Panjab University (PU) is set to restart the process of electing its Senate after a prolonged gap following the expiry of the previous 91-member body’s four-year term on October 31, 2024. The election process will begin on September 7, 2026, with polling for six seats representing technical and professional colleges.Â
The Senate elections will be conducted in several phases, with different constituencies voting on separate dates. The process is scheduled to conclude on October 4.
When Are The Panjab University Senate Elections 2026?
The Panjab University Senate election 2026 will take place in four phases:
•   September 7: Six seats for principals and staff of technical and professional collegesÂ
•   September 14: Four seats for professors and associate/assistant professors of university teaching departmentsÂ
•   September 20: 31 seats covering heads and teaching faculty of affiliated arts colleges and the Registered Graduate constituencyÂ
•   October 4: Six ordinary fellows from different university faculties
The elections will therefore determine representatives across several categories of the university’s governing structure.
Panjab University Senate Election 2026: Counting Dates
Counting will be conducted shortly after polling for the first three phases.
•   September 7 election: Counting on September 9Â
•   September 14 election: Counting on September 16Â
•   September 20 election: Counting on September 22Â
•   October 4 election: Counting on the same day
The university has not yet announced when the newly elected Senate will formally be constituted or when its first meeting will take place.
Why Were Panjab University Senate Elections Delayed?
The previous Panjab University Senate, comprising 91 members, completed its four-year term on October 31, 2024. Elections were not held immediately, leading to protests and a prolonged dispute over the university’s governing structure. A student-led campaign under the Panjab University Bachao Morcha resulted in a 96-day agitation, which ended in January 2025 after the administration agreed to involve Punjab government representatives in discussions concerning Senate reforms.
The issue resurfaced later when the Centre proposed changes to the university’s governing bodies, including the composition of the Senate. Protests and a 27-day campus agitation followed, after which the Centre withdrew the restructuring notification on November 7.
Who Approved The PU Senate Election Schedule?
The Vice-President of India, who serves as the Chancellor of Panjab University, approved the election schedule on November 27 last year. The current election process is being overseen by Registrar-cum-Returning Officer Prof Yajvender Pal Verma.
When Will The New Panjab University Senate Be Formed?
Although the election dates have been announced, Panjab University has not specified a date for formally constituting the new Senate or conducting its first meeting. The completion of polling and counting will be followed by the formal process of bringing the elected body into place.
