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JNU PhD Admission 2025: Eligibility, Fees, Ranking & Placements
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JNU PhD Fees & Courses List
JNU PhD Course Highlights
| Course Name | PhD |
| Course Level | Doctorate Program |
| Duration | 3 Years |
| Average Fees | ₹ 720 |
| Mode | Offline |
The JNU PhD program is renowned for its interdisciplinary approach, deep focus on social sciences, languages, and environmental studies, and a vibrant, intellectually stimulating campus environment. Jawaharlal Nehru University JNU PhD admission for the 2025-26 academic session is primarily based on performance in national-level examinations, aligning with the UGC 's latest PhD Regulations. Admission is not through a university-specific entrance exam (like the erstwhile JNUEE but relies heavily on your valid NET (UGC/CSIR) score, JRF, or GATE score, followed by a mandatory Viva-Voce (Personal Interview). Our comprehensive guide will walk you through the latest JNU PhD admission process for the 2026 academic session, covering eligibility, exact fee structure, and the promising career avenues that follow a JNU doctoral degree.
JNU PhD Admission Highlights 2025
The PhD program at JNU is a minimum three-year full-time research program, focusing on high-quality doctoral work across its many schools and specialized centers. Admission is primarily through an entrance test or, for those with a valid Junior Research Fellowship (JRF), based on a personal interview/viva-voce.
| Particulars | Details (for 2026 Intake) |
| Degree | Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) |
| Duration | Minimum 3 years (Full-Time) |
| Admission Basis | JNU Entrance Exam (JNEE) or Direct Interview for JRF/NET Qualified Candidates (as per UGC Regulations 2024-25) |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Academic Session | 2025-26 (for 2026 intake) |
| Approximate Total Seats | 944 (Including JRF/NET, Entrance, and Foreign Candidates) |
JNU PhD Important Dates 2025 (Tentative)
Students planning for the JNU PhD intake in 2025 should refer to the following tentative schedule based on the official 2025-26 admission cycle.
| Event | Dates for 2025-26 |
| Deadline for submission of PhD Application for the first cycle | July 7, 2025 |
| Submission of PhD Application for the second cycle begins | December 2025(tentative) |
Eligibility Criteria for JNU PhD
The fundamental eligibility for JNU PhD admission requires a candidate to possess a recognized Master’s Degree or an equivalent professional degree with at least 55% marks (or equivalent grade) from a recognized University, as per UGC norms.
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Relaxations: A 5% relaxation (50% marks) is provided for SC/ST/OBC (non-creamy layer)/Differently-Abled and other categories as per the guidelines of the UGC and Government of India.
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Entrance Exemption: Candidates who have qualified for a Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) through UGC/CSIR or similar national bodies, or have cleared the NET examination, are usually exempted from the JNU Entrance Examination (JNEE) and called directly for the viva-voce.
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Specific School/Centre Requirements: Always check the e-Prospectus for the specific School/Centre (e.g., School of International Studies, School of Social Sciences, School of Life Sciences) as they may have specific qualifying subject or research experience requirements. You can find more details about various courses offered at the university on the JNU Courses page.
JNU PhD Admission Process 2025
The JNU PhD admission process for the upcoming academic session is streamlined to recognize national-level research proficiency. Candidates must hold a valid score from one of the qualifying examinations listed below to be considered for direct admission to the interview stage:
JNU PhD Admission 2025 Key Selection Pathways
| Pathway | Selection Criteria Weightage | Mandatory Requirement | Details |
| Category 1 (UGC/CSIR NET/JRF) | 100% Viva-Voce | Valid NET/JRF Award/Score | Candidates with a valid JRF award (UGC/CSIR/ICMR/DST/etc.) or a high NET percentile are directly called for the Viva-Voce(Personal Interview). |
| Category 2 (GATE Score) | 70% GATE + 30% Viva-Voce | Valid GATE Score | Applicable mainly for PhD programs in the School of Engineering. |
| Category 3 (UGC NET only) | 100% Viva-Voce | Valid NET (Assistant Professor only) | Candidates who qualify only for Assistant Professor (not JRF) under NET. |
| Specific Centers/Schools | CBT Test + Viva-Voce | Specific Requirement | A few select centers/schools may hold a Computer-Based Test CBT followed by a Viva-Voce. Always check the current year's e-Prospectus. |
Important Factual Note: As per the official JNUAdmission Policy, the Viva-Voce is compulsory for all shortlisted candidates and is the final deciding factor, assessing your research aptitude, subject knowledge, and synopsis/proposal
For more information on admission, check JNU Admission
How to Apply for JNU PhD Admission 2025
Applying for a JNU PhD admission involves two main tracks for entry, requiring all candidates to meet minimum academic standards (Master's with 55% marks). Candidates with a Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) proceed directly to the Viva-Voce (Personal Interview), which carries 100% weightage for selection. Other applicants must use their NET/GATE scores (70% weightage) combined with the Viva-Voce (30% weightage) for the final merit list, as the entrance exam (JNEE) is now largely replaced by NET scores. All applicants must successfully defend a research proposal during the Viva-Voce.
