The Association of Indian Universities (AIU) has issued an advisory to universities and higher education institutions (HEIs) across the country, asking them to advise students to remain focused on their academic pursuits rather than participating in protests over the recent controversies over exams.
In a letter sent to vice-chancellors and directors of member institutions, AIU Chancellor Vinay Kumar Pathak urged universities to treat students “compassionately” while encouraging them to “remain focused on their academic pursuits and not allow their energies to be diverted by calls for protest”.
AIU says students’ concerns must be heard
The letter, titled ‘A Call to Encourage Students to Remain Focus on their Studies and Restore Confidence in the Continuous Strengthening of the Examination System’, recognizes that students’ concerns are important and deserve to be heard with empathy and respect.
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Meanwhile, the AIU said prolonged disruptions come at a “significant cost” to students’ academic progress. She noted that extended protests could disrupt classes, affect preparation, and lead to avoidable stress for students.
The protests continue
The advisory comes as students continue their protests at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar over the leak of National Eligibility Paper for Undergraduate Entrance Test (NEET-UG) 2026. The protesters are demanding exam reforms, greater accountability in public examinations and the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
A number of demonstrators were arrested
At least 70 protesters were arrested during the Chalo Sansad protest march on Monday. Subsequently, the CJP, Aam Aadmi Party and others assured free legal assistance to the student protesters who were arrested.
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Tens of thousands of demonstrators joined the call to march to Parliament. Delhi Police did not give approval for the march and Section 163 of BNSS was imposed. Despite blockades on main roads, the closure of metro stations and the suspension of mobile internet, protesters gathered at Jantar Mantar before heading towards Parliament.
By afternoon, areas including Connaught Place, Patel Chowk, Raisina Road, India Gate and Ashoka Road turned into standoff areas as police used batons and tear gas to disperse the protesters, HT had earlier reported. Several protesters were injured and admitted to Lady Hardinge and RML Hospitals, with one woman receiving treatment in the intensive care unit of the latter medical facility.
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Delhi Police said 118 individuals were injured during the march, and claimed that protesters displayed “unruly” and violent behavior by attacking individuals with stones and other objects while violating prohibitory orders despite repeated warnings.
(With inputs from agencies)
