IIT Bombay survey: 53% hail from large, metro cities; 1 in 4 admit cheating

More than half of the respondents to IIT Bombay’s Senior Survey 2026 were from large and metropolitan cities and nearly one in four admitted to cheating on assignments or exams once or twice out of desperation, according to a TOI report. The survey was conducted by Insight, the institute’s student media body.

Of the 2,400 students graduating from the class, approximately 144 students participated in the annual survey that included questions on academic performance, career plans, mental health and campus experiences. Insight warned that the results could not be representative of the views and experiences of the entire graduating class.

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The large cities accounted for 32.6% of the respondents, while the metropolitan cities accounted for 20.8%. 9% of those came from villages and another 37.5% from smaller cities or towns. Over 85% reported that their parents had earned an undergraduate or graduate degree in STEM or non-STEM area.

In relation to academic integrity, 90% reported that they had not cheated in any tests or assignments. But it was found that about 24.5 per cent of them cheated once or twice, including higher cumulative performance index (CPI) students.

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One-fourth of the respondents indicated that they would have chosen computer science and engineering as their branch had they been allowed to choose. If they felt the placement would be better, 32.4% would consider moving to a different branch.

As far as mental health support was concerned, 41 people replied that they had never required counselling or therapy, and 33 said they had been able to handle their problems with the support of their friends and family. Another 24 had accessed the institute's counselling services, and 25 had expressed a desire to receive counselling services, but had not taken the first step.

Around 32% were not certain about staying in the same business within the next five years, and 28% indicated that they already have a plan to exit the business. Around 21% said that they would have liked to take higher studies or research after IIT Bombay irrespective of monetary constraints.


(With inputs from TOI)