Chandigarh – After the Central Government (Vice President) withdrew the decision to dissolve the Panjab University Senate, it has now agreed to conduct the Senate elections.
SNPNEWS.IN News (Gurmail Kamboj) – 28 November 2025After continuous protests since 1 October over the Panjab University Chandigarh Senate elections, a victorious decision has finally come for the students.
India’s Vice President Shri C.P. Radhakrishnan, who is also the Chancellor of the University, fully approved the Senate elections on 27 November 2025. This decision was originally taken on 9 November 2025, and the University Vice Chancellor Prof. Renu Vig was officially informed on Wednesday evening. With this, the old democratic structure of the university has been fully restored.
The previous Senate of Panjab University completed its term and was dissolved on 31 October 2024. After that, a new Senate could not be formed because elections were not held, and the Central Government attempted to implement new reforms (changing from the calendar system to a nomination-based system). As a result, from 1 November 2024 to 27 November 2025, the university was functioning without an elected Senate. Now, with the Vice President’s approval, the new Senate will be constituted in 2026.
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On 28 October 2025, the Central Government had issued a notification to reduce the number of Senate members from 91 and to abolish elections for the Registered Graduates (Alumni) constituency. This move was seen as a threat to the university’s autonomy. Students called it an “attack on Punjab’s rights” and launched protests. The PU Bachao Morcha enforced a university shutdown on 10 November, during which clashes occurred with the police. Another shutdown call was given on 26 November.
All political parties in Punjab (AAP, Congress, Akali Dal), farmers’ unions (Sanyukt Kisan Morcha), and civil society participated in the protests in support of the Senate’s rights. Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann also demanded that elections be held.
The Centre withdrew the notification on 7 November, but students continued their dharna and demand for the announcement of election dates – which was finally met yesterday with the Vice President’s approval.
Election Schedule for 2026
Elections will be held in phases, with the first notification expected in January 2026. Key dates:
● Technical & Professional Colleges (Principals & Staff): Voting – 7 September 2026, Results – 9 September 2026
● University Departments Professors (Associate & Assistant): Voting – 14 September 2026, Results – 16 September 2026
● Affiliated Arts Colleges Heads & Faculty; Registered Graduates (Alumni): Voting – 20 September 2026, Results – 22 September 2026
● University Faculties: Voting & Results – 4 October 2026
■ The Senate has a total of 91 members, of which 49 are elected. The Registered Graduates constituency includes alumni from Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, and Himachal Pradesh.
This decision is a major victory for the students. The PU Bachao Morcha celebrated it as a “Victory Rally”. Student organisations have announced the end of their 27-day dharna. Vice Chancellor Professor (Dr.) Renu Vig thanked the Vice President and said this step will strengthen the academic environment of the university.