Delhi University's 2025-26 Academic Calendar: A Chaotic Approach to Education
Delhi University’s 2025-26 Academic Calendar: A Chaotic Approach to Education
Delhi University's Academic Calendar for the 2025-26 session has sparked significant criticism from faculty members for being chaotic, unrealistic, and insensitive to academic practicalities. The calendar, released on July 4, 2025, mandates that all semesters across colleges begin on the same date, which teachers argue was a hasty decision made without adequate consideration of logistical challenges faced by institutions.
Main Points of Contention
- Minimal break between semesters: The calendar allows only a 4- to 5-day gap between the odd and even semesters, which faculty members say is insufficient for essential activities such as paper evaluation, timetable adjustments, and rest for both students and teachers. Experts recommend a minimum two-week break to maintain academic quality.
- Start of even semester in peak winter: The even semester is scheduled to begin on January 2, right in the middle of Delhi’s harsh winter, making it impractical for in-person teaching and affecting daily academic operations.
- Overlap of teaching and exam duties: Especially for the School of Open Learning (SoL), teachers and colleges are expected to manage regular classes alongside ongoing exam responsibilities, forcing many to hold online sessions to cope with the workload, which is seen as suboptimal for academic delivery.
- Lack of autonomy and foresight: Critics, including members of the Delhi University Teachers’ Association (DUTA), view the delay in announcing the calendar and the decisions taken as reactionary rather than well-planned, reflecting an administrative disconnect from academic realities on the ground.
Students should be aware that this calendar might impact their schedules, rest periods, and exam preparations. They should stay updated through official notices from Delhi University and prepare for potentially tighter academic timelines and winter semester commencement.
Official Resources
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What should students prepare for with the new academic calendar?
Students should prepare for potentially tighter academic timelines, with an emphasis on managing their study schedules, especially during the winter semester.
2. How can students stay updated on any changes to the calendar?
Students should regularly check the official Delhi University website for any updates or notices related to the academic calendar.
3. Are there any recommendations from faculty regarding the semester breaks?
Yes, faculty members recommend a minimum two-week break between semesters to ensure proper academic delivery and student well-being.
4. What issues do teachers face under this new calendar?
Teachers are concerned about managing regular classes with ongoing examination duties, which could compromise the quality of education.
5. When does the even semester start?
The even semester is currently scheduled to start on January 2, which is considered impractical by many faculty members due to winter conditions.