Thousands of students across Karnataka staged a Statewide boycott of classes in government degree colleges on Saturday, protesting the government’s failure to appoint guest lecturers and highlighting the growing academic crisis like situation in these institutions.Over 70,000 students across districts, including Kalaburagi, Bengaluru, Ballari, Mysuru, Raichur, Dharwad, Shivamogga, Hassan, Yadgir, Chitradurga, Koppal, and others, participated in the boycott, organised by the All India Democratic Students’ Organisation (AIDSO) Karnataka State Committee.Comparing government and private institutions, students argued that while private institutions have already completed two internal tests and are preparing for semester exams, many government degree colleges have not conducted a single class due to the absence of guest lecturers. They said that they would intensify their agitation until the government addresses their demands. This comes in response to universities issuing semester timetables and exam fee circulars despite classes not being held.Published - September 27, 2025 11:16 pm IST