Archive · 15 Nov 2025
Bombay HC: Universities Must Halt 'Carry On' System for Failed Students in 2025-26
Imagine if your school decided that even if you didn't pass all your classes, you could still move to the next grade.
Some universities in India were letting students who failed exams move up, like a 'carry on' pass.
The High Court said this isn't fair or good for learning.
They told these universities to stop this 'carry on' pass for students starting in 2025-26.
They were especially confused why this was still happening after the COVID-19 pandemic.
The court is still looking into how some students were allowed to move up even with big academic problems.
It's like the court is saying, 'You need to actually learn the material to go to the next level.'
The Bombay High Court has ordered universities in Maharashtra to halt the 'carry on' system for the 2025-26 academic year.
This system allows students with failed exams to be promoted, a practice the court deemed illogical and detrimental to educational quality.
Four specific universities were identified for continuing the scheme for 2025-26, contrary to government resolutions.
The court clarified that the 'carry on' benefit was intended only for the 2024-25 academic year and originally restricted to the Engineering Faculty.
The promotion of students who benefited from the scheme for 2025-26 will be subject to the outcome of a related court petition.
- Who
- Bombay High Court, state government, Kavayitri Bahinabai Chaudhari North Maharashtra University, Punyashlok Ahilyadevi Holkar Solapur University, Sant Gadge Baba Amravati University, Shivaji University, Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU), and students.
- What
- The Bombay High Court directed universities to stop the 'carry on' system, which allows students with failed exams to be promoted, for the academic year 2025-26.
- When
- The direction was issued recently, with the court posting the next hearing for December 10. The 'carry on' system was reportedly limited to the academic year 2024-25.
- Where
- Maharashtra, India.
- Why
- The court found the continuation of the 'carry on' system for 2025-26 contrary to the government's resolution and circular, questioning the logic and its impact on educational quality.
Universities implementing 'Carry On' system
Bombay High Court's Stance
Application of 'Carry On' Scheme
Universities implementing 'Carry On' system
Four universities (North Maharashtra, Solapur, Amravati, Shivaji) continued the 'carry on' scheme for the 2025-26 academic year, potentially for all faculties.
Bombay High Court's Stance
The High Court directed these universities to stop implementing the 'carry on' scheme for 2025-26, stating it was contrary to the spirit of the GR and circular, which were intended only for 2024-25 and specifically for the Engineering Faculty.
Rationale for 'Carry On' Scheme
Universities implementing 'Carry On' system
The scheme was introduced following letters from people's representatives.
Bombay High Court's Stance
The High Court expressed its inability to understand the logic behind the scheme, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic, questioning its benefit to quality education.
Student Promotion with Backlogs
Universities implementing 'Carry On' system
Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU) provided provisional admission to third-year LLB for students with first-year backlogs for 2025-26.
Bombay High Court's Stance
The HC clarified that the academic results of students who benefited from the scheme for 2025-26 would be subject to the petition's outcome and that SPPU's decision would not apply to students who failed even after revaluation.
- Court Direction
- Universities must halt 'carry on' system for 2025-26.
- Affected Universities
- Kavayitri Bahinabai Chaudhari North Maharashtra University, Punyashlok Ahilyadevi Holkar Solapur University, Sant Gadge Baba Amravati University, Shivaji University.
- Original GR/Circular Basis
- Limited to academic year 2024-25 and Engineering Faculty.
- Court's Concern
- Scheme questioned for its logic and impact on quality education post-pandemic.
- Petitioner
- LLB student from Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU) with first-year backlogs.
- SPPU Action
- Provided provisional admission to higher years for students with backlogs for 2025-26.
- Next Hearing
- December 10