Kharagpur: In a message to the students of the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur ahead of their semester examinations, Director Prof Suman Chakraborty has urged them to see exams as “one day’s performance” rather than a measure of their worth or future.
The note, shared alongside a video message on social media, comes amid growing concern over student mental health following the death of an IIT Bombay student after an examination‑hall incident, which triggered protests and calls for stronger support systems on campus.
In a social media post on X, Prof Chakraborty wrote: “As you walk into your examination halls, remember this: an exam measures what you wrote on one day. It does not measure who you are or what you will become.”
My dear students,
As you walk into your examination halls, remember this: an exam measures what you wrote on one day. It does not measure who you are or what you will become.
You earned your place at IIT Kharagpur through years of effort, and that strength has not left you.… pic.twitter.com/Qk471bWHX5
— IIT Kharagpur (@IITKgp) September 20, 2026
He reminded students that their admission to IIT Kharagpur is itself evidence of years of sustained effort and capability, and asked them to trust their preparation, breathe, and take one question at a time.
Addressing the issue of exam anxiety, he said, “Whenever the pressure feels heavy, know that you are not carrying it alone. My hand is on your shoulder, today and always. This Institute stands behind every one of you, on your good days and on your difficult ones.”
At IIT Bombay, a second‑year BTech student died by alleged suicide after being found with a phone in an exam hall. The student was caught allegedly using ChatGPT during the test, sparking protests and demands for transparency and better support mechanisms.
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