Srinagar, Dec 11 (JKNS): Students at the University of Kashmir from various programmes, have voiced strong dissatisfaction and rising frustration over the sudden announcement of revised date sheets, accusing the university of “wrapping up exams in a hurried manner without considering students’ preparation time or academic readiness.”
Students fumed after the issue came to light following a stern directive from the Higher Education Department (HED), which instructed all universities and autonomous colleges across Jammu and Kashmir to strictly adhere to the Uniform Academic Calendar 2022 and refrain from conducting any examinations during officially notified vacation periods.
A group of students told news agency JKNS that despite the Higher Education Department’s (HED) explicit directive barring universities from conducting examinations during officially declared vacations, several departments have gone ahead with new exam schedules.
These schedules, students say, appear to be designed with the sole intention of finishing all exams before the commencement of winter vacations, in complete disregard of the academic load and preparedness of students.
Multiple students alleged that the university administration seems to be in haste. “It looks like they just want to wrap up all exams quickly. Where is the concern for students’ preparation?” asked a group of MA students.
They said that revised date sheets for M.Ed 1st semester, M.Ed 2nd semester, and MA 3rd semester mandate completion of all examinations by January 15.
“This is unrealistic and insensitive. Most students are not prepared. Exams announced in such a rush completely ignore the mental pressure and academic load we are carrying,” they added.
Another section of students accused the departments of attempting to force exams into an even shorter window.
“Departments are trying to finish everything before December 31 since vacations begin on January 1. We, especially students from Sociology and Political Science, cannot appear in exams in December and then again in March. This is academically flawed. All exams should be held in March after winter vacations,” students said.
Students from distant districts expressed serious logistical and travel-related concerns. “The days are too short in winter. Many of us come from far-off places. Travelling every day and preparing simultaneously becomes nearly impossible. The revised schedule does not take into account the ground realities we face,” they said.
M.Ed 3rd semester students also highlighted a significant academic conflict. “Many students still have backlog papers from the 1st semester. There is absolutely no gap between examinations. How can they expect students to manage backlogs and fresh papers together? Students have paid exam fees, yet instead of relief, they are being burdened further,” they said, calling the situation “deeply unfair.”
Across departments, a common sentiment emerged that the university is allegedly prioritizing administrative deadlines over student welfare.
“The university appears to be more concerned about finishing the calendar than the academic needs of students. We urge them to think academically, not mechanically,” students said.
Meanwhile, responding to the growing controversy, Vice Chancellor, University of Kashmir, Prof. Nilofer Khan, told JKNS, “We are assessing the issue. I have called a meeting tomorrow. We will see what is comfortable for the students, and a decision will be taken accordingly.”
Earlier this week, JKNS reported that the Higher Education Department issued a strict circular instructing all universities including the University of Kashmir, University of Jammu, Cluster Universities of Srinagar and Jammu, and autonomous colleges to strictly adhere to the Uniform Academic Calendar (2022), which clearly bans examinations during notified vacations.
According to the 2022 calendar, winter vacations start on December 27, with odd-semester exams scheduled from December 1 to December 31, and even-semester exams from June 15 to July 14.
Students pointed out that similar directions were issued last year as well, but alleged that the enforcement remains inconsistent, causing repeated academic stress and uncertainty. (JKNS)
