IIT Bombay has introduced an interim procedure for handling suspected academic misconduct during its mid-semester examinations held on October 10 and 11, 2026. The revised approach removes security frisking before exams and allows students suspected of cheating to complete their papers using fresh answer booklets.
The changes follow the death by suicide of second-year BTech student Sahil Wakode in September, after he was allegedly found using a mobile phone during an examination. The incident triggered concerns about the institute’s disciplinary procedures and prompted a review of its academic misconduct policy.
IIT Bombay Puts Stricter July Rules on Hold
The institute’s Senate decided to put its July 2026 disciplinary rules on hold for the October examinations and return to the comparatively milder guidelines introduced in April 2015.
Under the July policy, a student found using a mobile phone during an examination could face suspension for an entire semester. The interim arrangement removes this automatic suspension for a first offence, although repeat offences and certain violations may still attract strict penalties.
The revised procedure is intended to provide faculty members with a consistent process for addressing suspected cheating while giving students an opportunity to explain their actions.
Students Can Complete Exams Even If Cheating Is Suspected
Under the new procedure, an invigilator who suspects academic misconduct can collect unauthorised materials, including phones, electronic devices, notes or written answers.
The incident must be recorded using a prescribed form. The student will be allowed to continue the examination in a fresh answer booklet for the remaining duration, while the original answer sheet and collected material will be retained for review.
Students may also submit their own written account of the incident. The documentation will be forwarded to the relevant departmental disciplinary committee, which will examine the case and decide the next steps.
The revised process is designed to ensure that an allegation is documented and reviewed rather than immediately treated as a final finding of misconduct.
Counsellors to Be Alerted in Cases of Suspected Cheating or Stress
A significant feature of the interim procedure is the involvement of counsellors. If an invigilator suspects cheating or notices signs of distress, the institute’s quick response team of counsellors must be alerted.
The objective is to provide timely support while minimising disruption to the student and others in the examination hall.
The new guidelines also provide students with an opportunity to present their side before the departmental committee and appeal to an institute-level committee against disciplinary decisions.
No Frisking, but Examination Restrictions Remain
Security guards will no longer conduct routine frisking before examinations under the interim procedure. Students may bring bags into the examination building, but they must leave them outside the examination hall.
Mobile phones, smartwatches, laptops, notes and other unauthorised materials remain prohibited inside the examination hall. Students are still expected to cooperate with invigilators and follow examination instructions.
What Happens Next?
The interim procedure applies to the October 10 and 11 mid-semester examinations. IIT Bombay is reviewing its broader approach to academic misconduct, and the institute’s end-semester examinations are scheduled from November 10 to 21.
The changes reflect an attempt to balance examination integrity with fair disciplinary procedures and student welfare.
Summary
IIT Bombay introduced interim examination rules for October 10 and 11, 2026, after suspending its stricter July policy. The new procedure removes routine frisking, allows students suspected of cheating to finish papers using fresh answer booklets and requires incidents to be documented. Counsellors will be alerted when misconduct or distress is suspected, while disciplinary committees will determine cases after reviewing the evidence.
