Semester Freeze Policy

1. Purpose

This policy allows enrolled students to pause their academic studies (freeze a semester) under defined conditions, without progressing in coursework or exams, and resume later at the same stage.

1. Eligibility

2.1 Basic Conditions

• Semester freeze may be applied only after successful completion of the preceding semester.
• Freeze while the semester is in progress is not permitted.
• If a student is not enrolled in any course in a semester (due to freeze), they will not be considered a regular student during that period.

2.2 Special Circumstances

Freezing before or during a semester may be allowed only in documented hardship cases, subject to approval by the competent authority:

• Serious medical conditions (supported by a medical certificate)
• Maternity / delivery
• Iddat
• Death in the immediate family
• Other justified reasons at the discretion of authority

1. Duration

• A semester freeze is normally up to one academic year (equivalent to one or two regular semesters).
• The maximum duration of the degree program remains unchanged. That means the period a student is frozen counts toward the maximum allowed time for degree completion.

1. Procedure

4.1 Application

• Student must apply on the prescribed form before the start of the semester or as per NEI deadlines.
• Supporting documents must be attached (e.g., medical reports, certificates).
• Approval chain:
• Department
• Account’s Office
• Registrar’s Office
• Vice Chancellor

4.2 During Freeze

• The student’s studentship remains inactive (no classes, no exams).
• Attendance and academic progression are suspended.

4.3 Resumption

• The student must re-enroll at the start of the next corresponding semester.
• If courses have prerequisites or are not offered, the student must meet requirements as per academic regulations.

1. Financial & Academic Implications

5.1 Fees

• Freeze generally does not waive semester or freeze fees; institute may charge a freeze processing fee.
• If semester fee was deposited before freezing, NEI can choose to:
• Adjust part of it against future semesters, or
• Treat it as consumed for services up to the decision point (as per institute rules).

5.2 Academic Record

• The semester freeze status is recorded in the student’s academic record.
• No grading or credit accumulation occurs during a frozen semester.

1. Key Rules Summary