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IITs Face Renewed Scrutiny Over Caste Discrimination and Student Suicides
Some students from disadvantaged caste groups have died by suicide while studying at IITs.
The editorial says this raises questions about discrimination and whether students feel safe asking for help.
IITs generally say there is no caste discrimination on their campuses.
But students and former students say complaint cells often do not work well and are not trusted.
A 2023 survey found that many cells had no dedicated funding or rooms.
It also found that some lacked information about reservations.
Between 2020 and 2025, 28 of 45 reported IIT student suicides were by SC, ST, or OBC students.
The editorial says institutes should make it easier to report discrimination and pay closer attention to students’ wellbeing.
IITs generally deny caste discrimination on campus, but student deaths repeatedly bring the issue into focus.
Students and alumni say campus SC/ST cells lack clear complaint procedures and are not trusted by students.
A 2023 survey found many IIT cells lacked funding, suitable rooms, or information about reservations.
Of 45 suicides at IITs between 2020 and 2025, 28 were by SC, ST, or OBC students.
The editorial calls for effective complaint systems and sustained attention to student welfare and equality.
- Who
- Students from Scheduled Caste, Scheduled Tribe, and Other Backward Classes communities; IIT institutions and their SC/ST cells.
- What
- An editorial argues that weak complaint systems and insufficient attention to caste discrimination are serious concerns amid student suicides.
- Where
- Indian Institutes of Technology campuses, including IIT Bombay and IIT Delhi.
- When
- The article cites suicides between 2020 and 2025 and a survey conducted in 2023.
- Why
- The editorial links institutional shortcomings and reported caste discrimination to students’ fear of complaining and concerns about their wellbeing.
Institutional Position
Student and Editorial Concerns
Caste discrimination on campus
Institutional Position
IITs generally claim that caste discrimination does not occur on their campuses.
Student and Editorial Concerns
Students and alumni report casteist slurs, exclusion, and distrust of complaint cells; the editorial argues that discrimination persists.
Reporting complaints
Institutional Position
In the case of Sahil Wakode, the institute pointed to the fact that he had not complained to its SC/ST cell.
Student and Editorial Concerns
Students say they do not trust the cells, which they say lack clear complaint procedures; some are reportedly advised not to complain.
Key facts
- IITs with cells in 2023
- 19 of 23 IITs had SC/ST cells.
- Cells without allocated funds
- 18 of the 19 surveyed cells had no funds allocated.
- Cells without rooms
- 12 had no rooms for complaints or discussions.
- Cells lacking reservation information
- 10, including IIT Bombay’s, had no information about reservations.
- IIT suicides, 2020–2025
- 45 suicides were reported; 28 were by SC, ST, or OBC students.
- Survey source
- Ambedkar Periyar Phule Study Circle, based at IIT Bombay.
Sources
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