Guru Nanak Dev University Makes Punjabi Mandatory Alongside English for PhD Theses and Research Work

Guru Nanak Dev University (GNDU), Amritsar, has taken a historic decision to make Punjabi language submissions compulsory alongside English for major academic research outputs, including PhD theses, dissertations and funded project reports. The move was approved under the newly framed Punjabi-First Education, Research and Governance Policy 2026, which aims to break language barriers in higher education and make scholarly work more widely accessible.

According to official statements, the policy requires that all doctoral research and similar academic outputs be submitted in both English (or the primary academic language) and Punjabi (in Gurmukhi script), without compromising academic quality. GNDU Vice-Chancellor Prof. Karamjeet Singh described the initiative as a “historic and people-centric step” that supports the spirit of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and strengthens inclusivity in academic communication.

The university clarified that the Punjabi versions of research work will not be symbolic or ceremonial. Instead, they will be evaluated rigorously for clarity, accuracy and fidelity to the original research findings. GNDU officials emphasised that this will help ensure that research created in Punjab is not confined to elite academic circles or language-restricted audiences, but can be easily understood by Punjabi-speaking students, teachers, parents, policymakers and the wider public.

Under the new policy, implementation may be phased in over time, starting with PhD and funded research outputs, with support structures such as academic translation support units and glossaries being developed to assist researchers. The initiative is seen as a progressive step in recognising Punjabi as a dynamic scholarly language while maintaining global academic standards.