The Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT-B) has implemented a new directive aimed at fostering a more inclusive environment for its student body. The guidelines instruct faculty and staff members to refrain from asking students for personal information that could lead to discrimination or social stigmatization. Specifically, the institute has banned inquiries regarding a student’s performance on entrance examinations, such as the JEE or GATE, as well as questions concerning their date of birth or the specific category under which they were admitted to the university.

This policy shift follows the death of a student at the institute, an event that prompted internal discussions regarding the campus climate and the potential for academic or social pressure to affect student well-being. By removing these specific identifiers from casual or formal interactions between staff and students, the administration aims to prevent the reinforcement of hierarchies based on admission merit or social background. While the institute has not provided a detailed public breakdown of the internal investigation leading to this policy, the directive serves as a formal attempt to address concerns regarding the treatment of students from diverse backgrounds. The guidelines are intended to ensure that academic support and interactions remain focused on current performance rather than past metrics or personal identity markers.