IIT Bombay Restarts Exams With Stricter Hall Rules and Lighter Penalties

New Exam Rules

IIT Bombay is resuming its mid-semester exams on October 10 and 11 following a temporary suspension after the death of a student last month. The Dean of Academics sent an email on Friday instructing students and teaching assistants to report half an hour early, keep phones and bags outside, and expect checks for unauthorized materials. Students must be in their seats ten minutes before the paper starts, and entry closes half an hour after commencement.

Shift in Penalties

The institute has reverted to its April 2015 punishment rules for academic malpractice, replacing a stringent policy introduced in July 2026. Under the previous July rules, carrying a phone into an exam led to a fail and repeat grade and a semester's suspension. The 2015 rules prescribe a loss of one grade for carrying a phone, while actually using one results in a fail and repeat grade. A special meeting of the IIT Senate finalized this decision on Wednesday.

Protests and Committee

The exams were paused after second-year BTech student Sahil Wakode died by suicide on September 18, hours after he was allegedly found using a mobile phone during a mid-semester test. His death triggered two days of massive student protests and the submission of an 18-point charter of demands to Director Shireesh Kedare. Kedare formed an eight-member committee of four students and four faculty members to review exam conduct rules.

Context

Student protests and welfare demands often prompt major educational institutions to re-evaluate their disciplinary frameworks and mental health support systems. IIT Bombay's decision to revisit its examination rules reflects the growing institutional focus on balancing academic integrity with student well-being.