The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay student Sahil Wakode died by suicide on September 18, a few hours after he was caught cheating during an examination. His parents have alleged that casteist remarks were made against him and have launched an indefinite hunger strike, demanding justice.
Sahil’s classmate recently spoke about the academic pressure faced by students at the institute and how constant comparisons can affect their experience on campus.
“First, it’s exciting and exploring. And then when it comes to academics, you start feeling inferior. There is a FOMO (fear of missing out) of not doing well in academics, of being average, but that average is actually excellent,” the classmate says, adding that the pressure can be particularly intense because students are already coming from years of preparation for the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE).
"Comes With Lot of Mental Load," Says Classmate
Academic pressure can continue even after students enter the institute, with coursework, grades, internships, placements, research and expectations to excel across different aspects of campus life.
“When we talk about institutions like IITs, it comes with a lot of mental load because we do a hell lot of things. Since we had already handled the pressure from JEE exams, we feel that professors and the administration understand all aspects of life, from academics to sports to social life, and that everything is accordingly coordinated,” she says.
The student said that academic performance can sometimes be viewed negatively despite objectively strong results, particularly when students compare their grades with those of their peers.
Grade 9/10 Feels Like Failure: Classmate
“One part of life is heavily burdened sometimes, which feels like a setback. Even a grade as good as 9 out of 10 feels like failure. At that point, we want a system which actually goes for holistic growth rather than the same rote learning of schools,” the classmate told IE.
She also highlighted the hesitation some students may have about seeking professional support when they are struggling.
Although Wakode had never shared that he was experiencing mental health concerns, she points to a broader hesitation among students about seeking professional help. “We do hesitate to approach someone because we think about how they will react, although peers and seniors are always there to help when someone is struggling mentally.”
The classmate further said that the issue extends beyond academics and involves students’ overall campus experience and emotional wellbeing.
“For new students, the institute can be very intimidating and, at the same time, feel isolating. All of us are here for a purpose, but in the process, I feel we are losing out on emotional wellbeing, for example, spending time talking about things other than academics, which hardly happens. Most of us feel isolated, with minimal scope for interaction beyond academics. And we cannot afford to be mediocre,” the student says.
Her comments highlight concerns around the pressure students may experience in highly competitive academic environments, where grades and performance can become closely linked to how students assess themselves and their progress.
The Sahil Wakode suicide case remains under investigation by the Mumbai Police Crime Branch. The probe has so far included statements from around 20 people, while officials are also attempting to access Wakode’s locked mobile phone. His parents have continued to demand action over their allegations of caste-based discrimination, while IIT Bombay has postponed its mid-semester examinations and apologised for its earlier communication about the circumstances preceding his death. The National Commission for Scheduled Castes has also conducted a spot inquiry at the institute and directed that relevant evidence be preserved and examined.
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