PhD row escalates: Why JNU's own entrance exam matters

Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) is once again in the eye of a storm — this time over its PhD admission process.

The JNU Students’ Union (JNUSU), led by the Left, is on an indefinite hunger strike demanding the reinstatement of the university’s in-house PhD entrance exam (JNUEE). The administration, however, is firm in its decision to adopt the UGC-NET/JRF-based admission route.

Despite an olive branch extended by vice-chancellor Santishree Dhulipudi Pandit, the standoff persists. Students remain adamant, and the JNU Teachers' Association (JNUTA) has also thrown its weight behind the protest, accusing the administration of diluting the university’s legacy of academic inclusivity.

INDEFINITE HUNGER STRIKE enters Day 5th
Join us at Sabarmati T-Point and strengthen the fight.
Ladh JNU, Padh JNU!✊#JNUSU pic.twitter.com/tzj9evDaN3

— JNUSU Official (@jnusu_official) July 1, 2025

At the heart of the protest lies the question: Why is the JNU entrance exam so important? Here's why students and faculty insist it must be retained:

Why JNU’s PhD entrance exam matters

Deprivation points system: JNU's unique model offers additional weightage to applicants from backward regions and women candidates. This affirmative action helps level the playing field and is seen as essential for ensuring social justice in admissions

In-House entrance examination: Traditionally, JNU conducted its own exam, tailored to assess students in line with the university’s distinct academic culture. It enabled broader evaluation beyond just multiple-choice testing, accommodating diverse intellectual backgrounds

Commitment to social inclusion: JNU’s admission policies have long reflected its commitment to equity, shaped through years of student activism. Centralised exams like NET (National Entrance Test), critics argue, tilt the balance in favor of those with access to expensive coaching and resources

Protest timeline & accusations

In an open letter dated 26 June, JNUSU president Nitish Kumar, vice-president Manisha, and general-secretary Munteha Fatima accused the administration of reneging on a promise made during a 17-day hunger strike in August 2023 — to reinstate the JNUEE from the 2025-26 academic session. They alleged that the administration is using “lack of funds” as a pretext to stall the entrance exam, while pushing a model that benefits ideological affiliates of the RSS and ABVP.

Vice-chancellor Pandit, in her response on 27 June, claimed she had asked all deans last year to take responsibility for conducting the entrance exam, but none offered a written commitment. She stated that many opted for UGC-NET and CUET instead, citing broader reach and higher participation from reserved categories. “As the democratic head of the institution,” she said, “I must respect their collective decision.”

Faculty stands with students

Rejecting the VC’s arguments, JNUTA called the decision exclusionary and poorly planned.

In a letter released on 30 June, it pointed out that the June 2025 NET results would not be declared in time for the upcoming academic cycle, effectively barring candidates who completed their Master’s degrees this year from applying.

JNUTA demanded a comprehensive meeting with university authorities, including teachers’ representatives, to discuss what it called a “fragmented and exclusionary” admissions policy. They also criticised the VC’s insistence on including joint-secretary Vaibhav Meena — a JNUSU member who supports the CUET/NET model and has not participated in the strike — in discussions meant to reflect the union’s collective stand. Notably, the JNU administration has postponed the stakeholders' meet.

JNU admin postpones stakeholders’ meet, insists on inviting both JNUTA & RSS-linked JNUTF.

JNUSU demands only JNUTA, says admin trying to delay talks. Strike enters Day 5 as students demand JNUEE’s return & rollback of CUET/NET-based PhD admissions. #JNU #HungerStrike

#JNU… pic.twitter.com/BrurBozb80

— Vishu Adhana (@vishu_reports) June 30, 2025

Admissions continue amid protest

Despite the unrest, JNU has opened its PhD application portal for the current academic year. The online submission window runs from 26 June to 7 July. Viva-voce rounds are scheduled for late July, and the first merit list is expected on 11 August.

Meanwhile, the hunger strike continues at Sabarmati T-point, with JNUSU leaders reaffirming that their protest will not end until the university agrees to reinstate the JNUEE and engage in transparent, inclusive dialogue over the future of PhD admissions.