IIT Bombay rolls out wellness, hostel and exam reforms amid student suicide row

IIT Bombay is set to roll out a phased set of student wellness and hostel reforms, aimed at strengthening support systems and improving everyday student life on campus.

The reforms come after the suicide case of student Sahil Wakode and the protests that followed on campus. The reforms are the result of students' demands for changes in the institute’s welfare, counselling, disciplinary and decision-making systems.

The measures are not all effective immediately. While some are already being implemented, others are still under consideration, awaiting approval or dependent on student feedback.

As part of the revamp, IIT Bombay has introduced the post of Associate Dean for Student Wellness, with Professor Deepak Marla already appointed to the role.

The institute is also working on appointing hostel-level student-wellness secretaries. The proposed system is intended to give students a closer support mechanism within their hostels.

IIT Bombay is also identifying committees where students can have greater representation. Discussions are underway on increasing student participation at the department level.

The broader rebuilding of the wellness-support structure is expected to begin rolling out this week.

The institute’s existing Student Wellness Centre remains operational, providing counselling, peer support and wellness programmes. The new measures are therefore an expansion and restructuring of the existing support system rather than the creation of wellness services from scratch.

Several hostel-related changes are also being planned.

For play areas, student representatives, sports councillors and wardens will help identify suitable spaces within hostels.

IIT Bombay has also identified options for replacing hostel fans after testing different choices. The final selection will depend on student feedback through a survey.

Mess reforms are another part of the plan. A student survey has already been completed, and its findings will guide the new model. The institute is now beginning the process of re-tendering and appointing caterers.

The revised flexi-mess system is ready but has been awaiting approval.EXAM TIMELINE STILL UNDER REVIEW

IIT Bombay is also considering a relaxation or revision of end-semester examination schedules. However, this is not a finalised change yet.

An alternative examination timeline is still under consideration, meaning the proposed schedule change has not yet come into effect.

The reforms will therefore be introduced in phases, with some measures moving ahead while others continue through approval and student-feedback processes.- EndsRead | My IIT, My Story: What IIT Bombay really looks like beyond the classroomRead | IIT Bombay professor on academic freedom and the need to question established ideas