Overview

Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) is a premier central university established in 1969 in New Delhi, India. Known for its strong emphasis on research and social sciences, JNU offers a wide range of programs across humanities, social sciences, languages, international studies, and science disciplines.

JNU is celebrated for its vibrant academic environment, critical thinking culture, and commitment to research and innovation. It consistently ranks among the top universities in India and produces scholars, policymakers, and researchers who contribute globally in academia, governance, and public policy.

History and Legacy

Founded with the vision of creating a center for advanced learning and research, JNU has become synonymous with academic rigor, social engagement, and intellectual discourse. Over the past five decades, it has nurtured generations of thinkers and researchers, fostering a culture of debate, research excellence, and social awareness.

Campus and Infrastructure

The JNU campus spans over 1,000 acres in the southern part of New Delhi, featuring modern classrooms, research centers, hostels, and sports facilities. Its green, residential campus promotes a close-knit academic community, supported by well-stocked libraries, computer centers, and student support services.

Academic Excellence

JNU offers undergraduate, postgraduate, M.Phil, and Ph.D. programs across diverse disciplines. Admissions are highly competitive, often based on entrance exams and academic merit. The university emphasizes research-led learning, interdisciplinary studies, and critical analysis to prepare students for scholarly and professional careers.

Research and Innovation

JNU is a hub for pioneering research in social sciences, humanities, and select science disciplines. It hosts numerous research projects funded by national and international agencies, promotes interdisciplinary collaboration, and maintains partnerships with global universities and research institutions to advance knowledge and innovation.

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Key Highlights

NIRF Ranking #12 (University, 2025)

Consistently ranked among India’s top central universities by NIRF

QS Asia Ranking #301-350 (2025)

Recognized among Asia's leading universities

9,000+ Students

Enrolled across undergraduate, postgraduate, M.Phil, and Ph.D. programs

1,000+ Faculty

Highly qualified faculty with national and international recognition

Research & Innovation

Strong focus on interdisciplinary research in social sciences, humanities, and selected science disciplines

Global Collaborations

Partnerships with international universities and research institutions

Accreditations and Recognitions

  • Central University: Established by an Act of Parliament in 1969
  • NAAC Accreditation: Accredited with A grade by NAAC
  • UGC Recognition: Recognized by University Grants Commission (UGC)
  • Research Excellence: Renowned for research and academic rigor in social sciences, humanities, and language studies

All Programs Offered (2025)

Undergraduate Programs

B.A. / B.Sc. / B.Com

Duration: 3 years | Offered in various specializations in Arts, Science, and Social Sciences

UG Programs

B.Lib.I.Sc / BFA

Duration: 3–4 years | Programs in Library Science and Fine Arts

Professional Studies

Postgraduate Programs

M.A. / M.Sc. / M.Com

Duration: 2 years | Specializations across Arts, Humanities, Social Sciences, and Science disciplines

PG Programs

M.Phil

Duration: 1–2 years | Research-based postgraduate program across disciplines

Research & Academia

Doctoral Programs

Ph.D.

Duration: 3–6 years | Available in Social Sciences, Humanities, Languages, and select Science disciplines

Research & Innovation

Post-Doctoral Fellowships

Duration: 1–3 years | Advanced interdisciplinary research opportunities

Advanced Research
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Popular Courses

#1

M.A. in International Relations

Why Popular: Offers advanced research and academic career opportunities with expert faculty guidance at JNU’s School of International Studies.

Duration: 2 years Seats: ~25–30 per batch Admission via JNU Entrance Test (JNUEE)
Specializations: Diplomacy, Security Studies, International Political Economy
#2

M.A. in Economics

Why Popular: Recognized for rigorous curriculum and strong research opportunities at JNU’s School of Social Sciences.

Duration: 2 years Seats: ~30–35 Admission via JNUEE
Specializations: Development Economics, Public Policy, Applied Economics
#3

M.A. in Political Science

Why Popular: Strong academic curriculum with research-oriented teaching at JNU’s School of Social Sciences.

Duration: 2 years Seats: ~30–35 Admission via JNUEE
Specializations: Political Theory, Comparative Politics, Public Policy
#4

M.A. in History

Why Popular: Well-known for its research and faculty expertise in historical studies and critical analysis at JNU’s School of Social Sciences.

Duration: 2 years Seats: ~25–30 Admission via JNUEE
Specializations: Modern History, Ancient & Medieval History, Cultural Studies

Admission Process & Important Dates

Postgraduate & Undergraduate Admission Process (Jawaharlal Nehru University)

1

Eligibility Check

Ensure you meet the minimum educational qualifications and eligibility criteria for your desired program at JNU.

2

Online Application

Register and submit your application through the official JNU admissions portal within the specified dates.

3

Entrance Test / Merit Evaluation

For most PG/UG courses, candidates are selected based on the JNU Entrance Exam (JNUEE) or merit from qualifying degrees, depending on the program.

4

Interview / Counseling

Candidates shortlisted based on JNUEE/merit may need to appear for interviews, counseling, or viva-voce as per program requirements.

5

Admission Confirmation

Complete the admission formalities including document verification, fee payment, and registration to confirm your seat at JNU.

