Jawaharlal Nehru University Students’ Union (JNUSU) elections for the 2025-26 academic year are officially underway. The nomination filing process began October 27 , with candidates submitting forms until 5 PM today. Voting is scheduled for November 4 , where students will elect representatives for key university roles, advocating for student welfare and campus life.
Election Timeline Details
The JNUSU election committee has released a detailed schedule outlining all stages of the electoral process. This timeline promotes transparency for participants and the student body. The process commenced with the distribution of nomination forms on October 25.
| Event | Date | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Nomination Forms Distributed | October 25 | — |
| Nomination Filing | October 27 | 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM |
| List of Valid Nominations Displayed | October 28 | 10:00 AM |
| Candidature Withdrawal Period | October 28 | 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM |
| Final List of Approved Candidates Announced | October 28 | By 7:00 PM |
| Press Conference and Campaign Space Allotment | October 28 | 8:00 PM |
| Presidential Debate | November 2 | — |
| No Campaign Day | November 3 | All Day |
| Polling Hours | November 4 | 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM 2:30 PM – 5:30 PM |
| Results Announcement | November 6 | — |
Following candidate finalization on October 28, the presidential debate will take place on November 2. This debate provides a platform for candidates to present their agendas. November 3 is a “no campaign day” before voting on November 4. Polling will occur in two phases. Results will be declared on November 6.
Recent Election History and Key Positions
The previous JNUSU elections saw strong performance by Left-backed student groups. They secured three of the four central panel positions. These positions typically include President, Vice President, General Secretary, and Joint Secretary. These are pivotal roles in student governance.
The Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) won the Joint Secretary post. This marked ABVP’s first central panel position in nearly a decade. This outcome indicated a shift in campus political dynamics and the influence of diverse student organizations.
Intensifying Campaign Allegations
As election campaigns intensify across campus, major student organizations have exchanged strong public accusations. The Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) accused the incumbent Left-led JNUSU of “corruption and inaction.” ABVP cited alleged irregularities in hostel renovation projects. They also claimed the union failed to oppose “anti-student” policies implemented by the university administration.
In response, the All India Students’ Association (AISA), a prominent Left-aligned group, dismissed ABVP’s charges. AISA called ABVP “an extension of the administration.” AISA blamed ABVP for contributing to a “deteriorating academic and democratic environment” within JNU. Both student fronts have since escalated their campaigning efforts. ABVP launched a “class campaign” to highlight specific student issues it claims have been long-ignored.
University Establishes Grievance Redressal Mechanism
Jawaharlal Nehru University established a dedicated grievance redressal cell (GRC) in early October. The GRC addresses issues or complaints related to the conduct of the JNUSU elections for 2025. This measure aims to ensure a fair and transparent electoral process, providing a formal channel for resolving grievances.
Dean of Students Manuradha Chaudhary heads the GRC panel, which comprises 10 faculty members. Two student representatives also sit on the committee. Their inclusion provides essential student input and oversight. The GRC functions as an impartial body, tasked with resolving electoral disputes efficiently before, during, and after the polls.