| Step | Action | Key Information |
| 1. Eligibility Check | Confirm your qualifications. | Must have a Master's degree with 55% marks (or 50% for reserved categories) and meet specific School requirements. |
| 2. Online Registration | Fill out the JNU application form. | Register on the official JNU admission portal. Upload required documents (photo, signature, academic certificates, JRF/NET letter). |
| 3. Fee Payment | Pay the application fee online. | Use Debit/Credit Card or Net Banking. Download the confirmation page. |
| 4. Admission Route | Prepare for your selection method. | JRF/NET Qualified: Directly called for Viva-Voce (Personal Interview). Others: Must appear for the JNU Entrance Examination (JNEE). |
| 5. Viva-Voce | Defend your research proposal. | Mandatory for all applicants. Your research proposal and subject knowledge will be assessed. |
| 6. Enrollment | Confirm admission and pay fees. | Selection is based on the final merit list. Pay the nominal annual course fee (approx. ₹ 9,716.00) and complete document verification. |
- Eligibility is Mandatory: You must possess a Master's degree with at least 55% marks to be considered for any JNU PhD admission.
- Two Paths to Entry: Admission is either through a direct Viva-Voce for JRF/NET qualifiers, or by taking the JNU Entrance Examination (JNEE) followed by a Viva-Voce.
- The Viva-Voce is Critical: All candidates face a personal interview to assess their subject expertise and the feasibility of their research proposal.
- Online and Official: The entire process from filling the form and paying the fee to checking the final selection is completed online via the official JNU portal.
- Low Cost, High Value: The annual course fee is minimal (approximately ₹ 9,716.00), making research highly affordable at JNU.
JNU PhD Fee Structure 2025
JNU is well-known for its subsidized education, especially for research scholars. The annual fee for the PhD program is minimal compared to other institutions, making quality education accessible. The below table outlines the exact fixed components of the annual fees (excluding mess charges, if applicable) based on the latest available data.
| Fee Head | Amount (INR) - Annually |
| Tuition Fee (Per Annum) | ₹ 216.00 |
| Student Activity Fee (Per Semester - ₹2500 x 2) | ₹ 5,000.00 |
| University Development Fund (Per Semester - ₹1000 x 2) | ₹ 2,000.00 |
| Examination Fee (Per Semester - ₹1000 x 2) | ₹ 2,000.00 |
| Medical Insurance (Per Year) | ₹ 500.00 |
| Total Annual Fee (Approx.) | ₹ 9,716.00 |
Note: There are also one-time payments at the time of admission: Admission Fee (₹ 1,000*), Alumni Fee (₹ 1,000), Registration Fee (₹ 1,000), and a Refundable Security Deposit (₹ 5,000). Hostel charges are nominal and separate.* Read More: JNU Courses and Fees
JNU Ranking 2025
Jawaharlal Nehru University consistently ranks among the top institutions in India, especially in the University category, underscoring its excellence in teaching, learning, and research output—all crucial factors for choosing a PhD institution. Some of the top JNU Rankings include:
| Ranking Body | Category | JNU Ranking 2025 |
| NIRF (National Institutional Ranking Framework) | Universities | 2 |
| NIRF (National Institutional Ranking Framework) | Overall | 10 |
Fellowships and JNU PhD Scholarships
Research is financially supported at JNU through various internal and external schemes. A majority of PhD students are generally supported by a Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) from external agencies. Given below are the details of JNU scholarships
| Scholarship/Fellowship | Eligibility/Benefits (Short Summary) |
| UGC-CSIR Junior Research Fellowships (JRF) | For candidates who qualify the national test. Provides a monthly stipend and contingency grant as per UGC norms. |
| Merit-cum-Means (MCM) Scholarships | For deserving and meritorious students whose parent/guardian's income does not exceed ₹1,00,000 per annum. |
| Rajiv Gandhi National Fellowship for SC & ST | Central scheme for SC/ST students pursuing research leading to PhD. |
| Okita Memorial Fellowship | For M.Phil/PhD students researching Japan or India's relations with Japan (Value: ₹5,000 p.m. + ₹10,000 annual contingency). |
| Nippon Foundation Fellowship | A prestigious fellowship for M.Phil./PhD students in specific areas (Value: ₹15,000 per month for 3 years). |
JNU PhD Placements and Career Opportunities
A PhD from JNU, particularly in the social sciences and humanities, is highly valued. The degree opens doors to careers in academia, think tanks, civil services, and international non-profit organizations. While data on mass placements is not released like professional courses, the typical career path involves high-level research and teaching.
| Sector | Primary Roles | Estimated Salary (Annual) |
| Academia & Research | Assistant Professor, Post-Doctoral Fellow, Research Scientist, Senior Research Analyst | ₹ 7,00,000 - ₹ 15,00,000+ (Varies based on Institute) |
| Think Tanks & NGOs | Policy Analyst, Research Consultant, Program Director, Development Consultant | ₹ 6,00,000 - ₹ 12,00,000 |
| Government/Public Sector | Civil Services, Specialized Government Research Organizations (e.g., ICSSR, DRDO, PSUs) | As per Govt. Scales (UGC 7th Pay Commission for teaching) |
The placement cell actively assists researchers in finding suitable employment. For detailed information on the placement process, you can visit the JNU Placement section.
