Calcutta University has instructed its affiliated colleges to conduct classes online until the announcement of election results, as many campuses are being used for election-related purposes or to accommodate central security forces.

According to a notice issued by the acting inspector of colleges, undergraduate classes in affected institutions will be held virtually from April 22 to May 5. The university took this step after observing widespread disruption of in-person classes due to ongoing poll arrangements.

Vice-chancellor Asutosh Ghosh stated that many college premises have been occupied for election duties, while numerous students have returned to their hometowns to vote. This combination has led to interruptions in regular academic activities. Conducting classes online ensures that students can continue their studies from any location without missing lessons.

The university aims to maintain consistent academic engagement and maximize attendance during this period. Efforts have also been made to ensure that each semester includes at least 90 teaching days. Currently, students in the fourth and sixth semesters are attending classes ahead of their examinations.

This year, disruptions have occurred earlier than usual due to the early deployment of central forces. Several colleges had to suspend physical classes in advance, and the university even postponed first-semester examinations midway through the schedule.

With the next phase of voting scheduled for April 29, election preparations are already underway across campuses.

The principal of Asutosh College explained that physical classes were halted as it became impractical to continue them alongside election preparations. However, the college quickly introduced an online schedule to ensure continuity.

Similarly, New Alipore College has suspended in-person classes until May 5 because most of its buildings are being used for election-related activities. Online classes have been arranged, although they will be paused on polling day (April 29) and on the day election results are declared (May 4).