New attendance policy triggers row in IIM Jammu

Mumbai: After nationwide protest against the new UGC Act 3C & 3E, it is now the deadlock in IIM, Jammu between the management and the students on the issue of New Attendance Policy. Controversy is escalating over the new attendance policy being implemented for the students at IIM Jammu, a prestigious institute of national importance. A tense situation has developed between students and the institute administration.

The issue has now reached the Union Ministry of Higher Education in New Delhi. Students have appealed to the government to intervene against what they call arbitrary action by the institute and have warned of protests if their demands are not met.

The dispute concerns the new handbook issued for the 2025–27 batch, in which attendance norms have been made extremely strict.

According to available information, the new attendance policy for the 2025–27 batch at IIM Jammu makes 100% attendance compulsory. Under the new rules, missing even a single class during the entire term invites strict punishment, which will directly affect students’ examination results. At first glance, the rule appears impractical.

Students, speaking on the condition of anonymity to Bizz Buzz, said that while framing the new policy, issues related to their health and other practical circumstances were ignored. The new rule is causing particular difficulty for female students.

Students are now being forced to attend classes even in emergency situations, and even minor absences lead to mark deductions. According to them, the rule is not only impractical but also overlooks health and gender equality concerns. As a result, young students are being forced to cope with stress, humiliation, and despair.

Students’ dissatisfaction reportedly began after an incident in which a young MBA student was compelled to attend class despite severe abdominal pain.

She had to attend despite unbearable menstrual cramps. Missing even a single class or academic activity leads directly to grade reduction. Recounting her experience, the student said, “I couldn’t concentrate there because of stomach pain. I sat trembling in fear of losing marks.”

She added that almost every female student in the institute faces such situations. The new rule is troubling not only for female students but also for male students.

This is the reality at IIM Jammu, where attendance has become not a measure of learning but a tool of punishment. Fearing retaliatory action by the administration, the student requested anonymity.

Notably, due to faculty unavailability, extra or compensatory classes are sometimes scheduled at short notice (via WhatsApp messages) between 8 am and 10 pm even on gazetted holidays. This hangs over students like a ‘sword’. Even academically excellent students are penalized for missing a class. The institute makes no effort to provide recorded lectures.

When students filed formal complaints through the government’s CPGRAMS portal, the response from IIM Jammu’s Chief Administrative Officer, Kesavan Baskkaran, was reportedly unsatisfactory. The reply stated that “100% attendance is expected in residential programmes” and that “due consideration is given in medical or family emergencies.”

No reason was given for abandoning the earlier 80% attendance norm followed at the same institute. The matter has now been closed. When this correspondent tried to contact the Director of IIMJ Prof. B Sahay for comment, he outrightly refused to speak on the issue. Both the senior authorities are tightlipped.

Students and legal experts criticized the response, calling it a “non-speaking order.” A lawyer said that grievance redressal systems must issue reasoned orders.

IIM Jammu’s rule differs from other management institutes. For example, BITS Pilani follows a zero-percent attendance policy, based on the belief that quality teaching naturally draws students to class. Globally, universities in the US, UK, and Australia emphasize attendance but impose grade penalties only in exceptional circumstances.

At the University of Liverpool, attendance monitoring is seen as a support mechanism to identify students needing help. Lancaster University also links attendance with welfare rather than punishment. In India, most IIMs emphasize student welfare and avoid automatic grade penalties.

Students report growing stress, anxiety, and fatigue. Female students feel especially affected, as not only menstrual health needs but also issues such as panic attacks and depression are not recognized as valid medical leave. One student said, “We are treated like machines — expected to work without pause, weakness, or dignity.”

Legal experts believe such rigid policies may not meet the proportionality test under Article 21 of the Constitution, which guarantees the right to life and dignity. They say the lack of gender-sensitive provisions may also violate Article 15 and international obligations such as CEDAW.IIMs were granted autonomy to set new standards of innovation.

However, this autonomy is now allegedly being used to impose arbitrary rules, amounting to misuse of privilege. According to another student, “We came here to learn leadership, but we are only being taught obedience.”

A few students have recovered but still facing stomach related problems. There is no proactive steps from college administration to follow up with students who became sick due to contaminated water. They cannot skip classes because the medical doctor will not sanction leave for vomiting, bloating, stomach ache.

A few students are still recovering. This is not just a campus issue. India’s top institutions must balance discipline, dignity, autonomy, accountability, rules, and compassion. Until then, IIM Jammu’s classrooms will remain symbols of rigidity, and students will continue to pay the price.