Jamia exam paper controversy: Probe committee formed as University acts against Professor over objectionable question

Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI) has taken stringent action against a faculty member from its Department of Social Work after an end-semester examination question triggered widespread objections and complaints, with the university describing the lapse as serious negligence rather than a routine academic issue.

On December 23, the central university suspended Professor Virendra Balaji Shahare, who set the Semester I examination paper for the B.A. (Hons) Social Work programme for the 2025–26 academic session. The paper, titled Social Problems in India, came under scrutiny after a particular question was flagged as objectionable and allegedly communal in nature.

In an official statement, Jamia said it had received multiple complaints regarding the content of the examination paper and that the matter was viewed as serious misconduct related to the examination process.

“Pending submission of the inquiry committee’s report, the concerned professor has been placed under suspension,” the university said, underlining that the action was taken to ensure accountability and protect the integrity of the examination system.

The suspension order states that the Vice-Chancellor exercised powers under Statute 37(1) of Jamia’s statutes, which allow disciplinary action in cases involving negligence, misconduct or actions that bring disrepute to the institution.

Jamia Chief Public Relations Officer Saima Saeed told PTI that the university found “negligence and carelessness on the part of the faculty member” while setting the end-semester paper. “Several complaints were received, following which the university decided to act. An inquiry committee has been constituted to examine the matter in detail,” she said.

The university order also makes it clear that the matter may have legal implications. It states that a police complaint will be filed “as per rules” and that the suspended professor will not be permitted to leave New Delhi during the suspension period without prior approval of the competent authority.

University officials said these restrictions were imposed to ensure the smooth conduct of the inquiry and to prevent any interference with the investigation process.

A Jamia official, quoted by ANI, confirmed that the controversy intensified after images of the question paper surfaced on social media, prompting sharp criticism and formal representations to the administration. “The university has taken the issue seriously. The inquiry committee will look into all aspects, including whether established norms for setting examination papers were violated,” the official said.

Senior officials stressed that the action was not merely about differences of opinion but about safeguarding the credibility of the university’s examination system. Examination papers at central universities are governed by strict guidelines to ensure neutrality, balance and adherence to approved frameworks.

“The issue concerns the responsibility entrusted to a paper setter and the consequences of failing to exercise due care while framing questions,” a senior administrative source said, adding that any deviation that could potentially disturb harmony or damage the institution’s reputation is treated as a grave lapse.

While sections of students have opposed the suspension and termed it excessive, the university has maintained that the disciplinary action was unavoidable given the nature of the complaints received.

Jamia officials have reiterated that the inquiry committee’s mandate is to examine whether the professor violated examination norms, acted negligently, or framed a question that was inappropriate for an official university assessment.

“The findings of the committee will determine the next course of action,” an official said, adding that the university would not hesitate to take further steps if the allegations are substantiated.

The inquiry committee is expected to submit its report after examining the question paper, relevant academic guidelines, and representations from all concerned parties. Until then, the suspension will remain in force.

As the investigation progresses, the case has highlighted the strict scrutiny applied to examination-related conduct at central universities, particularly when questions are perceived to cross established boundaries. The final outcome will depend on whether the inquiry establishes negligence or misconduct in the preparation of the examination paper.

The suspension has, however, triggered strong opposition from sections of Jamia’s student community. In a detailed statement, students demanded the immediate revocation of Professor Shahare’s suspension and the withdrawal of all punitive proceedings against him.

The students argued that the disputed question was “explicitly located within the prescribed syllabus” and fell under a unit dealing with social problems and social work interventions, including issues faced by minorities. According to them, the question represented a legitimate, syllabus-based academic assessment rather than a deviation from approved curricular content.

Credit : Organiser Weekly