A Dalit MSc student of Delhi University was declared “failed” in four papers, including two she did not appear for.

Monika Bhankhar, an MSc (mathematics) student of Hansraj College under Delhi University (DU), had two essential reappear (ER) papers — advanced group theory and abstract harmonic analysis. She had exhausted her chances in 2018 to sit for re-examinations.

DU observed its centenary celebrations in 2023 and gave an opportunity to all its previous students to sit for examinations and clear the papers in which they had failed.

In March 2023, Monika sat for the “centenary chance” to clear her failed papers — advanced group theory and abstract harmonic analysis. When the results were announced in November 2023, she was declared “failed” in four papers, including two other papers, which she did not re-take. She had already cleared the module theory and matrix analysis papers but marked failed this time.

Monika’s father and a retired director-level officer with the central government, Rohtas Bhankhar, described the case as an instance of caste-based discrimination. He wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi in April this year to direct the DU authorities to initiate an inquiry, take action, and declare Monika’s accurate results.

“It is a clear case of caste-based discrimination. My daughter has been unfairly treated because she belongs to the Dalit community,” Bhankhar said.

Before her Masters, Monika came fourth in mathematics (honours) in DU in 2014. She did her undergraduate studies at Daulat Ram College and passed with 86 per cent marks.

“It is surprising that she failed in papers for which she did not reappear. The DU exam system is not credible. If this is how students are treated, India cannot become Vishwaguru (global teacher),” he said. Rohtas is yet to get any response from the Prime Minister’s Office or DU.

Abha Dev Habib, a former executive council member of DU, said that in 2010 the university introduced a semester system and reduced the bonus period for students to sit for the exam to clear the failed papers. Till 2010, the university conducted supplementary exams to help students clear their failed papers.

In addition, an undergraduate student was entitled to a three-year grace period after the regular three years to sit for exams to clear the papers. A PG student got three years’ extra time. In addition, all students enjoyed a special chance to clear the essential reappear papers. In 2010, supplementary and special exam provisions were discontinued and the grace period was reduced to two years.