Campus beyond caste: IIT Bombay issues new anti-discrimination guidelines

The Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT Bombay) has issued anti-discrimination guidelines asking students, faculty members and staff to avoid questions about caste-linked backgrounds, admission categories and competitive examination ranks that could encourage prejudice or create an uncomfortable campus environment.

Released on Tuesday by the Office of the Dean of Student Affairs, the guidelines aim to “foster inclusivity within the campus and encourage students to bond irrespective of caste, religion, or socio-economic background”.

The institute said asking peers about their birth or admission category, JEE (Advanced) ranks, GATE scores or other details that could reveal their caste or related background was inappropriate when such information could contribute to discrimination.

It also cautioned that questions asked out of curiosity could have a negative impact, potentially creating conscious or subconscious bias against fellow students.

IIT Bombay prohibits hateful and discriminatory messages

The guidelines also prohibit the exchange or forwarding of abusive, hateful, casteist or sexist messages, including jokes, as well as content displaying religious bigotry or prejudice based on sexual orientation.

The institute said such communication could be considered harassment or bullying, regardless of the platform or medium used.

“This includes all forms of communication, whether on WhatsApp, Facebook, email, or in person. Violations can lead to severe punishment,” the communication stated.

Instead of focusing on personal backgrounds or academic rankings, IIT Bombay has encouraged students to develop friendships around shared interests. These include academic departments, sports, music, movies, hometowns and hobbies.

The guidance is intended to encourage students to build connections based on common interests rather than characteristics that could lead to exclusion or discriminatory behavior.

Guidelines follow scrutiny over student welfare and caste discrimination allegations

The guidelines come amid renewed scrutiny of student welfare and allegations of caste-based discrimination following the death of 22-year-old student Sahil Wakode on September 18.

Wakode was found dead in his hostel room after allegedly being caught cheating during a mid-semester examination. His death triggered student protests on campus and brought concerns about the treatment of students into focus.

Wakode's parents have accused Professor Suryanarayana Doolla of harassment and caste-based discrimination. Earlier this month, police questioned the professor for nearly 10 hours in connection with the alleged suicide.

The allegations remain under investigation.

IIT Bombay resumes mid-semester examinations

The anti-discrimination communication is part of IIT Bombay's broader efforts to strengthen student welfare, streamline institutional processes and improve student participation.

Meanwhile, the institute resumed its mid-semester examinations on October 10 and 11. Students and invigilating teaching assistants (TAs) were instructed to arrive 30 minutes before the examinations began.

The institute also advised students to leave their phones and bags outside the examination building and said they should expect checks for unauthorized materials.