Introduction

Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), one of India’s premier academic institutions, has commenced its PhD admissions for the academic year 2025-26, opening online applications from June 26 to July 7, 2025. This development, however, has ignited significant unrest on campus. The Jawaharlal Nehru University Students’ Union (JNUSU) has launched an indefinite hunger strike, protesting the university’s decision to exclude candidates who appeared for the June 2025 UGC-NET exam from the current admission cycle and the continued absence of the in-house JNU Entrance Examination (JNUEE). These events underscore ongoing tensions over access, transparency, and fairness in higher education admissions in India, reflecting broader debates about standardized testing and institutional autonomy.

JNU PhD Admissions 2025-26: Process and Schedule

Detailed Explanation: JNU has officially opened its online application portal for PhD admissions for the 2025-26 academic year. The application window runs from June 26 to July 7, 2025, with a short correction period from July 8 to 9. Viva-voce invitations are expected by July 18, and the interviews are scheduled for July 25 to 31.

Key Features & Characteristics:

Application window: June 26 – July 7, 2025
Correction window: July 8 – 9, 2025
Viva-voce invitations: By July 18, 2025
Viva-voce dates: July 25 – 31, 2025
Admissions based on merit from CUET-PG, GAT-B, and CCMT

Data Points:

Admission Component	2025-26 Schedule	Previous Years (Typical)
Application Window	June 26 – July 7, 2025	June–July
Entrance Exam	Not reinstated (JNUEE)	JNUEE (pre-2021)
Merit Basis	CUET-PG, GAT-B, CCMT	JNUEE/UGC-NET

In previous years, JNU relied on its own entrance exam (JNUEE) for PhD admissions, but since 2021, the process has shifted to national-level tests like CUET-PG and UGC-NET. This shift has been contentious, with students and faculty expressing concerns about the loss of institutional autonomy and the impact on diverse applicant pools.

Challenges & Solutions:

Challenge: Exclusion of June 2025 UGC-NET aspirants, who are now ineligible for this cycle due to the timing of results.
Solution: Students demand either the inclusion of these candidates or the reinstatement of the JNUEE, which would allow more flexibility and institutional control over admissions.

Students’ Union Hunger Strike: Causes and Demands

The JNUSU began an indefinite hunger strike on June 26, 2025, in response to the university’s decision to bar June 2025 UGC-NET candidates from applying for PhD programs this year. The union also demands the reinstatement of the JNUEE, JNU’s traditional entrance exam, which was discontinued in favor of national-level tests.

Protest led by JNUSU, representing a broad coalition of students
Indefinite hunger strike started on June 26, 2025
Main demands: Inclusion of June 2025 UGC-NET aspirants, reinstatement of JNUEE

Challenges & Solutions:

Challenge: Perceived lack of transparency and reduced accessibility for students from diverse backgrounds.
Solution: The university could consider a hybrid model, allowing both national and institutional exams, or adjust timelines to accommodate UGC-NET results.

Broader Implications for Higher Education in India

The controversy at JNU reflects wider debates in Indian higher education about the balance between national standardization and institutional autonomy. The move to national-level exams like CUET-PG and UGC-NET aims to streamline admissions but can inadvertently exclude candidates due to scheduling mismatches or regional disparities.

Key Characteristics:

National-level exams intended to standardize admissions
Institutional exams (like JNUEE) offer flexibility and context-specific evaluation
Scheduling conflicts can disadvantage certain cohorts

Other central universities have faced similar dilemmas, with some opting for hybrid models to ensure both standardization and inclusivity.

Challenges & Solutions:

Challenge: Ensuring fair access while maintaining academic standards.
Solution: Coordinated scheduling and transparent communication between universities and exam authorities.

Conclusion

The launch of JNU’s PhD admissions for 2025-26, alongside the students’ union’s hunger strike, highlights the persistent friction between standardized national processes and the need for institutional flexibility. As debates over entrance exam policies continue, universities must balance inclusivity, transparency, and academic rigor. The outcome of these protests could shape future admissions frameworks, influencing how Indian higher education navigates the complex terrain of access and excellence. Stakeholders should prioritize dialogue and timely reforms to ensure fair opportunities for all aspirants.