IIT Delhi Details Mental Health Support As Protests Continue Over Student's Death

IIT Delhi has outlined its academic support, mental-health services and grievance-redressal mechanisms as protests continue on campus following the death of 31-year-old MSc Physics student Rishikesh Kumar last week. More than 500 students have reportedly participated in protests, seeking an independent inquiry, accountability from officials and stronger measures for student welfare. Students have also raised concerns regarding the handling of Kumar's hostel, academic and welfare-related issues.

The institute has since reconstituted its external inquiry panel, appointing retired Delhi High Court judge Justice Mukta Gupta as its chairperson. The panel also includes AIIMS Psychiatry Department head Professor Pratap Sharan, student representatives and the IIT Delhi Registrar. The reconstitution followed objections from protesting students, who had sought a more independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding Kumar's death.

IIT Delhi has highlighted its mental-health infrastructure, including round-the-clock access to counsellors and psychiatrists, with experts from institutions such as AIIMS and VIMHANS. The institute has also stated that external mental-health treatment is fully reimbursed for students. Other measures cited by the administration include an emergency response protocol, Academic Unit Wellness Committees and an expanded UG Buddy programme that was extended to postgraduate and international students in 2025.

Also Read: Shashi Tharoor Explains How India's System Responded To Gen Z Protests

The institute has also pointed to changes intended to reduce academic pressure and provide additional assistance to students. Under the curriculum introduced in 2025, first-semester credit requirements were reduced, life-skills courses were added and first-year departmental classes were limited to smaller groups. IIT Delhi has also reduced weekend examinations and allowed greater flexibility in credit distribution. Its Academic Progress Group has provided evening tutoring and assistance with clearing credit backlogs since 2023.

Several channels are available for students to raise concerns, according to the institute. These include a centralised ERP-based complaint system, the Board for Student Welfare, SC/ST and OBC cells, hostel wardens, the Internal Complaints Committee and confidential counselling services. Faculty-student engagement is also supported through open-door faculty hours, project guidance, semester meetings and class committee feedback, while student representation is facilitated through bodies including the Student Affairs Council and Cocurricular Academic Interaction Council.

The institute's explanation of its existing support systems comes amid continued questions from students about whether those mechanisms were adequate in Kumar's case. Protesting students have sought an independent investigation and accountability, while IIT Delhi has maintained that his welfare remains a priority and that relevant academic and support measures were available to him. Delhi Police has separately registered an FIR in connection with the death and is conducting its investigation, while the reconstituted external panel is expected to examine the issues raised by students and other stakeholders.

Also Read: Bihar Student Protests: Barricades Broken, Police Use Water Cannons