Archive · 8 Oct 2026
IIT Bombay Restores 2015 Exam Malpractice Rules After Student’s Death
IIT Bombay has changed its rules for students suspected of cheating during exams.
The institute is returning to rules it used in 2015.
Under those rules, a student can keep taking the test using a new answer book.
The student can also explain what happened, but does not have to write a statement.
A faculty member must record the alleged incident.
The change comes after student Sahil Wakode died on September 18.
His death led to protests and questions about how the exam case was handled.
His parents want an independent investigation, and police are investigating.
IIT Bombay voted on October 6 to return to its 2015 framework for handling suspected examination malpractice.
Students suspected of using unfair means may continue the exam using a fresh answer book and give their account of the incident.
A written statement from the student will not be mandatory, but the faculty member involved must document the alleged malpractice.
The decision rolls back stricter rules introduced in July, which prescribed academic consequences for unfair means, including unauthorised electronic devices.
The change followed protests after BTech student Sahil Wakode died on September 18; the police investigation is underway and his parents seek an independent inquiry.
- Who
- IIT Bombay, students suspected of examination malpractice, and Sahil Wakode.
- What
- IIT Bombay decided to restore its 2015 procedure, including allowing a fresh answer book during an exam.
- When
- The decision was made at an emergency Senate meeting on October 6, after Wakode’s death on September 18.
- Where
- IIT Bombay’s campus in Powai, Mumbai.
- Why
- The decision followed scrutiny and protests over examination procedures after Wakode’s death.
Due process and student welfare
Strict enforcement of exam rules
Handling suspected malpractice
Due process and student welfare
The restored procedure lets a student continue the exam, provide their account, and avoid a mandatory written statement.
Strict enforcement of exam rules
The stricter provisions introduced in July prescribed academic consequences for students found using unfair means, including unauthorised electronic devices.
Accountability and investigation
Due process and student welfare
Students protested and sought greater transparency and accountability; Wakode’s parents are seeking an independent investigation.
Strict enforcement of exam rules
The article reports that IIT Bombay is reviewing examination procedures and that police are investigating, but gives no detailed response from the institute to the calls for an independent inquiry.
- Decision
- IIT Bombay reverted to its 2015 framework for handling examination malpractice.
- Meeting date
- October 6
- Fresh answer book
- A student suspected of unfair means may continue the exam with a fresh answer book.
- Student statement
- A written statement from the student is not mandatory.
- Faculty documentation
- The faculty member concerned must document the alleged malpractice.
- Rules rolled back
- The reverted procedure replaces stricter provisions introduced in July.
- Sahil Wakode
- The 20-year-old second-year BTech student died on September 18; the article says he was allegedly found with a mobile phone during a mid-semester exam.
- Investigations
- The police probe is underway, and Wakode’s parents are seeking an independent investigation.