Examination Controversy Erupts Over Eid-ul-Adha Holiday Clash with University Exams Across India

New Delhi- A significant row has broken out in several Indian universities and educational institutions following the Government of India’s decision to shift the public holiday for Id-ul-Zuha/Adha (Bakrid) from May 27 to May 28. While some bodies like the National Testing Agency (NTA) and certain state universities promptly postponed examinations, others, including Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University (GGSIPU) and parts of Delhi University, have faced strong criticism for proceeding with scheduled tests, leading to protests, social media campaigns, and even a petition in the Delhi High Court.

The Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT), Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, issued an Office Memorandum revising the holiday for central government offices in Delhi to May 28 due to the confirmed moon sighting for Eid-ul-Adha, which is one of the two major Islamic festivals, involving obligatory prayers and family/community celebrations.

This change created conflicts with pre-existing examination schedules announced earlier when the holiday was expected on May 27.

Institutions That Postponed Exams

The NTA postponed both shifts of the CUET (UG) 2026 examinations originally scheduled for May 28. Revised dates will be announced shortly. This decision was welcomed by student organizations like the Students’ Islamic Organisation of India (SIO), which had submitted a memorandum citing travel difficulties, religious observances, and accessibility issues for candidates.

Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Rohilkhand University (MJPRU), Bareilly postponed all semester and annual examinations scheduled for May 28 following the Uttar Pradesh government’s holiday declaration, earning praise from students for respecting religious sentiments.

Osmania University (Telangana) adjusted schedules in view of Bakrid after appeals, including from AIMIM leader Asaduddin Owaisi. Other states like Andhra Pradesh also postponed certain board exams.

Institutions Facing Backlash for Proceeding

Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University (GGSIPU), Delhi issued a notice on May 26, stating that while it acknowledged the holiday shift, all theory and practical examinations would proceed as per the declared schedule on May 28. Centre Superintendents were directed to ensure smooth conduct. Students and groups like Team Rising Falcon criticized the decision, alleging their appeals were ignored and one account was reportedly blocked. GGSIPU’s official notice emphasized continuity of academics.

At Delhi University (DU), several exams, including in the Faculty of Law, were scheduled for May 28 despite the university declaring it a holiday. Students submitted multiple representations. A DU law student, Saif Rashid Saeed, moved the Delhi High Court challenging the decision as violative of Articles 14, 21, 25, and 29 of the Constitution. The petition highlighted alleged discrimination and the obligation of Eid prayers.

In response during the hearing, DU informed the court that Muslim students or any affected students could opt for a special exam on an alternative date after July 4 by emailing the Dean. The matter highlighted tensions between academic schedules and religious observance.

Reports also emerged of exams at institutions like Kedar Nath Girdharilal Khatri PG College and some Gujarat University papers proceeding on the festival day, drawing criticism.

Muslim student bodies, have actively campaigned for rescheduling, arguing that students should not be forced to choose between faith and education. Protests and social media appeals emphasized that major Hindu festivals like Diwali and Holi, and Christmas are observed as holidays and there are no examinations on these occasions. Critics have raised broader issues of inclusivity in higher education. Some references were made to past controversies, such as restrictions on hijab in certain exam contexts, though these were separate incidents.

Authorities maintain that examinations are critical for academic progression and cannot always be easily rescheduled without logistical issues. Student groups counter that sensitivity to a gazetted holiday for a major festival is a matter of constitutional rights and equity.