IIT Bombay student wrote ‘apology letter’ after leaving exam hall; rules don’t mention one

An Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay student, Sahil Wakode, died by suicide on September 18 after being asked to leave an examination hall and taken to superiors over alleged academic misconduct. However, IIT Bombay's formal rules do not include a requirement for an 'apology letter' for such cases. According to the institute's procedure, a Disciplinary Action Committee examines the evidence, and if the student is not found responsible, the benefits are given to the student.

The student reportedly signed an apology letter after being taken to superiors, after which he returned to his room and took his own life. IIT Bombay's rules for handling academic malpractice state that when an invigilator discovers misconduct, they should confiscate relevant materials, issue a fresh answer book, and allow the student to resume the exam.

The Departmental Academic Disciplinary Action Committee then reviews the evidence and makes a final recommendation. However, students have protested that the procedure was not followed in Wakode's case, and the exams were postponed until standard operating procedures for handling such cases are finalized. The Special Investigation Team probing Wakode's suicide has requested all documents related to the case from IIT Bombay.