New guidelines issued at IIT Bombay to curb discrimination; questions regarding caste and JEE rank will not be asked..

IIT Bombay has issued new guidelines aimed at curbing discrimination and fostering equality on campus. Under these guidelines, students, faculty, and staff are advised to refrain from asking for personal information—such as a student’s caste, admission category, or JEE Advanced rank. The institute notes that such inquiries can make students feel uncomfortable and may lead to discriminatory situations. Furthermore, strict directives have been issued against casteist jokes, derogatory remarks, and the dissemination of discriminatory content on social media.

Avoid questions regarding caste and examination ranks
IIT Bombay released these guidelines via email on Tuesday, with the objective of creating an environment on campus where every student is treated with respect. The guidelines advise against asking students about their caste, admission category, or academic performance—including questions related to their JEE Advanced rank or GATE scores.

The institute emphasizes that even if the intent behind such questions is merely to gather information, it can still cause discomfort to the student being asked. Therefore, everyone is urged to respect the privacy and sentiments of others.

Prohibition of casteist jokes and discriminatory online content
The new guidelines also address messages and comments that demean individuals based on their caste, gender, religion, or sexual orientation. Any jokes or remarks intended to humiliate or intimidate an individual fall under the scope of these rules. These directives are not limited to face-to-face interactions; they also apply to communications taking place on WhatsApp, Facebook, email, and other digital platforms. The institute will take strict action against those who violate these rules.

Foster interaction through shared interests
To encourage greater interaction among students, IIT Bombay suggests engaging in discussions on topics such as academics, sports, music, films, personal hobbies, or one’s hometown. This will foster mutual understanding among students and improve the campus environment.

Disclaimer: This content has been sourced and edited from News18 Hindi. While we have made modifications for clarity and presentation, the original content belongs to its respective authors and website. We do not claim ownership of the content.