Student outfits demand postponement of exams amid India-Pak tensions

Various student outfits have raised concerns over the prevailing situation in the country due to the ongoing conflict with Pakistan and have demanded that the upcoming examinations be postponed. They’ve also released helpline numbers to help students in need.

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Congress’ student wing, National Students’ Union of India (NSUI) wrote a letter to the Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on May 9, demanding the “immediate postponement of CUET-UG (Common University Entrance Test- Undergraduate) in regions affected by the ongoing conflict, particularly in Jammu & Kashmir, Rajasthan, Punjab, and other border areas”.

Objections to exams in 'volatile situation'

The exams were scheduled to begin on May 8, and the National Testing Agency (NTA) has postponed them to May 13. However, NSUI has demanded another postponement.

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Raising objections about holding the exam in a “volatile situation”, NSUI National President Varun Choudhary said, ‘’The government expects students from these border areas to travel over 400 kilometres — often to other states — despite ongoing cross-border shelling and travel restrictions. This is not just unreasonable; it puts students' lives at risk.”

The NSUI has demanded “immediate clarification from the Ministry of Education and NTA regarding the status of CUET-UG in affected regions”, the “postponement of examinations in conflict-hit districts until normalcy is restored”, “establishment of temporary, localised exam centres within Jammu & Kashmir, Rajasthan, Punjab, and other affected border zones once the situation improves” and “activation of a 24x7 student helpline and real-time communication channels (SMS/WhatsApp) for students and their families”.

While there have been reports that the exam will be rescheduled, there is no formal communication yet. Interim UGC Chairperson Vineet Joshi also did not respond to queries by The Federal.

Demand to postpone DU exams

Delhi University Students’ Union (DUSU) President Ronak Khatri also wrote to the DU Vice-Chancellor on May 9, demanding the postponement of the university examinations. He also released helpline numbers for DU students.

“These helplines are active for students to raise concerns regarding accommodation, medical assistance, and examination-related queries during this uncertain time. Many students who had gone home on preparatory leave are now panicked, and several parents are requesting their children to return home amid the growing tensions,” he said.

“With examinations scheduled to begin from 13th May, the current situation is causing significant anxiety and disruption. Therefore, in the interest of student safety and well-being, I sincerely urge the Hon’ble Vice Chancellor of the University of Delhi to postpone the upcoming examinations. Ensuring the physical and mental safety of students must remain our foremost priority in these challenging times,” he added.

When contacted, DU Registrar Vikas Gupta said there was “no need for postponement”. “Nothing is happening in Delhi right now. Why should we postpone the exams and create panic? All the students are already here. The country is strong enough to defend itself. If and when a situation arises when we need to reconsider it, we will think about it,” he told The Federal.

SFI releases helpline numbers

The Students' Federation of India (SFI) also released helpline numbers to assist students across the country. “All students — especially those from J&K, Rajasthan, Punjab, and Gujarat border areas — may be receiving concerning calls from their families or feeling anxious due to the current situation. SFI stands with you,” it said in a statement.

“Let’s ensure we stay in touch and offer help in any way possible— whether it’s emotional support, sharing updates, or assisting with resources. No one should face this alone,” it added.

Meanwhile, the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) has already postponed its remaining exams.

“It is announced for general information that in view of the tense and security situation in the Country, the remaining papers of Chartered Accountants Final, Intermediate and Post Qualification Course Examinations [International Taxation – Assessment Test (INTT AT)] May 2025 from 9th May 2025 to 14th May 2025, stand postponed,” it said in a statement, adding that the revised dates would be announced in due course.