IIT Kharagpur Director Prof Suman Chakraborty has reached out to students with a message on examination pressure, academic performance and mental wellbeing ahead of the institute’s semester examinations.
In a video message and accompanying note shared by IIT Kharagpur, Chakraborty reminded students that examinations are important but should not become the measure of their identity, ability or future. He encouraged students to approach their examinations with confidence and to focus on the work in front of them rather than allowing fear about the result to dominate their preparation.
The director’s message comes at a time when student wellbeing and academic pressure are receiving renewed attention following the death of a second year student at IIT Bombay after an examination related incident. The IIT Bombay incident has led to student protests and discussions about examination procedures, institutional support and student welfare.
Chakraborty’s message, however, focused primarily on students preparing for examinations at IIT Kharagpur. He asked them to remember that an examination represents what a student writes on a particular day. According to his message, the result of one examination should not be treated as a complete assessment of a student’s abilities or potential.
The director also acknowledged that examinations may not always go according to plan, even when students have prepared sincerely. He asked students not to treat a disappointing result as a judgment on their overall capabilities.
His message placed particular emphasis on maintaining perspective during the examination period. Students were encouraged to trust the preparation they had already completed, remain calm and approach the examination one question at a time.
Chakraborty also highlighted the importance of basic physical routines during examination preparation. He advised students to get adequate sleep and eat properly rather than sacrificing their physical wellbeing entirely for additional study time.
According to the director, adequate sleep can help students maintain the mental stability and composure required during examinations. His message therefore encouraged students to balance preparation with sufficient rest.
He also asked students to support their friends and help them remain positive during periods of examination pressure. The message highlighted the importance of students looking out for one another, particularly when someone appears to be struggling.
Another important part of the director’s message was his emphasis on academic honesty. He encouraged students to enter the examination hall with confidence and integrity.
The advice comes in the context of the recent IIT Bombay examination incident. According to IIT Bombay’s statement, a second year student was found using a mobile phone during an examination and had allegedly uploaded the examination question paper to ChatGPT to seek answers. The institute said the student was counselled by the instructor and Head of Department and that no disciplinary action had been initiated against him at that point.
The student was later found dead in his hostel room. The circumstances surrounding the death are under investigation. The incident led to protests involving students on the IIT Bombay campus and prompted wider discussion about student support and academic pressure.
Against this background, Chakraborty’s message has attracted attention because of its focus on keeping examinations in perspective. Rather than presenting examination performance as the final measure of success, he encouraged students to recognise that academic setbacks can occur even after sincere preparation.
The director also urged students not to handle overwhelming situations alone. He asked anyone facing serious academic or personal difficulties to speak to someone they trust or seek appropriate support.
His message stressed that asking for help should not be viewed as a weakness. Students experiencing significant pressure were encouraged to communicate with others instead of keeping their difficulties to themselves.
Chakraborty also reminded students that setbacks are part of life and that people can recover from difficult experiences. His broader message was that a temporary academic setback does not determine what happens to a student in the future.
The director referred to the effort required to secure admission to IIT Kharagpur and asked students to remember the preparation and persistence that had already brought them to the institution.
He encouraged students to believe in the preparation they had undertaken and to remain focused during the examination. Instead of worrying continuously about the final result, students were advised to concentrate on answering each question carefully.
The message also recognised that students can sometimes surprise themselves with a strong performance, while on other occasions an examination may not reflect the preparation they have completed.
This distinction is important in understanding the director’s message. He did not suggest that academic performance is irrelevant. Instead, he emphasised that examinations are only one part of a student’s broader educational and personal journey.
For students, the message provides several practical points for the examination period. Preparing sincerely, maintaining adequate sleep, eating properly, staying honest during tests and supporting classmates were among the key areas highlighted by the director.
He also encouraged students to maintain a positive outlook and not allow one examination or one grade to become a permanent judgment about their future.
The message further underlined the role of educational institutions in supporting students during difficult periods. Chakraborty assured students that the institute would stand with them during both successful and difficult moments.
The emphasis on institutional support comes as universities and higher education institutions across India continue to discuss student wellbeing, academic pressure and access to support systems.
At IIT Bombay, the recent student death has led to campus protests and demands concerning student welfare and institutional processes. The circumstances of that case remain under investigation, and statements about the incident have come from the institute, students and other parties.
Meanwhile, at IIT Kharagpur, the director’s message has provided students with guidance ahead of their examinations. The focus remains on preparation, wellbeing, academic honesty and seeking support when necessary.
For students preparing for examinations, the message carries a broader reminder that academic results should be considered within the larger context of education and personal development. A single examination can measure performance on a particular day, but it cannot by itself describe every aspect of a student’s abilities or future opportunities.
Chakraborty concluded his message by encouraging students to do their best, remain confident and continue moving forward. He also urged students to maintain honesty and positivity throughout the examination process.
The IIT Kharagpur director’s message comes at a significant moment for discussions around academic pressure in premier educational institutions. While examinations remain an important part of academic evaluation, the message highlights the importance of ensuring that students also protect their physical and mental wellbeing during demanding academic periods.
Students facing serious or overwhelming difficulties should not remain isolated, and the director specifically encouraged them to speak to someone when they need support.
The central message from IIT Kharagpur is that students should prepare sincerely, take care of themselves, approach examinations one question at a time and remember that an examination result does not by itself define their identity or future.