduct, ensuring a fair and consistent examination process.
Professor Doolla, who is named in a police FIR for alleged abetment to suicide on grounds of caste discrimination, was sent on leave to facilitate an impartial investigation. Sahil Wakode's parents have publicly alleged that their son faced caste-based slurs and discrimination at the institution. They have also demanded the immediate arrest of Professor Doolla and IIT Bombay Director Shirish Kedare, with Sahil's father threatening a hunger strike if these officials are not apprehended.