PhD students at the Indian Institute of Technology Gandhinagar (IIT-Gn) are expressing frustration over a sudden change in their accommodation policy. The new cohort, who started in December 2024, was promised single-occupancy rooms but now find themselves sharing small rooms. This change has raised concerns about their academic productivity and living conditions. Previously, IIT-Gn was known for its student-friendly housing, but the recent shift has left many students feeling neglected.
The university raised hostel fees to ₹6,000, one of the highest rates among IITs, yet students claim they are not receiving basic living standards. Complaints have been made regarding the cramped conditions, with students stating there isn’t enough space for two beds, desks, or wardrobes. Some rooms even struggle to close properly due to the furniture.
Students allege that the policy change has made it difficult for them to focus on their research. According to one student, “It’s shocking that an institute focused on research doesn’t offer its scholars the space to study.” This situation affects not just the new PhD students, but also first-year BTech and MTech students.
The policy change was reportedly due to a reallocation system where December entrants are considered second-year students for room assignments. The hostel staff informed them that they would now need to share the single rooms, causing confusion and frustration among the students.
Critics of the new policy argue that the accommodation shortage is not due to a lack of space, but rather misallocation. They point out that around 60 non-student occupants, including postdoctoral fellows and research assistants, are given priority over current students. Students believe that a mere 17 more single rooms would solve their accommodation issues, but these rooms are occupied by staff rather than students.
IIT-Gn’s Office of Student Affairs responded to the outcry, stating that the campus currently houses 2,633 students. An additional 1,095 students are expected this semester. To address the increasing demand, a new hostel block is under construction and will be completed in 18 months. In the interim, off-campus accommodations have been arranged in nearby Palaj village, with shuttle services provided for daily commutes.
Despite these assurances, students remain sceptical. They feel that the current living arrangements are impractical for researchers who require quiet and personal spaces for their studies. The administration mentioned that larger single rooms were temporarily converted into shared rooms to maximize on-campus housing, but students argue this undermines their need for a conducive study environment.
As the situation unfolds, the students at IIT-Gn are calling for greater transparency and support from the administration. Many are concerned that these accommodation issues could impact their academic performance and overall well-being during their crucial research years. The students hope that their voices will be heard and that the administration will reconsider its policies for the benefit of all scholars.