Protests are rife among college teachers affiliated to Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam against the university’s scheduling of examinations and appreciation camps, forcing them to juggle multiple academic responsibilities while attending appreciation camps.
In a statement, the Kerala Private College Teachers’ Association (KPCTA) accused the university of rushing the academic calendar by directing the colleges to start the appreciation camps even before the end of the third semester examinations. Despite the University Grants Commission’s stipulation that each semester must have at least 90 working days, the university announced that the first semester exams will begin on November 5 before the official end of classes, the association said.
The KPCTA further alleged that the functioning of the university had become deeply politicized, with academic councils filled by candidates of the ruling coalition, appointments of chairmen bypassing seniority norms and key decisions taken unilaterally without consultation.
The principal of the affiliated college confirmed that the instructions to start the appreciation camps have already been issued, even before the ongoing exams are over. “Teachers are now expected to handle university examination duties for FYUGP and CBCSS, conduct postgraduate courses and attend FYUGP assessment camps all in a single day. The university’s race to declare results ahead of others has come at the expense of teachers’ welfare and academic integrity,” the principal said.
However, university officials defended the move, saying the 90 working days included the exam period. “There is no undue rush as claimed. Our aim is to complete the examinations and release the results as per the academic schedule, especially as some working days may be lost in December due to the upcoming local body elections,” explained Sreejith CM, Controller of Examinations, MGU.
Published – 30 Oct 2025 20:25 IST
