Protests Push Jamia to Extend Online Classes, Winter Vacation Set

Amid protests over the restoration of student union elections, Jamia Millia Islamia has extended its online classes till November 24. The university has issued a new office order for the extension, and it has also announced the examination schedule and the winter vacation for the 2026-27 session.

Before taking the decision, the university administration held a review meeting of deans, heads of departments, directors and senior officials to assess the situation on campus. The meeting concluded that the current environment on campus is not suitable for regular academic work. The administration said the move is intended to safeguard students and keep academic activities on track.

The odd semester will therefore continue online until November 24, as per the order.

The examination plan has also been revised. Practical exams, field work, project viva and minor project viva will be conducted online from November 25 to November 30, 2026. Theory paper end-semester exams will be held online from December 1 to December 24, 2026.

The winter vacation has been fixed from December 25, 2026 to January 12, 2027. Following the break, classes for the even semester will commence on January 13, 2027.

The university has directed all deans, heads of departments and directors to put in place the arrangements needed for online classes and for mid-term and semester examinations to run smoothly. They must also maintain student attendance and other academic records on a regular basis.

Protesting students say no student union elections have been held at the university for nearly two decades. Their demands include forming a committee to conduct the polls, announcing an election programme and starting the election process at the earliest.

The university had first moved all classes online in view of the situation. It has now extended this arrangement till November 24 for security reasons.