Chandigarh, Nov 16, 2025: Panjab University has announced the postponement of all examinations scheduled between November 18 and 20, citing ongoing student protests over the delayed schedule of the university’s Senate elections. The decision comes amid heightened tensions on campus, where students have threatened to boycott exams until their demands are met.

In an official statement issued on Saturday, Jagat Bhushan, the Controller of Examinations at Panjab University, confirmed that revised exam dates would be communicated in due course. Students have been advised to monitor official university channels for updates and notifications regarding the rescheduling.

The current unrest stems from student dissatisfaction over the absence of Senate elections, which have not been held for over a year. Protesting students, under the banner of the ‘Panjab University Bachao Morcha,’ have made it clear that they will not participate in exams unless the Senate poll schedule is formally announced. They have also threatened to disrupt exams if the university proceeds without addressing their demands.

On November 12, representatives of the student protesters met with the Vice-Chancellor (VC) of the university. According to the students, the VC assured them that the Senate poll schedule, which has already been sent to the Chancellor for approval, would be sanctioned soon. Despite these assurances, the students decided to continue their agitation, citing the prolonged delay and the need for transparency in the university’s governance.

Ashmeet Singh, Vice President of the Panjab University Campus Students Council (PUCSC), reiterated that the protest would persist until the Senate election schedule was announced. “Our main demand is the announcement of the Senate election schedule. Until that happens, we will continue to press our point,” Singh said.

The agitation traces its roots to the initial decision by the central government to restructure Panjab University’s governing bodies, namely the Senate and the Syndicate. Students had opposed the move, arguing that it undermined the university’s autonomy. Following mounting pressure from student groups and political leaders, the Ministry of Education withdrew its October 28 notification on November 7. The decision, however, did not lead to the end of the protests, as students continued to press for formal clarity on the Senate elections.

The issue has attracted attention beyond campus boundaries, drawing support from various political parties and farmers’ organizations in Punjab. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), Congress, and groups such as the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM Non-Political) and the Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Morcha have all extended their backing to the student agitation.

Sukhbir Singh Badal, president of the Shiromani Akali Dal and former Deputy Chief Minister of Punjab, met with protesting students on Saturday to express his support. He urged all political parties and social organizations to unite in defense of Panjab University, emphasizing that the institution is a symbol of Punjab’s educational and cultural heritage. “This issue is deeply emotional for Punjabis. We must send a strong message that we will not allow Panjab University to be taken away from Punjab,” he stated.

Badal, who spent four years studying at Panjab University, warned that the current attempt to centralize authority over the university could set a precedent for further interventions that may alter the character of Chandigarh. He added that the SAD would soon lead a delegation to meet the Vice President of India to seek his intervention in resolving the matter.

The postponement of exams highlights the growing impact of student activism on university operations. Campus authorities have expressed concern over academic disruptions but have acknowledged the students’ right to protest, emphasizing the need to maintain dialogue and ensure safety.

The ongoing protest reflects a broader debate in India over the governance and autonomy of educational institutions. Students and political leaders alike argue that centralization of control over prestigious institutions risks undermining regional influence and local cultural identity. In the case of Panjab University, the delay in Senate elections has emerged as a flashpoint, symbolizing wider concerns about administrative transparency and accountability.

Students have maintained continuous sit-ins near the VC office, staging peaceful demonstrations while demanding formal communication regarding election timelines. The protest has gained visibility on social media, where several political leaders and student organizations have amplified the call for immediate resolution.

University authorities, while acknowledging the students’ grievances, have emphasized the need to adhere to procedural protocols before announcing any electoral schedule. Jagat Bhushan, the Controller of Examinations, reiterated that all decisions regarding exam dates and Senate polls would be communicated officially, urging students to avoid disrupting academic activities.

With exams postponed and student protests continuing, Panjab University faces an uncertain few weeks ahead. The administration is under pressure to balance academic responsibilities with the demands of an active student body, while political leaders advocate for swift intervention to prevent further escalation.

The coming days will be crucial in determining the course of both the examination schedule and the broader governance issues at Panjab University. For students, faculty, and political stakeholders, the resolution of the Senate poll schedule represents more than an administrative formality—it is seen as a reaffirmation of the university’s autonomy and the rights of its academic community.

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