JMU university extends online classes further until Nov 24; Shifts odd semester exams to online mode
Protest hit Jamia Millia Islamia University extended online classes and shifted its odd semester-end examinations online amid escalating tensions on campus. According to an office order dated October 28, online teaching will continue until November 24 and the odd semester exams were shifted to online mode.
The order stated that the decision was taken to ensure the safety and security of students following a meeting of deans, heads of departments, directors and senior university officials on Wednesday.
Practical, fieldwork, project and viva examinations will be conducted online from November 25 to 30, while theory examinations are scheduled to take place from December 1 to 24.
The order also announced that the winter vacation would run from December 25 to January 12. However, even semester classes are scheduled to begin on January 3, 2027.
The university has not specified when physical classes will resume, leaving the continuation of online teaching dependent on the situation on campus.
Jamia Students’ Union Restoration Demand Triggers Protests
On October 12, students launched an agitation demanding the restoration of the Jamia Millia Islamia Students’ Union and a clear timeline for elections. The union was dissolved in 2006, and elections have not been held since.
The protests intensified after students launched an indefinite hunger strike. Tensions escalated further on October 24 following a confrontation between protesters and security personnel deployed on campus, prompting the university to shift classes online.
The administration has said that students’ union elections will be held within 15 days of approval of the union’s constitution. It has also agreed to revoke suspension orders and show-cause notices issued to students during the agitation and promised an inquiry into the conduct of security personnel.
However, protesters have rejected the arrangement, arguing that the administration has not provided a definite deadline for approving the constitution or conducting elections. They have also opposed the shift to online classes and restrictions on access to campus facilities.
Jamia Teachers Accuse Outsiders of Escalating Dispute
Meanwhile, teachers at Jamia Millia Islamia have accused political parties and outsiders of attempting to escalate the dispute and disrupt academic activities.
In a statement issued through the university, the teachers defended the administration’s steps towards restoring the students’ union, including the proposed election timeline and the formation of a committee to draft its constitution.
The extension of online classes and the shift of examinations to online mode come amid continuing disagreements between the university administration and protesting students over the restoration of the students’ union and the conduct of elections.