IIT (ISM) Dhanbad Ends 75% Mandatory Attendance Rule from 2025–26 Academic Year

In a groundbreaking decision, the Indian Institute of Technology (Indian School of Mines) Dhanbad has announced that it will abolish the 75% mandatory attendance rule starting from the academic year 2025–26. This policy change marks a significant shift in the academic framework of one of India’s premier engineering institutions.

Background of the Decision

The decision to end the mandatory attendance policy was made after a proposal from the Student Gymkhana (SG) was presented during the IIT Dhanbad senate meeting on September 1, 2025. The senate, which is the highest academic authority at the institute, unanimously approved the proposal, allowing students to attend classes without the pressure of meeting a minimum attendance criterion.

Details of the New Policy

Under the new policy, undergraduate (UG), postgraduate (PG), and PhD students will not face penalties based on their attendance records. This means that students will be allowed to appear for examinations regardless of their attendance percentage, which previously stood at 75% until the 2024–25 academic year.

Rationale Behind the Change

The dean of academics at IIT Dhanbad, Mritunjay Kumar Singh, stated that the decision aims to provide students with greater freedom to explore opportunities outside the classroom. He emphasized the importance of engagement in technical and socio-cultural clubs, which can enhance skills beyond the traditional curriculum.

Singh remarked, “The focus here is on clubs, as they help students build skills beyond the structured curriculum.” This perspective aligns with the growing recognition that practical skills and extracurricular involvement are crucial for student development.

Student Reactions

Responses from students regarding the new policy have been mixed. Akshaya Jha, a third-year BTech student, mentioned that the removal of the mandatory attendance rule has not significantly impacted her routine, as she continues to attend classes regularly out of habit.

However, many students have expressed relief at the prospect of being able to manage their time more effectively, allowing them to focus on skill development and other interests without the constant pressure of attendance tracking.

Comparative Attendance Policies in IITs

Attendance policies vary significantly across the 23 Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs). Here are some examples:

• IIT Guwahati, Kharagpur, Delhi, and Roorkee: Require a minimum of 75% attendance.
• IIT Madras and Palakkad: Require 85% attendance to be eligible for examinations.
• IIT Gandhinagar: Leaves attendance requirements to the discretion of instructors, but students missing too many early classes may be barred from quizzes and mid-semester exams.

The diversity in attendance policies reflects different institutional philosophies regarding student engagement and accountability.

Government Support for the Change

The proposal to remove mandatory attendance was also discussed with Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan during his visit to IIT Dhanbad on July 31 and August 1, 2025. Pradhan has been a proponent of relaxing attendance norms in higher education, emphasizing the need to trust students who have already demonstrated their capabilities by clearing the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE).

In his address at the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) 2025 event, he stated, “Why stress on attendance in higher education? We must trust them and relax attendance norms.” This sentiment underscores a broader movement towards fostering a more flexible and trust-based educational environment.

Implementation and Monitoring

Although the mandatory attendance rule has been abolished, the institute will still record attendance for classes. This measure is intended to ensure that students remain engaged with their studies. Furthermore, students will need to meet departmental attendance norms to remain eligible for stipends and fellowships.

To assess the effectiveness of this new policy, IIT Dhanbad plans to review how students are utilizing their time. The focus will be on whether students are engaging in ideation, innovation, or skill-building activities that contribute to their overall development. The institute aims to evaluate the outcomes of this reform after one trimester or a couple of semesters.

Conclusion

The decision by IIT (ISM) Dhanbad to eliminate the mandatory attendance rule is a significant step towards modernizing the academic experience for students. By prioritizing skill development and personal growth, the institute is positioning itself as a forward-thinking institution that values student autonomy and practical learning. This reform could serve as a model for other educational institutions in India, encouraging a shift towards more flexible and student-centered approaches to education.

Note: The information presented in this article is based on the latest updates as of September 2025 and may be subject to change. For the most accurate and current details, please refer to official communications from IIT (ISM) Dhanbad.