Important Dates 2025

Event Dates Status
UG/PG Application Window February – March 2025 Upcoming
JNUEE / Merit Evaluation April – May 2025 Upcoming
Interview / Counseling May – June 2025 Upcoming
Admission Confirmation June – July 2025 Upcoming

Eligibility Criteria

Undergraduate Programs

  • Passed 10+2 or equivalent with required subjects
  • Minimum aggregate marks: 50% (45% for reserved categories)
  • Admission generally via JNUEE / merit in qualifying exams

Postgraduate Programs

  • Relevant Bachelor’s degree with minimum 50% marks (45% for reserved categories)
  • Qualifying scores in JNUEE / merit-based evaluation depending on program
  • Interview, group discussion, or viva-voce may be required for certain courses
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Admission Cutoff Trends

UG/PG Admission Cutoff 2024–25 (Jawaharlal Nehru University, Delhi)

Program / Category Closing Rank / Score Cutoff Percentile Remarks
M.A. Political Science (General) Top 200 90+ Entrance test + merit (JNUEE)
M.Sc. Biotechnology (OBC) Top 400 85–90 Entrance test + interview
M.Tech CS (General) GATE Score ≥ 700 85+ GATE + Interview
Integrated M.Sc. Physics (SC/ST) Top 600 80–85 Merit-based after JNUEE
M.A. English / Hindi (General) Top 300 85–90 Entrance test + GD/Interview

Cutoff Analysis & Trends

General Programs

Trend: High demand programs like M.Tech, M.Sc, and Political Science have consistently high cutoff ranks / scores at JNU.

2023 vs 2024: Slight tightening of cutoffs for top programs due to growing competition.

OBC / Reserved Categories

Trend: Relaxed percentile requirements compared to General, but popular courses remain competitive.

2023 vs 2024: Cutoffs improved slightly due to higher application numbers.

SC/ST Categories

Trend: Cutoffs remain moderate; seats reserved as per government norms.

2023 vs 2024: Minimal variation; stable trend across programs.

Placements & Career Opportunities

85%

Overall Placement Rate

₹5.5 LPA

Average Package

₹30 LPA

Highest Package

120+

Recruiting Organizations

Career Path Insights

JNU graduates pursue diverse career paths including research, academia (Ph.D. / M.Phil), government services, public policy, corporate roles, and international fellowships. Placement support and career guidance are provided through JNU’s career services and department-specific initiatives.

Top Employment Sectors for JNU Graduates

Research & Academic Institutions

Government & Public Policy Organizations

NGOs & Social Sector Organizations

Media, Journalism & Communication Firms

International Fellowships & Collaborations

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Fee Structure (2025)

UG & PG Programs Fee Structure (Per Year)

Fee Component General / OBC SC/ST/PwD
Tuition Fees ₹15,000 ₹7,500
Library & Lab Fees ₹3,500 ₹3,500
Examination & Enrollment Fees ₹2,000 ₹2,000
Hostel & Mess Charges ₹30,000 ₹15,000
Other Miscellaneous Fees ₹4,000 ₹4,000
Total Fees (Per Year) ₹54,500 ₹32,000

Estimated Total for Entire UG Program (3 years): ₹1,63,500 – ₹1,85,000

*Fees exclude refundable caution deposit (~₹5,000) and optional academic expenses. Scholarships and financial aid available for eligible students.

Scholarships & Financial Aid

JNU Merit Scholarships

Awarded to high-performing students based on academic excellence and departmental recommendations.

Partial to Full Fee Waiver

Government Scholarships

Central & state scholarships for SC/ST/OBC, EWS, and economically weaker students.

Variable

External Scholarships

Provided by private trusts, NGOs, and organizations supporting higher education.

Variable

Frequently Asked Questions (Updated 2025)

What is the admission process for UG courses at JNU in 2025?

Admissions to UG programs at JNU are based on merit in the qualifying examination and/or departmental entrance tests where applicable. Candidates must submit their application online through the official JNU admissions portal within the specified dates.

What is JNU's ranking in 2025?

In the NIRF 2025 rankings, Jawaharlal Nehru University is ranked #2 among universities in India and is widely recognized for its excellence in social sciences, humanities, and research programs.

Does JNU offer postgraduate and doctoral programs?

Yes, JNU offers postgraduate programs (MA, M.Sc, M.Tech, MBA), M.Phil, and Ph.D. programs across multiple disciplines. Admission is typically based on departmental entrance tests, qualifying exam scores, and academic merit.

Are hostel facilities available for students in 2025?

Yes, JNU provides hostels for male and female students with basic amenities, subsidized mess facilities, and Wi-Fi connectivity. Allocation is based on merit, distance from campus, and availability.

What are the career prospects after graduating from JNU?

JNU graduates have strong career prospects in academia, research, government services, NGOs, international organizations, and the corporate sector. Many pursue higher studies or research opportunities in India and abroad.

Is financial aid or scholarship available at JNU in 2025?

Yes, JNU provides merit-based and need-based scholarships, fellowships for research students, and special financial aid programs for SC/ST/OBC/EWS and economically weaker students. Scholarships can cover tuition, hostel fees, and sometimes a research stipend.

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Student Reviews

4.8

Based on 350 verified reviews (2025)

Academics
4.8
Faculty
4.7
Infrastructure
4.5
Campus Life
4.5
Placements
4.5

Ananya Sharma

MA International Relations, Batch of 2024

4.7

"JNU offers an intellectually stimulating environment with excellent faculty and strong research guidance. The campus encourages critical thinking and social engagement."

Strong Academics Research-Focused Supportive Faculty

Rohan Mehta

M.Sc. Biotechnology, Batch of 2023

4.6

"Campus life at JNU is diverse and inclusive. Research opportunities, departmental activities, and student societies enrich the overall learning experience."

Inclusive Campus Research Opportunities Vibrant Campus Life