Karnataka revives student union elections after 20 years, excludes caste reservation

Karnataka will conduct student union elections in colleges and universities starting this academic year after a gap of more than two decades, but the polls will be held without caste-based reservation, Deputy Chief Minister G. Parameshwara announced. The elections will, however, reserve seats for women across all positions.

Women to hold key positions

The student union structure will comprise an elected president, two vice-presidents including one woman, one general secretary, and two joint secretaries with one post reserved for women. Additionally, a six-member executive committee will include two women.

"The student union elections had been banned for some reason, and it will be revived from the 2026-2027 academic year. We do not want to promote caste-based reservation among students," Parameshwara said after a Cabinet meeting that cleared the proposal.

Students get final say

The government has empowered students to decide on holding elections even if college or university managements oppose the move, Parameshwara said. The revival aims to train students for leadership roles and uphold democratic values.

Political party affiliations barred

The government had earlier announced that contestants cannot be affiliated to student wings of political parties, and anyone attempting to contest in the name of political parties will face disqualification.

Phased rollout planned

The first phase of student elections will be conducted in pre-university and degree colleges. The second phase will follow across universities in the state.

Former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had announced the move during the 2026 State Budget, lifting the 37-year ban on student union elections that had been in place since 1989. Except for reservation for women, the union elections will not have any other quota.

Source: The Hindu