Tensions flared at Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU) on Monday as hundreds of third-year students from various colleges gathered on campus to protest. It was against the sudden changes in the examination pattern for the current academic year. The protest, spearheaded by the National Students’ Union of India (NSUI), saw students demanding a rollback of the new format, a transparent re-evaluation process, and the reintroduction of the ‘carry on’ option.
What Triggered the Protest?
The university had recently introduced a new exam structure without proper prior consultation, according to students. Protesters claimed that the change not only disrupted their academic preparation but also led to confusion, miscommunication, and errors in the evaluation process.
“We were not given enough time or clarity about the new pattern. This sudden shift has hurt our academic progress. We want the old format back and a fair re-exam,” said one protesting student.
Several students also raised concerns over inconsistent results and irregularities in grace marks. One case cited during the protest involved a student scoring 9 out of 50 marks but receiving an additional 11 grace marks—far beyond the allowed 10% (5 marks)—raising questions about the university’s internal evaluation process.
What Is the ‘Carry On’ Issue?
The ‘carry on’ policy allows students who fail one or two subjects to progress to the next academic year while reappearing for the failed papers later. This option was offered during the pandemic but has since been revoked.
Students argue that Amravati University has continued the ‘carry on’ provision, and Pune University should do the same to avoid wasting an entire academic year for just one failed subject.
“I’ve cleared second year, but one subject from first year is pending. If there’s no carry on, I lose a whole year,” said a final-year student.
Student Demands
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Fix discrepancies in results, grace marks, and revaluation processes.
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Ensure consistency on the results portal and stop frequent changes.
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Reinstate the ‘carry on’ policy or conduct supplementary exams immediately.
“We wrote our papers seriously, but now we’re being penalised due to technical lapses.” another protester added.
Students said they had protested peacefully eight days ago and were assured that a decision would be taken within two days. However, with no update even after a week, they returned to the campus, this time with more intensity.
University’s Response
SPPU Vice-Chancellor Dr. Suresh Gosavi stated that the university has always prioritised student welfare and that a legally sound and positive decision will be taken after necessary consultations.
“We’ve taken student-friendly decisions in the past under special circumstances. We’re seeking legal advice and will act within the rules,” he said.
NSUI and student leaders accused the administration of poor planning and a lack of transparency.
“It’s shameful that students of a reputed institution like SPPU, called the ‘Oxford of the East’, are being forced to protest on streets just to save their academic year,” said Akshay Jain, former National Secretary of Student Congress.
As students wait for clarity, the responsibility now lies on the university to restore trust, avoid academic loss, and ensure fair solutions for all stakeholders.
