PETITION TO THE VICE-CHANCELLOR, REGISTRAR & CONTROLLER OF EXAMINATIONS  
PANJAB UNIVERSITY, CHANDIGARH  

Subject: Immediate Postponement or Shift to Online Mode of April–May 2025 Examinations in View of the Current Security Situation

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THE PROBLEM :-

Since late April 2025, heightened Indo-Pak military tension has triggered curfews, transport disruptions and constant security advisories across North India.  

Over 60 % of Panjab University students commute daily or come from border-proximate districts. They now face:  

1. Unsafe travel — buses and trains are cancelled or rerouted at short notice.  
2. Severe mental stress — sirens, rumours and news flashes disturb concentration and performance.  
3. Possible telecom black-outs — families may lose contact with students on campus.

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OUR REQUEST :-

We respectfully urge the University to adopt either of these options:

1. POSTPONE all offline theory & practical exams scheduled from 20 May 2025 onward until civil authorities declare normalcy 
2. CONDUCT EXAMS ONLINE using the same AI-proctored system successfully deployed during the 2020-21 COVID lockdowns.

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WHY THIS IS REASONABLE & URGENT :-

Student Safety First | The University Grants Commission (UGC) has previously advised universities to take flexible academic decisions during emergencies—such as the COVID-19 pandemic—where student safety and accessibility were affected.

Zero Academic Loss | An online option ensures continuity of the academic calendar without forcing thousands of students to travel from affected or remote areas.

Proven Readiness | Panjab University has already used AI-proctored systems in 2021 with >95% academic integrity—meaning the infrastructure is already tested and in place.

Equity for All | A hybrid/online option ensures that students who are stranded, displaced, or dealing with safety or mental health concerns are not penalized unfairly.
 

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OUR COMMITMENT :-

We pledge full cooperation—submitting ID proofs, following proctoring rules and timelines—to make whichever alternative the University chooses a success.

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We therefore request that an emergency Academic Council meeting be convened within 72 hours and that a formal notification adopting one of the two options be issued immediately.

Respectfully,

Students of Panjab University