Calicut University: Unfolding Layers at Kodikkal Campus

Calicut University, one of Kerala’s premier institutions, has found itself in the headlines lately—ranging from administrative decisions and student protests to missing exam answer sheets. Today’s blog delves into the latest developments shaping the university’s academic and campus culture.

Recent Events & Administrative Moves at Calicut University

1. Governor’s Campus Visit & Anti‑Drug Campaign

On March 22, 2025, Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar (who also serves as Chancellor) visited the main campus at Tenhipalam. His presence addressed members of the University Senate. A key focus was promoting a “drug‑free campus”—Senate members wore specially designed shirts carrying the anti‑drug message. Following the session, the Governor interacted with the Syndicate and later met department heads and hostel students, culminating the day’s visit by mid-afternoon.

2. Vice‑Chancellor Halts Seminar on Kashmir Issue

In a politically charged move, the university Vice‑Chancellor denied permission for an upcoming seminar on Kashmir, organized by the EMS Chair for Marxian Studies. Scheduled for May 15 under the theme “Kashmir: Stop the killings,” the event was blocked by the VC citing sensitive national circumstances .

3. Registrar Hearings Put on Ice

On June 4, 2025, a controversial directive from the Kerala Government called the University Registrar for a hearing regarding alleged irregular appointment practices from 2015. After outcry from faculty and academics—citing university autonomy—this directive was paused due to “technical reasons”.

Student & Staff Reactions: Tension & Controversy

Student Union Turbulence

Following recent elections, the University’s Student Union—an alliance of UDF groups like KSU and MSF—has encountered disruption. Past delays during the 2023–24 electoral cycle sparked unrest, and political targeting has further intensified tensions between rival student groups.

Fest Violence & Ambulance Assault

A disturbing incident occurred during the D‑Zone festival near Mala: an ambulance carrying injured KSU activists was reportedly attacked with iron rods amid clashes with SFI students and alumni. Video clips have gone viral, demanding urgent disciplinary action.

Sunday Classes Protest

A university circular proposed holding Saturday classes to compensate for instructional time lost to teacher evaluation camps. This triggered protests by teachers’ associations advocating alternate measures like online classes or weekend remediation—arguing that saturdays should remain free for staff.

Academic Concerns & Procedural Issues

1. Lost Answer‑Sheet Scandal
   A hotel management student’s paper, submitted for revaluation nearly nine months ago, was declared “missing” by the Exam Controller. The student’s mother raised the alarm after months of silence, forcing a formal complaint—echoing a similar issue at Kerala University involving MBA answer scripts.

2. Four‑Year UG Programme Delays
   While the Academic Council approved new four-year undergraduate regulations, the University Senate has yet to give their nod. Some departments in affiliated colleges worry delays may disrupt rollout of the revamped curriculum for the 2024–25 academic year.

Snapshot: Incidents & Stakeholders

What’s Driving the Current Climate?

1. Autonomy vs. Oversight: Tensions rise between government intervention (e.g., registrar hearing) and university independence.

2. Security & Expression: Events like campus violence and political seminar bans highlight ongoing campus unrest.

3. Administrative Transparency: Issues like missing answer sheets or exam circulars spark debate over credibility.

4. Modernizing Curriculum: Transition to new programs reveals internal bureaucratic bottlenecks affecting the university’s academic reputation.

What Lies Ahead? (Todays & Tomorrow’s Watchlist)

• Senate Meeting Updates: Will Kobe formally approve four‑year UG regulations?

• Answer‑sheet Inquiry: How will Calicut University address this and past missing script complaints?

• Panel on Seminar Rejection: Faculty reactions and legality of curbing academic events are crucial.

• Disciplinary Action: Will the university initiate proceedings over the D‑Zone ambulance incident?

• Registrar’s Hearing: Status updates on autonomy-preserving decisions will set governance tone.

A Closer Look: Student Commentary

Voices on social platforms echo growing disillusionment:

“It had happened to me… When I got the paper copy, I literally cried… the person who checked didn’t even bother to correct few questions… I failed in that paper.” 

Such accounts highlight systemic lapses in fairness and accountability.

Proposals for Moving Forward

• Introduce a secure log for answer sheets with digital tracking and public status reports.

• Form a neutral committee to assess the Kashmir seminar’s cancellation based on academic freedom.

• Review Saturday class policies—explore flexible online instruction or holiday make-ups.

• De-escalation protocols at student gatherings to prevent violence and ensure campus safety.

Conculsion

Calicut University sits at a critical juncture. Its decisions in the coming weeks—from Senate approvals and disciplinary inquiries to administrative reforms—will shape its legacy. As students, faculty, and policymakers engage, this period may well determine whether the institution becomes more progressive or further entrenched in bureaucratic inertia.

By spotlighting today’s contentious moments—governance debates, academic oversight lapses, and campus culture challenges—we gain deeper insight into what's at stake and how proactive steps might preserve Calicut University’s standing.