Pondicherry University has significantly revised its academic calendar, advancing end-semester examinations, cancelling internal assessments, and declaring Saturdays as working days in response to an LPG shortage linked to global supply disruptions. The university aims to complete all academic activities, including the declaration of results, by May 1, 2026.
The changes were communicated through a revised academic calendar issued by the registrar and through internal communication to faculty members. The move has drawn criticism from the Students' Federation of India, which has raised concerns over the sudden restructuring of the academic schedule.
Under the revised timeline, examinations for undergraduate second- and third-year students, postgraduate students, and PG diploma candidates—originally scheduled between May 6 and May 15—will now be conducted from April 21 to April 30. The results for these courses are expected to be declared by May 5.
For first-year students enrolled in NEP undergraduate (Honours), BTech, and integrated programmes, exams previously planned from May 21 to May 29 will now take place between April 24 and April 30, with results also expected by May 5.
The university has also advanced the conclusion of classes. For senior batches, classes will now end on April 20 instead of May 5, while for first-year students, classes will conclude by April 22, earlier than the previously planned dates around May 20.
In a major shift, internal examinations have been cancelled. Student evaluation will instead be based on seminar presentations, assignments, and performance in the final examinations. Students have been instructed to complete seminar presentations within a 10-day window.
According to internal communication, the decision was made in light of an LPG shortage caused by global supply disruptions. Following a meeting with the Vice Chancellor, faculty members were informed that all academic processes must be concluded by May 1, including the publication of results.
To accommodate the compressed schedule, the university has introduced additional measures, including making Saturdays working days, allowing classes to be held on Sundays if required, and extending working hours. It has also been indicated that up to 20% of classes may be conducted in online mode.
The revised calendar has created a condensed academic environment, with reports indicating a shortfall of 11 working days for senior batches and up to 20 days for first-year students. The university plans to bridge this gap through extra classes and extended schedules.
While the administration has justified the move as necessary under prevailing circumstances, the decision has sparked debate among students and stakeholders over its academic impact and feasibility.