A 19-year-old second-year student of IIT Bombay died by suicide on Friday, hours after he was found using a mobile phone in an examination hall, triggering a protest by more than 400 students on campus and the postponement of the ongoing mid-semester examinations.

The student, from the Department of Energy Science and Engineering, was allegedly found using a mobile phone in the exam hall, which is not allowed. According to an official statement issued by the institute, he had uploaded the examination question paper on ChatGPT to seek answers.

“Earlier in the day, during an examination, the student was found using a mobile phone in the exam hall. He had uploaded the examination question paper on ChatGPT to seek answers. No disciplinary action was initiated against the student. The matter was also discussed with the student by the instructor and the Head of the Department, who counselled him and assured him that the incident would not adversely affect his academic career. The student subsequently returned to his hostel room. Later in the evening, he was found dead in his room.”

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“The timing of the exam was till 4pm and after that the student went to his hostel room. He died by suicide. He was found hanging in his hostel room”, said a police officer of the Powai police station.

A police team was conducting a panchnama of the room. The body was sent to Rajawadi Hospital for a post-mortem examination. The student was a resident of Hostel 4.

As the information spread on campus, it led to a tense atmosphere, with more than 400 students gathering near the main building of the institute and raising slogans against the administration.

The protest continued until the Director of the institute, Prof Shireesh Kedare, came to meet the students at around 10.30 pm. Following the meeting, the gathering was shifted to the convocation hall, located opposite the main building.

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As per information shared by students present at the protest, the ongoing mid-semester examination was postponed in view of the incident.

“Students have always had one complaint with the administration that it continues the functioning as it is, even after a serious incident like suicide. Tonight many questioned this behaviour, following which it was declared that the mis-semester exam is now postponed,” said a student.

The official statement issued by the administration further said, “IIT Bombay is deeply saddened by the loss of a student. 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.”