The Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) campus is once again at the center of a major student-administration conflict. This time, the issue is about the new PhD admission rules. According to the university’s latest guidelines, students must now clear the UGC-NET exam to be eligible for PhD admissions. This change has sparked protests by the JNU Students’ Union, who say the decision is unfair and will hurt many students who wish to pursue higher education.
The UGC-NET, or University Grants Commission National Eligibility Test, is a national exam that is usually required to become a college lecturer or to qualify for a research fellowship. Until now, JNU used to hold its own entrance exam for PhD admissions. This allowed a wider range of students to apply, especially those from different academic and social backgrounds. The university’s own exam took into account the specific needs and subjects offered at JNU. But with this new change, only students who clear the NET will be allowed to apply for PhDs, which narrows the field sharply.
Students argue that this decision goes against the inclusive nature of JNU. Many believe the new rule favors those who have better access to coaching or resources, something that students from small towns and poor families may not have. They say that by depending only on a national-level exam, the university is creating a barrier for students who may have done well in college and want to continue their studies but may not score high in a tough standardized test. They also point out that NET is not subject-specific enough to cover the wide range of areas in which JNU offers PhD programs.
The administration, on the other hand, has defended the move. They say it brings JNU in line with national standards and ensures that only the most qualified students are selected. They also mention that this is part of a broader change in India’s higher education system and that JNU must follow the rules set by the University Grants Commission. However, this explanation has not convinced the students. Protests have taken place on campus, and many students have expressed their disappointment and anger. Some professors have also spoken out in support of the students, saying that the decision limits academic freedom and the university’s ability to choose its own scholars.
This conflict reflects a bigger issue in the Indian education system — how to balance merit with access, and national standards with local needs. JNU has always been known for giving space to students from all corners of the country and from many different backgrounds. The fear is that this new rule may slowly change that character. As the protests continue, both students and teachers are calling for a rethink. They are asking for dialogue and a more flexible system that can keep high standards but still remain open and fair to all. What happens next will be important not just for JNU but for other universities watching this closely.