JNU Students on Indefinite Hunger Strike Demand Restoration of JNUEE, Appeal to Teachers for Support

Since 2022, JNU has shifted its PG and PhD admissions to CUET-PG and UGC-NET-based models, moving away from its custom JNUEE

Students of Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) have entered the twelfth day of an indefinite hunger strike, intensifying their demand for the restoration of the Jawaharlal Nehru University Entrance Examination (JNUEE) and other student welfare issues.

In an open letter addressed to their teachers, the protesting students have urged faculty members to extend solidarity, including participating in the hunger strike for at least one day.

As per the Jawaharlal Nehru University Students' Union (JNUSU), the protest involves 14 students on indefinite hunger strike and over 230 students participating in a mass relay strike. Among those on hunger strike for the full 12 days are JNUSU President Nitish Kumar, Councillor Antariksh, and students Loni, Sourya, and Manikant. Several others, including Vice-President Manisha, had to withdraw due to serious health complications.

Key Demands of the Protest

The students have outlined four core demands:

Reinstatement of JNUEE (JNU’s traditional entrance exam).

Immediate halt to eviction of PhD scholars from hostels.

Revocation of all ongoing proctorial inquiries against students.

Increase in the Merit-cum-Means scholarship amount.

Why Students Are Protesting the Scrapping of JNUEE

The principal grievance concerns the replacement of JNUEE with a NET-based admission test. Students argue that the shift undermines the university’s historical commitment to inclusion, academic diversity, and critical thinking.

“The JNUEE was more than an exam—it was a pathway for students from remote, marginalised communities to enter this institution,” the letter states. “By replacing it with a standardised format, JNU is losing its unique academic culture and social fabric.”

The letter also criticises the removal of deprivation points, which previously provided additional weight to students from underprivileged and backward regions.

Appeal to Faculty for Action, Not Just Words

In their letter, the students call on JNU’s faculty members to move beyond symbolic support.

“We urge you to extend your solidarity not just in principle but in action—by joining us, even if for a day. Your presence will uplift the morale of protesting students and reaffirm that the JNU community stands united,” the letter says.

Students on hunger strike have begun to show signs of severe fatigue and health deterioration. The letter includes a health alert for the five students who have completed 12 days without food, noting the urgent need for institutional dialogue before the situation worsens further.

“This is not just our struggle—it’s for future generations who deserve access to the same inclusive JNU we were lucky to enter,” the letter concludes.

JNU shifting to CUET PG, UGC NET

Since 2022, JNU has shifted its PG and PhD admissions to CUET-PG and UGC-NET-based models, moving away from its custom JNUEE. Critics argue the new format restricts academic autonomy and marginalises students from socio-economically backward regions.

With no formal response yet from the university administration, pressure is mounting on faculty, governing bodies, and the Ministry of Education to intervene. Student organisations plan to escalate protests if their demands go unheard.