DU’s Attendance Rule Controversy: Why Students Are Angry Over Admit Card Denial
Over the past few days, Delhi University (DU) has witnessed a wave of protests, anger, and chaos—this time over a familiar and highly debated issue: attendance requirements. On May 27, over 150 law students at DU’s Faculty of Law were denied admit cards for failing to meet the mandatory 75% attendance rule. What followed was a scene of locked examination halls, delayed exams, and massive outrage among students.
But what’s really going on? And why is this such a big deal?
What Happened?
According to reports, DU’s Faculty of Law refused to issue admit cards to several students just before their scheduled exams. The reason? They hadn’t met the minimum required attendance of 75%. This sparked immediate protests. Some students locked the exam centre in protest, delaying the exams by nearly two hours.
After intense pressure, the university administration allowed students to appear for the exams provisionally. However, the damage was already done—tensions on campus had escalated, and a new wave of distrust towards DU’s policies had begun.
Why Are Students So Upset?
Here’s why this issue isn’t just about skipping classes:
1. Post-Pandemic Adjustments Still Not Addressed
Many students claim that online and hybrid learning models, health issues, and lack of proper communication have made it harder to maintain 75% attendance.
2. Poor Transparency
Several students say they were not given timely updates about their attendance records and weren’t warned in advance that they were falling short.
3. Timing of Enforcement
Blocking admit cards right before exams is seen as an extremely harsh punishment. Students who studied for months were suddenly told they can’t sit for exams—not because they were unprepared, but due to technicalities.
4. Inconsistent Rules
Some students from the same batch got admit cards, while others didn’t—leading to allegations of bias and mismanagement.
Voices from the Ground
Student groups including ABVP and NSUI have jumped into the debate, with their own members being affected. Many student leaders have accused the administration of being “inhuman” and “irresponsible.” Social media is filled with videos and images of protesting students, tearful interviews, and messages asking for support.
The Bigger Question: Is 75% Attendance Still Relevant?
DU’s rule of 75% attendance has been controversial for years. Some believe it’s necessary to ensure academic discipline. But others argue it’s outdated, especially in an era where learning happens online, students juggle internships, and many travel long distances to attend college.
Shouldn’t performance and learning be more important than just physical presence?
Final Thoughts
The chaos at DU is not just about missed classes. It’s about communication failure, rigid policies, and a system that sometimes forgets the human side of education. Students are not numbers. They’re the heart of the university—and policies must evolve with time.
If DU doesn’t listen now, the unrest may only grow louder.
What do you think? Should 75% attendance be compulsory in today’s world? Let us know in the comments.