Two student suicides in just one month at IIT Guwahati have sparked a debate over the institute’s 75% attendance policy. The recent incident involved the death of third-year B.Tech student Bimalesh Kumar, who was found dead in his hostel room. Earlier in August, there was the death of M.Tech student Soumya, who was found hanging in her room. Both students were reportedly facing academic pressure due to strict attendance requirements.
In an interview with IANS, a student pointed to the problem of academic pressure, saying that many students failed due to low attendance even though they had performed well in their exams. “At least 200 students in our batch failed due to low attendance. This is unacceptable. One or two students may have done something wrong, but such a large number of students cannot be at fault,” he was quoted as saying by IANS.
Following massive protests against these suicides, IIT Guwahati Dean Professor Kanduru V. Krishna resigned today. The professor, an alumnus of IIT Delhi who holds a PhD in general algebra and theoretical computer science, had come under scrutiny due to the institute’s strict academic policies. His resignation adds another layer to the ongoing protests, as students have accused the institute of fostering a “toxic environment” due to its stringent policies. The protests have erupted demanding accountability and reforms, highlighting cases where students failed due to low attendance despite performing well.
IIT Guwahati: Attendance policy and possible consequences
IIT Guwahati applies minimum criteria 75% attendance rule in all courses. Non-fulfillment of this requirement means mandatory carryover of the course to the next semester.
Well, the consequences of failing to meet the 75% attendance requirement can be severe for students. The most immediate consequence is the inability to sit for exams, which often means a delay in their academic progress. For many students, especially those in their final year or preparing for competitive exams, this can be a significant setback.
Students who are forced to repeat courses or semesters may also face financial burdens. Tuition fees, housing costs, and the stigma of being held back can take a heavy toll on students and their families. Furthermore, the stress of trying to maintain attendance while juggling other academic and personal responsibilities can have a detrimental effect on mental health, leading to anxiety, burnout, and in extreme cases, depression.
In some cases, students attend classes simply to fulfill the attendance requirement, rather than to engage with the subject matter. This leads to a rote participation mentality, where the focus shifts from understanding the subject matter to merely being physically present in class. In the long run, this can hamper the quality of education and the development of critical thinking skills.
Call for reform in attendance norms: Recent order of Delhi High Court
The Delhi High Court recently called for a review of the 75% attendance requirement, stating that compulsory attendance could have a negative impact on the mental health of students. It suggested the need for a uniform framework across all institutions and emphasised the importance of consulting both students and teachers to establish appropriate attendance norms.
The court has called for broad consultation to reevaluate the need for compulsory attendance requirements, seeking inputs from the government, educational institutions, and other stakeholders. Debate continues as to whether IIT Guwahati and other Indian institutions should adopt a more flexible approach to attendance to better support students’ mental health and academic success.
Reevaluation of attendance for the betterment of students
There is growing support for rethinking the policy and adopting a more empathetic approach. Many advocate flexibility, especially for students who are facing genuine difficulties. The calls for reform also coincide with global trends where educational institutions are moving towards more holistic and supportive systems. Rethinking the 75% attendance requirement may help reduce stress and prevent extreme measures such as suicide, leading to a more inclusive and nurturing environment. With mental health concerns on the rise, it is important to find a middle path that values both academic rigor and the overall well-being of students.
Attendance Criteria in Various Indian Universities
Universities across India have different attendance criteria. At Mumbai University, students must maintain a 75% overall average attendance and a minimum of 50% attendance for each subject, with 75% required for lectures, practicals, and tutorials. Absences due to sports or cultural activities can earn full credit.
On the other hand, Delhi University allots marks based on attendance under continuous assessment, ranging from 1 mark for 67-70% to 5 marks for above 85%. MBBS students face stricter rules, requiring 75% attendance in theory and 80% in practicals, with no exemptions for supplementary exams or grace marks.
In an interview with IANS, a student pointed to the problem of academic pressure, saying that many students failed due to low attendance even though they had performed well in their exams. “At least 200 students in our batch failed due to low attendance. This is unacceptable. One or two students may have done something wrong, but such a large number of students cannot be at fault,” he was quoted as saying by IANS.
Following massive protests against these suicides, IIT Guwahati Dean Professor Kanduru V. Krishna resigned today. The professor, an alumnus of IIT Delhi who holds a PhD in general algebra and theoretical computer science, had come under scrutiny due to the institute’s strict academic policies. His resignation adds another layer to the ongoing protests, as students have accused the institute of fostering a “toxic environment” due to its stringent policies. The protests have erupted demanding accountability and reforms, highlighting cases where students failed due to low attendance despite performing well.
IIT Guwahati: Attendance policy and possible consequences
IIT Guwahati applies minimum criteria 75% attendance rule in all courses. Non-fulfillment of this requirement means mandatory carryover of the course to the next semester.
Well, the consequences of failing to meet the 75% attendance requirement can be severe for students. The most immediate consequence is the inability to sit for exams, which often means a delay in their academic progress. For many students, especially those in their final year or preparing for competitive exams, this can be a significant setback.
Students who are forced to repeat courses or semesters may also face financial burdens. Tuition fees, housing costs, and the stigma of being held back can take a heavy toll on students and their families. Furthermore, the stress of trying to maintain attendance while juggling other academic and personal responsibilities can have a detrimental effect on mental health, leading to anxiety, burnout, and in extreme cases, depression.
In some cases, students attend classes simply to fulfill the attendance requirement, rather than to engage with the subject matter. This leads to a rote participation mentality, where the focus shifts from understanding the subject matter to merely being physically present in class. In the long run, this can hamper the quality of education and the development of critical thinking skills.
Call for reform in attendance norms: Recent order of Delhi High Court
The Delhi High Court recently called for a review of the 75% attendance requirement, stating that compulsory attendance could have a negative impact on the mental health of students. It suggested the need for a uniform framework across all institutions and emphasised the importance of consulting both students and teachers to establish appropriate attendance norms.
The court has called for broad consultation to reevaluate the need for compulsory attendance requirements, seeking inputs from the government, educational institutions, and other stakeholders. Debate continues as to whether IIT Guwahati and other Indian institutions should adopt a more flexible approach to attendance to better support students’ mental health and academic success.
Reevaluation of attendance for the betterment of students
There is growing support for rethinking the policy and adopting a more empathetic approach. Many advocate flexibility, especially for students who are facing genuine difficulties. The calls for reform also coincide with global trends where educational institutions are moving towards more holistic and supportive systems. Rethinking the 75% attendance requirement may help reduce stress and prevent extreme measures such as suicide, leading to a more inclusive and nurturing environment. With mental health concerns on the rise, it is important to find a middle path that values both academic rigor and the overall well-being of students.
Attendance Criteria in Various Indian Universities
Universities across India have different attendance criteria. At Mumbai University, students must maintain a 75% overall average attendance and a minimum of 50% attendance for each subject, with 75% required for lectures, practicals, and tutorials. Absences due to sports or cultural activities can earn full credit.
On the other hand, Delhi University allots marks based on attendance under continuous assessment, ranging from 1 mark for 67-70% to 5 marks for above 85%. MBBS students face stricter rules, requiring 75% attendance in theory and 80% in practicals, with no exemptions for supplementary exams or grace marks.
