World · India Bureau
IIT Bombay bans questions about rank, caste on campus
India's premier technology institute has issued anti-discrimination guidelines prohibiting students from asking peers about JEE-GATE scores and social category. The move follows heightened focus on campus inclusivity and student welfare.
LSN India ·

IIT Bombay has rolled out comprehensive anti-discrimination guidelines aimed at curbing both direct and indirect prejudice within its campus community. The new rules explicitly prohibit students from inquiring about entrance examination scores and caste category, reflecting institutional efforts to foster a more inclusive environment.
The guidelines represent a significant policy shift for the institute, one prompted by increased institutional scrutiny regarding student welfare and campus culture. The measures underscore IIT Bombay's commitment to creating an atmosphere where students from all backgrounds feel welcomed and supported.
The anti-discrimination framework forms part of broader efforts by the institute to address concerns about social cohesion and mental health support systems. By restricting conversations that could lead to hierarchical comparisons or social discrimination, IIT Bombay aims to protect students from potential marginalization based on academic performance or social category.
The policy initiative reflects growing recognition across Indian higher education institutions that campus cultures must actively resist systems of exclusion. Educational leadership has increasingly acknowledged that creating truly inclusive spaces requires deliberate interventions—from policy frameworks to cultural shifts—that challenge deep-rooted social hierarchies.