College educators associated with Mahatma Gandhi University (MGU), Kottayam, are voicing strong opposition to the university’s hectic scheduling of exams and evaluation sessions. This aggressive timetable forces them to juggle numerous academic duties, including teaching and administrative tasks, while simultaneously being present at valuation camps.
The Kerala Private College Teachers’ Association (KPCTA) issued a statement, criticizing MGU for fast-tracking the academic year. They pointed out that colleges were directed to start valuation camps even before the third-semester degree exams were finished. The association highlighted that despite the University Grants Commission’s requirement of at least 90 working days per semester, the university has announced first-semester exams for November 5, even though classes haven’t officially concluded.
Furthermore, the KPCTA claimed that MGU’s operations have become heavily politicized. They cited instances where academic boards are packed with appointees from the ruling coalition, chairperson roles are filled without adhering to seniority, and major decisions are made without proper consultation or consensus.
A principal from one of the affiliated colleges corroborated these concerns, confirming that directives for valuation camps had indeed been issued before current examinations were even completed. “Teachers are now expected to manage university exam duties for both FYUGP and CBCSS, teach postgraduate courses, and participate in FYUGP valuation camps—all within a single day. This relentless push by the university to release results quickly is compromising both teacher welfare and academic standards,” the principal stated.
In response, MGU officials defended their actions, clarifying that the 90 working days for each semester do account for examination periods. Sreejith C.M., MGU’s Controller of Examinations, explained, “There is no unreasonable rush. Our objective is to finish exams and publish results according to the academic calendar, especially considering potential disruptions in December due to upcoming local body elections.”