Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) is one of India's premier institutions for higher education and research. It offers a wide range of Ph.D. programs across various disciplines. Below is a comprehensive guide to the full-time Ph.D. admission process, application fees, syllabus, and course comparison.
Eligibility Criteria:
Master’s Degree: Candidates must have a Master’s degree with at least 55% marks (50% for SC/ST/OBC/PWD candidates) or an equivalent grade from a recognized university.
M.Phil. Degree: Candidates with an M.Phil. degree or those who have completed course work for M.Phil. with at least 55% marks (50% for SC/ST/OBC/PWD candidates) are also eligible.
UGC-NET/JRF: Candidates who have qualified for UGC-NET (including JRF)/UGC-CSIR NET (including JRF)/SLET/GATE/teacher fellowship or have passed the M.Phil. examination are exempt from the written entrance examination.
Admission Process:
Entrance Examination: Eligible candidates must appear for a written entrance examination conducted by JNU. The exam typically consists of two parts: Part A (Research Methodology) and Part B (Subject-specific questions).
Interview: Shortlisted candidates based on the written exam are called for an interview/viva voce.
Application Process:
Online Application: Candidates need to apply online through the JNU admission portal.
Application Fee: The application fee varies based on the category:
General/OBC: INR 2000
SC/ST/PWD: INR 1000
Female candidates (all categories): INR 1000
General/OBC: INR 2000
SC/ST/PWD: INR 1000
Female Candidates (all categories): INR 1000
The syllabus for the Ph.D. entrance examination varies depending on the discipline. Generally, it includes:
Part A: Research Methodology
Research Aptitude
Quantitative and Qualitative Research Methods
Data Analysis and Interpretation
Part B: Subject-Specific Questions
Advanced topics in the chosen discipline
Current trends and developments in the field
Analytical and critical thinking questions
Candidates are advised to refer to the specific syllabus provided by their respective schools/centers within JNU.
JNU offers Ph.D. programs across various schools and centers, each with its unique focus and specialization. Below is a brief comparison of some popular Ph.D. programs:
| School/Center | Discipline | Key Focus Areas |
|---|---|---|
| School of International Studies | International Relations, Political Science, Economics | Global politics, international trade, security studies, diplomacy |
| School of Social Sciences | Sociology, History, Economics, Geography | Social theory, historical research, economic policies, urban and regional studies |
| School of Language, Literature, and Culture Studies | Linguistics, Literature, Cultural Studies | Language studies, literary theory, cultural history, comparative literature |
| School of Environmental Sciences | Environmental Science, Ecology | Climate change, biodiversity, environmental policy, sustainable development |
| School of Life Sciences | Biotechnology, Molecular Biology, Genetics | Genetic engineering, molecular biology, bioinformatics, biomedical research |
Key Points of Comparison:
Research Focus: Each school/center has a distinct research focus, ranging from social sciences to life sciences.
Interdisciplinary Approach: JNU encourages interdisciplinary research, allowing students to draw from multiple fields.
Faculty Expertise: The faculty comprises renowned scholars and researchers, providing students with expert guidance.
Resources and Facilities: JNU offers extensive libraries, laboratories, and research facilities to support Ph.D. candidates.
Notification Release: Usually in January/February
Application Deadline: Typically in March/April
Entrance Exam: Usually in May/June
Interview: July/August
Final Admission List: August/September
For more details, candidates can visit the official JNU website or contact the respective schools/centers:
Website: www.jnu.ac.in
Admission Helpline: +91-11-26704098, +91-11-26741500