Summary

Delhi University exams faced significant delays on Saturday as question papers arrived late at multiple centres, causing students to wait for hours before starting. The delays affected numerous discipline-specific elective exams, particularly in mathematics and physics, leading to rescheduling and adjustments in exam schedules.

Exam Delays Cause Student Frustration

Students across Delhi University reached their exam centres on Saturday, only to experience long waits due to late delivery of question papers. At several centres, exams were delayed by more than two hours, with some students even considering leaving without taking their tests.

Impact on Specific Subjects and Courses

According to DU professors, at least 35 question papers were either missing or delayed. Mathematics and physics students were among the worst affected, with delays reported at multiple centres. A college principal from South Campus, speaking anonymously, described the situation as chaotic, highlighting that the increase in the number of exams—driven by the National Education Policy's four-year undergraduate programme—has overwhelmed the examination system.

University's Response and Future Plans

The DU Controller of Examinations acknowledged logistical issues that prevented some papers from being dispatched on time. The university has since rectified the problem and sent the missing question papers. Students enrolled in honours courses, who have three elective subjects, were given four exam slots and can appear in the remaining slots accordingly. For programme courses, the university will notify revised schedules for affected papers, which are expected to be conducted by the second week of January 2026.

The DU administration has advised students to regularly check the official university website for updates and expressed regret for the inconvenience caused.

Understanding Discipline-Specific Electives

Within the National Education Policy framework, Discipline-Specific Electives (DSE) are advanced optional courses offered in a student's main discipline during later semesters, typically the third or fourth year. These electives allow for deeper, focused study and differ from core subjects and interdisciplinary generic electives.