"It is very easy to blame the exam branch. But it is actually the departments who draft the syllabus. In their enthusiasm to emulate foreign university models, they put everything into one semester's curriculum and then balk under the work load later," said a senior DU official, requesting anonymity.
The university has said that classes for science students, whose practical exams are scheduled to start by November 2, will continue despite practicals.
"We have ordered the colleges not to suspend classes before November 17. It gives them enough time to complete the course," the official added.
"We were able to complete the syllabus under the annual exam system every year. It should be clear that the problem lies with the basic structure. There is a huge chasm between administration and academics," said Sanam Khanna, professor of English, Kamla Nehru College.
Students complained about the clash in preparation time and the administrative formalities.
"After November 17 we have just two days to prepare and get our attendance issues sorted out. It's unrealistic," said Ragini Mittal (name changed), a student of Bhagat Singh College.