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College attendance rules: 75%, condonation and shortage

5 min read · Updated 9 Nov 2026

Falling short on attendance can stop you from sitting an exam, however well you'd do in it. Here's how the rule usually works — and where to look for your own college's version.

The usual rule

Most Indian universities require around 75% attendance in each subject to be allowed to write the end-semester exam. The exact percentage, and whether it's counted per subject or overall, is written in your university's academic regulations.

• Per subject is the common approach — strong attendance in one subject doesn't cover another.
• Theory and lab are often counted separately.
• Attendance is usually counted from the first day of classes, not from your admission date.

Condonation

Many universities allow a limited shortfall to be condoned — typically for medical reasons with certificates, or for approved activities such as NCC, NSS, sports or university events. There's usually a floor below which nothing is condoned, and sometimes a fee. Apply early, with documents, through your department.

If you fall short

Depending on the regulations, a shortage can mean being barred from that subject's exam, repeating the course, or — for large shortfalls — repeating the semester. Internal marks may still count once you're allowed back in.

Staying ahead of it

• Track attendance weekly, per subject — don't rely on the portal's overall figure.
• Work out how many classes you can afford to miss before you miss them.
• If you're below, the number of classes you need in a row grows quickly — act early.
• Keep medical certificates and event letters; they're what condonation runs on.

Sources

University and college academic regulations (attendance and condonation clauses). Rules differ by university and programme — read your own regulations or ask your department.