The Union Ministry of Education has rescinded its order to change the constitution and composition of Panjab University's Senate and Syndicate, following widespread political reactions and protests. The decision, announced on Friday, November 7, 2025, effectively reverses the earlier notification that sought to replace the existing structure with a smaller, largely nominated body.

The initial order, which triggered sharp criticism, was based on the recommendation of a high-level committee formed in March 2021 by the university's Chancellor, along with consultations with various stakeholders. The Ministry of Education stated that the decision to modify the Senate and Syndicate's constitution was taken after considering feedback from students, teachers, former Vice-Chancellors, and the current Vice-Chancellor of Panjab University, as well as inputs received during meetings with student organizations.

However, the proposed changes were met with strong opposition, particularly in Punjab, where Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann deemed the move "unconstitutional". Opposition parties, including the Aam Aadmi Party, the Congress, and the Shiromani Akali Dal, along with student organizations, also voiced their concerns, leading to increased pressure on the central government.

Critics argued that the restructuring would undermine the democratic structure of Panjab University by reducing elected representation in decision-making bodies and replacing the electoral process with a nomination-based model for selecting Senate members. The original notification had proposed reducing the size of the Senate from 91 to 31 members and the Syndicate from 27 to 17 members.

The Centre's initial notification, issued on October 28, 2025, suggested amending the Panjab University Act of 1947. This included abolishing the graduates constituency and replacing the elected Syndicate with a largely nominated structure. The now-withdrawn order was issued under Section 14(7) of the East Punjab University Act, 1947, introducing sweeping structural changes to the university’s governance system.

Following the retraction, the Senate and Syndicate will continue to operate under the existing framework defined by the Panjab University Act, 1947. This means that the elected representation, a long-standing characteristic of the institution's governance, will be preserved.

The withdrawal of the notification has been largely welcomed by the academic community and seen as a reaffirmation of Panjab University's democratic traditions. BJP's Punjab unit has lauded the Centre's move and urged the state government to establish democratic Senates and Syndicates in Punjab's other universities. Conversely, AAP leader Baltej Pannu attributed the reversal to pressure from various stakeholders and the firm stance taken by student organizations and Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann.