New Delhi: Delhi University’s Faculty of Law announced the postponement of the LLB end-term exams originally scheduled for Thursday, July 4. This decision, made under the directives of Vice Chancellor Yogesh Singh, was communicated through an official notification released late Wednesday night.
According to the notification, the exams have been deferred to provide students with an additional two weeks to compensate for the loss of attendance. Fresh dates for the end-term exams are now set from July 19 to August 2, creating a significant delay in subsequent academic proceedings.
The delay has caused considerable distress among students. Many had expected to complete their exams by June, but the postponements have now pushed this to August. This has been particularly problematic for students who have already started their LLM programmes.
Vijay, an incoming LLM student at NLS Bangalore, expressed his frustration: “Our classes started on the first of July, and this delay means I will miss critical classes and activities. With the 75% attendance requirement, I’m worried I might have to repeat a year.”
This pattern of delays is not new. Students have repeatedly faced disruptions due to administrative delays, which have a cascading effect on their academic timelines.
A final-year law student, who wished to remain anonymous, shared their concerns: “We were supposed to graduate in May, but the exams were deferred until July without any proper reason. As a result, we cannot join our workplaces as we do not have our LLB certificates. Despite securing placements, we are stuck working as interns without pay until we get our provisional degrees.”
Outstation students have also been hit hard by the postponement. Many have already paid for their accommodation until July 20, and extending their stay is proving to be a logistical and financial challenge. Radhika, an outstation student, said, “Extending our stay is not straightforward and adds to our mental stress.”
The delay has additional ramifications for students preparing for competitive exams. Those who have cleared the Rajasthan Judicial Services (RJS) preliminary exams are worried about their ability to appear for the mains due to the delayed LLB exams. Similarly, final-year students aspiring to register for the All India Bar Examination (AIBE) are anxious about potential delays in obtaining their degrees.
The postponement has disrupted students joining law firms as well. Many law firms start their new terms on July 1, and students had planned to reallocate accordingly. However, the unexpected delay has left many in a difficult position, as some firms are not accommodating the changes.
Students planning to pursue LLM programs abroad might also have to defer their admissions due to the delay in obtaining their degrees. “I had my visa appointment scheduled for 24th July but Faculty of Law, University of Delhi postponed the exams just a day before the commencement and now as per the new date-sheet, I have an exam scheduled for the same date I have my visa appointment. Here the application money in drain and the long wait for scheduling the next appointment starts, and from what I hear the next appointment date is seemingly open in 2026.Extremely reckless decision by Law Fac, lacking due consideration of how students have planned their things.” said , Gauri Khanna, a final year student at faculty of law.
The administrative fallout has impacted not only students but also faculty members. Professors now face increased workloads, balancing remedial classes for detained students with the demands of the ongoing admission process, leaving little time for their research.
The cumulative effect of these delays is significant. Students from diverse backgrounds, for whom Delhi University is a beacon of opportunity, are facing undue stress and uncertainty. The postponement has led to a substantial waste of time, money, and potentially an academic year for many.
As the university grapples with these administrative challenges, there is an urgent need for more efficient handling of academic schedules to prevent such disruptions in the future.
Naina Bhargava is a final-year student in the faculty of law.
