(1) The University shall be open to persons of either sex and of whatever race, creed, caste, or class, and it shall not be lawful for the University to adopt or impose on any person any test whatsoever of religious belief or profession in order to entitle him to be admitted therein, as a teacher or student, or to hold any office therein, or to graduate thereat:
     Provided that nothing in this section shall be deemed to prevent the University from making special provisions for the weaker sections of the people and, in particular, of the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes.
     (2) French nationals of Indian origin who have been permitted to long-term residence in the Union territory of Pondicherry under the provisions of the Treaty of Cession shall also be eligible for admission to the University.
     Explanation.--Treaty of Cession has the meaning assigned to it in the Pondicherry (Administration) Act, 1962 (49 of 1962).