Jamia moves digital: Announces online exams, extends virtual classes amid campus unrest

Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI) has extended online classes until Nov 24 and shifted its odd-semester end-semester examinations to online mode as tensions continue on campus over demands for the restoration of the Jamia Millia Islamia Students' Union (JMISU).

The university cited the prevailing campus situation and concerns over the safety and security of students while announcing the decision.

The administration took the decision after a meeting of deans, heads of departments, directors and other senior officials to assess the situation and determine whether regular academic activities could continue.

In an office order dated Oct 28, the university stated that the campus situation was not conducive to conducting academic activities. The administration consequently decided to continue online teaching and move the scheduled end-semester examinations to virtual mode.

According to the order, online teaching for the odd semester will continue through Nov 24. Practical, fieldwork, project, viva and minor project examinations will be conducted online from Nov 25 to Nov 30.

The odd-semester end-semester theory examinations are scheduled to take place online from Dec 1 to Dec 24. The university will subsequently observe winter vacation from Dec 25 to Jan 12, 2027.

Classes for the even semester are scheduled to commence on Jan 13, 2027, the order stated. However, the latest announcement does not specify a date for the resumption of physical classes, leaving the return to in-person academic activities dependent on the campus situation.

The registrar, Prof Md Mahtab Alam Rizvi, issued the order and directed all deans, heads of departments and directors to ensure compliance. The officials have also been instructed to make the necessary arrangements for the smooth conduct of online classes and examinations.

The latest decision extends an earlier order that required classes to be conducted online until Nov 8. The revised schedule not only extends the virtual teaching arrangement but also moves the odd-semester end-semester examinations online.

Why are Jamia Millia Islamia students protesting?

The university's decision comes amid a prolonged student agitation that began on Oct 12, with protesters demanding the restoration of the Jamia Millia Islamia Students' Union (JMISU) and the announcement of a definite election schedule.

The students' union was dissolved in 2006, and elections have not been held since. Students have been pressing the administration to revive the representative body and establish a clear timeline for conducting elections.

The agitation intensified after students launched an indefinite hunger strike to press their demands. Despite administrative measures and discussions over the proposed restoration process, the protests have continued, creating uncertainty over the regular functioning of the university.

Tensions escalated further on Oct 24 after a confrontation between protesting students and security personnel. The university subsequently shifted classes online, citing concerns over student safety and the prevailing situation on campus.

The administration has stated that student union elections will be held within 15 days of approval of the union's constitution. It has also agreed to revoke suspension and show-cause notices issued to students during the agitation.

In addition, the administration has promised an inquiry into the conduct of security personnel during the protests. However, the proposed measures have not resolved the dispute, with protesters continuing to seek a firm commitment on the restoration of the union and the election schedule.

Students have rejected the administration's proposed arrangement, arguing that it does not establish a definite deadline for approving the constitution or holding elections. They have maintained that a clear timeline is necessary to ensure that the restoration process moves forward.

The protesters have also opposed the shift to online classes and restrictions on access to campus facilities. The continuation of virtual teaching and the transition of examinations to online mode have added to the uncertainty surrounding the university's academic schedule.

The dispute has attracted political attention, with student groups alleging a crackdown by the university administration and Delhi Police. The Students' Federation of India (SFI) has claimed that police imposed prohibitory orders, barricaded campus gates and detained students in and around the university.

These allegations have been raised by the student organization as part of the ongoing dispute. The agitation has continued despite the administration's stated willingness to proceed with the restoration of the union under a formal constitutional framework.

Teachers raise concerns over campus disruption

Amid the continuing protests, teachers at Jamia Millia Islamia have expressed concern over disruptions to academic activities and accused political actors and outsiders of attempting to escalate the dispute.

In a statement issued through the university, the teachers defended the administration's steps toward restoring the students' union. These measures include the proposed election timeline and the formation of a committee to draft the union's constitution.

The teachers emphasized that the committee responsible for preparing the constitution should be allowed adequate time to complete its work. The committee was constituted on Oct 21 and is expected to examine relevant court orders, the recommendations of the Lyngdoh Committee and the university's existing rules before finalizing the document.

They argued that these considerations should be reviewed carefully before the constitution is finalized, given their relevance to the process of restoring the union and conducting student elections.

The teachers also raised concerns over the alleged entry of political leaders onto the campus without prior permission. According to the university's statement, a first information report (FIR) was lodged on Oct 25 over the alleged unauthorized entry of Congress MPs Imran Pratapgarhi and Imran Masood.

The allegations form part of the wider dispute surrounding the protests and campus access. They have not been independently established in the information available for this report.

The teachers urged outsiders to refrain from activities that could disturb the campus atmosphere and further disrupt academic functioning. Their statement also defended the need to allow the committee sufficient time to prepare the union's constitution in accordance with applicable rules and recommendations.

Meanwhile, the protesting students have continued to demand the restoration of JMISU and a definite schedule for elections. With the university extending online classes until Nov 24 and shifting the odd-semester examinations online, the campus remains affected by the unresolved standoff between the administration and students.