No smartphones: Darul Uloom to expel students violating mobile phone ban

Darul Uloom Deoband reinforces ban on smartphones for students, strict disciplinary action for violations to maintain academic discipline.

As the new academic session commenced following the Eid-ul-Azha holidays, the world-renowned Islamic seminary, Darul Uloom Deoband, has once again reinforced its strict ban on smartphones and multimedia-enabled mobile phones, warning students of severe disciplinary action for violations.

For representation only (HT File Photo)

The institution’s administration has reiterated that any student found possessing a smartphone or a mobile device equipped with multimedia features will face immediate cancellation of admission. In addition, the student’s name will be struck off the institution’s records, reflecting the seminary’s zero-tolerance policy toward unauthorised electronic devices.

According to Mufti Ashraf Abbas, in charge of Darul Iqama, the institution’s hostel facility, students were informed about the regulations before leaving for the Eid holidays. They were specifically instructed to leave their smartphones at home and return only with devices permitted under the institution’s rules.

The seminary allows students to carry only basic keypad mobile phones, which are considered necessary for maintaining communication with family members. The administration maintains that such limited access to mobile communication strikes a balance between practical needs and academic discipline.

The ban on smart mobile devices has been in place for several years as part of the institution’s broader efforts to preserve a focused learning environment. Administrators have emphasised that no exceptions or concessions will be granted to students who violate the policy.