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or students considering higher education abroad, adapting to a new academic setting can be just as important as knowing the course content. A key part of this is understanding the academic calendar, which organizes class times, exams, and holidays. If you're a Bangladeshi student planning to study in India, knowing how the Indian academic calendar works will help you manage your time and studies.

If you are starting your bachelor's degree, working on a master's, or joining an exchange program, this post is for you. We’ll explain the semester setup, exam schedules, and typical breaks at Indian universities, with a focus on places like Sharda University, which has many students from other countries, including Bangladesh.

Why the Academic Calendar Matters

The academic calendar is more than just dates; it shapes how you balance studying with other activities, like travel, internships, and preparing for exams. For students from Bangladesh, understanding the Indian academic calendar helps with:

  • Knowing when to apply and handle visa matters
  • Booking travel and places to stay ahead of time
  • Planning trips back home during long breaks
  • Getting ready for exams and assignment due dates
  • Finding internships or part-time jobs

Knowing how the system works lets students put more focus on learning.

The Indian Academic Calendar: What to Expect

Most universities in India, such as Sharda University, use a two-semester system. The school year is split into two parts: the Odd Semester and the Even Semester.

1.  Odd Semester (July – December)

This first part of the year usually starts in late July or early August. It includes:

  • Orientation programs for new students, especially those from other countries
  • Regular classes and lab work
  • Mid-term exams around October
  • Final exams in late November or early December

2.  Even Semester (January – May/June)

The second semester starts in early to mid-January and follows a similar plan:

  • New classes after the winter break
  • Mid-term exams around March
  • Final exams wrapping up by late May or early June

This gives students enough time between semesters to plan things out.

Holidays and Breaks

The Indian school year has several breaks and public holidays. Knowing about these can help students from Bangladesh schedule trips home or short internships.

1.  Summer Break (June – July)

This is the longest break, about 6–8 weeks, after the Even Semester. Students can go home, rest, or do internships. For Bangladeshi students, it's a good time to see family.

2.  Winter Break (Mid-December – Early January)

This shorter break, about 2–3 weeks, is at the end of the Odd Semester. Some international students go home, while others see India or take short courses.

3.  Festival Holidays

India has many public holidays because of its different cultures, such as:

  • Diwali (October–November)
  • Holi (March)
  • Independence Day (August 15)
  • Republic Day (January 26)
  • Eid and Christmas, which are also celebrated at diverse schools like Sharda

Bangladeshi students might be glad to know that Eid and other Islamic holidays are recognized, and schools may have special meals or events for international students.

How Exams Work

There are two types of exams: internal assessments and end-of-semester exams. Here’s how they usually work:

1.  Internal Assessments

These include:

  • Mid-term exams
  • Quizzes
  • Assignments
  • Presentations
  • Class attendance and participation

These count for about 30–40% of the final grade.

2.  End-of-Semester Exams

These exams at the end of each semester are worth the other 60–70% of the grade. They are mostly written exams, but some programs (like Engineering or Media Studies) might have projects or practical tests.

It’s important for students from Bangladesh to know this, especially if they’re used to a different system. Regular attendance and joining in class discussions can raise your grade.

Key Academic Points at Sharda University

If you’re a student from Bangladesh at Sharda University, the academic calendar is similar, with two semesters, but it also has:

  • Orientation Week: A special time for new international students to get used to life in India and the school system.
  • Cultural Events: Events throughout the year, like the Global Village, where students can show off their culture.
  • Exam Schedules: Posted at the start of each semester on student websites.
  • Result Announcements: Usually 2–4 weeks after final exams, with transcripts released after.

Tips for Students from Bangladesh in India

Getting used to a new school setting can be hard, but you can grow from it. Here’s some advice:

  • Start Early: Know when to apply. Most Indian universities start accepting applications in February–March for the July semester. This gives you time to apply, get a visa, and plan your travel.
  • Watch Deadlines: Unlike in Bangladesh, Indian schools stick to deadlines for assignments, exams, and re-grading requests.
  • Stay Involved: The semester system needs you to keep up all year. Go to classes, do assignments, and take mid-semester exams.
  • Use Breaks Well: Summer and winter breaks are good for internships, learning new things, or relaxing. Many students from Bangladesh take online courses to make their resumes better during these times.

How Sharda Supports International Students

Sharda University cares about its international students. For those from Bangladesh, it offers:

  • Academic advisors to help you each semester
  • Online learning with recorded lectures and notes
  • Mentors for new international students
  • Workshops on writing, time management, and exam prep

This helps students understand and succeed in the school system.

Conclusion

The academic calendar in India is made to balance learning with personal growth. For students from Bangladesh, it provides a clear structure and chances to learn, connect with others, and grow as people.

By understanding how universities like Sharda work, students can plan well, perform well, and get the most from their time studying abroad. From preparing for exams to joining in cultural events, each part of the academic calendar helps students succeed.

Visit Us: www.sharda.ac.in/international

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