Archive · 7 Oct 2026
IIT Bombay Drafts New Rules for Exam Cheating Cases
IIT Bombay has written a draft for changing how it handles suspected cheating during exams.
The draft says a student should get a chance to explain what happened before the institute decides on punishment.
The proposal came after student Sahil Wakode died by suicide.
He had been caught with a phone and ChatGPT during an exam.
The institute's Faculty Forum said the invigilator was following the rules.
Wakode's family and protesters said he faced harassment and caste-based discrimination.
Investigators had not found concrete evidence linking a professor to his death, and they were still examining the evidence.
The new rules are a proposal, not a confirmed change to the system.
IIT Bombay has prepared draft rules for handling alleged cheating and use of unfair means in examinations.
Under the proposal, students would be heard before disciplinary action is decided.
The draft follows the death of 22-year-old student Sahil Wakode, who was found dead in his hostel room last month.
Wakode had been caught with a mobile phone and ChatGPT during a mid-semester examination.
His family and campus protesters alleged institutional harassment and caste-based discrimination; investigators said no concrete evidence linking a professor to abetment had initially been found, and the inquiry continues.
- Who
- IIT Bombay; the proposed rules concern students accused of using unfair means in examinations.
- What
- The institute has drafted rules that would hear a student's explanation before deciding on disciplinary action.
- When
- The draft was prepared following Sahil Wakode's death last month.
- Where
- IIT Bombay, Mumbai.
- Why
- The draft follows questions about examination and disciplinary procedures after Wakode's death.
Family and protesters
Faculty Forum and initial investigation
Handling of the exam incident
Family and protesters
Wakode's family and protesters alleged that he faced institutional harassment and caste-based discrimination.
Faculty Forum and initial investigation
The IIT Bombay Faculty Forum said invigilator Suryanarayana Doolla was following institutional protocol after finding Wakode with a smartphone.
Possible link to his death
Family and protesters
The family and protesters alleged that harassment and caste-based discrimination contributed to Wakode's death by suicide.
Faculty Forum and initial investigation
An initial investigation found no concrete evidence linking a professor to abetment; investigators said they were still examining available evidence.
- Institution
- Indian Institute of Technology Bombay
- Proposal
- Hear the student's explanation before deciding on disciplinary action
- Student
- Sahil Wakode, 22
- Exam incident
- Wakode was caught with a mobile phone and ChatGPT during a mid-semester examination
- Faculty Forum position
- It expressed solidarity with invigilator Suryanarayana Doolla, saying he followed institutional protocol
- Investigation
- An initial investigation found no concrete evidence linking a professor to abetment; investigators continued examining evidence