IIT Kharagpur: The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur Director Prof Suman Chakraborty has issued a message to students ahead of their semester examinations, urging 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.
What Did The Director Say To Students?
My dear students,
— IIT Kharagpur (@IITKgp) September 20, 2026
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
In his 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." 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.
A Message On Exam Anxiety
Addressing exam anxiety directly, 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." The message reflects a broader effort by institute leadership to reassure students during a stressful academic period.
What Happened At IIT Bombay?
At IIT Bombay, a second-year student died by suicide after being found with a phone in an exam hall and allegedly using ChatGPT during the test. The incident sparked protests on campus and demands for greater transparency and better support mechanisms for students facing academic and disciplinary pressure.
Why This Message Matters Now
Prof Chakraborty's note comes at a time when several IITs are being urged to strengthen mental health support systems for students, particularly around high-pressure periods like semester exams. His message aims to reassure students that institutional support extends beyond academic performance, especially as concerns around student well-being continue to grow following the IIT Bombay case.