PAU Quick Reference Guide | Guide 6

This quick reference guide summarizes all major PAU rules at a glance—from attendance and credit requirements to grading, hostel regulations, and postgraduate advisory procedures. Essential deadlines, examination policies, and discipline guidelines are highlighted for easy navigation and rapid consultation.

PAU Quick Reference Guide: All Major Rules at a Glance

Posted by: Dr. Singh Category: Reference Read Time: 5 minutes

Quick Overview: Key Numbers & Requirements

Attendance Minimum

75% / 80%

UG / PG respectively
Rule 7.2.2

Credit Load (Normal)

18 credits

Both UG and PG
Rule 7.5.1, 7.5.2

Credit Load (Maximum)

26 / 22

UG / PG respectively
Rule 7.5.1, 7.5.2

Minimum GPA

5.50 / 6.50

UG / PG to graduate
Rule 7.6.1

Pass Marks

50% / 60%

UG / PG in both theory & practical
Rule 6.1.2

Program Duration

6-12 / 4-10 / 5-14

UG / Master's / Ph.D. semesters
Rule 7.2

Academic Calendar & Key Deadlines

Activity	Deadline / Timeline	Rule
Course Registration (First Semester)	Before coursework begins or within 1 week after with permission	Rule 2.4
Registration (Subsequent Semesters)	Announced by Registrar each semester	Rule 3.1
Late Registration	Up to 3 working days after deadline	Rule 3.1(b)
Add Courses	By end of Week 3	Rule 4
Drop Courses	Before mid-semester exam starts	Rule 4
Mid-Semester Examination	Week 11	Rule 6.1(b)
Make-Up Exam Request	Within 3 working days of missed exam	Rule 6.1.1
Re-evaluation Request	Within 15 days of result announcement	Rule 6.1.1.2
Thesis Submission (PG)	10 days before final submission	Rule 7.8.2
Summer Session (Available)	For graduating students only (max 4 credits)	Rule 1.1

Grading & Assessment Reference

Grade Meanings

Grade	Meaning	Implication
F	Fail	Below passing marks; must retake course
S	Satisfactory	Used for research, seminars, projects
US	Unsatisfactory	Research/project below standards
W	Withdrawn	Officially withdrawn from course
I	Incomplete	Couldn't finish; must complete later
NC	Non-Credit	Doesn't count toward credits

Rule 6.1.3

Credit Points Scale

• 10.00: 100% marks
• 9.50: 95% marks
• 9.00: 90% marks
• 8.50: 85% marks
• 8.00: 80% marks
• 7.50: 75% marks
• 7.00: 70% marks
• 6.50: 65% marks
• 6.00: 60% marks
• 5.50: 55% marks
• 5.00: 50% marks
• F: Below 50% (UG) / Below 60% (PG)

Rule 6.1.2

Special Exam Options for Undergraduates

Compartment Exams Rule 6.1.1.1(a)

• Maximum 3 per semester
• One attempt only
• Must pass practical to be eligible
• Must get 35% in both mid-term and end-term exams
• Fees apply

Re-evaluation Rule 6.1.1.2

• Up to 50% of courses or 3 courses (whichever is less)
• Apply within 15 days of result
• Different examiner reviews answer sheet
• Maximum 5% marks increase (except for counting errors)
• Result within 3 working days

Academic Standing & Probation

Good Standing Requirements

• Undergraduates: OCPA ≥ 5.50 Rule 7.6.1
• Postgraduates: OCPA ≥ 6.50 Rule 7.6.1
• Also need minimum 24 credits (UG, by end of 2nd semester) and 48 credits (UG, by end of 4th semester)

Scholastic Probation

• Placed if you fall below minimum OCPA Rule 7.6.2
• You get one semester to improve
• Cannot represent college in sports/activities
• If you fail to improve: Dropped from university Rule 7.6.4(a)
• Can petition for re-admission

🚨 Critical: Automatic Dropping (First Year)
If you get CPA below 4.00 (UG) or 5.00 (PG) in either 1st OR 2nd semester, you are permanently dropped from the university with no second chance. Rule 7.6.4(b)(c)

Hostel Rules Summary

Hostel Eligibility & Allocation Chapter II, Section I-II

• Regular students on university rolls only
• Cannot stay beyond normal degree duration
• Students from Ludhiana: Not ordinarily eligible (unless on merit)
• In-service postgrad students claiming house rent: Not eligible

Hostel Timings Chapter II, Rule 19

Hostel Type	Winter (Nov-Feb)	Summer (Mar-Oct)
Girls' Hostels	Up to 7:00 PM	Up to 8:00 PM
Boys' Hostels	Up to 9:00 PM	Up to 10:00 PM

