Focus on Studies, Not Agitations: Universities Get Advisory for Students

New Delhi: The Association of Indian Universities (AIU) has asked varsities and higher education institutions (HEIs) across the country to counsel students to remain focused on their studies and discourage them from participating in protests over recent examination controversies.

The AIU said prolonged agitations come "at a considerable cost" to students' academic progress.

In a letter addressed to vice chancellors and directors of member institutions, President Vinay Kumar Pathak urged universities to engage with students "with empathy" while encouraging them to "remain focused on their academic pursuits and not allow their energies to be diverted by calls to protest".

Titled "Appeal to encourage students to remain focused on their studies and to repose faith in the ongoing strengthening of the examination system", the letter acknowledges that students' concerns are important and says they deserve to be heard with empathy and respect.

However, AIU argues that prolonged agitation "exacts its heaviest price from the students themselves," leading to academic disruption, distracted preparation and avoidable stress.

The advisory comes against the backdrop of students continuing their protests at Delhi's Jantar Mantar over the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test - Undergraduate (NEET-UG) 2026 paper leak, demanding examination reforms, greater accountability in public examinations and the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.