Jamia shifts classes online amid student-union election protest
Jamia moved all classes online from 24 October until further notice; the university cited safety, while protesters disputed the administration’s account.
Jamia Millia Islamia moved all classes online with immediate effect on 24 October 2026, amid protests demanding restoration of the students’ union and an election schedule.
What the university announced
Jamia’s registrar issued a notice on 24 October moving all courses online until further notice, citing student safety and security. The change followed a confrontation between university staff and students at a protest site.
Students had demanded an official timetable for union elections, withdrawal of disciplinary action against protesters and changes to campus leadership roles. Reports said five students began an indefinite hunger strike on 12 October.
Accounts differ
The university said protesters were occupying an area outside the designated protest site and that staff had urged them to leave. Students alleged that tents were being dismantled and hunger strikers were being taken to hospital against their wishes.
These are competing accounts. The move to online classes is confirmed by multiple dated reports, but disputed allegations about the confrontation should remain attributed to the parties making them.
What students should do next
Students should follow official departmental instructions for online classes, materials and attendance. The notice did not provide a confirmed date for resuming in-person teaching.
The immediate teaching arrangement and the longer question of student representation are connected but distinct. The committee’s next steps remain to be verified.
Editorial disclosure
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Frequently asked questions
How long will classes remain online?
The notice said until further notice; the reports reviewed gave no return date.
What are students demanding?
They seek restoration of the students’ union, an election schedule and review of disciplinary action.