No Diwali 'chutti' for Mumbai's college students

College students will have to forego their Diwali vacations this year, thanks to the sudden rescheduling of the semester examination timetable.

The University of Mumbai this week made several changes to its examination timetable, postponing the exams for some of its courses. As per the new timetable, the TYBSc's computer science data communications paper, which was scheduled for October 10, will now be held on October 26. The mathematics papers, which was originally going to be held on October 10, has now been postponed to October 26. Many such changes have been made to the timetable and a circular regarding the same, has been issued to affiliated colleges.

While the circular does not specify any reason for the postponement of the papers, senate members and senior officials from the University are pointing at delays in the admission process. "We require information on the admissions done under different courses to know how many students are to appear for the exams, before we declare the timetables. But, the admissions were delayed this year, affecting the examination process," said a senior official from the varsity's examination department, requesting anonymity.

However, many collegians are not yet aware of the changes made to the timetable.

Gaurav Kanakiya, a first year Computer Science student from Mithibai College, was shocked to learn about the changes. "We have not been informed about it yet. The changes are going to affect our holiday plans."

Deepak Wasave, Controller of Examination, MU was not available for comment.