Caught using ChatGPT for exam answers, IIT Bombay student dies by suicide; students protest
Mumbai/IBNS: A second-year student of the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay died by suicide in his hostel room on Friday after he was caught using a mobile phone during an examination, media reports said.
The student, identified as Sahil Wakode, was from the Department of Energy Science and Engineering.
According to IIT Bombay, he had uploaded the examination question paper on ChatGPT through his mobile phone to seek answers during the exam.
IIT Bombay says no disciplinary action was taken
Following the incident in the examination hall, Wakode was reportedly counselled by the instructor and the Head of the Department.
The institute said he was assured that the incident would not adversely affect his academic career and that no disciplinary action had been initiated against him.
He subsequently returned to his hostel room, where he was later found dead.
In a statement, IIT Bombay said as quoted by NDTV, "The Institute is extending support to the student's friends, classmates, faculty members, and others affected by this tragic incident. The circumstances surrounding the death are being looked into by the appropriate authorities."
FOUND WITH PHONE IN EXAM HALL. IIT BOMBAY STUDENT ENDS LIFE. PROTESTS ROCK CAMPUS.
— Rahul Shivshankar (@RShivshankar) September 19, 2026
A second-year IIT Bombay student died by suicide on Friday, hours after he was found using a mobile phone during an examination. According to an official statement from the institute, the student… pic.twitter.com/OVwqJ0P3hC
Students protest on IIT Bombay campus
Wakode's death triggered protests on the Powai campus, with hundreds of students demanding greater transparency from the institute over the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The protesters alleged that the student had been threatened with a one-year suspension, which they claimed could have forced him to vacate the hostel.
The institute, however, has said that no disciplinary action was initiated against him.
Students have questioned whether the institute has disclosed all details surrounding the events that preceded Wakode's death.
Police deployed on campus
A heavy police presence was reported at the IIT Bombay campus following the protests as authorities sought to maintain order and engage with the students and administration.
Third suicide at IIT Bombay in seven months
Wakode's death is the third reported student suicide at the IIT Bombay campus in Powai in the past seven months.
A second-year student died by suicide in February, while another second-year BTech student reportedly died by suicide in July.
The latest incident has renewed concerns among students over academic pressure and student welfare on the campus.
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