New Delhi: The mid-semester examination for Delhi Technological University (DTU), formerly Delhi College of Engineering (DCE), began yesterday as per schedule, although the attendance of students appearing in B.E/ B.Tech was thin in the morning shift (for IInd and VIth semester), which considerably improved in the afternoon shift (for IVth and VIIIth semester) with total of 88 students appearing for the undergraduate examinations.

All exams for M.Tech courses were held as per schedule with almost full strength.

The low attendance was primarily because the agitating leaders took other students away to some undisclosed location from the metro stations, which also prevented many of the willing students to take the exam.

As far as the University is concerned, it had made all necessary arrangements for conducting of examination including security for those who were to appear in the exam.

According to the date sheet provided to students, the exam is also scheduled for today.

In order to break the deadlock, the two expelled students namely Mr. Ravishekhar and Mr. Nitin Bariya along with another student leader Mr. Pankaj Mishra met the Vice Chancellor, DTU, Prof. P.B. Sharma, in the presence of Dr. Naveen Kumar, Dean, Students Welfare and Dr. Vishal Verma, Chairman, Cultural Council, DTU.

It was appealed to the student leaders that they should respect the academic calendar of University and extend all cooperation to uphold the dignity and honour of this prestigious institution, now technological University.

It was also assured that their genuine suggestions to add-on to the over-all academic environment of the University will also be considered.

The University authorities have appealed to the student leaders that they should call-off their agitation in large interest of the student community, as non-appearance in exam and disruption of academic schedule adversely affects not only the reputation of institute but also harms students' interest.

This may also affect the 520 offers, which have already been received by final year students for placements in reputed MNCs and industrial houses.

It was reiterated that students should appear without fear in the exams and the students as well as their guardians should extend all necessary support to University authorities so that the environment of trust and fraternity can be maintained and the interest of their wards is protected.

It has also come to the light that the students who appeared in the exam have received threats from the agitators.

One such sms from a student (name not disclosed) informs that, "I have been threatened by the students for attending today’s exam, as a result of which I am too much scared. It is requested to kindly do the needful for me."

The University authorities appealed to the guardians and students of DTU, to appear in the scheduled examinations without any kind of fear.