Students Demand Fairer PhD Admission Process as JNUEE Debate Heats Up

JNUSU-Led Vote Reveals Overwhelming Support for JNU Entrance Examination

The debate over PhD admissions at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) has intensified, with students overwhelmingly voting in favour of reinstating the JNU Entrance Examination (JNUEE), opposing the current UGC-NET-based admissions system. Many students and faculty members argue that UGC-NET alone is inadequate for assessing a candidate’s research abilities, stressing the need for an entrance test tailored to JNU’s academic standards. To voice their concerns, the Jawaharlal Nehru University Students' Union (JNUSU) conducted a referendum on 24 May across hostel areas on campus. The results revealed a clear preference for the JNUEE, with 1,323 out of 1,424 votes backing its reinstatement. In contrast, 96 students opposed the move, while five votes were deemed invalid.

The outcome highlights strong student sentiment in favour of an institutionalised entrance exam, which they believe ensures a fairer and more comprehensive selection process. The Left-wing All India Students' Association (AISA), which currently holds the JNUSU presidency, actively championed the JNUEE’s reinstatement, urging students to support the measure. In a statement, JNUSU criticised the university’s vice-chancellor, alleging that she reneged on her promise to conduct an internal PhD entrance exam for 2025 admissions, despite previous assurances following a 16-day hunger strike. The student union further accused the VC of ignoring the views of deans and chairpersons, who had largely endorsed the JNUEE’s return.

Speaking to the media, JNUSU President Nitish Kumar reaffirmed that the demand for entrance exams instead of UGC-NET-based admissions has been a persistent issue among students. He stressed that the JNUEE offers a more equitable selection process, enabling candidates to be evaluated based on subject-specific expertise and research aptitude, rather than relying solely on UGC-NET scores. The referendum results have reignited debates on PhD admission policies at JNU, with students and faculty advocating for greater transparency and fairness. While the university administration has yet to issue a formal response, the overwhelming support for the JNUEE’s reinstatement suggests that the issue will remain a major point of contention in the foreseeable future.

Editor’s Note:

The recent referendum at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) has highlighted a strong student preference for reinstating the JNU Entrance Examination (JNUEE) for PhD admissions, challenging the current reliance on UGC-NET scores. With most students voting in favour of the entrance exam, the results reflect widespread concerns over fairness, academic standards, and subject-specific evaluation.

Skoobuzz emphasises that as discussions on PhD admissions continue, the university administration must engage with student representatives and ensure a transparent, equitable selection process. Addressing these concerns effectively will be key in maintaining academic integrity and fostering an inclusive research environment at JNU.