‘A poor exam is not a poor life’: IIT Kharagpur director’s message to students after IIT Bombay student death

The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur director, Suman Chakraborty, has urged students not to allow examination results or grades to define their self-worth, in a message issued ahead of the institute's semester exams. His message comes amid concerns over student well-being following the death of an IIT Bombay student after an examination-related incident.

In a video message shared by IIT Kharagpur on X, Chakraborty told students that an examination represents their performance on a particular day and does not determine their future.

“An exam is indeed important, but it is not bigger than you. A grade is important, but it does not define you,” he said.

The director also asked students to prepare sincerely, get adequate sleep, eat properly and support their friends during the examination period. He encouraged students facing overwhelming situations to speak to someone rather than deal with the problem alone.

Also read IIT Bombay removes professor Doolla from Dean's post, apologises over claims on Wakode's death

IIT Kharagpur director on exam pressure

Chakraborty told students that an unsuccessful examination should not be viewed as an indication of failure in life.

“Please do not catastrophise such a moment. A poor exam is not a poor life. A disappointing grade is not a verdict on your ability,” he said.

He also reminded students that their admission to IIT Kharagpur was the result of years of effort and asked them to trust their preparation.

In his message accompanying the video, Chakraborty said: “An exam measures what you wrote on one day. It does not measure who you are or what you will become.”

He further asked students to remain calm inside the examination hall and approach the paper one question at a time.

“Whenever the pressure feels heavy, know that you are not carrying it alone. My hand is on your shoulder, today and always,” he said.

‘Sleep adequately, eat properly’: Director

Chakraborty also highlighted basic routines that can help students during examinations. He advised them to sleep adequately, eat properly and help their peers.

“Prepare sincerely. Sleep adequately—not too much, but at least that much minimum which would give you the mental stability and peace to appear for the test. Eat properly. Help your friends. Remain positive,” he said.

He also urged students to maintain academic honesty and enter the examination hall with confidence.

“Walk into the exam hall with confidence and, above all, with honesty,” the director said.

Also read IIT Ropar: Faculty ‘harassment’, forced resignation, a self-argued case – how a scholar won her PhD seat back

Chakraborty urges students to seek support

Chakraborty said students should reach out for support if they feel overwhelmed academically or otherwise.

“If, at any point, things seem overwhelming, academically or otherwise, please speak to someone. Do not carry a difficult moment alone simply because you believe you are expected to be strong,” he said.

He added that setbacks do not have to define a person's future.

“No single exam can capture the full measure of your talent. No single grade can write the story of your future. No temporary hiccup should ever make you believe that your journey has come to an end,” Chakraborty said.

The message comes as IIT Bombay has been dealing with protests following the death of a second-year student, Sahil Wakode. According to IIT Bombay's press release, the student had been found using a mobile phone during an examination and allegedly uploaded the question paper to ChatGPT. IIT Bombay said he was counselled after the incident and that no disciplinary action had been initiated against him. The circumstances surrounding his death are under investigation.