Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), founded in 1969 in New Delhi, is a leading institution for academic and research excellence. The university, which is named after India's first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, encourages interdisciplinary learning and social justice. It is a UGC-affiliated university and is accredited by the prestigious NAAC with an ‘A++’ grade. JNU is famous for its highly competitive academic culture, lively campus life, and globally acclaimed faculty.
Jawaharlal Nehru University offers a wide range of undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral courses that draw students from all over India and the world. Its emphasis on research and critical thinking makes it one of the best universities. Admission to the Jawaharlal Nehru University is based on the valid entrance exam scores of the candidate. Based on the eligibility of the particular course, students need to have valid entrance exam score in order to pursue the course from JNU. JNU has limited seats, which will be allotted to those students who have scored good marks in the entrance exams.
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JNU Highlights 2025
JNU Rankings 2025
JNU is known for its research and academic prowess, being ranked among the top universities in India year after year. It has a good ranking in QS World Rankings, NIRF, and THE rankings, particularly in social sciences, international relations, and development studies.
JNU Courses & Fees 2025
Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) provides a variety of undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral courses in various fields. The university is renowned for its Social Sciences, International Relations, Language Studies, Science, Engineering, and Management courses. Some of the most sought-after courses are M.A. in Political Science, M.Sc. in Biotechnology, M.Tech. in Computer Science, and MBA. JNU also offers Ph.D. courses in various research fields. The School of Language Studies at the university provides certificate, diploma, and advanced diploma programs in foreign languages. With an emphasis on interdisciplinary studies and research, JNU is a favourite among students looking for quality higher education in India.
JNU Admission Process 2025
JNU has a well-defined admission process to choose and nurture capable students from all walks of life. Admissions are made on the basis of entrance tests such as CUET UG, NET/JRF, and CAT, followed by eligibility criteria, document verification, and counselling for final choice.
JNU UG Programs Admission:
- Entrance Exam: Common University Entrance Test (CUET-UG)
- Eligibility: Senior Secondary (10+2) with a minimum of 45% marks
- Application Period: March-April
- Required Documents: 10th and 12th mark sheets, passport-sized photographs, ID proof
JNU PG Programs Admission:
- Entrance Exam: Common University Entrance Test (CUET PG) or relevant national exams
- Eligibility: Bachelor's degree with a minimum of 50% marks
- Application Period: April-May
- Required Documents: Bachelor's degree certificate, mark sheets, entrance exam score card
JNU Ph.D. Programs Admission:
- Entrance Exam: National Eligibility Test (NET)/Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) or JNU's entrance test
- Eligibility: Master's degree with a minimum of 55% marks
- Application Period: May-June
- Required Documents: Master's degree certificate, research proposal, entrance exam score card
JNU Scholarships 2025
JNU provides various scholarships to help students financially. Merit-cum-Means Scholarship is offered to meritorious students belonging to economically weaker sections. Junior Research Fellowships (JRF) and other research fellowships are given to Ph.D. scholars. SC/ST, OBC, and minority candidates are eligible to apply for government-sponsored scholarships. JNU also provides Need-Based Financial Assistance to students who are in financial distress. Several external scholarships, such as UGC and CSIR fellowships, are also available. Students who qualify may apply from the university platform within the given time frames.
JNU Campus Facilities
Covering an area of 1,000 acres, the Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) campus offers a holistic academic and living experience with state-of-the-art facilities:
- Libraries: A large number of books, journals, and digital content across diverse disciplines, along with reading rooms and research support.
- Laboratories: State-of-the-art computer and science labs facilitating top-notch research in the sciences, technology, and humanities.
- Hostels: Clean and well-furnished residential complexes for students, with mess facilities, recreational spaces, and internet connectivity.
- Sports Infrastructure: Courts for football, cricket, basketball, and indoor games, gymnasiums, and playgrounds to ensure physical health.
- Research Centres: Focused interdisciplinary research facilities working in coordination with national and global institutions to enhance research.
- Auditoriums & Seminar Halls: Large halls for educational events, conferences, and cultural events to foster greater interaction among students.
- Medical Facilities: A well-stocked health centre with medical services available for students and staff twenty-four hours a day.
