RUB bans mobile use in classrooms from October

After years of allowing students to carry and use mobile phones freely within campuses, the Royal University of Bhutan (RUB) has now decided to impose a complete ban on their use during academic hours. 

A new directive issued by the Office of the Vice Chancellor on 22nd September 2025 states that, starting 1st October, students across all RUB colleges will no longer be permitted to use their phones during lectures, tutorials, guest sessions or public talks.

Unlike the current practice where students often keep their phones with them in class or use them casually between lessons, the new rule requires that all phones be deposited in designated collection areas before any academic session begins. 

They may only be used when a faculty member specifically instructs students to do so for classroom activities, and such permission must be clearly communicated in advance. The directive states, “Phones maybe used when expressly permitted by the faculty for classroom related activities requiring their use.”

In a conversation with a student from Sherubtse College, she said, “We understand that phones can be distracting, but many of us at Sherubtse also use them for research and class updates. Instead of a full ban, I wish they had introduced a more flexible system.”

Another student from Gedu College, who wished to remain anonymous, said, “Sometimes when we get stuck in the middle of a lesson, we quickly search on our phones to understand better. If phones were taken away completely, it might slow us down.”

The policy marks a significant departure from the more flexible environment that existed until now, where phones were generally tolerated as long as they were used discreetly. 

Under the new order, even faculty members have been called upon to lead by example by refraining from using mobile phones during teaching or while attending public lectures. “Faculty must model this behavioural change by refraining from the use of mobile phones during classes and public talks,” states the directive.

Each college’s Dean of Academic Affairs has been tasked with enforcing the rule, while individual institutions are expected to set up systems for storage, monitoring and retrieval of devices. 

The directive also outlines strict penalties for defaulters. 

The first breach will result in a warning, while repeated violations will lead to phone confiscation for periods ranging from one to six months. 

Persistent offenders may face further administrative action as decided by the College Disciplinary Committee.

According to RUB, the move is aimed at restoring discipline, reducing unnecessary distractions and helping students re-engage more meaningfully in classroom learning, a shift that reflects growing concern over excessive phone dependence among students.