Ministry of Education forms panel to investigate IIIT Ranchi student death

The Ministry of Education announced on Tuesday (October 13, 2026) that it has formed a three-member committee to examine the death of a student at the Indian Institute of Information Technology (IIIT), Ranchi. The committee will be headed by Prof. Rajni Abbi, director of Delhi University’s South Campus, along with a senior psychiatrist and a senior officer from the Ministry.

The Indian Institute of Information Technology Ranchi (IIIT Ranchi) is a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) institute established under the PPP model.

“The Committee has been mandated to examine the circumstances surrounding the incident and assess the implementation of the Guidelines, with particular reference to the availability and functioning of basic facilities, institutional support systems, counselling and mentoring arrangements, and student grievance redressal mechanisms,” the Ministry said. “It will identify any systemic gaps and recommend appropriate measures to strengthen student well-being and help prevent the recurrence of such incidents. The Committee shall interact with stakeholders and examine relevant records and documents as required.”

“The Ministry added that it is undertaking suitable interim administrative arrangements to ensure the smooth and effective functioning of the Institute, with due regard to the interests and well-being of the students.”

A first-year student of the IIIT Ranchi was found dead in his hostel room late on Saturday (October 10, 2026), leading to a chaotic situation on campus and the intervention of the police. The student was from Bihar’s Bhagalpur district, police said on Sunday (October 11, 2026).

The cause of the student’s death remains to be ascertained.

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