To: The Administration, IIT Madras BS Degree Programme

Subject: Collective Request to Reschedule the IIT Madras BS Qualifier Examination from 15 November to 22 November 2026

Respected Director, Faculty Members, and Administration of IIT Madras,

We, the students and prospective candidates appearing for the IIT Madras BS Degree in Data Science and Applications Qualifier Examination, would like to bring an important concern to your attention regarding the examination scheduled for 15 November 2026.

The scheduled examination date coincides with Chhath Puja, one of the most significant religious and cultural festivals observed by millions of people, particularly across Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, and several other parts of India.

Chhath Puja is not simply a one-day celebration. It involves several days of religious observances, preparations, family participation, and important rituals. For many families, it is an annual commitment that carries deep cultural, religious, and emotional significance.

Why are we requesting this change?

A considerable number of students appearing for the IIT Madras BS Qualifier Examination may belong to families that observe Chhath Puja.

For these students, the current examination schedule could create a difficult situation in which they may have to choose between fulfilling important family and religious responsibilities and appearing for an examination that could significantly influence their academic future.

Chhath Puja often requires active participation and support from family members. Preparations, arrangements, and rituals cannot always be managed by one person alone.

Some students may be directly involved in these responsibilities, while others may need to assist their parents and family members. Travelling to an examination centre on the scheduled date could make participation in these observances difficult or even impossible.

We understand that IIT Madras has to coordinate examinations for a large number of candidates and that changing an examination schedule involves administrative considerations. However, we sincerely believe that this particular scheduling conflict deserves consideration.

Our proposed solution

We respectfully request IIT Madras to consider postponing the Qualifier Examination scheduled for 15 November 2026 to 22 November 2026.

A postponement of just seven days could provide affected students with an opportunity to fulfil their family and religious commitments while also appearing for their examination without unnecessary conflict.

We believe this adjustment could help students in several ways:

1. Equal opportunity: Students who observe Chhath Puja would not have to face an avoidable conflict between their religious commitments and academic aspirations.

2. Mental peace and concentration: Students would be able to prepare for and appear in the examination without the additional stress of worrying about important family responsibilities.

3. Family responsibilities: Students who are expected to assist their parents and participate in the rituals would have the opportunity to fulfil those responsibilities.

4. Inclusivity and consideration: Such an accommodation would demonstrate that an institution committed to education and equal opportunity also recognises the diverse cultural and religious backgrounds of its students.

5. Avoiding missed attempts: Some students might otherwise be forced to miss their examination because of circumstances that are difficult for them to manage individually.

Our request to IIT Madras

We are not requesting any relaxation in examination standards, syllabus, evaluation criteria, or eligibility requirements.

We are simply requesting a change in the examination date so that students can participate in an important cultural and religious observance without having to compromise their educational opportunities.

We understand that rescheduling may involve logistical challenges, including examination-centre arrangements, invigilation, and coordination. Nevertheless, we sincerely request the administration to examine whether these arrangements can be adjusted to accommodate the proposed date.

If postponing the examination for all candidates is not administratively feasible, we would also request IIT Madras to consider an alternative examination arrangement for students who are genuinely affected by this scheduling conflict.

A collective appeal from students

IIT Madras has always represented the importance of quality education, equal opportunity, and inclusivity.

We hope that the institution will consider the practical difficulties faced by students from families observing Chhath Puja and recognise that academic aspirations and cultural responsibilities should not have to compete with one another.

A change of just seven days could make a meaningful difference to many students and their families.

We respectfully request the administration to consider our proposal and reschedule the examination from 15 November 2026 to 22 November 2026.

We would be grateful for a positive consideration and an official response at the earliest, given that the examination is approaching.

This petition is submitted in the collective interest of students who may be affected by the scheduling conflict.

Thank you for your time, understanding, and consideration.

Respectfully,

Concerned Students and Candidates
IIT Madras BS Degree Programme
Data Science and Applications