JNUSU Protests JNU's UGC-NET Policy Change and Hostel Eviction Notices, Demands Fairness for PhD Scholars

The JNU administration announced that for the upcoming 2025–26 PhD admissions, only the December 2024 UGC-NET scores would be considered valid, excluding candidates appearing for the June 2025 UGC-NET.

The Jawaharlal Nehru University Students’ Union (JNUSU) organized a mass delegation outside the Admission Branch on May 15, 2025, to protest against two major issues affecting PhD scholars: the university's decision to exclude candidates appearing for the upcoming June 2025 UGC-NET from the 2025–26 PhD admissions, and the recent hostel eviction notices issued to scholars from the 2018 to 2021 batches. The protest highlights growing concerns over fairness in academic policies and the right to accommodation for research students, sparking a broader debate on education and career prospects at one of India’s premier institutions.

UGC-NET Policy Change Sparks Outrage

In a meeting with JNUSU representatives, the JNU administration announced that for the upcoming 2025–26 PhD admissions, only the December 2024 UGC-NET scores would be considered valid, excluding candidates appearing for the June 2025 UGC-NET. This decision has been met with strong opposition from students, who argue that it unfairly limits opportunities for those preparing for the later exam.

The UGC-NET (University Grants Commission National Eligibility Test) is a crucial examination for aspiring researchers, determining eligibility for PhD programs and junior research fellowships (JRF) across India. Conducted twice a year, in June and December, it assesses candidates in various subjects, with scores valid for a specified period. The June 2025 UGC-NET, scheduled for later this year, was anticipated to be a significant opportunity for students to secure admission to top institutions like JNU.

JNUSU President Nitish, Vice President Manisha, and General Secretary Munteha have condemned the administration’s stance, calling it arbitrary and detrimental to students’ career prospects. “Excluding June 2025 UGC-NET candidates from PhD admissions undermines the very purpose of the exam and disadvantages those who have prepared extensively,” Nitish stated in a letter to the university community. The union has demanded a reversal of this policy, arguing that it contradicts the principles of fairness and equal opportunity in higher education.

The protest on May 15, 2025, at 2:30 PM outside the Admission Branch was a direct response to this policy change. Students gathered in large numbers, holding placards with messages like “Include June 2025 UGC-NET Scores” and “Fair Admissions for All.” The demonstration aimed to pressure the administration into reconsidering its decision, with JNUSU vowing to continue the struggle until their demands are met.

Hostel Eviction Notices Add to Scholars’ Woes

Simultaneously, JNUSU raised strong objections to the recent hostel eviction notices issued to PhD scholars from the 2018, 2019, 2020, and 2021 batches. These notices have caused significant anxiety among researchers, who rely on hostel accommodation to complete their doctoral studies. The union’s mass delegation met with the Dean of Students (DoS) to demand that all PhD scholars be allowed to reside in hostels until the submission of their theses, regardless of batch or admission date.

For the 2018 batch, JNUSU emphasized that hostel facilities must be ensured for all students until thesis submission, acknowledging the delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The DoS responded by stating that the duration of hostel stay would be calculated from the date of PhD commencement post-MPhil submission, a partial concession to the union’s demands. However, for the 2019 and subsequent batches, the administration maintained that the stay would be calculated strictly from the date of PhD admission, without considering systemic delays in hostel allotment.

JNUSU firmly rejected this approach, describing it as “unjust and discriminatory.” General Secretary Munteha highlighted the structural challenges faced by scholars, noting, “Calculating hostel stay without considering actual allotment times ignores the administration’s own lapses. This policy threatens the academic progress of countless researchers.” The union’s position is clear: all PhD scholars must be guaranteed hostel accommodation until thesis submission, a right they view as fundamental to their academic journey.

Educational and Career Implications

The dual issues of UGC-NET policy changes and hostel evictions have significant implications for education and career prospects at JNU. The UGC-NET is a gateway to research careers, with successful candidates eligible for JRFs that provide financial support and prestigious opportunities. Excluding June 2025 UGC-NET scores could delay or derail the academic plans of hundreds of students, particularly those from marginalized backgrounds who rely on such examinations for upward mobility.

Similarly, hostel eviction notices threaten the continuity of research for PhD scholars, many of whom are in critical stages of their work. The lack of stable accommodation can disrupt fieldwork, access to libraries, and overall well-being, potentially leading to delays in thesis submission and impacting career trajectories. For international students or those from distant regions, the loss of hostel facilities could force premature departures, further exacerbating inequalities.

JNUSU’s Unwavering Stance

JNUSU’s response has been resolute, with the union committing to a sustained campaign to protect students’ rights. “We will not back down until we receive unambiguous assurances that no PhD student will be forcibly evicted from hostels and that June 2025 UGC-NET scores will be considered for admissions,” Vice President Manisha declared. The union’s actions reflect a broader commitment to safeguarding the academic environment at JNU, ensuring that policies do not undermine students’ opportunities.

The protest on May 15, 2025, was part of a series of actions planned by JNUSU, including petitions, public statements, and further delegations. The union’s efforts are aimed at mobilizing the student community and garnering support from faculty and alumni, highlighting the importance of inclusive and equitable educational policies.

As of May 16, 2025, the situation remains fluid, with JNUSU’s protest likely to influence upcoming discussions with the administration. The university is expected to review the UGC-NET policy and hostel eviction notices in light of student feedback, though no immediate changes have been announced. The coming weeks will be critical in determining whether JNU can address these concerns without compromising its academic integrity or student rights.

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