New Delhi: Jamia Millia Islamia has extended online classes until November 24 and shifted its end-semester examinations online amid continuing protests over demands for the restoration of the students’ union. Reacting to the university’s decision, Congress leader Pawan Khera called the situation an “undeclared emergency” and accused the BJP of being hostile to student dissent.

In a post on X, Khera questioned why students demanding an elected union were facing such disruption. He argued that their demand was rooted in the constitutional right to form associations and unions under Article 19(1)(c).

“The University has effectively been shut down until 13 January - 78 days from now,” Khera wrote, criticising the university’s response to the ongoing agitation.

He accused the authorities of choosing repression over dialogue, claiming that the situation reflected the BJP’s hostility towards young people demanding democratic rights.

Jamia announces revised exam schedule

The university’s October 28 office order extends the online teaching arrangement and moves the end-semester examinations online, citing the prevailing campus situation and concerns over student safety and security.

ALSO READ: ‘Keep politics out of campus’: Jamia teachers flag outside interference as student protest enters 16th day

Under the revised schedule, online teaching for the odd semester will continue until November 24. Practical, fieldwork, project, viva and minor project examinations will be held online from November 25 to 30, followed by online theory examinations from December 1 to 24.

Winter vacation is scheduled from December 25 to January 12, 2027. Classes for the even semester are due to begin on January 13.

The latest order extends an earlier decision to conduct classes online until November 8.

Why are Jamia students protesting?

The standoff centres on students’ demands for the restoration of the Jamia Millia Islamia Students’ Union (JMISU) and the announcement of an election schedule.

ALSO READ: Jamia students’ union elections within 15 days of constitution approval; Protest called off

The agitation began with a hunger strike and has continued despite measures taken by the university administration. The university has also alleged that campus property was damaged during the protests, while students have continued to press for union elections.

In its latest order, the university said a meeting of deans, heads of departments, directors and other officials found that the campus situation was not conducive to academic activities. Registrar Prof. Md Mahtab Alam Rizvi directed departments to make arrangements for online classes and examinations.

While the university has cited campus conditions and student safety as the reasons for extending online academic activities, Khera has framed the decision as a restriction on students demanding democratic rights.

With PTI inputs