Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI) University in New Delhi on 28 October 2026 ordered an extension of online classes through 24 November 2026 and announced that all Odd Semester examinations — including practicals, field work, and theory papers — will be conducted in virtual mode, citing conditions on campus as 'not conducive to an academic environment.' The decision follows weeks of student protests that have severely disrupted normal university functioning.

Key Orders Issued by the University

According to an official statement from JMI, a high-level meeting of all Deans, Heads, Directors, and senior officials was convened at 4:30 pm on Wednesday in the FTK FT hall. After detailed deliberations, the authorities unanimously agreed that the campus situation warranted a continued shift to online operations.

Under the orders passed by the Competent Authority, online teaching for the Odd Semester will conclude on 24 November 2026. End Semester Examinations for practicals, field work, project vivas, and minor project vivas will run from 25 November to 30 November 2026, while theory paper examinations will be held from 1 December to 24 December 2026 — all via virtual mode.

The university also confirmed that the Winter Vacation for Academic Session 2026–27 will be observed from 25 December 2026 to 12 January 2027, with even semester classes resuming from 13 January 2027.

Student Protests Behind the Disruption

The trigger for the campus standoff has been a sustained agitation by students who began a hunger strike on 12 October 2026. Their demands include the restoration of the Jamia Millia Islamia Students' Union (JMISU) — which was reportedly disbanded by the administration — and the removal of the University's Chief Proctor, whom protesters accuse of ordering a crackdown on demonstrating students.

All physical classes had been shifted to online mode on 24 October 2026 as a 'precautionary measure' amid the escalating unrest. The latest orders effectively extend that arrangement for another month and fold examinations into the virtual framework as well.

Vandalism and Property Damage

The situation reportedly deteriorated further the night before Wednesday's announcement. The university expressed 'deep shock, disappointment, and concern' over incidents that took place the previous night, which allegedly involved vandalism and damage to university property. The statement stopped short of attributing responsibility, but the timing underscored the administration's stated rationale for keeping the campus off-limits for regular academic activities.

Administrative Compliance and What Comes Next

All Deans, Heads, and Directors have been directed to ensure compliance with the orders, facilitate the smooth conduct of online classes and examinations, and maintain accurate student attendance and academic records. The university has not announced any date for a resumption of physical classes before the winter vacation period begins.

With the exam schedule now fixed through 24 December and holidays beginning the following day, the window for any physical return before the year-end has effectively closed. Whether campus tensions ease enough to allow even semester classes in-person from January 2027 will depend heavily on how — and whether — the student union demands are resolved.