Education news
JNU PhD Admissions 2026-27: Row Over SC-ST Seat Quotas, Commission Demands Reply
· Source: Amar Ujala
A controversy has emerged over PhD admissions at Jawaharlal Nehru University for the 2026-27 session, with SFI alleging a reduction in seats reserved for SC, ST, and disabled candidates. The National Commission for Scheduled Castes has directed the university to submit a response within seven days.
What Happened
A dispute has arisen over PhD admissions at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) for the 2026-27 academic session. The Students' Federation of India (SFI) has alleged that the seat matrix does not follow the mandated reservation norms for Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) categories, and also raised concerns regarding seats reserved for students with disabilities. SFI has demanded that the university rectify its admission details.
Allegations Regarding Seat Distribution
According to SFI, JNU has listed a total of 711 seats for PhD admissions, where the allocated seats do not match the mandated percentages for SC and ST categories.
| Category | Allocated Seats | Allocated Percentage | Mandated Percentage | Alleged Shortfall |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Tribe (ST) | 38 | Around 5.34% | 7.5% | 15 seats |
| Scheduled Caste (SC) | 103 | Around 14.49% | 15% | 4 seats |
Commissions Seek Explanation
The National Commission for Scheduled Castes took cognizance of the issue following a complaint filed by Gopika Babu, a member of SFI's Delhi State Committee and Vice President of the JNU Students' Union. On 27 October 2026, the commission reminded the university that it had failed to submit a report in the specified time and directed it to reply within seven days. Following SFI's initiative, the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes has also registered a complaint.
Background of Student Protests
This controversy comes shortly after the JNU Students' Union concluded a 17-day hunger strike on 20 October. Following the strike, the administration agreed to several student demands, including withdrawing the immediate expulsion of five students—Aditi Mishra, K. Gopika Babu, Sunil Yadav, Danish Ali, and Nitish Kumar—and dropping FIRs against other protesters, along with withdrawing some disciplinary inquiries.
- JNU administration previously agreed to form a committee with student union participation to review entrance examinations.
- The administration also agreed to consider the matter of reservation in hostels.
Demands Raised by SFI
- Revise the PhD admission details.
- Make a clear reservation roster public.
- Release admission data categorized by different groups.
- Fill reserved posts that have been lying vacant for a long time.
Questions
How many total seats are announced for JNU PhD admissions 2026-27?
According to SFI, a total of 711 seats have been shown for PhD admissions at JNU.
What is the alleged shortfall of SC and ST seats in JNU PhD admissions?
SFI claims there is a deficit of 15 seats for the ST category and 4 seats for the SC category compared to the prescribed reservation norms.
What deadline has the National Commission for Scheduled Castes given to JNU?
The National Commission for Scheduled Castes has asked JNU to submit its response within seven days.
Who filed the complaint regarding the reservation issue at JNU?
The complaint was submitted by Gopika Babu, member of the SFI Delhi State Committee and Vice President of the JNU Students' Union.
Written in English by Disha Stars from the Amar Ujala report (read the original in Hindi). Check dates and links on the official website before you act.
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