The late-night protest in the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay's Powai campus on Friday, September 18, 2026, started when a second-year student died after he was found dead. Over 400 students protested on campus and questioned the administration’s response and raised questions about what was going on.
Second-Year Student Found Dead
The student was from IIT Bombay's Department of Energy Science and Engineering. He had been found using a mobile phone during an examination earlier this week, according to the institute.
IIT Bombay said the student had uploaded the examination question paper to ChatGPT to find answers. The institute said no disciplinary action had been initiated against him.
The instructor and Head of Department discussed the matter with the student and counselled him. According to the institute's statement, he was also assured that the incident would not adversely affect his academic career.
The student went back to his hostel room where he was found dead. Police opened an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death.
Students Gather on Campus
News of the student’s death spread throughout the Powai campus during Friday evening, leading to a large gathering of students.
More than 400 students gathered at the institute’s main building and shouted slogans against the administration. Students wanted clarity and answers to the circumstances of the incident.
The protest continued until late into the night as students waited to speak with institute officials.
IIT Bombay Director Meets Protesters
IIT Bombay Director Prof. Shireesh Kedare met the protesting students at around 10:30 pm.
After the meeting, the gathering shifted from the main building area to the convocation hall, which is located opposite the building.
Police officers were also present on campus as students and administration discussions continued. Mumbai police said in a statement that investigation into the death was ongoing.
#WATCH | Mumbai, Maharashtra: IIT Powai (IIT Bombay) students hold a late-night protest following the death of a second-year student. pic.twitter.com/6G6L5DzZCp
— ANI (@ANI) September 18, 2026
Mid-Semester Exams Postponed
The incident also affected the institute's mid-semester examinations.
Students involved in the protest said the remaining exams were postponed after talks with the administration. The postponement was reported by the Indian Express based on information carried out by students at the protest.
Investigation Underway
IIT Bombay said it was deeply saddened by the student's death and that support was being extended to his friends, classmates, faculty members and others affected by the tragedy.
The institute also said the death was being investigated by the appropriate authorities.
Although the student died hours after the examination incident, authorities have not concluded the examination episode was the cause of the death. Police are investigating the circumstances and reports should distinguish confirmed facts from claims or interpretations about what might have led to the tragedy.
The late-night protest underscores students’ fears around the death and the need for the institute to be transparent as the investigation goes on.
