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Students at India¡¯s largest private university have accused it of failing to deliver on promises of quality teaching, adequate housing and fair placement opportunities.

Lovely Professional University (LPU) has been hit with protests after it shortened semesters, with students complaining that this has increased stress and does not leave enough time for course content.

Others claimed that they were forced into online or ¡°open¡± courses that they did not want, while paying full fees for campus-based programmes.

Khushi Chaudhary, a student at LPU, told ̽»¨ÊÓƵ: ¡°The university is not disclosing actual admission numbers and continues to increase fees in every aspect without clear justification.

¡°Initially, we were given 20 days of holidays but now an additional 35 days have been declared.¡±

She added that the compressed semester was especially damaging for third-year students who were due to start work placements soon.?¡°This is the most crucial phase of preparation for placements. Compressing academics into three months risks both learning quality and future opportunities.¡±

Chaudhary also claimed that refunds on accommodation had been denied despite the extended closures.

¡°Why should we pay such high fees for a shortened semester? Why is transparency missing in admissions, fees and placements? Why are students ¨C the future workforce ¨C being compromised during such a crucial phase? We deserve clarity, fairness and quality education for the money we are paying. Education is not just about fees ¨C it¡¯s about learning, growth and our future.¡±

Placements were another source of anger. In India, it is common for universities to invite recruiters onto campus to offer work experience opportunities, and high ¡°placement rates¡± can be a key selling point for prospective students.?

But protesters said banners advertising successful placements masked a reality where most graduates are only offered roles by companies undergoing mass recruitment drives, with starting salaries under 5 lakh rupees (?4,700) a year.

Some of the concerns also sparked discussion on LinkedIn, where other students and alumni weighed in.

One commenter writes:?¡°There¡¯s a huge difference between online and offline learning. If it was just about studying, anyone could get an online degree easily and at a much lower cost. But they have paid for offline classes, so they deserve the quality and facilities that come with it. It¡¯s surprising that people don¡¯t understand this basic point.¡±

Another adds: ¡°It's not about a single university or a group of students, it¡¯s about how our education system all together is falling apart.?Students are now only customers paying hefty fees, parents are harassed, college administration has no answer to anything, just excuses.¡±

Organisers of the protests said they want courses to be delivered on time and in full, without the current practice of compressing semesters.

They are also demanding that the university provide adequate hostel accommodation for all admitted students.

LPU was contacted for comment.

tash.mosheim@timeshighereducation.com