Chandigarh: Vice President C P Radhakrishnan, who serves as Chancellor of Panjab University, approved the schedule for the university’s senate elections on Thursday. The elections will take place from September 7, 2026 , to October 4, 2026 . This approval resolves a month-long student protest demanding the announcement of the poll schedule.
The Vice President’s Secretariat communicated the approval to Panjab University Vice Chancellor Renu Vig. Vig had previously written to the Chancellor, seeking a decision on the election timeline. Students on campus celebrated the announcement, calling it a ‘victory’ for their sustained efforts.
Student Protests Conclude
Vice Chancellor Renu Vig visited the protest site, urging students to end their strike. She confirmed their primary demand had been met. Avtar Singh of the PU Bachao Morcha, the group leading the protest, stated the Vice Chancellor formally delivered the communication from the Vice President’s Secretariat. He confirmed the dharna would conclude on Friday, following a victory march across the university campus.
Senate Election Schedule 2026
The approved schedule outlines specific dates for different constituent groups. The elections will proceed as follows:
| Election Group | Date |
|---|---|
| Principals and Staff | September 7, 2026 |
| Professors and Associate Professors (Teaching Departments) | September 14, 2026 |
| Heads and Faculty (Arts Colleges) | September 20, 2026 |
| Registered Graduate Constituency | September 20, 2026 |
| Faculty Elections | October 4, 2026 |
Political Reactions and Support
Several political parties and organizations from Punjab supported the student agitation. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), and various farmers’ and religious bodies commended the students. Congress MLA Pargat Singh called the outcome a ‘victory for students and the people of Punjab’.
Union Minister of State for Railways, Ravneet Singh Bittu, confirmed the Vice President’s approval of the ‘long pending matter’ concerning the senate elections. Bittu stated that the BJP and Central Government prioritize the ‘honor, rights and participation of Punjab’.
AAP MP Malvinder Singh Kang congratulated students, teachers, and faculty. Kang stated that ‘justice has finally prevailed’ and that Punjab’s ‘united, uncompromising resistance has triumphed’ against attempts to ‘trample its autonomy’. Punjab Congress chief Amrinder Singh Raja Warring also termed the development a ‘resounding victory’ for students and Punjabis.
Shiromani Akali Dal president Sukhbir Singh Badal attributed the outcome to the ‘strength of unity demonstrated by students through a peaceful democratic struggle’. Badal stated that ‘democracy stands restored on the sacred soil of Punjab’.
Previous Protests and Resolution
The student protests initially began over the Centre’s decision to restructure Panjab University’s governing bodies, the senate and the syndicate. The Ministry of Education had issued a notification for these changes on October 28. However, facing pressure from political leaders and protesting students, the Ministry withdrew this notification on November 7 . Students continued their agitation, demanding a specific schedule for the senate elections, which has now been provided.