Mangalore University (MU) has ignited a fresh wave of protest from students, parents, and affiliated college managements by announcing its plan to conduct semester examinations during the upcoming Christmas and New Year break. The university's academic calendar for 2025-26 schedules exams on December 29, 30, 31, and January 1, 2026, directly conflicting with the officially notified holidays from December 25 to January 1.
A Breach of Longstanding Tradition
This move marks a significant departure from a decades-old practice. Historically, colleges under Mangalore University's jurisdiction have observed a week-long holiday period for Christmas and New Year celebrations. This tradition dates back to the time when the region's colleges were under Madras University and continued under the administrations of Mysore University and Karnataka University. Mangalore University itself had upheld this provision until last year, when a similar attempt to hold exams during the festive break was met with opposition and ultimately led to rescheduling.
A senior professor from an affiliated college strongly criticised the university's rationale. "The districts under MU have observed this holiday for generations. The reasons given by university officials—that the semester is delayed and affects the next one—are unsatisfactory. Extending holidays for a week is not going to change the academic outcome," the professor stated.
Student Life and Festivities Disrupted
The scheduled exam dates pose a major logistical and emotional challenge for the student community. A significant portion of the student body, including both local residents and those from other states, traditionally travels home during this period to celebrate with their families. Mangaluru, a city with a substantial Christian population, also sees a plethora of family weddings and social functions scheduled around this time.
"How will we attend them?" questioned a distressed student, highlighting the personal conflict created by the exam timetable. For many, this break is the only extended opportunity in the academic year to reconnect with family and participate in important cultural and religious festivities.
University's Stance and Conflicting Pressures
H Devendrappa, the Registrar (Evaluation) at Mangalore University, acknowledged the opposition from some colleges regarding the scheduling. However, he presented another side of the dilemma. He pointed out that several private colleges have urged the university to conduct examinations at the earliest possible date. This pressure stems from the fact that classes for the ongoing semester were extended by an additional month, causing a cascading delay in the academic schedule.
"The delay of exams will lead to several issues. Therefore, the examinations are scheduled during the Christmas and New Year break after consultation with all stakeholders," Devendrappa explained, defending the university's decision as a difficult compromise between competing demands.
The situation remains tense as stakeholders await a potential revision. The controversy underscores the ongoing challenge of balancing rigid academic timelines with the cultural and personal needs of the student community in a diverse educational landscape.
