The University of Calicut has announced a revised schedule for the first-semester examinations for its first-year postgraduate (PG) students across affiliated colleges. Originally set for November 12, these crucial exams will now take place from November 26.
This decision comes in response to persistent calls for postponement from both students and several academic professionals. Concerns arose because admissions for the PG courses weren’t finalized until September 12. Among those advocating for the change was Arun Karippal, an Assistant Professor at Sree Keralavarma College in Thrissur, who submitted a formal memorandum to Vice-Chancellor P. Raveendran.
In his detailed memorandum, Professor Karippal highlighted significant disruptions to academic instruction. He pointed out that after admissions, colleges faced holidays for Mahanavami and Vijaya Dashami, along with student union elections, all of which led to a loss of valuable class time. Additionally, the semester included 18 weekend holidays. These factors, he argued, prevented the completion of the mandatory 90 instructional days required for the first semester. Professor Karippal stressed the importance of providing students with adequate time for comprehensive study and academic discussions before their exams.