Panjab University postpones exams amid intensifying student protests

Chandigarh: Panjab University (PU) on Saturday announced the postponement of all examinations scheduled from November 18 to 20, following mounting student protests demanding the announcement of long-pending Senate election dates.

PU Controller of Examinations Jagat Bhushan issued a statement confirming that the revised schedule for the affected exams will be notified later. Students have been advised to monitor the university’s official website and communication channels for updates.

The decision comes as student groups continue their agitation under the banner of Panjab University Bachao Morcha, pressing for immediate declaration of the Senate poll schedule. The protesters have already announced a complete boycott of exams until their demand is met and warned they would not allow examinations to be conducted on campus.

The unrest gained momentum despite the Ministry of Education withdrawing its October 28 notification that proposed restructuring the university’s Senate and Syndicate. Although the order was rolled back on November 7 amid political pressure and student opposition, campus groups vowed to continue their agitation until the Senate elections—pending for over a year–are officially announced.

On November 12, student representatives met Vice-Chancellor Renu Vig, claiming she assured them that the election schedule sent to the Chancellor is expected to receive approval soon. However, student leaders, including PUCSC vice-president Ashmeet Singh, reiterated that protests would continue until formal notification of the polls is issued.

Earlier this week, students held a large-scale campus protest as part of a “university shutdown”, drawing support from several political parties and farmers’ organisations. Backing the agitation are the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), Congress and multiple farmers’ unions, including the Samyukta Kisan Morcha.

SAD president Sukhbir Singh Badal, who met the protesting students on Saturday, urged all political and social organisations to stand united on the issue. Calling Panjab University an emotional and cultural symbol of Punjab, he warned against any attempts to “centralise” or “dilute” the university’s identity. Badal also said that an SAD delegation will soon meet the Vice-President of India to seek intervention.

With examinations postponed and protests intensifying, the university is expected to face continued disruptions unless the Senate poll schedule is announced. The administration has yet to provide a timeline for the revised exam dates or the election notification.

(with inputs from agencies)