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Lucknow: In response to a tragic string of three suicides within a month, the Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur (IIT K) has decided to eliminate its termination policy for postgraduate (PG) students. The policy shift means that PG students will not face termination for exam failures, allowing them multiple opportunities to appear in successive tests. This move aims to address the mental health concerns and academic pressures faced by students.
IIT K has extended its no-termination policy, initially introduced for undergraduates in 2022, to cover PG students as well. Under this policy, PG students will not face termination based on their academic record, including cumulative point index (CPI). This move is expected to provide students with additional opportunities to improve their performance by allowing them to appear in successive tests multiple times.
In addition to the no-termination policy, IIT K has implemented various measures to address the mental health and well-being of its students. The academic workload for PhD students has been reduced from six courses to four, with a commitment to providing a more flexible course structure. The institute aims to destress students by not pressuring them to complete academic work solely based on their CPI.
PhD students will also have the option to exit the program with a Master of Science (MS) degree, and the processing time for a thesis has been expedited from six to three months. Other initiatives include a streamlined PG admission process, the freedom for MTech students to choose between a thesis and a project, and training faculty guides to maintain open channels of communication for non-academic matters.
Recognizing the need for enhanced support systems, IIT K is bolstering its counseling services by hiring more professionals, including counselors, psychologists, and psychiatrists. The institute is also increasing the number of hostel managers to address the medical needs of students. Mental health awareness programs will be conducted regularly to create a supportive environment.
The recent suicides of three students between December 19 and January 18 prompted the institute to reevaluate its policies and take immediate actions. The surge in the student population, doubling to nearly 10,000 from 5,000 in recent years, highlighted the need for more comprehensive support mechanisms. The institute aims to proactively address student issues through a newly formed review committee, which is committed to promptly resolving concerns and ensuring a conducive learning environment.
