IIT Bombay decides to drop one subject per semester; removes branch change option

The institute has decided to remove the option of branch change at the end of the first year to reduce stress on first-year B.Tech students.

The Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT-B) has decided to drop one subject per semester for the students in the first year to reduce burden of students. The first year comprises two semesters.

The institute senate has also decided that first-year students of engineering will also no longer be allowed to change their branch at the end of their academic year. IIT-Bombay officials said the move will help freshers adjust to campus life.

During the 256th meeting of the IIT Bombay Senate held on May 12, 2023, several proposals were discussed related to reduction of academic stress for 1st year students. One of the key decisions was to remove the option of branch change at the end of 1st year for 2023 and later entrants.

This decision was made based on the observation that the pressure to get higher grades to earn a branch change was causing stress on many students, while only a few benefit from the change of branch.

The number of seats at the time of admission may be correspondingly increased by a small number in some of the popular branches.

Another key decision made by the Senate was to reduce the academic load on students by reducing one course per semester in the first year. The decision has been taken based on recommendations as per an interim report submitted by an internal panel probing the death of Darshan Solanki, a first-year chemical engineering student at the institute, who died by suicide on February 12 this year. 

“Thus those students who find it difficult to cope with the academic load, will have more time to work towards their courses,” reads a statement by institute.

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