Overview
Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) is a premier central research university established in 1969 in New Delhi. With NAAC A++ accreditation, JNU has earned a distinguished reputation as one of India's leading institutions for postgraduate education and research. Spread across a sprawling 1019-acre campus, the university provides a vibrant academic environment with state-of-the-art facilities supporting over 9000 students and 550+ faculty members.
JNU is particularly renowned for its excellence in social sciences, humanities, international relations, development studies, and environmental studies. The university operates through multiple schools and centers of study, each offering specialized Master's and doctoral programs. The institution emphasizes rigorous research methodology, critical thinking, and scholarly discourse, making it a preferred choice for students seeking advanced education and research opportunities at the national and international levels.
The university's comprehensive infrastructure includes extensive library systems, modern computer and science laboratories, research centers, and residential hostels, creating a conducive environment for academic excellence and research. JNU's commitment to accessibility is reflected in its fee structure subsidized for Indian citizens, along with various scholarship options including merit-based awards and research assistantships for eligible candidates.
Graduates of JNU have established successful careers in academia, research, civil services, international organizations, policy-making, and various sectors of the economy. The university continues to maintain its position as a leading institution for higher education and research, contributing significantly to scholarly knowledge and producing leaders in diverse fields.
Courses Offered
JNU Launches New M.Sc. Programme in Climate Science and Policy for 2026-27
Jawaharlal Nehru University has announced the launch of a two-year M.Sc. programme in Climate Science and Policy under the School of Environmental Sciences, set to admit its first batch in the academic year 2026-27.
28 Oct 2025
Courses, Fees & Rankings at a Glance
JNU offers more than 100 programmes spanning engineering, sciences, social sciences, languages and management, with admission routed mainly through CUET, JEE Main, GATE, CAT and UGC-NET. The table below summarises flagship programmes with their indicative total fee, typical duration and the accepting entrance exam, alongside the university's top national rank for quick context. Fees shown are programme totals as recorded for 2026 and vary sharply because JNU's public-university model keeps most arts and science fees very low while professional programmes like B.Tech and MBA cost more. Use this as an orientation table, then open the detailed Courses and Fees tabs for branch-level specifics.
The headline takeaway for 2026: JNU's arts, science and doctoral programmes remain remarkably affordable, with BA, MA, M.Sc, MCA, M.Tech and PhD total fees under ₹1,100, while professional tracks such as B.Tech (₹5,51,000) and MBA (₹12,00,000) sit at a premium. Against the #3 NIRF 2025 university rank, this fee profile makes JNU one of the most cost-effective routes to a top-ranked Indian degree, especially for research and social-science aspirants. Engineering and management candidates should budget for the higher professional fees and the JEE Main or CAT entrance route respectively.
| Programme | Duration | Indicative Total Fee | Entrance Exam |
|---|
| B.Tech | 4 years | ₹5,51,000 | JEE Main |
| MBA | 2 years | ₹12,00,000 | CAT |
| BA | 3 years | ₹962 | CUET UG |
| MA | 2 years | ₹677 | CUET PG |
| M.Sc | 2 years | ₹692 | CUET PG |
| MCA | 2 years | ₹677 | CUET PG |
| M.Tech | 2 years | ₹740 | GATE |
| MPH | 2 years | Refer to official source | CUET PG |
| B.Sc | 4 years | Refer to official source | CUET UG |
| PhD | 5 years | ₹1,019 | UGC-NET / GATE |
What courses are offered at Jawaharlal Nehru University?
JNU offers 100+ programmes across 13 schools, including BA, B.Sc and B.Tech at undergraduate level and MA, M.Sc, MCA, M.Tech, MBA, MPH and PhD at postgraduate and doctoral levels. Admission is exam-based: B.Tech via JEE Main, MBA via CAT, M.Tech via GATE, most arts and science courses via CUET UG or CUET PG, and PhD via UGC-NET or GATE. From Fall 2026, eligible undergraduates can also join the UC Berkeley visiting student programme for transferable credit.
JNU Courses & Fees 2026
10+2 with PCM. JEE Main qualified.
B.Tech/BE with min 50%. GATE qualified.
Bachelor degree from recognised university.
Passed 10+2 with science (Biology); B.Sc. in Ayurveda Biology, admission via CUET-UG
B.Sc with min 50%. CUET PG qualified.
Bachelor degree with Mathematics. CUET PG qualified.
+ 4 more courses. See all
| Course | Duration | Total Fees | Eligibility |
|---|
| B.Tech Full Time | 4 Years | ₹551,000 | 10+2 with PCM. JEE Main qualified. |
| M.Tech Full Time | 2 Years | ₹740 | B.Tech/BE with min 50%. GATE qualified. |
| MBA Full Time | 2 Years | ₹1,200,000 | Bachelor degree from recognised university. |
| B.Sc Full Time | 4 Years | - | Passed 10+2 with science (Biology); B.Sc. in Ayurveda Biology, admission via CUET-UG |
| M.Sc Full Time | 2 Years | ₹692 | B.Sc with min 50%. CUET PG qualified. |
| MCA Full Time | 2 Years | ₹677 | Bachelor degree with Mathematics. CUET PG qualified. |
Programme-wise Admission Overview
For undergraduate programmes (BA), candidates must have passed 10+2 or equivalent examination from a recognized board. Specific BA programmes may have subject-specific eligibility requirements. Candidates should check the detailed eligibility criteria for each programme on the JNU website.