Hostel Rules & Discipline Chapter II, Sections III-X

• Prohibited: Four-wheelers, fire-arms, lethal weapons, intoxicants
• Electricity: Max 60W bulb/tube; heaters/rods prohibited
• Guests: Need Warden permission; opposite-gender guests not allowed
• Leave: Get Warden approval before staying away overnight
• Fees: Pay utensils/crockery fund and common room fund annually
• Mess: Compulsory for all boarders
• Conduct: Maintain discipline; violators liable to suspension/expulsion

Discipline & Misconduct

Unfair Means in Exams

Penalties: Rule 10.3

• One-hour test or mid-semester: Debarred from college/university rest of semester; fail all courses
• Final examination: Fail all courses; conduct probation for 2 semesters
• Second offense: Fail all courses; debarred from subsequent semester

Impersonation in Exam

If you're impersonated: Rule 10.4(a)

• Fail all courses in current semester
• Debarred from registration for next semester
• Conduct probation for 2 subsequent semesters

If you impersonate someone: Rule 10.4(b)(c)

• If you're a PAU student: Fail all courses; debarred next semester; conduct probation 2 semesters
• If you're not a PAU student: Case registered with police

If in entrance test: Rule 10.4(d)

• Admission cancelled
• Debarred from seeking admission to any PAU programme for 2 academic years
• Case registered with local police

Conduct Probation

Placed on conduct probation for indiscipline or misconduct. Conduct Probation Section

• Cannot represent college/university team
• Cannot hold any student organization office
• Second conduct probation violation: Dropped from rolls
• May be restricted regarding hostel accommodation

Rustication & Expulsion

Rustication: Rustication & Expulsion Regulations

• Minimum period: 1 semester
• Maximum period: 4 semesters
• No fees charged during rustication
• Can rejoin after rustication period expires

Expulsion:

• Cannot seek admission without Academic Council sanction
• Minimum wait: 2 academic years before re-admission eligibility

Ragging

Ragging is completely banned. Ragging Instructions

Penalties for ragging include:

• Debarring from exams or withholding results
• Suspension from classes and academic privileges
• Withdrawal of scholarships
• Suspension from hostel
• Rustication for 1-4 semesters
• Expulsion from institution
• Fine up to ₹25,000
• Imprisonment up to 2 years or fine up to ₹10,000 (or both)
• Collective punishment if offenders not identified

Postgraduate Specific Requirements

Admission & Advisory System Rule 2.3, Rule 5.2

• Master's: Admission in 1st semester only
• Ph.D.: Admission from 2nd semester onwards
• Major advisor assigned within 2 months of admission
• Advisory Committee appointed by Dean

Attendance Rule 7.2.2

• 80% minimum in all courses
• Applies to theory, practical, and research
• Below 80% = barred from exams or US grade for research

Preliminary Examination (Ph.D. only) Rule 6.2

• After 75% course completion
• Written exam: Major and minor fields
• Oral exam: By Advisory Committee + Head + external member
• If fail: Re-appear not earlier than 3 months
• Must pass before thesis submission

Thesis/Dissertation Rule 6.3, Rule 7.8

• Topic must be approved by committee by end of 1st semester
• Master's: Requires 1 external examiner
• Ph.D.: Requires 2 external examiners
• Oral exam conducted after thesis acceptance
• If rejected: Can resubmit after minimum 3 months
• Ph.D.: Must publish 2 research papers before final viva Rule 7.8.5

Credit & Duration Requirements Rule 7.2, Rule 7.5.2

• Master's: 6-12 semesters (normal 4)
• Ph.D.: 5-14 semesters (normal 6)
• Normal credit load: 18 credits
• Maximum: 22 credits (can add 2 more in final semester if not on probation)
• Minimum: 9 credits

Key Takeaways: Never Forget These

⚠️ Most Critical Rules:

• Attendance: 75% (UG) / 80% (PG) = Below this = Cannot take exams = Automatic fail Rule 7.2.2
• GPA: Need 5.50 (UG) / 6.50 (PG) to graduate Rule 7.6.1
• First year: CPA < 4.00 (UG) or < 5.00 (PG) in 1st or 2nd semester = Permanent drop Rule 7.6.4(b)(c)
• Cheating: Automatic fail + conduct probation + possible debarment Rule 10.3
• Ragging: Banned; violators face suspension, rustication, or expulsion Ragging Instructions
• Registration: Late = Fine; Missing deadline = Fines + complications Rule 2.4, Rule 3.1
• Add/Drop Courses: Week 3 add deadline; before mid-sem drop deadline Rule 4

Common FAQs Answered

What if I miss the registration deadline?

You'll pay a late fee. Late registration is allowed up to 3 working days after the deadline. For longer delays, you need Dean approval. Rule 3.1(b)

Can I drop a course after mid-semester exams?

No. The drop deadline is the working day before mid-semester exams start. After that, you must complete the course and receive a grade. Rule 4

What happens if I fail a course?

