MUMBAI — A second-year student at the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT Bombay) died by suicide on Friday evening, days after he was caught attempting to cheat in an examination using ChatGPT, according to officials and witnesses. Sahil Vakode, a resident of Yavatmal in Maharashtra, was studying Energy Science and Engineering at the prestigious institute.
According to IIT Bombay authorities, Vakode was apprehended inside the examination hall while using his mobile phone during a test that was scheduled to conclude at 4 PM. He allegedly attempted to photograph the question paper and upload it to the ChatGPT artificial intelligence platform to get answers, a move discovered by invigilators on duty.
In the hours following the incident, Vakode returned to his hostel accommodation, where he was later found hanging from a noose. He was rushed to a nearby hospital, but doctors declared him dead on arrival.
The news triggered immediate grief and anger on campus. Students staged a protest outside the administration block late Friday evening, demanding transparency in how the institute handles disciplinary cases and calling for better mental-health support systems for students.
This marks the third suicide reported at IIT Bombay in just seven months, a sequence that has drawn sharp criticism from student groups, alumni, and politicians. Activists argue that the relentless academic culture, coupled with severe consequences for even minor infractions, creates a climate where students feel they have no way out.
IIT Bombay director Professor R. Sundar stated in a brief statement that the institute is deeply saddened by the loss and confirmed that a formal inquiry has been initiated. "The dignity of every student matters to us," he said, adding that counseling services have been strengthened and that a committee will review all procedures surrounding the case.
Vakode's family, who traveled to Mumbai from Yavatmal, expressed heartbreak and demanded accountability. "He was a bright boy who joined IIT with pride. We never expected this," said a family member, requesting anonymity. They have asked for a fair and speedy investigation into the circumstances leading to his death.
Mumbai police registered a case under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code, including provisions related to abetment of suicide, though they clarified that no specific individual has been charged at this stage. The institute has also paused regular academic activities for 24 hours as a mark of respect while investigations proceed.
Education experts note that cases involving students caught cheating and subsequently taking their own lives reflect a deeper systemic issue — one where failure or perceived failure is treated as irredeemable. They urge institutes across India to adopt more supportive disciplinary frameworks rather than purely punitive ones.
