DU teachers raise concern over exam date sheet schedule, seek review of academic calendar

Several Delhi University teachers on Monday raised concerns over the recently released examination date sheets, warning that the overlap between semester-end exams and the commencement of the next semester could pose logistical and academic challenges for both students and faculty.

There was no immediate response available from the DU administration over the issue.

According to the schedule, semester examinations will be conducted from December 10, 2025, to January 30, 2026, while classes for the even semester are set to begin on January 2, 2026.

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Teachers said this arrangement leaves little time for evaluation work and preparation, as students and faculty members will have to juggle exams and classes simultaneously.

Abha Dev Habib, an associate professor of Physics at DU’s Miranda House and Secretary of the Democratic Teachers’ Front (DTF), said the timelines have left students and teachers uncertain about how the university plans to manage the academic transition.

“With exams continuing through January, students will have to appear for exams and attend classes at the same time, while teachers will be engaged in teaching, invigilation, and evaluation work,” she said in a statement.

Habib added that with examinations for the School of Open Learning (SOL) and Non-Collegiate Women’s Education Board (NCWEB) coinciding with regular exams, there could be a shortage of classroom space, potentially pushing some classes online.

She suggested extending the winter break or revising the schedule to avoid overlap. Prof Mithuraaj Dhusiya, an elected member of the Executive Council (EC) of DU, said the month-long overlap could strain students, teachers, and infrastructure.

“Do colleges have the infrastructure to run both exams and hold classes simultaneously for one whole month? DU’s official position is that classes for regular courses are held offline, and yet, there is its tacit approval to colleges for online classes during such overlaps,” Dhusiya said in a statement.

He urged the university to review the academic calendar to ensure the smooth conduct of exams and effective teaching-learning.