Delhi University (DU) students faced significant delays recently as question papers for over 35 courses failed to reach multiple colleges, disrupting the start of semester examinations. Students waited for hours on December 10 , the scheduled exam start date for regular and School of Open Learning (SOL) programmes.
Widespread Delays and Missing Examination Papers
The disruption was widespread, affecting numerous examinations. Official DU datesheets showed colleges conducting 30 to 70 discipline-specific seventh semester courses. Faculty confirmed widespread impact across disciplines.
Four discipline-specific elective papers in Commerce were among the missing. In Computer Science, papers for Digital Image Processing and Compiler Design were unavailable until 12:30 PM . DU Professor VS Dixit reported these delays.
Professor Dixit expressed strong concern, telling Careers360, “This is a sorry state of affairs. Colleges have been waiting since morning for papers. It is very inconvenient for the students.” He noted the delays impacted Computer Science students university-wide.
NEP and FYUP Blamed for Overload
Faculty members consistently attributed the chaos to an escalated workload. This increase stems from the National Education Policy (NEP) and its Four-Year Undergraduate Programme (FYUP) . Teachers noted the new system mandates more papers per semester, offers additional subject choices, and adds an extra year, collectively increasing administrative and examination burdens.
One DU faculty member stated, “NEP-driven Four-year UG Programme (FYUP) has led to a sharp increase in the number of examinations. Exam work has increased manifold. This is leading to a systemic collapse,” pointing to a foundational university problem.
A senior professor criticized frequent academic shifts. “With so many frequent changes being introduced repeatedly, it seems several papers were not logged into the system,” the professor remarked, coining “NEP for me is ‘Nothing Ensues Properly’.” The professor further emphasized, “It is the responsibility of the examination department to prepare the papers.”
Systemic Challenges and Overlapping Schedules
Paper distribution failures reflect broader systemic challenges. Prior to these delays, the university faced issues with several even semester classes overlapping with new semester classes. This created significant scheduling conflicts for students and faculty, adding administrative strain.
Public criticism emerged quickly. Abha Dev Habib, a faculty member, posted on Facebook: “Too much for DU to chew – reportedly exam papers of over 30 courses have not reached colleges. Students are waiting restlessly!” Her post captured widespread student frustration.
Ongoing concerns exist regarding the FYUP’s structural integrity. Monami Sinha, a DU Academic Council member, urged the university to reassess FYUP dissertation guidelines. She described them as “unreasonable” due to frequent alterations. While the FYUP aimed to provide flexibility, its execution has been marked by chaos and uncertainty within the academic community.
These recurring issues highlight persistent operational challenges within Delhi University. They specifically concern the examination department’s capacity to manage increased task volume and complexity under the current academic framework.