JNU Vs DU College Comparison
Given below is the detailed college comparison for Jawaharlal Nehru University and the Delhi University for the students. Students often gets confused on whether to pursue a course from DU or from JNU, based on some important factors, below is the detailed college comparison.
| Parameter | Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) | Delhi University (DU) |
| Established Year | 1969 | 1922 |
| Type & Accreditation | Central University, NAAC A++ | Central University, NAAC A+ |
| Campus Size | ~1,000 acres (green, residential, in South Delhi) | Multiple campuses (North Campus, South Campus + 90+ constituent/affiliated colleges) |
| Flagship Programs | Postgraduate & Research Programs in Arts, Humanities, Social Sciences, International Studies | Undergraduate Programs (BA, B.Sc., B.Com.), PG & PhD in Arts, Science, Commerce, Law, etc. |
| Admission Criteria | UG/PG: CUET (from 2022 onwards) PhD: CUET-PG/UGC-NET/JRF + Interview | UG/PG: CUET (from 2022 onwards) PhD/MPhil: CUET-PG/UGC-NET/JRF + Interview |
| Average Placement (2024) | INR 6–8 LPA (varies by dept.; strong for International Relations, Languages, Social Sciences) | INR 7–9 LPA overall; top colleges (SRCC, St. Stephen’s, Hindu) avg. ~INR 10–12 LPA |
| Highest Package (2024) | INR 26 LPA (mostly consultancy, think tanks, and international NGOs) | INR 44 LPA (offered in SRCC, St. Stephen’s, Hansraj, mostly finance & consulting firms) |
| Top Recruiters | UN bodies, Amnesty, Oxfam, government agencies, Think Tanks, TCS, Deloitte | Google, Microsoft, McKinsey, BCG, Deloitte, EY, KPMG, HCL, Indian corporates, media houses |
| Global Opportunities | Known globally for social sciences, languages, and international collaborations | Global tie-ups with 200+ universities, strong alumni network abroad |
| Research & Innovation | Research-focused; strong in social sciences, international studies, languages, life sciences | Balanced in research & UG teaching; top research in science, economics, and commerce |
| Alumni Network | Prominent in politics, diplomacy, research, and civil services | Large & diverse—business leaders, economists, politicians, lawyers, researchers worldwide |
| Reputation & Tier | Ranked among top social science & humanities universities in India | Ranked among India’s top multidisciplinary universities with wide course offerings |
JNU Placements
JNU has a strong placement cell that works in association with numerous industries and organisations.
JNU Alumni
JNU takes pride in its distinguished alumni who have excelled in politics, academia, economics, and public service. Notable figures include:
- Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar: Serving as the External Affairs Minister of India, he has played a pivotal role in shaping the country's foreign policy.
- Nirmala Sitharaman: As the Finance Minister of India, she has been instrumental in steering the nation's economic strategies.
- Sitaram Yechury: The General Secretary of the Communist Party of India (Marxist), he has been a prominent figure in Indian politics.
- Prof. Abhijit Banerjee: Recipient of the 2019 Nobel Prize in Economics, he is celebrated for his research on alleviating global poverty.
JNU FAQs
What is the JNU admissions application process in 2025?
Applicants have to apply online on the official JNU website. Admissions are mostly done through entrance tests like CUET-PG for PG courses and NET/JRF/GATE for Ph.D. courses.
What entrance tests are accepted for JNU admissions?
JNU accepts CUET-PG for postgraduate admissions, while Ph.D. admissions accept NET/JRF/GATE scores. Some courses may accept additional university-specific entrance tests.
What are the charges for postgraduate courses at JNU?
JNU provides economical education, and the majority of PG courses have fees of around INR 1,200 per semester. There may be extra charges such as a hostel and mess fees.
Does JNU provide hostel facilities?
Yes, JNU provides hostel accommodation to both male and female students. Hostels are provided with basic amenities such as Wi-Fi, mess facilities, and recreational spaces.
Are there scholarships for students at JNU?
Yes, JNU provides numerous scholarships, such as the Merit-cum-Means Scholarship for weaker students from weaker financial backgrounds, Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) for Ph.D. students, and government-sponsored scholarships.
What are the placement prospects at JNU?
JNU possesses a separate placement cell that facilitates students in procuring jobs and internships. The top package in 2024 was INR 21 LPA, whereas the average package was INR 8 LPA.
What is JNU renowned for?
JNU is renowned for its scholarly merit, research, and rich political life. It is one of the premier universities in India and is internationally recognised for its social sciences, international relations, and biotechnology disciplines.
How do I apply for a Ph.D. at JNU?
Admissions to Ph.D. at JNU require applicants to pass NET/JRF/GATE. The shortlisted candidates might have to sit for an interview. The online application is carried out.
What are JNU's campus facilities?
JNU possesses a central library, well-facilitated laboratories, research institutes, hostels, sports centres, and medical facilities. The university offers a research-oriented atmosphere with state-of-the-art infrastructure.
Does JNU provide distance learning programs?
No, JNU does not currently provide distance education programs. It mainly emphasises full-time on-campus courses in different fields.
