Chandigarh, July 18: Panjab University (PU) will continue to reserve 10% supernumerary seats for non-resident Indians (NRIs) and their wards in each course for the 2025–26 academic session, despite criticism from the Supreme Court and absence of such a provision in UGC norms.
According to the dean of university instruction (DUI), PU has uploaded the course-wise seat bifurcation for NRIs and foreign nationals. In addition to the 10% for NRIs and their wards, 25% seats over and above the sanctioned intake will be reserved for foreign nationals. Courses already allowing more than 10% NRI seats will retain their existing quota.
A PU official said the university had sought legal opinion after a 2024 Supreme Court judgment, which slammed Punjab’s broader interpretation of the NRI quota, calling it a “fraud” and a “money-spinning tactic” that pushes meritorious students out. However, PU has decided to stick with its 2024-25 policy.
The UGC has no provision for reserving seats for wards of NRIs, although it allows 25% supernumerary seats for foreign nationals. PU defines NRI wards broadly — including spouses, children, cousins, and grandparents — provided the NRI relative meets Income Tax Act criteria for that year.
Dean of International Students Kewal Krishan said that so far, 10 foreign nationals have applied for admission in the upcoming session, mostly from African countries like Angola, Ghana, Egypt, and Tanzania. Applications from Nepal and Bangladesh are expected soon.
PU has also reduced fees — in some cases by up to 55% — for students from SAARC nations and underdeveloped countries to boost international enrolment, an area where the university has lagged in global rankings.
In 2024-25, PU admitted 24 foreign nationals and 59 students under the NRI and wards of NRI quota.
