Reported By Praveen Mudholkar
In a disciplinary action, the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Nagpur has barred around 70-75 first-year MBA students from appearing in their mid-term examinations after they were found attending a resort "pool party" without prior permission from the institute. An official said the action was taken for violating campus discipline and hostel regulations.
According to institute authorities, nearly 70-75 first- and second-year MBA students visited a resort on February 14 for a pool party organised by student clubs as a farewell for the outgoing second-year batch. The students reportedly stayed overnight and returned to campus the next morning, where they were stopped at the main gate by authorities.
On Monday night, the administration emailed first-year students informing them that they would not be allowed to appear for the mid-term examinations scheduled from February 24 as a disciplinary measure. The final examinations for second-year students were set to begin on February 25.
Following the communication, nearly 400 students from both batches staged a silent protest on campus and warned of boycotting the examinations. The protest was later withdrawn after the administration clarified its position.
The institute subsequently stated that disciplinary action would apply only to first-year students who attended the event without prior approval. Second-year students will be permitted to sit for their final examinations. Students who had obtained prior permission will not face any action. The administration also indicated that mid-term examinations for the affected first-year students will be conducted at a later date.
In a related development, the institute contacted the parents of female students who attended the event, informing them that hostel rules had been violated and that the students had stayed outside overnight. The move drew objections from students, who questioned why only the parents of female students were informed.
According to campus regulations, all MBA students are required to reside on campus and are not permitted to leave after 10 pm or remain absent without official intimation. The students had reportedly recorded in the movement register that they were travelling home; however, they attended the resort event and returned the following day. The institute has sought a No Objection Certificate from parents and indicated that temporary suspension may be imposed in certain cases.
Institute officials said students were aware of the rules and that strict action was necessary to maintain discipline. They added that while accountability would be ensured, efforts would be made to prevent any long-term academic consequences for the students.