Delhi University (DU) teachers have voiced serious concerns regarding a significant overlap between odd semester examinations and regular classes for the even semester, both scheduled for January 2026 . Educators state this conflict will disrupt academic schedules, increase teacher workload, and challenge university resources.
The upcoming academic calendar details odd semester end-examinations, covering regular courses, School of Learning (SOL), and Non-Collegiate Women’s Education Board (NCWEB) programs. These examinations will occupy the entire month of January 2026. Concurrently, regular teaching for the even semester is expected to begin.
Impact on Students
The simultaneous scheduling presents challenges for students. They will face difficulty attending new even semester classes while also preparing for and appearing in their odd semester examinations. Teachers noted that a full month of even semester teaching could be lost if classes are shifted or students are preoccupied with exams.
Increased Teacher Workload
Teachers anticipate a substantial increase in their duties during this period. They cite having to manage four distinct roles simultaneously: teaching even semester classes, invigilating odd semester examinations, evaluating answer scripts for the odd semester, and conducting practicals for the even semester.
Operational Challenges for Colleges
The overlap raises questions about the preparedness of college infrastructure. Colleges will require space for both ongoing examinations and regular classes. A teacher questioned the capacity of institutions to manage both operations concurrently for a month.
Contradiction in Teaching Mode
Teachers criticized the university for allowing colleges to shift classes online during such overlaps. This practice contradicts DU’s official policy, which mandates regular courses to be conducted in an offline, in-person mode. Moving classes online could mean a month without effective teaching, as students would be engaged with their examinations.
University Response
As of now, Delhi University has not issued an official clarification regarding the scheduling conflict. The concerns about the overlap in January 2026 remain unaddressed by the administration.