IIT Bombay's new message to students: Sahil Wakode probe, welfare measures and more

IIT Bombay completed its rescheduled mid-semester examinations and announced student welfare measures after protests over Sahil Wakode's death. The institute said support systems and procedural reviews were under way as an independent inquiry continued.New Delhi,Oct 11, 2026 22:24 ISTThe mid-semester examinations rescheduled at IIT Bombay were conducted over the weekend, which had been revealed in an email by the director's office, from October 8 to 10. In an email to students, the Office of the Dean of Student Affairs said the examinations had proceeded smoothly, with cooperation from students and faculty. The communication also set out steps to address concerns raised over the past week, ranging from the handling of academic misconduct to access to mental-health support.INVESTIGATION INTO SAHIL WAKODE'S DEATH CONTINUESWakode’s death on September 18 brought renewed attention to student concerns over examination procedures and the treatment of students on campus. His family has raised allegations of caste-based discrimination and harassment, which remain matters for investigation.Wakode was allegedly caught cheating during an examination, an incident that sparked unrest at one of India’s most reputed institutes.IIT Bombay said an independent inquiry into the circumstances surrounding his death was under way. It also announced a review of the committees dealing with student-related matters, with the stated aim of ensuring equal representation and greater participation in decision-making. A separate committee is reviewing the procedures governing academic misconduct, including the standard operating procedures followed by invigilators. The exercise, the institute in an email said, is intended to strengthen procedural fairness and institutional accountability.COUNSELLING SUPPORT AND WELFARE MEASURESAlongside the inquiry, the institute has announced steps to expand student support. Its Institute-approved Wellness Response Team (iWRT) is now operational, with counsellors and a psychiatrist available on call. Students can contact the team at +91 8356-810252 or write to wellness@iitb.ac.in. The institute said two psychiatrists were available on call to provide round-the-clock support.A committee has also been formed to coordinate student welfare initiatives. Plans are under way for a dedicated well-being application, along with the appointment of well-being representatives at hostel and department levels.The institute has begun developing a Student Concerns Portal, through which student issues are expected to be addressed more systematically. It has also extended night-time delivery access until 2 am, while decisions affecting student life are being reviewed.Work is under way to improve hostel common areas and develop outdoor facilities. The institute said these measures formed part of a wider effort to improve campus life and make student support more accessible.Students have been encouraged to raise their concerns through the respective councils or directly with the Office of the Dean of Student Affairs.The email acknowledged the involvement of institute, department and hostel student representatives, as well as faculty and staff, in discussions over the changes.The institute’s communication describes a response that spans immediate support and longer-term institutional changes. Some steps, including the operation of the wellness team and the extension of delivery access, are already in place.Others, such as the well-being application and the review of academic procedures, remain in progress.The rescheduled examinations have now been completed. The larger questions surrounding Wakode’s death, however, remain unresolved, with the independent investigation continuing alongside the institute’s review of its student welfare and disciplinary systems.- Ends