Thanjavur/Chennai: It has been a turbulent week for Sastra Deemed University in Thanjavur. On one hand, the university is facing a major legal setback regarding a decades-old land dispute. On the other hand, the campus is buzzing with new academic announcements for the 2026 session, including a special free diploma course for women.
If you are a student, parent, or alumnus, here is a complete wrap-up of the breaking news and academic updates surrounding Sastra University this January.
1. The Big Story: High Court Orders Eviction from Govt Land
In a significant legal development on January 9, 2026, the Madras High Court dismissed petitions filed by Sastra University and directed the state government to retrieve 31.37 acres of government land currently occupied by the institution.
- What Happened: A division bench of Justice S.M. Subramaniam and Justice C. Kumarappan rejected the university’s plea to keep the land in exchange for alternative land. The court stated that “assignment of an encroached land cannot be claimed as an absolute right.”
- Immediate Action: Following the order, the Thanjavur Revenue Department officials visited the campus on Saturday, January 10, and formally took possession of the land. They have erected notice boards confirming the government’s ownership.
- Background: The dispute has been ongoing for nearly 40 years. The government plans to use this retrieved land to construct an open-air prison and correctional services facility.
- Impact: While the legal battle has concluded with this eviction order, university operations on its private patta lands remain unaffected.
2. Admission Alert: Free Diploma for Girls (Jan 2026)
Moving to academic news, Sastra University has launched a commendable initiative to boost women’s employment in engineering.
- Course Name: Diploma in Advanced Manufacturing.
- Eligibility: This is a Free 2-Year Diploma open exclusively for female candidates.
- Session: The course is starting in January 2026.
- Goal: The program aims to train women in high-demand industrial skills, making them job-ready for the manufacturing sector. Interested candidates should visit the official website immediately as applications are open.
3. Sastra Admission 2026: Entrance Exams Watch
For students aiming to join B.Tech, M.Tech, or Law courses in the upcoming academic year, the admission cycle is about to heat up.
- CUET 2026: Registration is currently open and will close on January 31, 2026. Sastra uses CUET scores for various undergraduate science and arts programs.
- GATE 2026: For M.Tech aspirants, the GATE exams are scheduled for February 7-8 and 14-15, 2026. A valid GATE score is crucial for scholarship-based admissions.
- B.Tech Admissions: As per usual practice, B.Tech seats will likely be filled via two streams—one based on JEE Main scores + Class 12 marks, and the other based solely on Class 12 marks.
4. Campus Events: Margazhi Mela & Conferences
The cultural spirit of the university is high this month.
- Margazhi Mela: The SASTRA Satsangh Margazhi Mela is currently ongoing and will conclude on January 14, 2026. It features classical music concerts and cultural performances at the campus.
- Upcoming Conferences: The university is preparing to host major international conferences in February 2026, including the International Conference on Health and Disease Management (ICHDM) and a workshop on Scientific Computing.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Has Sastra University been closed due to the court order?
No, the university is not closed. The Madras High Court has ordered the eviction from specific government land (31.37 acres) occupied by the university. The main campus on private land continues to function normally.
Q2: Who can apply for the free diploma course at Sastra?
The free 2-year Diploma in Advanced Manufacturing is open only to female candidates. It is a skill-development initiative starting in Jan 2026.
Q3: Is JEE Main mandatory for B.Tech admission at Sastra?
It is not mandatory but highly recommended. Sastra usually fills 70% of its engineering seats through Stream 1, which combines JEE Main scores and Class 12 marks. The remaining 30% are filled via Class 12 marks alone.
Q4: When is the last date for CUET 2026 registration?
The last date to apply for CUET 2026 is January 31, 2026.
Q5: What is the Margazhi Mela at Sastra?
It is a month-long cultural music festival organized by the SASTRA Satsangh, featuring top classical artists. The 2026 edition ends on January 14.