DU Tentative Datesheet 2025 Sparks Teacher Anger Over Exam-Class Clash
DU tentative datesheet 2025 faces backlash as exams and new classes overlap for a month, causing stress for students and teachers at Delhi University.
The DU tentative datesheet for semester exams has caused a major uproar among teachers and students. Delhi University has announced that exams will run from December 10, 2025, to January 30, 2026. At the same time, classes for the next semester will begin on January 2, 2026.
This overlap of almost a month has sparked strong criticism. Teachers say it is unfair and poorly planned. Students fear it will create confusion and affect their studies.
Teachers say the plan is impossible to follow
Faculty members across Delhi University have called the DU tentative datesheet unworkable. They say it is not possible to hold classes and exams together for such a long time. Most colleges do not have enough classrooms or teachers to manage both.
Because of this, some colleges are considering online or hybrid classes. Teachers worry that this will lower the quality of learning. Many say students will not be able to focus when they are busy with exams.
Several student societies have posted on social media about the issue. They say they feel anxious about attending lectures while also preparing for papers. Some departments have already asked the university to delay the start of the new semester until exams are over.
Teachers also fear burnout. They point out that faculty will have to teach, invigilate, check answer sheets, and run practical exams all at once. Many say this is simply impossible without harming both teaching and exam standards.
Space shortage and mounting pressure
The problem is worse for colleges that run the School of Open Learning (SOL) and Non-Collegiate Women’s Education Board (NCWEB) courses. Their exams will take place alongside regular college exams, creating a serious space shortage.
Many teachers say colleges do not have enough classrooms to hold everything together. Some colleges are now planning to cut down lecture hours or shift to partial online teaching. But students say online classes are not as effective as face-to-face lessons.
The DU tentative datesheet also reduces the winter break. There are only a few days between the end of one semester and the start of another. Teachers say this will leave no time for evaluation or planning. Students, too, will not get any rest before starting new subjects.
Faculty members also fear that rushed marking could hurt academic quality. They say students deserve fair evaluation, which becomes difficult when exams and teaching overlap. Many have urged the university to separate both schedules clearly to protect academic integrity.
Students and teachers seek changes
This is not the first time that Delhi University has faced such scheduling problems. During the pandemic, exams and classes often overlapped due to calendar delays. But this time, the DU tentative datesheet comes when the calendar was supposed to be back on track.
Teachers believe this shows poor coordination and a lack of discussion with departments. They say the administration should have consulted faculty before releasing the schedule. Students agree, saying the new plan ignores how stressful this overlap will be.
As per campus sources, meetings are being held in many colleges to find temporary fixes. Some plan to allow flexible attendance or record lectures for students who miss classes during exams. But these steps are short-term. Teachers want a proper revision of the datesheet instead of makeshift solutions.
Experts say that such overlaps reduce learning time and add pressure on both sides. Students lose focus, and teachers struggle to finish lessons or grading. They believe a short break between semesters is essential to maintain quality education.
Outlook: Pressure builds on the university
The growing criticism has put pressure on the administration to act. Teachers and students are now demanding a revised calendar. Many want the winter break extended until exams end. Others suggest delaying the start of classes by a few weeks.
If Delhi University revises the DU tentative datesheet, it could help restore calm and avoid chaos in January. But if not, colleges may face confusion, incomplete lessons, and delayed results.
For now, the situation remains uncertain. Students are preparing for exams while attending new classes. Teachers are overworked and worried about maintaining standards. The DU tentative datesheet has turned into a symbol of poor planning — and many hope the university will fix it before the next semester begins.