Overview
- IIT Bombay’s Senate voted on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, to revert to the institute’s 2015 procedures for handling exam malpractice and added a mandatory invigilator reporting form and an optional student response form.
- The institute has drafted new rules that require accused students to be given a formal chance to explain themselves before any disciplinary action is started, and the July 2026 provision for an automatic one‑semester suspension is effectively under review.
- A joint faculty–student committee has been tasked with writing clear standard operating procedures for invigilators that include steps to involve mentors and wellness advisors before formal departmental action is taken.
- The policy review follows the September 18 exam incident and the suicide of student Sahil Wakode, protests on campus, CCTV footage showing an interaction between the invigilator and Wakode, and public statements both supporting the invigilator and alleging mistreatment that investigators have not substantiated.
- The Mumbai Crime Branch has recorded statements from about 60 people in its inquiry into Wakode’s death, the probe remains open with no conclusive finding on institutional culpability, and the procedural changes could change how future exam misconduct cases affect students’ academic lives.