Ranchi: The college in which Indian cricket captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni is studying as an under-graduate has refuted reports that he has been denied promotion to second year after failing to appear in second semester examinations.

Dhoni, who is pursuing his graduation degree from St Xavier's college in the city, failed to appear in second semester examination held May-June, as he was not in the country and it was reported he had been denied promotion to the third semester.

"Promotion can be denied to a student after he or she appears in an examination. When Dhoni did not appear in the examination at all, then the question of denying promotion is ruled out," a member of the college administration told sources.

Meanwhile, the college principal, Father Nicolas Tete said: "Special arrangements have been made for Dhoni (to take the exam). It is up to Dhoni to decide when and where he wants to appear in the examination."

Dhoni was admitted in the St Xavier's college under sports quota and he was exempted from attending classes. He has passed the first semester, taking the examination from his Ranchi home.

To graduate from St Xavier's College, Dhoni will have to clear six semesters in five years. Normally, a student has to clear six semesters in three years to get the degree. However, if they fail to clear any of the semester examinations, they will be given a maximum period of five years to clear all. IANS