For postgraduate programmes (MA, M.Sc), candidates must hold a relevant bachelor's degree from a recognized university with a minimum of 45-55% marks (or equivalent CGPA), depending on the specific course. SC/ST candidates are eligible with relaxed criteria as per government norms. Most MA and M.Sc programmes require qualifying entrance examinations conducted by JNU.
For BA LLB (5-year integrated), candidates require 10+2 or equivalent qualification. For LLM, candidates must possess an LLB degree from any recognized university. Additional eligibility criteria and age requirements as per JNU's admission regulations apply across all programmes.
| Level | Programmes | Entrance Exam(s) | Eligibility |
|---|
| Undergraduate (2) | B.Tech, BA | JEE Main, CUET | 10+2 with PCM. JEE Main qualified. |
| Postgraduate (5) | M.Tech, MBA, M.Sc, MCA, MA | GATE, CAT, CUET PG | B.Tech/BE with min 50%. GATE qualified. |
| Doctoral / Research (1) | PhD | UGC-NET, GATE | Master degree with min 55%. NET/JRF or GATE preferred. |
Fees
What is the total fee at Jawaharlal Nehru University?
JNU fees vary widely by programme. Arts, science and doctoral courses are highly affordable as total fees: BA ₹962, MA ₹677, M.Sc ₹692, MCA ₹677, M.Tech ₹740 and PhD ₹1,019. Professional programmes cost more, with B.Tech at a total of ₹5,51,000 and MBA at ₹12,00,000. This reflects JNU's public-university funding model, which subsidises core academic programmes heavily while charging market-aligned fees for engineering and management tracks. For B.Sc and MPH fees, refer to the official source.
Admission Process
Placement & Admission Snapshot
JNU's latest reported placement season (2025) delivered an average package of ₹11.00 LPA and a highest package of ₹33.00 LPA, with admission driven almost entirely by national entrance exams rather than direct merit. In 2025, around 55.00% of participating students were placed, generating 235 offers across 80 companies, up from 50.00% placement, 200 offers and 70 companies in 2024. The year-on-year figures below show the upward trend in both pay and recruiter participation. Read the package columns as gross annual figures and the placement-rate column as the share of registered students who secured an offer.
The trend is clearly positive: between 2024 and 2025 JNU's average package rose from ₹10.00 LPA to ₹11.00 LPA, the highest climbed from ₹28.00 LPA to ₹33.00 LPA, and placement rate improved from 50.00% to 55.00% with more recruiters on campus. For applicants, admission is entrance-based: B.Tech via JEE Main, MBA via CAT, M.Tech via GATE, PhD via UGC-NET or GATE, and most arts and science programmes via CUET UG or CUET PG. Candidates should target the relevant entrance exam early, since cut-offs and selection at JNU hinge on these scores rather than board marks alone.
| Metric | 2025 | 2024 |
|---|
| Average Package | ₹11.00 LPA | ₹10.00 LPA |
| Median Package | ₹9.00 LPA | ₹8.00 LPA |
| Highest Package | ₹33.00 LPA | ₹28.00 LPA |
| Students Placed | 55.00% | 50.00% |
| Total Offers | 235 | 200 |
| Recruiting Companies | 80 | 70 |
Is admission to Jawaharlal Nehru University merit or entrance based?
Admission to JNU is entrance-based, not direct-merit. B.Tech requires JEE Main, MBA requires CAT, M.Tech requires GATE, and PhD requires UGC-NET or GATE qualification. Most undergraduate arts programmes such as BA admit through CUET UG, while postgraduate programmes like MA, M.Sc, MCA, MPH and others admit through CUET PG. Selection is therefore driven by performance in these national entrance examinations rather than Class 12 board percentages alone, so candidates should prepare for the relevant test well in advance.
Application Process
- 1 Check the official JNU website for admission notification and eligible programmes
- 2 Complete and submit the online application form before the deadline
- 3 Appear for the entrance examination (mandatory for most postgraduate programmes)
- 4 Participate in merit-based selection and shortlisting process
- 5 Attend counselling and interview rounds conducted by the university
- 6 Upon final selection, complete admission formalities and pay fees
- 7 Register and enroll in your chosen programme
Important Dates
View all admission dates →
| Event | Programme | Date |
|---|
| Admission Notification Released | All Programmes | April 2026 |
| Online Application Submission Opens | All Programmes | May 2026 |
| Last Date to Submit Application | All Programmes | June 2026 |
| Entrance Examination | MA, M.Sc, BA LLB | July 2026 |
| Merit List Announcement (BA) | BA | July 2026 |
Cutoffs
JNU Cutoff 2023
Top cutoff closing ranks and scores.
| Exam | Year | Closing Rank | Cutoff Score |
|---|
| JEE Main | 2023 | 24500 | - |
| GATE | 2023 | - | 520.00 |
Rankings & Accreditation
JNU Retains NAAC A++ Accreditation, Scores 3.71 on 4-Point Scale
Jawaharlal Nehru University has been reaccredited with the highest NAAC A++ grade following a peer team visit in January 2026, scoring 3.71 out of 4.00 - one of the highest scores among central universities in India.
