IIT Bombay Student Dies By Suicide, Hours After Being Found Using ChatGPT In Exam

The death marks the third suicide at IIT Bombay's Powai campus in six months, raising fresh concerns about student support systems

PGurus Newsdesk

September 19, 2026

A second-year IIT Bombay student died by suicide hours after being counselled over an exam incident, prompting campus protests and a police investigation

The death marks the third suicide at IIT Bombay’s Powai campus in six months, raising fresh concerns about student support systems

A second-year IIT Bombay student, identified as Sahil Wakode of the Department of Energy Science and Engineering, died by suicide on Friday evening, hours after he was found using a mobile phone during an examination. His death triggered protests on the institute’s Powai campus, with students demanding greater transparency and accountability from the administration.

What The Institute Says Happened

According to IIT Bombay’s official statement, Wakode had uploaded his examination question paper to ChatGPT in an attempt to find answers during the test. The institute said no disciplinary action was initiated against him. Instead, the matter was discussed with him by the examination instructor and the Head of Department, who counselled him and assured him the incident would not adversely affect his academic career. Wakode then returned to his hostel room, where he was later found dead that evening. IIT Bombay said the circumstances surrounding his death are being examined by the appropriate authorities, and that it is extending support to his friends, classmates and faculty.

What Students Are Alleging

Unsatisfied with the institute’s account, students gathered outside the main gate in protest, seeking a fuller investigation. Some protesters alleged that Wakode had, in fact, been threatened with a one-year suspension over the exam incident — a claim that runs counter to the institute’s statement that no disciplinary action was taken. Deputy Commissioner of Police Dattatray Nalawade confirmed a police investigation is underway. Police personnel were deployed to the campus as discussions took place between students and institute authorities.

A Pattern That’s Raising Concern

Wakode’s death is reportedly the third suicide at the IIT Powai campus in the past six months, a recurrence that is fuelling students’ demand for the institute to look beyond this single incident and examine broader questions about student mental health support and how academic pressure is handled on campus.

You Are Not Alone:

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Please reach out to someone who can support you. Professional, confidential, and free help is just a phone call away.

Tele-MANAS (Government of India): Call 14416 or 1800-891-4416 (Available 24/7)

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