Meerut University Faces Backlash Over Controversial RSS Question in Exam Paper
Key Highlights:
A political science exam at Meerut University (Chaudhary Charan Singh University) has triggered major outrage after a question allegedly linked the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) to extremist and separatist groups. The incident led to mass protests on campus and the university banning the professor involved from all examination duties.
The Question That Sparked a Political Storm
In an exam held on April 2, 2025, a second-semester political science question paper featured a question that controversially grouped the RSS with organisations like Naxalites, Dal Khalsa, and the Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front. This was allegedly part of a section discussing the rise of religious and caste-based politics in India.
The inclusion of RSS — a prominent nationalist organisation — in this context sparked immediate condemnation.
Protests by ABVP Rock Meerut University Campus
As soon as the paper became public, members of the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) launched a protest at Meerut University, demanding action. They submitted a formal memorandum to the university registrar and denounced the exam as an attack on national integrity and ideology.
Professor Seema Panwar Banned
The question paper was traced to Seema Panwar, a political science lecturer from Meerut College, an affiliated institution under CCSU (Meerut University).
Registrar Dhirendra Kumar Verma confirmed that Panwar had submitted a written apology, claiming she did not intend to hurt sentiments.
“We have taken immediate disciplinary action. She is now banned from all exam and evaluation duties,” Verma announced.
Social Media Uproar Over Viral Question
The question paper has gone viral across platforms like Twitter, WhatsApp, and Facebook, with users debating whether this was an instance of academic expression or deliberate provocation. Hashtags like #MeerutUniversity, #RSSControversy, and #CCSUQuestionPaper began trending locally.
Investigation Underway
Meerut University officials have launched a formal inquiry into the matter. According to sources, a committee has been formed to review the entire examination paper-setting process and evaluate if further action is necessary.
The administration has assured that strict measures will be taken to prevent such issues from recurring.
What Was the Question?
The controversial question read:
“Evaluate the impact of organisations such as RSS, Dal Khalsa, Naxalites, and JKLF in the rise of communal and caste-based politics in India.”
While some argued that it could have been intended for analytical discussion, many believe it went too far in associating RSS with separatist groups.
Political and Academic Reactions
The controversy has sparked reactions across political and academic circles.
- Right-wing groups called the paper a “malicious academic agenda.”
- Some liberal academics defended freedom in curriculum discussions and warned against censorship.
- A few commentators stressed that responsible language in academic papers is crucial given today’s political climate.
About Meerut University (CCSU)
Chaudhary Charan Singh University, popularly known as Meerut University, is one of the largest state universities in Uttar Pradesh, established in 1965. It has over 500 affiliated colleges and plays a vital role in the higher education ecosystem of western UP.
What’s Next?
- An internal probe report is expected soon.
- ABVP has hinted at intensifying protests if their demands are not met.
- Academic bodies may revisit guidelines for exam content sensitivity going forward.
The Meerut University RSS controversy has reignited the debate over academic freedom vs ideological responsibility. With the professor banned and the university on the back foot, the situation remains tense.
As India’s educational spaces become more politically sensitive, this episode at Meerut University could set the tone for how universities manage content, politics, and public sentiment in future academic assessments.
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