Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) is one of India's premier institutions for higher education and research. If you're interested in pursuing a Ph.D. at JNU, here’s a detailed guide on the application process, eligibility criteria, and average fees:
Notification:
JNU releases admission notifications for Ph.D. programs on its official website (www.jnu.ac.in). Notifications are usually announced in March-April for the academic session starting in July.
Application Form:
Applications are submitted online through the JNU Admission Portal.
Candidates must fill in personal, academic, and research-related details.
Upload required documents (e.g., mark sheets, research proposal, category certificate, etc.).
Pay the application fee online.
Entrance Exam:
Most Ph.D. programs require candidates to appear for the JNU Entrance Exam (JNUEE).
The exam consists of multiple-choice questions (MCQs) and/or descriptive questions, depending on the program.
Some departments may also consider UGC-NET/JRF or CSIR-NET/JRF qualified candidates for direct interview.
Interview/Viva Voce:
Shortlisted candidates are called for an interview or viva voce.
The interview assesses the candidate's research aptitude, subject knowledge, and proposed research area.
Final Merit List:
Admission is based on the combined performance in the entrance exam and interview.
The final merit list is published on the JNU website.
The eligibility criteria vary slightly across departments, but the general requirements are:
Educational Qualification:
A Master’s degree in a relevant discipline with at least 55% marks (or equivalent CGPA).
For SC/ST/OBC/PwD candidates, the minimum requirement is 50% marks.
Entrance Exam:
Qualify in the JNU Entrance Exam (JNUEE) or be exempted through UGC-NET/JRF, CSIR-NET/JRF, or other equivalent fellowships.
Research Proposal:
Candidates must submit a research proposal outlining their intended area of research.
Department-Specific Requirements:
Some departments may have additional requirements, such as work experience or specific coursework.
JNU is known for its affordable fee structure. The approximate fees for Ph.D. programs are as follows:
Fee Component | Amount (INR) |
---|---|
Tuition Fee | ?220 - ?310 per month |
Registration Fee | ?300 (one-time) |
Library Fee | ?100 (per semester) |
Student Welfare Fee | ?100 (per semester) |
Gymkhana Fee | ?50 (per semester) |
Hostel Fee (if applicable) | ?1,500 - ?2,500 per month |
Total (approx.) | ?5,000 - ?10,000 per year |
Note: Fees may vary slightly depending on the department and hostel facilities. SC/ST/PwD candidates may be eligible for fee waivers or concessions.
Research Proposal: A well-defined research proposal is crucial for admission.
Reservation Policy: JNU follows the Government of India’s reservation policy for SC/ST/OBC/PwD candidates.
Fellowships: Ph.D. students can apply for fellowships like UGC-JRF, CSIR-JRF, or JNU’s own scholarships.
International Students: JNU also admits international students through the Study in India program.