Why Over 35 DU Exam Papers Were Delayed, Some Cancelled, Triggering Chaos

Delhi University (DU) students faced major disruptions on Saturday, December 13, 2025, as the late arrival or disappearance of at least 35 question papers caused significant delays and cancellations across multiple examination centers. The chaos left students frustrated and anxious, with many waiting for hours, unsure if their exams would proceed.

The disruptions primarily affected discipline-specific elective (DSE) courses for seventh-semester undergraduate students. According to DU professors, mathematics and physics students were particularly impacted, as their question papers experienced delays at several centers. Some students considered leaving without taking the exams after waiting for over two hours.

A principal from a South Campus college, speaking anonymously, revealed that exams for 30 to 70 DSE courses in Semester 7 were scheduled across various centers, but many question papers had not arrived even after three hours.

The delays stemmed from logistical issues that prevented the timely dispatch of question papers to certain centers. The DU Controller of Examinations reported that approximately 800 papers were scheduled for the morning session, but a few could not be dispatched due to these logistical challenges. Exams for up to 10 papers were ultimately canceled, affecting over 100 students.

The most severe delays were reported in science and computer science courses. For instance, question papers for Digital Image Processing and Compiler Design were not received across the university until 12:30 pm, hours after the scheduled start time of 9:30 am.

The university has confirmed that the issue was resolved, and the missing question papers were successfully delivered later. Exams affected by the delay will be rescheduled and conducted by the second week of January 2026. Students enrolled in honors courses, who have to take three elective subjects, were accommodated with four exam slots. The DU administration has advised students to check the official university website for updates and expressed regret for the inconvenience caused.

The incident has sparked concerns regarding examination management and infrastructure at Delhi University. Faculty members have pointed to the National Education Policy (NEP)-driven four-year undergraduate program (FYUP) as a contributing factor. The FYUP has led to an increased number of exams due to a rise in the number of papers per semester, placing a strain on the examination system. One principal stated that the increased examination workload has led to a "total collapse in conducting examinations".

Professor Abha Dev Habib noted that the university's infrastructure has not grown in line with the increasing number of students. Frequent revisions to FYUP guidelines may have also contributed to lapses in paper logistics. Senior professors emphasized the examination department's responsibility to ensure the timely delivery of question papers.

Students expressed frustration and anxiety due to the delays. Many were left waiting without clear information about whether the exam would take place. Some students left, assuming the exams were canceled, while others waited until noon. The delays also disrupted students' planning for subsequent papers. One student at Lady Shri Ram College for Women said that by the time the exam started, they were mentally exhausted.