Jamia professor suspended over controversial exam question

Jamia Millia Islamia on Tuesday suspended a professor from its Department of Social Work after a controversial question in a semester examination triggered widespread outrage and protests on campus and on social media. The university has also said that a police FIR will be filed in the matter as per the rules.

The action follows the circulation of a question from the Semester-1, BA (Hons) Social Work examination paper titled “Social Problems in India”. The question, which appeared in the end-of-term exam, drew sharp criticism after images of the paper surfaced online, prompting allegations of insensitivity and negligence in the examination process. Taking immediate note of the controversy, the central university constituted an inquiry committee to examine how the question was framed and approved. Pending the submission of the committee’s report, the paper setter, Professor Virendra Balaji Shahare, has been placed under suspension with immediate effect.

In an official notice dated December 23, 2025, Jamia’s officiating Registrar, CA Shaikh Safiullah, said the university had taken a “serious view of the negligence and carelessness” on the part of the professor concerned. The notice also stated that a police complaint would be lodged in accordance with established rules and procedures. “The university has taken the matter seriously. An inquiry committee has been constituted, and based on its findings, appropriate action will be taken,” a Jamia Millia Islamia official said.

According to officials, the inquiry committee will examine the content of the question paper, the process followed for moderation and approval, and whether established academic norms were violated. The panel is expected to submit its report in the coming days, after which further disciplinary action may be decided.

The controversy erupted after students and activists began sharing copies of the exam paper on social media platforms, alleging that the question was objectionable. This led to protests and demands for strict action against those responsible for setting and approving the paper.

Jamia Millia Islamia said it remains committed to maintaining academic integrity and accountability, especially in examination-related processes. “Any lapse that affects the credibility of the institution or hurts public sentiment will be dealt with firmly,” officials said.

Established as a central university under an Act of Parliament in 1988, Jamia Millia Islamia has, over the years, emphasised its role as a space for critical academic inquiry. University authorities, however, stressed that academic freedom does not extend to negligence or disregard for institutional norms. Students welcomed the swift action but said the university must also review its internal checks to prevent such incidents in the future. Some student groups demanded greater transparency in the functioning of examination committees and stricter scrutiny of question papers before exams are conducted.

The university administration said it would review its examination protocols once the inquiry report is submitted. Meanwhile, classes and examinations in other departments are continuing as scheduled.

The university has also said that a police FIR will be filed in the matter as per the rules