A policy change by the state higher education department, removing physical fitness tests from the eligibility criteria for undergraduate and postgraduate physical education courses, has stoked a major controversy. Students across state universities are allegedly being barred from taking exams on the grounds of being 'physically unfit'.
Background of the Policy Change
Until recently, applicants to physical education programmes were mandated to clear a physical fitness test. The department's decision to allow admission based solely on sports certificates led to a large number of enrollments, but without an on-entry assessment of suitability.
Consequences at Universities
Now, universities are retroactively screening students while blocking those they consider incapable of meeting course requirements. At Barkatullah University, officials cancelled the admission of a female student after determining that she was 70% visually impaired. The student and her colleagues have questioned why suitability for a physically demanding professional course was not assessed through a test before admission. They argue the department's rule shifted the burden from admission authorities to students who have already completed months of study.
Student Reactions
Students termed the policy reversal a glaring procedural flaw. Animesh Yadav, a student, said: "Removing the fitness test without introducing an alternative screening or clear guidelines created a gap that universities are now trying to fill. Either the department should reinstate proper assessments at admission, or universities must be given standard criteria and time to conduct fitness evaluations before exams."
University Dilemma
The universities also conceded that they face a dilemma: follow the department's relaxed admission rule or uphold academic and professional standards that require students to meet fitness benchmarks. Administrators pointed to the difficulty of reconciling sports certificates of varying credibility with the practical demands of physical education training.
Legal Concerns
Senior faculty members warned that the ad-hoc rollback of the mandatory fitness test could invite litigation. A senior professor, speaking on condition of anonymity, said: "If admissions were granted under the state's policy, retroactive disqualification without a transparent, uniform process may be unlawful."
Uncertainty and Demands
The controversy has left affected students uncertain about their academic futures, raising broader questions about policy making. Students and university bodies have demanded immediate guidelines to reinstate pre-admission fitness tests, establish a standardised post-admission evaluation window, or set clear exemptions and alternative pathways for differently abled candidates. The higher education department has not issued any clarification over the policy change to date.
Department's Silence
Department officials refused to comment when reached for responses on the matter.