You get an F grade and zero credit points. You must retake the course when it's offered. The new grade replaces the F in your GPA calculation. Rule 6.1.3.2

Will I fail if I have low attendance but pass the exam?

Yes. If your attendance is below 75% (UG) or 80% (PG), you are barred from appearing in the end-of-semester exam, regardless of your preparation. Rule 7.2.2

Can I get attendance exemption for medical reasons?

Possibly. If you provide medical certificate from a recognized source, the Dean may consider exempting certain days. Submit documents immediately. Rule 6.1.1

What is the difference between GPA and OCPA?

GPA (CPA) is your grade average for one semester. OCPA is your cumulative average across all semesters since admission. OCPA is what determines graduation eligibility. Rule 6.1.2

Can I improve my grade after passing?

No. You can only repeat a course if you scored 5.00-5.49 (UG) or 6.00-6.49 (PG) and need to improve for minimum GPA. Not for merit improvement. Rule 7.6.3

What if I'm on scholastic probation?

You have one semester to bring your OCPA above minimum (5.50 for UG, 6.50 for PG). If you fail, you'll be dropped from the university. Rule 7.6.2, 7.6.4

Can I appeal a failing grade?

You can request re-evaluation within 15 days of result announcement for up to 50% of courses or 3 courses (whichever is less). Fee applies. Rule 6.1.1.2

What if I was caught cheating?

Serious consequences: fail all courses, conduct probation, possible debarment. Second offense results in debarment from university. Rule 10.3

Semester-by-Semester Timeline

Freshman/First Year

• Semester 1: Register, attend advisement, choose courses, establish study habits, meet 75% attendance and pass requirement
• Semester 2: Register normally, maintain performance, identify strong/weak areas, continue good attendance habits
• Critical: If CPA below 4.00 (UG) / 5.00 (PG) in either semester, you're permanently dropped Rule 7.6.4(b)(c)

Intermediate Years

• Continue maintaining attendance and minimum GPA
• Take special courses if offered (compartment exams, re-evaluation)
• Build good standing (OCPA ≥ 5.50 UG / ≥ 6.50 PG)
• For good standing students: Can take up to 28 credits (UG only) from 3rd semester

Final Year/Semester

• Ensure you've completed all credit requirements
• Postgraduates: Submit thesis draft and begin viva process
• Complete all course work and graduate with minimum OCPA
• Clear all hostel/library/canteen dues before graduation

Frequently Needed Forms & Documents

Form/Document	Where to Get	When Needed
Course Addition Form	Dean's office	Within Week 3
Course Withdrawal Form	Dean's office	Before mid-sem exams
Make-up Exam Request	Department/Dean	Within 3 days of missed exam
Re-evaluation Request	Dean's office	Within 15 days of results
Medical Certificate	Hospital/University Medical Officer	For absence justification
Deputation Letter	Director of Students' Welfare	For university-approved absences
No Due Certificate	Hostel Warden/Dean	At semester end or graduation
Character Certificate	Hostel Warden/Dean	For employment/higher studies

Important Contacts & Resources

📞 Key Contact Information:

• Registrar's Office: registrar@pau.edu
• Phone: +91-161-2400945, +91-161-2401960-79
• Director Students' Welfare: For hostel and student activities
• Dean of Your College: For academic approvals and exceptions
• Your Academic Advisor: For course planning and guidance
• Department Head: For department-specific issues

📞 If You're in Trouble:

• Academic Crisis: Meet your Dean immediately; explain situation; provide documentation if needed
• Health Crisis: University Medical Officer, PAU Hospital, or nearest hospital
• Mental Health: University Counseling Service (if available), trusted faculty member, or parents
• Hostel Issues: Hostel Warden, Director of Students' Welfare
• Disciplinary Issue: Your Dean; you have right to appeal to Vice Chancellor within 2 weeks Rule 10.5

Success Tips: How to Excel at PAU

💡 Key Strategies for Success:

• Attendance First: Never miss classes. 75/80% is minimum; aim for 90%+
• Consistent Study: Study daily, not just before exams
• Build Relationships: Know your instructors, advisors, and peers
• Communicate Early: Talk to instructors/advisor if struggling, not after failing
• Understand GPA: Know your current OCPA and what you need to graduate
• Manage Time: Balance academics, social life, and personal needs
• Seek Help: Use university resources: counseling, tutoring, study groups
• Stay Informed: Check notice boards and emails regularly
• Plan Ahead: Know deadlines and prepare well in advance
• Stay Ethical: Never cheat; it's not worth the consequences

Disclaimer: This is a condensed quick reference guide based on PAU's official Semester & Hostel Rules 2025-26. For complete details, refer to official university documents or contact the Registrar's office. Rules are subject to change; check official announcements regularly.

Last Updated: October 2025

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