MD IMRAN RAZA
Tensions flared at Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) as scores of students gathered in front of Bab-e-Syed to protest against the administration’s decision to withhold last semester results due to short attendance. The protesting students have accused the administration of engaging in arbitrary and illegal practices that are jeopardising their academic future.
The university administration has withheld the results of numerous students, citing attendance shortages. However, students argue that the administration is violating the University Grants Commission (UGC) guidelines, which stipulate a minimum attendance of 75% — a rule that has been implemented selectively, if at all.
“No UGC Norms Followed”
Protesters claim that the 75% rule has been blatantly ignored. Instead, the administration has introduced an unofficial and unjustified 40% attendance criterion. Under this new rule, they allege, some students — reportedly those with personal or political influence — have been allowed to pass, while others with similar or even better attendance have had their results withheld.
“This is outright favouritism and harassment,” said one protesting student.
“Our marksheets are being detained not because of attendance, but because we don’t have connections.”
Students Allegedly Mistreated and Threatened
The protest also highlighted the alleged mistreatment of students by university authorities. Videos circulating on social media reportedly show students being pushed, threatened, and intimidated by university staff when they tried to raise their concerns peacefully.
“We are not criminals,” said another protester. “But we’re being treated like ones. When we raise our voice, we are told, ‘Do whatever you want; nothing can affect us.’”
“Future at Stake”
Around 300 students have had their marksheets withheld by the AMU administration. Some of them had even cleared entrance exams of foreign universities but were unable to secure admission due to the unavailability of their marksheets. If these students truly had low attendance, then how were they permitted to appear in the exams? For many who applied to other institutions or were seeking employment, this delay is not just an administrative lapse — it is a direct threat to their academic and professional future.
For many students, the consequences of this administrative decision are devastating. Several students who have cleared competitive entrance exams for postgraduate programs are unable to proceed with counseling or admissions because they haven’t received their undergraduate marksheets.
“This isn’t just about marksheets,” said a student. “This is about our future. Because of this delay, many of us have missed opportunities we worked so hard for.”
Mental Health Crisis Among Students
The prolonged uncertainty has reportedly taken a toll on the mental health of many students. Protesters say that some of their peers are suffering from severe anxiety, stress, and depression due to the constant harassment and fear of academic ruin.
The students are demanding immediate release of all withheld results, adherence to UGC norms, and a transparent, fair process in dealing with attendance issues. They have threatened to intensify their protest if no resolution is reached soon.
“We just want justice,” said a final-year student. “We want our rights, not favours.”
As of now, AMU administration has not issued an official statement addressing the students’ allegations or the protest.
