Mumbai university goofs up again, schedules SYBCom tests to clash with CA exams

This is neither the first time that Mumbai university has messed up the examination schedule for CA aspirants nor first time students have complained this year

University of Mumbai (MU) has goofed up the schedule for its first semester examination yet again. The university has scheduled its second-year Bachelors in Commerce (BCom) and Bachelors in Accounting Finance (BAF) exams without checking the timetable for the Chartered Accountancy (CA) exams first.

While the university is yet to respond to students’ demand for a change in examination schedule, colleges are hoping that the modified timetable will be announced in advance. (HT File Photo)

Many students studying for BCom and BAF also pursue the CA course. They have complained that three papers from both Bachelor’s courses are clashing with the CA exams in November.

“CA exams will be held from November 2 to November 15. Around the same time, MU has scheduled our SYBCom exams. Three papers on November 9, 13 and 15 are clashing. We now have to choose which exam we want to appear for,” said Sharad Shah, a second-year BCom student. He said many of his classmates have asked their college to tell the MU’s examination department about this problem.

This is neither the first time that MU has messed up the examination schedule for CA aspirants nor first time students have complained this year. Two weeks ago, HT had reported that third-year BCom students were complaining about their exams clashing with CA test dates. After receiving complaints from commerce and law students, MU released an updated schedule to accommodate all exams. However, the reworking of examination schedules has not resolved the problems that second-year students are facing.

“CA exams are always held between the first and second week of November. How can the university not take this into account? We end up panicking and complaining every time and then the officials try to repair the damage,” said a third-year Bachelor of Accounting Finance (BAF) student.

While the university is yet to respond to students’ demand for a change in examination schedule, colleges are hoping that the modified timetable will be announced in advance. “Many BCom and BAF students juggle undergraduate degree as well as CA or Company Secretary (CS) studies at the same time. Such overlapping exam schedules are discouraging. We hope the university hears their complaints and finds a solution soon,” said Parag Ajgaonkar, principal, N M College, Vile Parle.

Officials from the university’s examination department were unavailable for comment.