03 Dec 2025
What is the NIRF and NAAC status of Jawaharlal Nehru University?
JNU is accredited NAAC A++ with a CGPA of 3.91 out of 4, and ranked #3 among universities in NIRF 2025 with a score of 74.50, improving from #4 in NIRF 2024 (score 73.50). Globally, it placed #9 in QS India 2025 (score 75.00), up from #10 in QS India 2024 (score 74.00), and #558 in the QS World University Rankings 2026. These consistent rankings confirm JNU's standing as a leading research-intensive central university.
JNU Rankings 2026
| Ranking Body | Category | Rank | Score | Year |
|---|
| QS | Overall | #558 | - | 2026 |
| NIRF | University | #3 | 74.5 | 2025 |
| QS India | Overall | #9 | 75.0 | 2025 |
JNU Students Win Top Honours at Inter-University Research Convention in Pune
A team of doctoral researchers from Jawaharlal Nehru University's Centre for Molecular Medicine won the Best Research Presentation award at the 18th National Inter-University Research Convention held in Pune in October 2025. The team presented findings from an ongoing study on drug-resistant tuberculosis strains prevalent in urban slum populations, drawing significant attention from public health researchers and pharmaceutical representatives in attendance.The convention, organised by Savitribai Phule Pune University, saw participation from over 140 institutions across India.
Jawaharlal Nehru University Key Facts (2026)
The table below summarises the headline institutional facts an aspirant needs before exploring JNU's courses and admissions. It answers the basic question of what kind of institution JNU is, how large it is and what approvals back its degrees. Read it top to bottom as a quick verification of the university's credentials, then move to the courses and rankings sections for the detail. Figures reflect the latest publicly reported data as commonly cited for 2025-2026.
The takeaway: JNU is a large, residential, government-funded central university whose A++ NAAC grade and #3 NIRF 2025 university rank place it among India's most credible public institutions. Its scale (1,019 acres, 13 schools, 100+ programmes) signals breadth, while its research orientation explains why postgraduate and doctoral study dominate over undergraduate intake. For an applicant, this means JNU is best approached as a destination for advanced, research-heavy study backed by strong national accreditation.
| Parameter | Detail |
|---|
| Established | 1969 (Act of Parliament, 1966) |
| Type | Public / Government Central University |
| Affiliation / Approvals | UGC (University of Excellence); NAAC A++ (CGPA 3.91) |
| Campus Size | Approximately 1,019 acres, South Delhi |
| Total Courses | 100+ UG, PG, M.Phil and PhD programmes across 13 schools and 55+ centres |
| NIRF / NAAC Status | NIRF University 2025: Rank #3 (score 74.50); NAAC A++ |
| Student Strength | Approximately 7,300+ students with around 550 faculty, residential across 18 hostels |
Recent Updates (2026)
JNU announced a new academic collaboration with UC Berkeley's College of Computing, Data Science, and Society. Selected JNU undergraduate students with backgrounds in computer science, mathematics, statistics, and related fields can study at UC Berkeley for one or two semesters, earning academic credit toward their JNU degree plus a UC Berkeley certificate. The first cohort is set to begin Fall 2026.
About JNU
Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) is a premier central research university established in 1969 in New Delhi. With NAAC A++ accreditation, JNU has earned a distinguished reputation as one of India's leading institutions for postgraduate education and research. Spread across a sprawling 1019-acre campus, the university provides a vibrant academic environment with state-of-the-art facilities supporting over 9000 students and 550+ faculty members.
JNU is particularly renowned for its excellence in social sciences, humanities, international relations, development studies, and environmental studies. The university operates through multiple schools and centers of study, each offering specialized Master's and doctoral programs. The institution emphasizes rigorous research methodology, critical thinking, and scholarly discourse, making it a preferred choice for students seeking advanced education and research opportunities at the national and international levels.
The university's comprehensive infrastructure includes extensive library systems, modern computer and science laboratories, research centers, and residential hostels, creating a conducive environment for academic excellence and research. JNU's commitment to accessibility is reflected in its fee structure subsidized for Indian citizens, along with various scholarship options including merit-based awards and research assistantships for eligible candidates.
Graduates of JNU have established successful careers in academia, research, civil services, international organizations, policy-making, and various sectors of the economy. The university continues to maintain its position as a leading institution for higher education and research, contributing significantly to scholarly knowledge and producing leaders in diverse fields.
JNU — Frequently Asked Questions
This page is published for informational purposes only. Always verify final details on the official institution website before making academic or financial decisions.
Sources and Verification
Information last reviewed on 25 Jun 2026.
Fees, cutoffs, admission steps, placements, and programme details can change. Always cross-check the latest institutional or authority notice before acting.