IIT Bombay student dies by suicide after allegedly using AI in exam; institute says no action was taken

A second-year BTech student of the Department of Energy Science and Engineering at the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay died by suicide on the evening of September 18, according to a statement issued by the institute. Earlier in the day, the student was allegedly found using a mobile phone during an examination. The institute said he had uploaded the examination question paper on ChatGPT to seek answers.

In its statement, IIT Bombay specifically said that no disciplinary action was initiated against the student. The institute said the matter was discussed with the student by the instructor and the Head of the Department, who counselled him and assured him that the incident would not adversely affect his academic career.

The student subsequently returned to his hostel room. Later in the evening, he was found dead in his room, the institute said. “IIT Bombay is deeply saddened by the loss of a student,” the institute said. It added that it was extending support to the student’s friends, classmates, faculty members and others affected by the incident. The institute further assured that the circumstances surrounding the death were being looked into by appropriate authorities.

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Students’ demand accountability, transparency

The death was followed by a protest by a section of students on the campus, who demanded accountability and transparency from the administration. Police personnel were deployed on campus as discussions were held between students and the administration.

DCP Dattatray Nalawade said the investigation into the case was underway. He said students had raised internal administrative issues and that the IIT administration was actively speaking with them. “Some students are still protesting, and efforts are being made to speak with them as well,” the DCP told ANI.

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One of the protesters, Pranay, alleged that this was not the first such incident at the institute, claiming that four had occurred this year and two within the last two months. He said students wanted to know why such incidents were happening and what factors were behind them.

He also demanded that the administration be held accountable and called for corrective steps. According to ANI, he said professors who mistreat students or behave harshly should be held in check.

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Another student, Ansh, told ANI that the campus was grieving and urged students not to turn the situation into a confrontation with the administration. He said everyone was deeply devastated by the death and called for restraint in assigning blame.

“I don’t think we should be blaming anyone at a moment like this,” Ansh said while adding that the situation was turning into an “Administration vs. students" conflict and that students should stand together at the moment. The institute also organised a live stream of the Director interacting with students following the incident.

If you know someone – friend or family member – at risk of suicide, please reach out to them. Those in distress or having suicidal thoughts or tendencies could seek help and counselling by calling 9820466726 or visiting AASRA’s official website or can call iCALL on 9152987821. Here are some more helpline numbers of suicide prevention organisations that can offer emotional support to individuals and families.