Before Admission, IIT Madras Will Consult BTech Students And Their Parents

The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras has decided to begin consulting parents and analysing students' mental health throughout the admission process in order to reduce stress among students and prevent suicides. 

To minimise stress among BTech students, required attendance will be relaxed. The institute also stated that it will provide retests to those who fail, easing the pressure on UG engineering students.

"Last year, the National Health Authority did a comprehensive mental wellness screening programme," said Professor Sathyanarayana N Gummadi, dean (students), IIT Madras, when asked how the institute planned to reduce stress among students. Every year, a comparable one will be held, even for newly admitted students."

The institute's board of governors authorised the nomination of Dr Tilakavathi as student ombudsman based on a recommendation. He further stated that a time-bound grievance redressal procedure had been established.

In addition, an anonymous tip box has been erected at the administration office of IIT Madras, where students can address their grievances to the institute's director. Meanwhile, this year, at least seven students from IITs across the country have died by suicide. IIT Madras witnessed four deaths in 2023.