New Delhi: A recent amendment in Jamia Millia Islamia’s PhD admission policy has triggered widespread criticism, with students and activists decrying the dilution of Muslim reservation. The university’s new directive makes the 50% reservation for Muslim students optional rather than mandatory, a move that has been met with strong opposition.
The amendment, approved by Vice-Chancellor Prof. Najma Akhtar and Registrar Prof. Mehtab Alam, was issued through an official notification and made public on the university’s website. The new rule states that departments “may pay due attention to JMI’s reservation policy” while granting PhD admissions, removing the earlier mandate that 50% of seats be reserved for Muslim candidates.
Student groups, including the All India Students Association (AISA), have condemned the change, calling it an attack on the rights of Muslim students. AISA highlighted that many departments have vacant seats despite qualified Muslim applicants, raising concerns over the alleged exclusion of minority students.
In a press statement, student representatives demanded the immediate revocation of the amendment. They asserted that Jamia Millia Islamia, as a constitutionally protected minority institution, must uphold its commitment to reserving 50% of seats for Muslim students and not dilute its minority character under any circumstances.
The controversy has reignited debates over minority rights in higher education institutions, with activists warning that such policy changes could set a precedent for further erosion of Muslim representation in educational spaces.
