New Policy Aims to Alleviate Academic Pressure and Support Mental Health
In a landmark decision, the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi has revised its graduation criteria, marking a significant shift in academic policy. This change comes in response to growing concerns about student mental health and recent tragic incidents on campus.
Key Changes in Academic Policy
- Minimum CGPA requirement lowered from 5 to 4
- Students now only need to pass all required courses to obtain a degree
- Implementation of a more supportive academic progression system
Professor ND Karur, Dean of Academics at IIT Delhi, emphasized the importance of this change:
“This is a crucial policy change that has been brought about to extend support to students. Those struggling to get that CGPA 5, as was the case until now, will not need to stress about getting their graduation degree, as they would be required just to pass all the courses they have opted for in order to receive their degrees.”
Personalized Academic Support
The new policy introduces a more individualized approach to student progress. Prof. Karur explained:
“Those who are struggling will be monitored and assigned advisors to help manage their academic progress. This new approach will allow students to progress at their own pace.”
Revisions to Re-start and Termination Policies
IIT Delhi Director Rangan Banerjee highlighted additional changes:
“We have also revised our re-start and termination policies. In principle, there is no termination as such on this basis. We are trying to simplify processes for students.”
Director Banerjee also mentioned a new provision allowing students who have failed certain courses to opt for similar ones to complete their degrees, subject to academic unit approval.
Addressing Student Concerns
The policy change is a direct response to student demands raised during an open house with the institute director in February 2024. Issues discussed included:
- Grading policy
- Social isolation
- Need for faculty feedback system
Tackling the Alarming Trend of Student Suicides
The urgency of these changes is underscored by the troubling statistics of student suicides across IITs:
- 5 reported cases in 2024 alone
- Incidents at IIT Kanpur (2), Delhi, BHU, and Roorkee
- Disproportionate impact on students from reserved categories
Academic Progress Group: A Support System for Struggling Students
In December 2023, IIT Delhi established an ‘Academic Progress Group’ to provide targeted support. A faculty member involved in the initiative shared:
“Currently, there are around 30-35 students in the Academic Progress Group from different departments. They have been assigned mentors for guiding them through the courses they have not been able to make progress in. One of these students has done so well on being guided that he himself has become a mentor now.”
Additional Support Measures
- Allowing students to stay with family members on campus in exceptional cases
- Reserved hostel seats for students on extended degrees
As IIT Delhi prepares for its 55th convocation ceremony on August 10, where 2,600 students will receive their degrees, these policy changes reflect a growing awareness of the need to balance academic rigor with student well-being.