IIT Bombay Drafts New SOP for Exam Malpractice Cases After Student Suicide

Mumbai, 7th October 2026: The Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT Bombay) is preparing to revise several rules concerning student welfare and academic disciplinary procedures amid concerns over academic pressure and student suicides. As part of the exercise, the institute has prepared a draft Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for handling allegations of examination malpractice.

The draft was prepared following the September 18 death by suicide of BTech student Sahil Wakode. It emphasises giving students an opportunity to raise objections, seek guidance and understand the disciplinary process before action is taken.

The draft SOP is expected to be discussed and decided upon at an emergency Senate meeting scheduled to be held this week.

Under the proposed changes, a student suspected of cheating or using unfair means during an examination may be given an opportunity to speak to a mentor or head of department before disciplinary action is initiated. The institute has also reviewed the penalties prescribed for cases involving unfair means during examinations.

Proposed changes to examination malpractice procedures
The proposed SOP could introduce several changes to the way examination malpractice cases are handled:

Mentor support before disciplinary action: Students suspected of examination malpractice may be given an opportunity to speak to a mentor before disciplinary proceedings are initiated. The objective is to ensure that students understand the implications of an incident and have access to guidance during what can be a stressful situation.

Clearer SOP for invigilators: Invigilators may receive more detailed instructions on how to handle suspected malpractice in examination halls. The procedure for documenting an incident would also be standardised, with the aim of preventing undue pressure on students or situations involving unauthorised statements or confessions.

Clear information on examination rules: Examination malpractice rules and the possible consequences or penalties may be printed in simple language on the first page of answer booklets. This would ensure that students are aware of the rules and potential consequences before appearing for examinations.

Greater student participation and wellness focus: The institute is also considering greater student representation in committees dealing with disciplinary matters and the formulation of SOPs. Proposed measures include strengthening campus support systems and creating roles such as Associate Dean of Student Wellness.

Protest following student’s death
Following Wakode’s death, workers and supporters of the Republican Party of India (A) and the Bharat Mukti Morcha staged a protest outside IIT Bombay. Several protesters were detained by Mumbai Police during the demonstration.

The proposed changes to the examination disciplinary process come amid wider concerns over academic pressure and mental health among students at higher educational institutions.

Education expert calls for standardised procedures
Education expert Maheshwar Peri said disciplinary procedures in educational institutions should focus on helping students understand and correct mistakes rather than allowing individual discretion to determine how they are treated.

“Students studying in higher educational institutions are also our children. If a child makes a mistake or goes off track, we try to help and correct them,” Peri said, adding that similar considerations should apply when dealing with students accused of examination malpractice.

He said invigilators should have clear guidelines for dealing with suspected cheating and that such situations should not be left entirely to individual discretion.

Peri also questioned the delay in introducing such an SOP and said standardised procedures should be implemented across educational institutions.

Three student suicides reported at IIT Bombay this year
According to the figures provided, the death of Wakode is the third reported student suicide at IIT Bombay this year and the ninth reported case across IITs in the country.

The Global IIT Alumni Support Group has reportedly estimated that 16 IIT students died by suicide in 2025, the highest annual figure in the last six years. The group has also stated that around 160 IIT students have died by suicide over the past 20 years.

The proposed SOP is expected to be considered by the IIT Bombay Senate this week. Any changes will come into effect after the institute formally approves the revised procedures.