IIT Bombay Ends Caste Data Sharing in Campus Placements Amid Bias Concerns

The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay has decided to stop collecting and sharing caste-related data of students during campus placements. This move comes in response to concerns over potential caste-based discrimination in hiring, particularly in Public Sector Units (PSUs), which traditionally require caste verification for reserved category positions.

Allegations of Discrimination in Campus Placements

The issue gained attention after Dheeraj Singh, an alumnus of IIT Kanpur and founder of a global support network for Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) students, raised concerns about discrimination in the placement process. In 2023, Singh filed a complaint with the National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC), alleging that IIT Bombay and other top institutions were facilitating bias by sharing caste-related information with recruiters. He argued that this practice could lead to unfair treatment of students from marginalized communities, even if they had comparable academic qualifications.

Following the complaint, the NCSC directed IIT Bombay, IIT Delhi, and the Ministry of Education to provide a detailed action-taken report within 15 days. In response, IIT Bombay clarified that the caste-related data was collected solely to help PSUs verify eligibility for reserved category positions. However, the institute maintained that its placement office was not directly involved in the process.

IIT Bombay Discontinues Caste Data Collection

IIT Bombay officially announced that, starting in 2024, it would no longer collect or share caste-based data for placement purposes. In a statement, the institute emphasized that while the intent was to assist PSUs with mandatory document verification, the process had been misunderstood and raised valid concerns regarding discrimination.

The institute acknowledged that caste profiling had occurred in the past but confirmed that such practices had now been discontinued. IIT Bombay reassured students and stakeholders that the placement process would remain merit-based and free from any bias moving forward.
Past Concerns Over Discrimination at IIT Bombay

This is not the first time IIT Bombay has faced scrutiny over caste-related issues. In 2023, the tragic suicide of a first-year student sparked a major debate about institutional discrimination. Although an interim investigation attributed the incident to academic struggles, the student’s family rejected the findings, alleging caste-based harassment played a role.

In response to the tragedy, IIT Bombay introduced a set of anti-discrimination measures aimed at fostering inclusivity on campus. These included encouraging students to form social connections based on shared interests, such as sports and cultural activities, rather than social or caste-based identities.

A Step Towards Fairer Placements

By discontinuing the practice of caste data collection in placements, IIT Bombay aims to create a more inclusive and discrimination-free recruitment process. While PSUs still require caste verification for reservation purposes, the institute’s decision removes the possibility of implicit bias influencing placement opportunities.

The move could also set a precedent for other IITs and premier institutions, prompting broader discussions on fair hiring practices and student welfare. Ensuring equal opportunities for all students remains a critical challenge, and IIT Bombay’s latest decision is a step towards making campus placements more transparent and equitable.