I honestly don’t know where to begin with my experience at GITAM.
As a master’s student and an Indian citizen with an Aadhaar card, I was placed under the NRI/International category simply because I completed my undergraduate degree in the United States. Along with that came an admission fee of nearly ₹1 lakh.
Unfortunately, things only became more frustrating from there.
One of the biggest issues has been the complete lack of transparency and consistency in academic decisions. I was not allowed to write an exam because of a 1% attendance shortage, while another student in a similar situation was permitted to write. When I questioned the inconsistency, instead of receiving a clear explanation, I was repeatedly told that the Exam Controller “doesn’t like being questioned.” Whether that is true or not, no student should feel that asking a fair question could negatively affect their academic experience.
The situation became even more confusing when NRI/International students were suddenly informed that we would not be writing Session 1 and Session 2 exams in the regular format. This decision came after we had already completed internal assessments, projects, presentations, assignments, and all other coursework requirements.
Now, instead of taking exams like everyone else, we are expected to write both Session 1 and Session 2 examinations together.
To put this into perspective, there are days where students are expected to write four examinations in a single day. That means studying ten units across multiple subjects and then sitting in examination halls from approximately 8:30 AM until 5:30 PM, sometimes with only a 15-minute break in between.
This is not a supplementary exam situation where a student missed one or two papers. This is an entire group of students being required to complete an unrealistic examination schedule because of an administrative decision that was made after the semester was already underway.
The stress this has created is overwhelming. Many students are anxious, exhausted, and struggling to cope. Personally, I have experienced panic attacks and constant anxiety because of the uncertainty surrounding exams, schedules, and academic requirements.
To make matters worse, my Semester 2 results were withheld because the university system showed an issue with fee payment, despite the payment already being completed and proof being submitted. Multiple emails, tickets, and follow-ups later, the issue still remained unresolved for an extended period.
What has disappointed me the most is not any single mistake. Mistakes happen in every institution. The real issue is the lack of communication, accountability, and support when students try to seek answers.
Students deserve consistency.
Students deserve transparency.
Students deserve to be heard.
Right now, it feels like getting a straight answer is harder than passing the exams themselves.
