The Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT Bombay) has reinstated its 2015 academic malpractice rules for the postponed mid-semester examinations scheduled for October 10 and 11, following the institute Senate’s decision to put the stricter 2026 guidelines on hold.
The institute emailed students a link to the older guidelines a day before the examinations, along with instructions for candidates and teaching assistants (TAs) assigned to invigilate the papers.
The examinations had been postponed following the September 18 death by suicide of a second-year student after an alleged academic malpractice case. The institute had previously circulated its 2026 guidelines, which prescribed stricter penalties for students found guilty of using unfair means.
According to the email, students must arrive at their examination halls 30 minutes before the paper begins and occupy their allotted seats at least 10 minutes before the start. Entry will be prohibited 30 minutes after the examination commences.
Candidates must carry their original identity cards and necessary stationery. Bags, books, notes and electronic devices, including mobile phones, smartwatches and laptops, are prohibited inside examination buildings, except for authorized materials during open-book examinations. Students may also be checked for unauthorised materials.
Teaching assistants have been instructed to report 30 minutes before the examination, carry their identity cards and leave electronic devices and reading materials outside the examination halls. Any suspected malpractice must be reported to the faculty invigilator without disturbing other candidates.
The administration had not separately notified candidates about the change. However, the email containing the link to the older guidelines indicated that the 2015 rules would apply.
The decision follows a special Senate meeting convened to review the academic malpractice policy after the student’s death. An eight-member committee was formed to examine the rules and the institute’s handling of suspected violations. The committee is expected to submit its final report soon.
