With mid-semester examinations underway, IIT Bombay students have raised concerns over inadequate late-night study spaces after the institute discontinued its practice of keeping rooms in the Lecture Hall Complex (LHC) open overnight during exams.

Following demands from students, the administration has opened four rooms in the Department of Energy Science and Engineering as an alternative. Students, however, say the space is inadequate and lacks sufficient charging points, which are increasingly important as study material is accessed on laptops and tablets.

The issue was highlighted by Insight, IIT Bombay’s student media body, which said the LHC had traditionally remained open late into the night and early morning during examinations. The facility was particularly useful for students living in hostels with limited study space and poor or no Wi-Fi connectivity.

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This semester, however, the administration decided to close the LHC at night, citing concerns over cleanliness and security, citing the issue of littering.

Following discussions with student representatives, four rooms in the Energy department building were opened. Students were informed about the arrangement through an email on September 5, which said additional rooms could be opened depending on demand.

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Students said the alternative remains inadequate. “More than inadequacy of space, the reason is a lack of sufficient charging ports,” said a student.

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Another student said the growing dependence on digital academic material made charging facilities essential. “Lecture notes, coding assignments, book PDFs, everything is on devices, online explanations, even AI is more convenient on tabs and laptops,” the student said.

The institute said the arrangement was temporary and aimed at ensuring smooth conduct for preparations of examinations. “These temporary measures are being taken for proper coordination and smooth conduct of exams. This arrangement is only for the exam session,” the administration said.