Pondicherry University advances exams, cancels internals, makes Saturdays working citing LPG shortage

Citing LP shortage linked to global supply disruptions, Pondicherry University (PU) has advanced its end-semester examinations by nearly two weeks, cancelled internal assessments, and declared Saturdays as working days – compressing an entire academic calendar to ensure all activities, including results, are wrapped up by May 1, 2026.

The decision, communicated through a revised academic calendar issued by the registrar and an internal faculty email, has significantly altered examination timelines across courses and drawn sharp criticism from the Students' Federation of India (SFI).

The revised calendar shows a gap of 11 working days for senior batches and up to 20 days for first-year courses, which will be made up through extra classes.

Pondicherry University: Revised exam schedule

For UG second and third year, postgraduate and PG diploma students, exams earlier scheduled from May 6 to May 15, 2026, will now be held from April 21 to April 30, with results expected by May 5.

Similarly, for first-year NEP undergraduate (Honours), BTech and integrated programmes, exams earlier set for May 21 to May 29 will now be held from April 24 to April 30, with results expected by May 5.

The end of classes has also been advanced from May 5 to April 20 for senior batches, and from around May 20 to April 22 for first-year students.

Pondicherry University: Internal exams cancelled

According to a social media message circulated to students, Pondicherry University has cancelled internal examinations, and assessment will be based on seminars, assignments, and performance in the final examinations. Students have been asked to complete seminar presentations within 10 working days. In the message, a faculty member stated that the decision was taken “due to the gas (LPG) shortage”.

Following a meeting with the vice chancellor, an internal email sent by A Joseph Kennedy, professor in the mathematics department, stated that the “VC requested to close everything by May 1, including result publication,” citing a gas shortage linked to global developments.

The email noted that Saturdays will be working days, departments may hold classes on Sundays if required, and working hours have been extended. It also stated that up to 20% of classes may be conducted online.

SFI criticises PU decision

In a statement, Adarsh M Saji, All India President of SFI, said, “We strongly condemn the arbitrary decision of the Pondicherry University administration to prepone the examination because of the LPG crisis …It is deeply alarming that Pondicherry Central University had to disrupt its functioning due to LPG shortages”.

“Instead of shifting the burden onto students by compressing the academic calendar, the university administration must explore alternative arrangements to address the LPG issue,” Saji stated.