JNU Academic Calendar Disrupted by UGC-NET and CUET-UG Delays

The delay in CUET-UG results and cancellation of UGC-NET exams have disrupted Jawaharlal Nehru University's academic calendar, forcing them to consider multiple academic schedules. Vice Chancellor Santishree D Pandit confirmed the situation, adding that no decision has yet been made to shorten the winter break or arrange extra classes.

The academic calendar of Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) has been significantly disrupted due to the cancellation of UGC-NET exams and delays in the CUET-UG result announcements, stated Vice Chancellor Santishree D Pandit on Friday.

Speaking to ANI, Pandit refuted reports that the university would shorten the winter break or hold extra classes, revealing that no such decisions have been made. 'JNU faculty will decide how to manage the various academic calendars for undergraduate, postgraduate, and PhD programs,' she said.

'I hope that the UGC-NET and CUET-UG results are released soon since their delay has severely affected our academic calendar. We will have separate calendars for Masters, UG, and PhD. JNU's approach is bottom-up, relying on the decisions of chairpersons and deans to manage the semesters,' she added. The Education Ministry announced the UGC-NET cancellation on June 19 following concerns from the Ministry of Home Affairs about compromised examination integrity.

As per the NTA's information bulletin, the CUET-UG results were initially scheduled for June 30 but remain unannounced. In response to queries on abandoning the CUET UG system, the Vice Chancellor said, 'No, MA admissions are complete, and BA admissions will proceed via CUET.' She confirmed that classes would commence once CUET results are declared.

JNU had planned to start classes in August. When questioned about communication from the National Testing Agency (NTA), which conducts CUET-UG, the Vice Chancellor refuted any claims.

JNU admits students to various undergraduate programs like B.A. (Hons.) in Foreign Languages and B.Sc.-M.Sc. Integrated Programmes based on CUET marks. The NTA is currently dealing with paper leak allegations involving NEET-UG and UGC-NET, delaying CUET-UG results.

Following integrity concerns and the cancellation of the NTA-conducted exams, JNU is also considering returning to in-house entrance exams. The administration has asked all deans and chairpersons to consent to hold in-house Ph.D. entrance examinations as per an email viewed by ANI.

Responses are expected by August 5. Vice Chancellor Santishree D Pandit held a meeting on July 3 with the deans to discuss issues raised by various Schools and Centres concerning the JNU Entrance Examination for the Ph.D. programme for the 2025-2026 academic year. (ANI)

(With inputs from agencies.)