Mumbai University assures students that exams on May 7 will not be affected by mock drill

In response to growing concerns from students about the upcoming exams amidst the citywide mock drill, Mumbai University has issued an official clarification. The university confirmed that all examinations scheduled for Wednesday, May 7, 2025, will take place as per the original timetable, with no changes due to the drill.

The circular, issued on May 6, 2025, was addressed to directors, heads of academic departments, and other educational heads, urging them to ensure that students are well informed. The circular emphasised that despite the mock drill being conducted across the city, the examination schedule will not be disrupted in any way.

Exam schedule remains unaffected
Mumbai University’s Examination Department assured that the examinations for all colleges affiliated with the university, including distance learning institutions, will be held at the designated times. The notice stressed that all concerned parties should follow the instructions carefully to avoid any confusion among students. The university's officials have urged educational institutions and their departments to take necessary precautions to maintain a smooth examination process.

The notice also specified that the university's departments and institutions, such as the distance learning centre and various sub-centres, should ensure that the examination conduct remains unaffected by the mock drill. It directed all relevant staff to avoid causing unnecessary concern among students about the scheduling of exams.

Civil defence drill planned nationwide
The civil defence mock drill, organised by the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, is set to take place across all 244 categorised Civil Defence Districts, including Mumbai, on May 7, 2025. According to the official communication from the Directorate General of Fire Services, Civil Defence & Home Guards, the exercise is intended to assess and enhance the readiness of emergency response mechanisms across States and Union Territories. The drill will be conducted up to the village level and involve Civil Defence volunteers, Home Guards, NCC, NSS, NYKS, as well as college and school students.

The key objectives of the mock drill include testing air raid warning systems, functionality of control rooms, emergency communication with the Indian Air Force, evacuation plans, and crash blackout measures. Despite the scale of this national exercise, Mumbai University has assured that the drill will not interfere with the conduct of its scheduled exams.

Coordinating with authorities
The circular was sent to a wide range of officials, including the Director of the Central Computer Facility Department, Deputy Registrars, and all Assistant Registrars in the Examination Department. The university's Public Relations and Student Welfare departments have also been informed to assist in the communication process. Additionally, the Vice-Chancellor’s office and key administrative staff were directed to keep the examination schedule intact.

This clarification aims to address any confusion surrounding the exam schedule due to the mock drill and ensure that the students can proceed with their preparations without unnecessary stress.