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[INTERNATIONAL] · India · 3 sources

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Part of situation: IIT Bombay student death and discrimination investigation (14 clusters)

IIT Bombay revises exam malpractice rules following student death

IIT Bombay Sahil Wakode examination malpractice academic suspension disciplinary procedures

IIT Bombay is drafting new disciplinary rules for examination malpractice following the death of second-year student Sahil Wakode. Wakode died by suicide on September 18 after being allegedly caught using a mobile phone, reportedly involving ChatGPT, during a mid-semester exam.

The proposed changes aim to increase transparency by ensuring students accused of cheating are given a formal opportunity to explain their side before disciplinary proceedings begin. Additionally, the institute’s Senate is reviewing a 2026 provision that allows for one-semester academic suspensions for students caught with unauthorized electronic devices. The Senate may consider reverting to 2015 guidelines, which primarily applied suspensions to mass cheating or repeat offenses.

In a related investigation, the Mumbai Crime Branch has recorded approximately 60 statements regarding Wakode’s death. Professor Suryanarayan Doolla, who was involved in the examination incident, has denied allegations of caste-based harassment and the use of derogatory language during his questioning by investigators.

Entities

IIT Bombay · Mumbai Crime Branch · Sahil Wakode · Suryanarayan Doolla

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

  • [○ 1 SOURCE] Professor Suryanarayan Doolla denied allegations of caste-based harassment and the use of derogatory language.
  • [○ 1 SOURCE] The Mumbai Crime Branch has recorded statements from approximately 60 people regarding the death of Sahil Wakode.
  • [○ 1 SOURCE] The proposed rules would require students accused of malpractice to be heard before disciplinary action begins. shiningindianews.com
  • [○ 1 SOURCE] IIT Bombay has drafted new rules for handling examination malpractice and cheating cases. shiningindianews.com
  • [○ 1 SOURCE] The IIT Bombay Senate is reviewing whether to suspend a 2026 rule that mandates one-semester academic suspensions for certain cheating cases.
  • [○ 1 SOURCE] Student Sahil Wakode died by suicide on September 18 following an incident involving alleged mobile phone use during an exam. shiningindianews.com

Sources

IIT Bombay drafts new rules for cheating cases after Sahil Wakode’s death: Students to be heard first [shiningindianews.com]
IIT Bombay Puts 2026 Misconduct Rules On Hold, Reverts To Milder 2015 Policy Ahead Of Exams [www.timesnownews.com]
Fan Replacements, Play Areas & More: IIT Bombay Steps Up Student Wellness Push After Sahil Wakode Death [www.news18.com]