The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati has been shaken by two student suicides within a month, sparking intense debate about the institute’s rigorous 75% attendance policy. The latest tragedy involved Bimlesh Kumar, a third-year B.Tech student, who was found dead in his hostel room. This follows the death of Soumya, a female M.Tech student, who was found hanging in her room in August. Reports suggest that both students faced academic pressure linked to the institute’s strict attendance requirements.
Students have spoken out about the immense pressure they feel to maintain attendance, even if it means sacrificing their mental well-being and academic performance. One student, in an interview with IANS, revealed that hundreds of students had failed due to low attendance, despite excelling in their exams. “In our batch, at least 200 students failed due to low attendance. This is unacceptable. One or two students might have done something wrong, but such a huge number cannot be at fault,” the student stated.
Following widespread protests against the suicides, the Dean of IIT Guwahati, Professor Kanduru V. Krishna, resigned. Professor Krishna, an IIT Delhi alumnus with a Ph.D. in General Algebra and Theoretical Computer Science, had come under scrutiny due to the institute’s strict academic policies. His resignation adds fuel to the ongoing protests, as students accuse the institute of fostering a “toxic environment” due to its rigid policies.
Protests have erupted demanding accountability and reforms, highlighting cases where students, despite performing well academically, failed due to low attendance. The 75% attendance rule, enforced across all courses at IIT Guwahati, has been at the heart of the controversy. Failure to meet this requirement mandates an extension of the course into the next semester, leading to a cascade of consequences for students.
The immediate repercussion of failing to meet the 75% attendance requirement is the inability to sit for exams, often resulting in a delay in academic progress. This can be particularly detrimental for students in their final year or those preparing for competitive exams. Students forced to repeat courses or semesters may also face significant financial burdens, with tuition fees, accommodation costs, and the stigma of being held back weighing heavily on them and their families.
Beyond the academic and financial consequences, the stress of trying to maintain attendance while juggling other academic and personal responsibilities can have a devastating impact on mental health. Students may experience increased anxiety, burnout, and, in extreme cases, depression. The constant pressure to be present in every class, regardless of individual needs or circumstances, can create a culture of rote participation, where the focus shifts from understanding the subject matter to simply being physically present in the classroom. This can ultimately detract from the quality of education and the development of critical thinking skills.
The debate on attendance norms has reached the highest levels, with the Delhi High Court recently calling for a review of the 75% attendance requirement. The court observed that mandatory attendance can negatively impact students’ mental health, suggesting the need for a uniform framework across institutions and emphasizing the importance of consulting both students and teachers to establish reasonable attendance norms.
The court has called for a broader consultation to re-evaluate the necessity of mandatory attendance requirements, seeking input from the government, educational institutions, and other stakeholders. The debate continues on whether IIT Guwahati and other Indian institutions should adopt a more flexible approach to attendance to better support student mental health and academic success.
There is growing support for revisiting the 75% attendance policy and adopting a more compassionate approach. Many advocate for flexibility, especially for students facing genuine difficulties. This call for reform aligns with global trends where educational institutions are shifting towards more holistic and supportive systems. Revisiting the 75% attendance requirement could help reduce stress and prevent extreme measures, such as suicides, fostering a more inclusive and nurturing environment.
With mental health concerns on the rise, finding a middle ground that values both academic rigor and the overall well-being of students is crucial. This involves a re-evaluation of attendance norms to create a system that supports student success both academically and emotionally. Universities across India have varying attendance norms. The University of Mumbai requires students to maintain a 75% overall average attendance and a 50% minimum for each subject, with 75% attendance required for lectures, practicals, and tutorials. Absences due to sports or cultural activities can earn full credit.
The University of Delhi, on the other hand, allocates marks based on attendance within Continuous Assessment, ranging from 1 mark for 67-70% to 5 marks for over 85%. MBBS students face stricter rules, needing 75% attendance in theory and 80% in practicals, with no allowances for supplementary exams or grace marks.
