JMI Entrance Exam Centre Updates: 1 Removed and 2 Added, Know Updated List

JMI has eliminated Thiruvananthapuram, its sole South Indian entrance exam location, for the 2025-26 academic year, significantly impacting aspiring students, particularly those in Kerala.

Kolkata: Jamia Millia Islamia University has generated controversy by removing Thiruvananthapuram, its sole South Indian entrance exam centre, from its 2025-2026 testing locations, while adding new centres in North and Central India. This decision has drawn criticism, particularly from those in Kerala, as it significantly increases the logistical challenges for aspiring students. Last year's exam centres included Thiruvananthapuram, but the updated list omits it, raising questions about accessibility for South Indian students. University officials state that the decision was made by a prospectus committee, though concerns have been raised regarding the lack of South Indian representation. Historically, JMI expanded its exam locations starting in 2015, but the recent change reverses this trend, potentially limiting opportunities for students in the southern region.

A senior JMI official defended the decision, stating, These decisions are taken by the prospectus committee. The decisions are made in a democratic manner and are based on the number of aspirants appearing for the examination from a particular place and the viability of conducting an exam at a particular centre. However, the removal of Thiruvananthapuram, the only South Indian entrance exam centre, has sparked significant criticism. Congress MP Shashi Tharoor condemned the move as "extremely short-sighted," noting on X (formerly Twitter) that the city had at least 550 students taking the exams. He questioned whether JMI was discouraging South Indian students and pledged to write to the Vice-Chancellor.

Student and political reactions followed swiftly. Rajiya Ashraf, General Secretary of the Muslim Students' Federation at JMI, expressed uncertainty about the decision's rationale and emphasized efforts to reinstate the centre through student movements and political intervention. She confirmed that MPs had been contacted to raise the issue with the Vice-Chancellor, and a formal letter had been sent. IUML MP Haris Beeran also wrote to the Vice-Chancellor, highlighting the over 500 Kerala students currently enrolled at JMI and the subsequent difficulties the removal posed to future applicants. He urged for an addendum to the prospectus, detailing the updated exam centres, and guidelines for students seeking to change their exam locations after submitting applications. 'Ensuring accessibility to entrance examinations is crucial in upholding JMI's commitment to inclusivity and national representation,' he stated.

From 2017-2020, Calicut served as an examination centre, alongside others, without the inclusion of Malegaon or Bhopal. In 2021, the Kerala centre shifted to Thiruvananthapuram, its capital, which posed travel challenges for students from neighbouring states. This year, the centre has been entirely eliminated. Read more about JMI Entrance Exam 2025.

The university prospectus stipulates that exams for courses with 49 or fewer applicants will be conducted in Delhi. However, university sources indicate that in the previous year, approximately 350 students appeared for the undergraduate Psychology exam in Kerala, with around 200 attending exams for other subjects.

The removal of the Kerala centre has created significant logistical and financial burdens for underprivileged students. "Finding train tickets to Delhi is now nearly impossible, as bookings are limited to 60 days in advance," a parent stated, requesting anonymity. "Students must travel with guardians, secure accommodation, and then navigate to the JMI campus. This forces us to consider expensive flight tickets."

Frequently Asked Questions

Which new exam centres were added as JMI new exam centres? +

Ans: Malegaon and Bhopal were added to the list. These are in North and Central India respectively. The additions have raised questions about regional balance. Students are now forced to travel greater distances.

How many students appeared for exams in Kerala last year? +

Ans: Approximately 350 students took the Psychology exam. Around 200 students appeared for other subjects. This contradicts the claim of low applicant numbers. The removal has caused widespread concern.

Will JMI reconsider its decision? +

Ans: JMI officials have stated they will review the situation. Student and political pressure are mounting. The university may need to address concerns for fairness. The future depends on their response to the protests.

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