- Got a Cousin in Canada? You’re In
- Despite Supreme Court remarks, Panjab University sticks to broad definition for NRI admissions in 2025–26
Chandigarh: In a move that has reignited debate over fairness in higher education admissions, Panjab University (PU) has chosen to retain its broad eligibility criteria for Non-Resident Indian (NRI) admissions for the 2025–26 academic year. This comes even after the Supreme Court raised concerns about the misuse of NRI quotas in medical colleges across Punjab, reported timesofindia.indiatimes.com.
Even distant relatives abroad can qualify a student under PU’s NRI category
According to PU’s latest guidelines, candidates can apply under the NRI quota if they have a parent, sibling, grandparent, legal guardian, or even a first cousin residing abroad for more than one year. No foreign passport or permanent residency proof is required—basic documentation such as an overseas employment certificate, tax return, or even a self-sworn affidavit from a relative is considered sufficient.
This policy allows students with minimal and sometimes distant family links overseas to access admissions through the NRI quota, often paying higher tuition but facing more lenient academic benchmarks—particularly in high-demand professional courses
Critics say broad NRI policy undermines merit in admissions
Educationists and critics argue that such an expansive definition opens the door for manipulation, enabling academically weaker candidates to bypass general merit-based competition. As per the 2025–26 rules, 10% of seats over and above the sanctioned intake are reserved for NRI applicants, with NRIs prioritized over their wards.
PU had sought legal advice after a September 2024 Supreme Court order scrutinized the misuse of NRI quotas in Punjab’s medical colleges. However, the university was advised that the ruling applied only to medical institutions in Punjab and not to Panjab University specifically. Based on this interpretation, PU opted to maintain its existing NRI policy.
As it stands, the mere presence of a family member abroad—however loosely defined—remains enough to grant students access to an alternative and advantageous admissions track.
