The Vice President of India and Chancellor of Panjab University, C. P. Radhakrishnan, has officially approved the long-pending Panjab University Senate election schedule, ending weeks of intense student demonstrations. The confirmation was sent to PU Vice Chancellor Renu Wig on November 27, 2025, marking a major breakthrough in the university’s ongoing governance deadlock.
The elections for the 91-member PU Senate, the university’s top decision-making body, will take place between September 7 and October 4, 2026. The previous Senate’s term had expired in October 2024, leaving the university without its key governing authority for more than a year.
Panjab University Senate Election Dates 2026
- September 7, 2026: Elections for Principals and staff of technical/professional colleges (Results on September 9)
- September 14, 2026: Elections for Professors, Associate Professors, and Assistant Professors (Results on September 16)
- September 20, 2026: Elections for Heads and faculty of affiliated arts colleges, and registered graduates (Results on September 22)
- October 4, 2026: Elections and results for university Faculties
Student Protests Lead to Major Victory
The approval is being celebrated as a major win for Panjab University students, especially those under the Panjab University Bachao Morcha, who had been protesting continuously for the restoration of democratic governance. The agitation intensified after a controversial Central government notification on October 28, 2025, proposed major changes to the Senate structure and attempted to eliminate elections for several categories.
Following strong opposition from students, political leaders, and civil society, the Ministry of Education withdrew the notification on November 7, 2025. However, students continued their protests until the university received a formal election schedule.
Student groups say they will continue their movement until remaining demands—such as the withdrawal of FIRs filed during previous clashes—are fully addressed.
Why the Senate Elections Matter
The approval of the Senate polls will help restore democratic functioning at Panjab University, where key academic and administrative decisions were stalled due to the absence of the governing body. The Senate plays a crucial role in academic planning, policymaking, and overall administration, making these elections vital for the university’s stability and autonomy.