Teachers protest MGU’s ‘chaotic’ scheduling amid rush for exam valuation

Protests are on the rise among college teachers affiliated with Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam, over the scheduling of exams and assessment camps by the university; this forces them to balance multiple academic responsibilities while simultaneously attending assessment camps.

In its statement, the Kerala Private College Teachers Association (KPCTA) accused the university of rushing the academic calendar by instructing colleges to start appraisal camps even before the third semester degree exams are over. Despite the University Grants Commission’s requirement that each semester must have at least 90 working days, the association said the university announced that the first semester exams will begin on November 5, before classes officially end.

KPCTA also alleged that the functioning of the university had become deeply politicized, with academic boards being filled with candidates from the ruling coalition, appointments of presidents being made bypassing seniority norms, and major decisions being taken unilaterally without consultation.

The principal of an affiliated college confirmed that instructions for starting assessment camps have already been issued even before the ongoing exams are over. “Teachers are now expected to carry out university examination duties for FYUGP and CBCSS, teach postgraduate courses and attend FYUGP evaluation camps, all in a single day. The university’s race to declare results before others has cost teachers their welfare and academic integrity,” the principal said.

However, university officials defended the move, arguing that the 90 working days included time devoted to exams. MGU Controller of Examinations Sreejith CM said, “There is no undue rush as claimed. Our aim is to complete the examinations and publish the results within the academic schedule, especially considering that some working days may be lost in December due to the upcoming local body elections.”