IIT Bombay student found dead in hostel; the institute says he was caught using a mobile phone during the exam

The death is the third such case reported at IIT Bombay’s Powai campus in seven months. File | Photo credit: Emmanual Yogini

A 22-year-old student at the Indian Institute of Technology, Mumbai, ended his life in his hostel room after he was allegedly caught using a mobile phone, the institution said in a statement.

Sahil Ravindra Wakode was a second year B.Tech. An energy science and engineering student, he hailed from Maharashtra’s Yavatmal district, police said.

Also Read: IIT Mumbai faculty member booked for caste abuse and suicide

According to a statement from IIT Bombay, Mr. Wakode allegedly uploaded the exam question paper on ChatGPT to search for answers during the exam. The incident happened on the fifth day of the third semester exam, which was held between 5 and 7 p.m.

#IITBombay said a second-year energy science and engineering student died by suicide after he was caught using a mobile phone during an exam and uploaded a question paper to ChatGPT for answers. The institute said no disciplinary action was taken and the student was counselled… pic.twitter.com/WDZY0hHzJJ

— DD News (@DDNewslive) September 19, 2026

According to the statement of a student who was also present in the same building as the examination hall, Mr Wakode was allegedly caught using his mobile phone. The institute’s examination regulations prohibit the use of mobile phones, smart watches or similar electronic devices in the examination hall. The energy science professor who caught Mr. Wakode in the hall allegedly threatened a one-year suspension and asked Mr. Wakode to attend a meeting the next day regarding the incident, the student said. The student was later found dead in his room at Hostel 4 on campus.

According to police, no note was found at the scene. The Powai police registered an accidental death report (ADR) and sent the body for post-mortem.

Further investigation is underway to ascertain the motive behind the death, the official said.

Students are protesting

Meanwhile, students of the institute went out in protest against the incident. As the incident drew attention to IIT Bombay, which is among India’s top institutes of technology, the student alleged that the college had a high-stress environment. “This is the second death in three months since I joined Hostel 4 and the third in the last 5-6 months,” said a student in a telephone interview.

A student, who is also part of the protesting students, said that the resignation of the director of IIT Bombay was one of their demands.

Later in the day, the director of the institute, Shireesh Kedare, met the protesting students.

(Help to overcome suicidal thoughts is available on the state health line 104, Tele-MANAS 14416.

Published – 19 Sep 2026 11:11 AM IST