Plans for the third-semester undergraduate examinations under Calcutta University have been disrupted as central armed police forces have occupied several affiliated colleges ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections. Multiple colleges have informed the university that their premises are currently being used by these forces, leaving limited space for academic activities.

With exams scheduled to begin on March 23, the university is now considering shifting the tests to its own campuses. According to registrar Debasis Das, this move is being evaluated as a backup plan since many designated exam centres are no longer available.

Officials have expressed concern about conducting examinations in institutions where security forces are stationed, noting that even regular classes have been disrupted. A survey is being carried out by the university’s inspector of colleges to identify institutions that remain suitable for holding exams.

The administration is also weighing alternative arrangements to avoid delays, as postponements could affect the academic schedule. The exams are currently expected to conclude by April 8.

The deployment of central forces is part of election-related security measures overseen by the Election Commission of India, which has in recent years sent personnel to West Bengal well before polling dates are officially announced.

At Charuchandra College, authorities reported that security personnel moved in earlier this month and are now using most of the campus. This has forced the institution to switch to online teaching, raising serious concerns about hosting examinations. College officials said they have already notified the university.

Attempts to find alternatives, such as using laboratory spaces or nearby school facilities, have not been feasible due to capacity issues and poor infrastructure conditions.

Meanwhile, Seth Anandaram Jaipuria College is preparing for a similar situation, with expectations that security forces will soon occupy classrooms, further complicating exam arrangements.

Some colleges, including Asutosh College and New Alipore College, are not housing the forces and are likely to continue as exam centres. However, they may have to accommodate additional students if other colleges become unusable.

University officials indicated that a final decision will be made soon, with the possibility of conducting exams both at college venues and university campuses if necessary.

Earlier, the exam schedule had already been revised following student protests at the College Street campus, where concerns were raised about insufficient classroom teaching during the semester. The theoretical exams are now set to take place from late March to early April, replacing the original February schedule.