Calcutta University has deferred its undergraduate first-semester theory exams scheduled for April 23, as the date coincides with the first phase of the Assembly elections in the state.

“The examination scheduled for April 23 cannot be held. The revised dates will be announced later,” said registrar Debasis Das.

The exam is likely to be held on April 25, said a CU official.

The first semester theory exams, starting on April 10, are scheduled to continue till April 24.

The registrar said the fate of exams scheduled after April 13 remains uncertain, as several college heads stated at a meeting on Thursday that central forces have occupied their campuses.

“Although the examinations scheduled between April 10 and April 13 can be held, the fate of the examinations scheduled after April 13 is uncertain. We are exploring alternative options,” the registrar said.

Initially, the colleges thought that a part of the college building not occupied by the forces would be used for the examinations. “But if entire college buildings are taken over, that will not be possible,” said a CU official.

The Telegraph reported on March 17 that around 2,500 companies of central forces — the highest in recent memory — could be deployed in Bengal for each of the two phases, April 23 and 29.

The CAPF, under the home ministry, includes the CRPF, BSF, CISF, ITBP, SSB, NSG and the Assam Rifles.

The registrar said one option the university was exploring was to hold the exams on its campuses. “But for that, college teachers have to come to the campuses for invigilation. Many are reluctant,” registrar Das told Metro.