IIT Bombay Postpones Mid-Sem Exams To October 10-11 After BTech Student Sahil Wakode's Death By Suicide

IIT Bombay has postponed its mid-semester exams scheduled for September 26 and 27, following the tragic death by suicide of a second-year BTech student, Sahil Wakode. The institute announced the change in schedule, reporting that the exams will now take place on October 10 and 11, according to NDTV. The decision to reschedule the tests was made after discussions with student representatives and other relevant stakeholders.

The postponement also aims to provide time for a newly formed committee to develop a student-friendly Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for invigilators dealing with potential cases of academic misconduct. This updated SOP will outline clearer protocols for handling such situations, ensuring fair and consistent treatment of examination-related cases.

Faculty members have requested detailed, step-by-step guidelines covering all stages of these cases, which will be presented to the Senate for approval before implementation. The incident occurred after Wakode was allegedly caught using a mobile phone during a mid-semester exam, as captured on CCTV footage. He was found dead in his hostel room later that day, and an FIR was registered against Professor Suryanarayana Doolla, who was later placed on leave and removed from his administrative duties amid the investigation.