Founded in 1966, Jawaharlal Nehru University is a public central university. The university placed second in the NIRF category. It is well-known for research and postgraduate study. JNU has an A++ accreditation from the NAAC. More than 100 courses in a range of specializations are available at the university. At JNU, popular degrees in fields including arts, technology, science, management, and more include B.tech, BSc, BA, MA, M.Tech, and MSc. Workshops are held by the JNU placement cell to help students hone their skills. Additionally, it hosts trade shows where people can apply for jobs and internships.
For aspirants looking to pursue a PhD at JNU in 2025, understanding the eligibility criteria and admission process is crucial, as admissions are now primarily conducted through national-level entrance exams.
About IGNOU PhD Program
- Application Start Date: May 2025
- Application Deadline: May 30, 2025
- Eligibility:
- Master’s degree in a relevant field from a UGC-recognized institution.
- Minimum 60% marks in Master’s.
- Must qualify CSIR NET/UGC NET/GATE/JRF — Master’s degree alone is not sufficient.
- Popular PhD Specializations:
- United States Studies
- Canadian Studies
- Trade & Development
- International Organization
- Media Studies
- Many more as per center-specific availability
Also Read: JNU PHD Admission
JNU PhD Eligibility Criteria
| Mode of Admission | Recognized Exams |
| UGC/CSIR NET | Category 1 (JRF), Category 2 (Assistant Professorship), Category 3 |
| JRF | UGC, CSIR, ICMR, DBT, NBHM |
| GATE | For School of Engineering only |
- Candidates must match both academic background and relevant exam subjects.
- Offline applications will not be accepted
- Candidates can select up to 3 preferences for study fields, but selections are final.
- JRF-qualified candidates can also apply separately under the NET category.
JNU PhD Discipline-Specific Eligibility
Admission via UGC/CSIR NET (All Three Categories)
- Categories:
- Category 1: JRF Qualified
- Category 2: Assistant Professorship Qualified (not JRF)
- Category 3: Eligible for PhD but not qualified in either above
- Admission Criteria:
- Admission based on NET percentile and viva voce:
- 70% weight: NET percentile
- 30% weight: Viva voce
- Only June 2024 cycle scores considered.
- Reservation policy as per Govt. of India (SC/ST/OBC/EWS/PWD).
- No consideration of NET subjects outside those approved for each program.
- Admission based on NET percentile and viva voce:
- Application Requirement:
- Must apply online using June 2024 NET percentile.
- No offline forms accepted.
Admission via JRF Category
- Only valid JRF certificates (UGC/CSIR, ICMR, DBT, NBHM) in relevant subjects.
- Must apply separately online under JRF category.
- 100% weightage to viva voce.
- Fellowships like NFSC, NFST, NFOBC, NFPWD, and DST INSPIRE not valid under JRF category.
- JRF certificate must be valid at document verification.
Admission via GATE (For School of Engineering Only)
| School | Eligible Programs |
| School of Engineering | Computer Science, Electronics, Mechanical Engineering |
- Eligibility:
- Valid GATE score at time of application
- Meets minimum academic criteria for engineering streams
- Merit Composition:
- 70% GATE score
- 30% Viva voce
JNU PhD Admission Process: Step-by-Step
1. Application Submission
- Visit www.jnu.ac.in
- Go to the Admissions Section
- Click “Register” (for new users)
- Enter email ID and mobile number
- Use credentials to log in
- Fill the form and upload documents
- Review application
- Submit form and pay fees
- Save confirmation email
2. Viva Voce
- All NET/JRF qualified applicants will be invited.
- A detailed research proposal must be submitted.
- Conducted by the Departmental Research Committee (DRC).
3. Merit List
- Based on performance in viva voce and qualifying exam scores.
- Names of shortlisted students and assigned supervisors are included.
4. Admission Offer & Fee Payment
- Offer made to shortlisted students.
- Students must accept and pay fees to secure admission.
JNU PhD Eligibility: New Policy
| Old Process | New Process (from 2025) |
| Internal Entrance Exam | Based on UGC-NET/CSIR-NET scores |
| Less competition | Higher difficulty due to stricter criteria |
| Moderate preparation | Requires focused, dedicated study |
Conclusion
The JNU PhD admission process for 2025 onwards is now NET-centric, making it more competitive. Candidates must not only excel academically but also perform well in national-level eligibility exams. Proper planning and consistent preparation are key to success.
JNU PhD Eligibility FAQs
What is the minimum percentage required in postgraduation for PhD eligibility?
Applicants must have at least 60% aggregate marks in their postgraduate degree from a recognized university to apply for a PhD at JNU.
Is there any age limit to apply for JNU PhD?
No, JNU does not impose any upper age limit for PhD admissions. However, candidates must meet academic and entrance exam eligibility.
Do I need to submit a research proposal during the application process?
You don’t need to submit a proposal with the application, but you must prepare one for the viva voce round, where you’ll present it to the faculty panel.
Is GATE accepted for all PhD programs at JNU?
No, GATE scores are only valid for PhD programs under the School of Engineering. For other disciplines, NET or JRF qualifications are required.
