The Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT Bombay) has proposed a revised procedure for handling suspected cases of cheating and use of unfair means during examinations, including allowing students to complete their papers after an incident is recorded and ensuring that the institute’s Quick Response Team (QRT) is alerted once the examination ends.
The recommendations, according to reports, were made by an eight-member committee comprising four faculty members and four students, constituted after the September 18 death by suicide of second-year BTech student Sahil Wakode. The committee presented its interim report at a special meeting of the IIT Bombay Senate on Wednesday.
Under the proposed procedurean invigilator who detects suspected cheating would seize the relevant material, record the incident and allow the student to continue the examination using a fresh answer booklet. The invigilator would have a limited role beyond documenting the incident, with further proceedings to be handled by the Disciplinary Action Committee.
STUDENTS TO GET OPPORTUNITY TO RECORD THEIR VERSION
The student would also be given an opportunity to record their version of events after the examination. A prescribed form would be used by the invigilator to document the incident, while the student could submit a separate account in the presence of additional staff.
The committee has also proposed that the QRT helpline be alerted when the student leaves the examination hall. The measure is intended to ensure that a student involved in a malpractice incident is not left alone immediately after the examination.
IIT BOMBAY PUTS STRICTER CHEATING PENALTIES ON HOLD
The Senate has meanwhile decided to temporarily revert to IIT Bombay’s 2015 rules governing examination misconduct, putting on hold the stricter penalties introduced in July this year. Under the July rules, a student found carrying a mobile phone into an examination could receive an FR, or “fail and repeat”, grade and face a semester’s suspension. Under the 2015 rules, carrying a phone attracted a one-grade penalty, while using one could result in an FR grade.
The changes follow widespread student protests after Wakode was allegedly found using a mobile phone during a mid-semester examination on September 18. He died by suicide later that day. The incident led to questions from students over the institute’s handling of examination misconduct and its broader student-support mechanisms.
The committee has also proposed tighter examination-hall controls. These include a ban on mobile phones, smartwatches, earphones and other electronic devices, as well as bags, books and notes inside examination buildings. Examination halls are proposed to be monitored through CCTV, while only one student would be permitted to leave the hall at a time for a bio-break. Entry would also close 30 minutes after an examination begins.
The recommendations are still interim. According to sources, Senate members broadly agreed with the committee’s report but suggested changes. A final set of guidelines is expected to be prepared after these suggestions are considered.
– Ends
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