IIT Bombay Reviews Disciplinary Process, Considers Mentor Support After Sahil Wakode’s Death

Days after the death of IIT Bombay student Sahil Wakode, the institute is considering changes to the way suspected examination malpractice and academic misconduct are handled.

Among the proposals is allowing students to speak with their mentors before facing disciplinary proceedings. The institute is also considering putting the rules and possible consequences of examination malpractice on the first page of answer sheets, as part of a broader review of its procedures for dealing with such cases.

A newly formed committee at IIT Bombay will work on student-friendly Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for invigilators and review how allegations of academic misconduct are dealt with. The committee will have equal representation from faculty members and students.

The move follows Wakode’s death. The second-year BTech student was allegedly found carrying a mobile phone inside an examination hall during the mid-semester exams. IIT Bombay had said in its initial statement that he was allegedly using an AI platform to seek answers to questions.

IIT BOMBAY FORMS FACULTY-STUDENT COMMITTEE

The committee’s formation comes days after students sought greater representation in decision-making bodies as part of an 18-point charter submitted to the IIT Bombay director on September 20.

According to an email sent by the institute’s General Secretary (Academics), the committee will prepare clear procedures for invigilators dealing with suspected academic misconduct. The SOPs are intended to ensure examinations are conducted consistently while taking students’ concerns into account.

The revised procedures and rules will be placed before the Senate for approval before being implemented.

IIT Bombay has also postponed the remaining mid-semester examinations once again. The exams, initially moved to September 26 and 27 after being postponed on September 18, will now be held on October 10 and 11, according to a communication from the Dean Academics Programmes.

The institute said the additional time would allow the newly constituted committee to prepare the revised SOPs. Student stakeholders were also consulted before the latest change to the examination schedule.

MENTOR SUPPORT BEFORE DISCIPLINARY ACTION

Sources said IIT Bombay is reviewing its academic malpractice rules notified in July 2026. While those rules specify consequences for different forms of misconduct, the new committee is expected to focus on how the provisions are implemented.

One proposal under consideration would allow a student accused of copying or another form of examination malpractice to speak with their student mentor before appearing before a disciplinary committee.

Every fresher at IIT Bombay is assigned a student mentor, generally a senior student familiar with campus life. According to a source, such support could help students understand the disciplinary process, reduce anxiety and prevent them from feeling isolated after an alleged violation.

The proposal is also aimed at giving students an opportunity to reflect on the incident before entering formal disciplinary proceedings.

RULES MAY BE PRINTED ON ANSWER SHEETS

Another proposal being discussed is to print the rules and possible consequences of examination malpractice on the first page of answer sheets.

A source said many students may not have a clear understanding of the consequences associated with academic misconduct. Clearly displaying the information during examinations could provide greater clarity while also serving as a deterrent.

The committee is also expected to prepare detailed instructions for invigilators, including how suspected cases should be identified, documented and handled at each stage.

Alongside the proposed changes, IIT Bombay is recirculating information about the mental health support services available to students on campus.

The proposed reforms are yet to be finalised. The revised SOPs and rules will require approval from the institute’s Senate before they can be implemented.