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IIT Bombay Delays Exams Again After Sahil Wakode’s Death
IIT Bombay changed the dates of its mid-semester exams after student Sahil Wakode died.
Wakode was a second-year student studying Energy Science and Engineering.
He was found dead in his hostel room on September 18.
Earlier that day, he was suspected of using a mobile phone and ChatGPT during an exam.
The institute says no disciplinary action had started against him and that staff spoke with and counselled him.
Students protested and asked the institute to review its exam and discipline rules.
IIT Bombay created a 10-member committee to examine what happened.
The institute is also expected to create new rules for future exams.
Wakode’s family has made allegations of caste discrimination and harassment, which IIT Bombay denies.
Mumbai’s Crime Branch is investigating the death.
IIT Bombay postponed its mid-semester exams after the September 18 death of second-year student Sahil Wakode.
The exams, initially scheduled for September 26-27, were reported as rescheduled to October 10-11 with the same timetable.
The institute plans to frame new examination procedures and guidelines through a 10-member committee.
Wakode was found hanging in his hostel room after he was allegedly suspected of using a mobile phone and ChatGPT during an exam.
His family has alleged caste-based discrimination and harassment, while IIT Bombay has denied the claims; the Mumbai Crime Branch is investigating.
- Who
- IIT Bombay, Sahil Wakode, Wakode’s family, protesting students, the institute’s review committee, and the Mumbai Crime Branch.
- What
- IIT Bombay postponed its mid-semester examinations again and plans to introduce revised examination procedures after Wakode’s death.
- Where
- IIT Bombay’s Powai campus in Mumbai; Wakode was found in his hostel room, and his parents later staged a hunger strike at Azad Maidan.
- When
- Wakode died on September 18; the exams were initially set for September 26-27 and were reported as moved to October 10-11.
- Why
- The postponement followed Wakode’s death, student protests, and demands to review examination and disciplinary procedures.
Family and Student Concerns
IIT Bombay’s Response
Alleged discrimination and harassment
Family and Student Concerns
Wakode’s parents alleged that he faced caste-based discrimination and harassment at the institute and demanded action against those they hold responsible.
IIT Bombay’s Response
IIT Bombay denied the allegations and said Wakode had not approached its SC/ST cell with a complaint in recent months.
Handling of the examination incident
Family and Student Concerns
Students demanded a review of examination procedures and disciplinary mechanisms following Wakode’s death.
IIT Bombay’s Response
IIT Bombay said no disciplinary action had been initiated against Wakode and that the instructor and head of department had spoken to and counselled him.
Next steps for examinations
Family and Student Concerns
The protests and demands called for clearer and safer procedures for handling alleged examination malpractice.
IIT Bombay’s Response
IIT Bombay postponed the exams and constituted a committee expected to recommend new standard operating procedures and guidelines.
Key facts
- Student
- Sahil Wakode, a second-year BTech student
- Department
- Energy Science and Engineering
- Date of death
- September 18
- Original exam dates
- September 26-27
- Reported new exam dates
- October 10-11, Saturday and Sunday
- Review committee
- A 10-member high-level committee constituted by IIT Bombay
- Investigation
- Mumbai Police Crime Branch is investigating the circumstances surrounding Wakode’s death
- Faculty action
- Professor Suryanarayana Doolla was sent on leave
Sources
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