India’s higher education sector faces growing challenges in maintaining student trust and engagement. The recent death of a Nepali student at Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) in Odisha has highlighted serious gaps in how universities handle student grievances and foster open dialogue. The incident has not only drawn attention from Nepal and India but also raised concerns about the safety and treatment of international students in Indian universities.
Fallout from the KIIT Incident
Following the suspected suicide of the Nepali student, KIIT students organised protests demanding justice. However, many protesters were mistreated and forcibly removed from university hostels. In response, KIIT’s vice-chancellor, Saranjit Singh, apologised for the mishandling of the situation and removed two officials responsible for inappropriate comments during the crisis.
This incident could have long-term implications for India’s higher education sector. Nepal currently sends the largest number of international students to India, with 13,126 Nepali students enrolled in Indian institutions out of a total of 46,878 foreign students. A failure to address such issues effectively could harm India’s reputation as an education destination for international students.
Broader Issues in Indian Higher Education
The KIIT incident reflects broader structural issues within India’s higher education system, including a lack of accountability and insufficient student engagement. Both public and private institutions have witnessed growing student protests over administrative failures, strict regulations, and lack of transparency.
1. Institutional Resistance to Dialogue
Many universities enforce strict rules and policies without consulting students. This approach fosters resentment and a sense of exclusion. For example:
- In 2023, a Bangladeshi student at the National Institute of Technology in Assam was sent back to her country for reacting with a “love” emoji on a social media post deemed anti-India.
- Two Bangladeshi students at Aligarh Muslim University were expelled for social media posts about the arrest of Hindu priests in Bangladesh.
- In 2024, two students at OP Jindal Global University were suspended for making provocative statements during a campus event.
Instead of addressing these issues through discussion, universities have relied on disciplinary actions, contributing to increased student unrest.
2. Strict and Overly Restrictive Campus Policies
Indian universities often maintain rigid and invasive disciplinary measures:
- Many institutions impose strict curfews, particularly for female students.
- Some universities require biometric attendance checks in hostels, with parental notifications for non-compliance.
- At the National Institute of Technology in Kerala, students protested against night curfews and canteen closures after 11 p.m.
- Bennett University students staged a late-night protest in 2024 over restrictions on online food deliveries.
Female students at the University of Delhi led a midnight march in 2023, demanding the lifting of hostel curfews. These protests reflect increasing frustration with institutional policies that limit personal freedom and reinforce unequal treatment.
3. Failure to Address Student Concerns
Many universities prioritize control and compliance over student engagement. Institutions tend to suppress dissent rather than address underlying issues. For example:
- Some universities impose collective financial penalties for theft or damage to hostel property.
- Leave requests often require parental approval and must be approved by a proctor.
- Smoking bans and pocket checks are strictly enforced on some campuses.
This environment of surveillance and restriction creates mistrust and alienation among students.
Need for Structural Changes
1. Encouraging Open Dialogue
Universities need to establish structured mechanisms for student feedback and dialogue. Student councils, regular town halls, and grievance redressal platforms should be strengthened to ensure that student voices are heard and acted upon.
2. Revising Disciplinary Policies
Institutions should review their disciplinary policies to balance student autonomy with campus safety. Instead of focusing solely on compliance, universities should adopt a more consultative and student-focused approach.
3. Addressing International Student Concerns
With India aiming to become a global education hub, improving the experience of international students is critical. Universities must ensure that international students feel safe and included through:
- Dedicated support services.
- Transparent handling of grievances.
- Equal treatment in disciplinary actions.
4. Ensuring Equal Treatment for Female Students
Gender-based restrictions, such as stricter hostel curfews for female students, need to be re-evaluated. Institutions should ensure that rules are uniformly applied to all students, regardless of gender.
Building a More Inclusive Academic Culture
Indian universities must shift from a culture of control to one of engagement and mutual respect. Encouraging open dialogue, reviewing restrictive policies, and addressing student grievances promptly will help build a more inclusive and supportive academic environment. If India hopes to strengthen its position as a global education destination, ensuring student safety, engagement, and accountability must become a top priority.
