Seeks Vice-Chancellor’s immediate intervention
SRINAGAR: Prominent social and student rights activist Er. Ehtisham Khan has expressed serious concern over the growing frustration among students of the University of Kashmir following the sudden revision of examination schedules, allegedly in violation of the Uniform Academic Calendar (2022) and the Higher Education Department’s strict directives against conducting exams during notified vacation periods.
Reacting to the issue, Er. Khan, in a statement issued here, said that the manner in which several departments have revised date sheets has raised “deep and legitimate anxiety” among students who now feel academically cornered. He said that finishing exams in haste, without adequate preparation time, is “not just academically flawed but emotionally taxing for thousands of students from various districts of Jammu and Kashmir.”
“This is not merely a scheduling issue; this is about fairness, academic integrity, and the mental health of students. Students cannot be expected to appear in examinations with rushed timelines, zero preparation gaps, and overlapping backlogs. Such practices do not serve education; they burden it,” Er. Khan said.
Several students had revealed that revised date sheets for M.Ed 1st semester, M.Ed 2nd semester, MA 3rd semester, and other programmes mandate completion of all exams in short, unrealistic windows, leaving no scope for preparation or academic readiness. Students from districts farther from Srinagar have also highlighted severe travel hardships during peak winter conditions, making daily travel coupled with exam preparation nearly impossible.
Calling the situation “deeply concerning,” Er. Khan emphasized that students’ rights cannot be compromised under administrative pressure. “Academics cannot be conducted mechanically. Students are not files to be closed before the winter break. They are individuals struggling under intense academic pressure, harsh weather, travel constraints, and mental fatigue. Their concerns must be respected,” he said.
Er. Khan appreciated the statement of the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Nilofer Khan, acknowledging the issue and calling a meeting to review it. However, he stressed the need for swift corrective action. “I humbly urge the Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor to ensure a compassionate, student-centric decision. KU must uphold the Uniform Academic Calendar in both letter and spirit. Any decision taken tomorrow must prioritise student comfort, academic fairness, and mental well-being,” he added.
While hoping that the University resolves the matter internally and sensitively, Er. Khan stated that if the issue persists or if the directives of the Higher Education Department continue to be ignored, the matter may require the intervention of the Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir to ensure uniformity and fairness across institutions.
“As someone who has consistently raised genuine student issues across Jammu and Kashmir, I feel it is my responsibility to stand with the students today as well. I sincerely hope the administration listens to them and rectifies the issue without delay. A student-friendly decision taken at the right time can prevent unnecessary stress for thousands,” he said.
Er. Ehtisham Khan said he stands ready to support any constructive steps taken by the University administration to resolve the crisis.