Vadodara: Maharaja Sayajirao University (MSU) witnessed major disruption on Tuesday as examinations of nearly 1,500 Science Faculty students were cancelled due to Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel’s visit to the campus. University authorities also instructed students from several faculties to vacate the premises after noon, triggering criticism that protocol was taking precedence over academics.

According to students, the exams were called off at the last minute while important assessments were underway for Science and M.Sc. students. The university administration said the cancelled examinations will be rescheduled for a later date. However, the sudden announcement caused anger and inconvenience, with many students questioning the decision to halt academic activities for a VIP programme.

The Registrar reportedly directed the Deans of the Science, Arts and Commerce faculties to ensure the campus was cleared after 12 pm, as security arrangements intensified. The campus was heavily barricaded, and increased police deployment turned parts of MSU into what students described as a “police camp.”

Foreign student participation curtailed

In another development, a special event was organised by the university’s International Affairs Department during the Chief Minister’s visit. MSU currently hosts 583 international students from 63 countries, and around 70 foreign students from 40 nations were expected to attend the programme at the Arts Faculty. However, police reportedly permitted only 42 students to participate, citing security protocols. DeshGujarat