AMU announces students’ union polls after eight years, replaces proctor amid protests 

Millat Times Desk

09 October 2026 (Publish: 11:54 AM IST)

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In a major victory for protesting students, Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) has announced the schedule for its Students’ Union elections for the 2026-27 academic session after an eight-year gap.

The university has also replaced Proctor Professor Mohammad Naved Khan with Professor Mohd. Nafees Ahmad Ansari, following weeks of student demonstrations demanding administrative accountability and the restoration of democratic representation on campus.

The developments mark a significant moment for students who have been protesting for weeks, demanding an election schedule, the restoration of the AMU Students’ Union and changes in the university administration.

According to an official notification dated October 9, Professor Nafees Ahmad Ansari of the Department of Political Science has been appointed as the new proctor for two years or until further orders, with immediate effect.

In a separate notification, the university appointed Professor Javaid Talib of the Department of Law as the Chief Election Officer to conduct the Students’ Union elections for the 2026–27 academic session. Professor Nazia Hasan has separately been appointed Chief Election Officer for the Undergraduate Students’ Union election at Women’s College.

The election schedule sets November 5 as the polling date. Voting will take place from 9 am to 5 pm, while counting will begin at 7 pm and continue until the results are declared. The process will begin on October 26 with the display of voters’ lists, followed by nomination filing on October 29, scrutiny and withdrawal of nominations on October 30, and the publication of the final candidates’ list on October 31.

The AMU administration has accepted four key demands raised by the protesting students: 

1. Restoration of the Aligarh Muslim University Students’ Union (AMUSU).
2. Appointment of a new proctor.
3. Appointment of a Chief Election Officer to conduct the Students’ Union elections.
4. Revocation of student activist Yasir Fahad’s suspension.

Reacting to the developments, student activist Yasir Fahad welcomed the decision taken by the Vice-Chancellor and congratulated the entire Alig fraternity for standing united in support of the movement.

“I welcome the decision taken by the respected Vice-Chancellor and congratulate the entire Alig fraternity who stood wholeheartedly for this cause. I extend my special thanks to all those who made sacrifices throughout this struggle, particularly the students who were suspended, faced FIRs and even had to go to jail. Their courage, commitment and determination have played an important role in bringing the students’ demands to the forefront. This is a significant moment for the AMU student community and a reminder that collective efforts can bring meaningful change,” Yasir Fahad told Millat Times.

The announcement represents a significant achievement for the protesting students, who have continued to press for democratic representation on campus. 

With the election schedule now in place, attention will turn to the nomination process, campaigning and preparations for polling. After an eight-year gap, students will have an opportunity to elect their representatives, with the administration facing the challenge of ensuring a peaceful, transparent and fair election.