Protests are mounting among college teachers affiliated with Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam, over the scheduling of examinations and valuation camps by the university, which is forcing them to juggle multiple academic responsibilities while simultaneously attending valuation camps.
In a statement, the Kerala Private College Teachers’ Association (KPCTA) has accused the university of rushing through the academic calendar by instructing colleges to commence valuation camps even before the third-semester degree examinations have concluded. Despite the University Grants Commission’s stipulation that each semester must have at least 90 working days, the university has announced that first-semester examinations will begin on November 5 even before classes have officially ended, the association said.
The KPCTA further alleged that the university’s functioning has become deeply politicised, with academic boards filled with nominees of the ruling coalition, chairperson appointments made by bypassing seniority norms, and key decisions taken unilaterally without consultation.
A principal of an affiliated college confirmed that directions to start the valuation camps have already been issued, even before the ongoing examinations are over. “The teachers are now expected to handle university exam duties for FYUGP and CBCSS, conduct postgraduate classes, and attend FYUGP valuation camps, all in a single day. The university’s race to announce results ahead of others has come at the cost of teachers’ well-being and academic integrity,” the principal said.
University officials, however, defended the move, asserting that the 90 working days also include the period allotted for examinations. “There is no undue haste as alleged. Our goal is to complete exams and publish results within the academic schedule, especially since some working days may be lost in December due to the upcoming local body elections,” clarified Sreejith C.M., Controller of Examinations, MGU.
Published – October 30, 2025 08:25 pm IST
