CHANDIGARH, Dec 16 — Panjab University has seen its NRI student intake more than double this academic year, with 143 students enrolled across various departments, university officials said. The number is a sharp rise from 59 last session.
Enrollment has been uneven in recent years. Official data shows 82 NRIs in 2022-23, dropping to 45 in 2023-24, before a slight rebound to 59 last year. The current surge represents a notable departure from that trend.
“NRI admissions have grown significantly, especially in professional and interdisciplinary programs,” said a university official. Students are enrolled in courses including biochemistry, economics, law, psychology, and programs at UIET, UIAMS, UBS, and PU-Isser.
The increase comes as the university prepares to revise its NRI admission policy following Supreme Court observations on quota misuse in medical college admissions. Courts had raised concerns about seats being allocated to extended relatives, including cousins, although the remarks were specific to medical institutions.
A formal proposal to tighten eligibility criteria for NRI admissions has been submitted and is expected to be considered soon, the official added.
