Why No Sambhar? GATE aspirants react to strange 'Idli Chutney' email sent by IIT Roorkee

A peculiar email from the GATE (Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering) administration has left students across the country scratching their heads. The email, which began with the greeting "Dear IDLI CHUTNEY NO SAMBHAR," has gone viral on social media, drawing a mix of amusement, scepticism, and concern. While some see it as a harmless technical glitch, others suspect a possible security issue. IIT Roorkee, which is organising GATE 2025, has not commented on the incident.

Viral Screenshot Sparks Online Debate

The email first gained attention when a Reddit user shared a screenshot, claiming it was sent by the GATE organising team. The message, intended to notify students about their admit cards' availability on the GOAPS (GATE Online Application Processing System) portal, instead left recipients bewildered. The Reddit post garnered over 2,800 upvotes, sparking widespread discussion and memes.


One Reddit user wrote, "My friend got his admit card email with his name on it. Why did only a few people get this strange one?" Another joked, "Why no sambhar?" referencing the incomplete South Indian breakfast metaphor in the greeting.

Another student shared their experience, saying, "OH MY GOD I literally googled this right now to see wtf was going on and turns out it’s not just me."

Mixed Reactions From Students and Netizens

Reactions to the incident varied widely. While some users laughed off the email, others raised concerns about its implications. A few students questioned whether IIT Roorkee's email system had been hacked, with one user suggesting, "I think someone did hack." Another commented, "I too received it, so pathetic, this puts 'IIT brand' to shame."



Others speculated on technical issues. "Maybe someone did an SQL Injection in the GATE database," a user proposed, hinting at a possible vulnerability in the system. Despite the theories, many students demanded proof of the sender’s full email ID to validate its authenticity.

GATE is a national-level examination that evaluates students' knowledge in engineering and science disciplines. Conducted annually, the exam serves as a gateway for Master’s and Doctoral programmes and recruitment into Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs). GATE 2025, organised by IIT Roorkee, is scheduled for February 1, 2, 15, and 16 and will be conducted as a computer-based test across eight zones in India.

The GOAPS portal, through which admit cards are issued, is a key platform for GATE aspirants. As such, any unusual activity or error in communication draws significant attention, particularly given the high stakes involved for students.

Despite the growing buzz, IIT Roorkee has not issued any statement regarding the email. The absence of an official response has only fuelled further speculation. Students have expressed concerns about whether the incident was a prank, a genuine technical error, or something more serious. The lack of clarity has left many questioning the integrity of the GATE administration’s systems.