JNU PhD Admission 2025: Complete Guide to Apply & Eligibility
Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) has opened the PhD admission window for the academic session 2025–26. Candidates with valid UGC‑NET / CSIR‑NET / JRF or GATE (only for engineering) qualifications can apply online until 7 July 2025 at jnuee.jnu.ac.in. The process includes application, correction window, viva‑voce, merit lists, and document verification.
Important Dates & Schedule
| Event | Date(s) |
|---|---|
| Application deadline | 7 July 2025 (11:50 PM) |
| Application correction window | 8–9 July 2025 |
| Viva‑voce invitation | By 18 July 2025 |
| Viva‑voce examination | 25–31 July 2025 |
| First merit list | 11 August 2025 |
| First list registration & fee | 11–13 August 2025 |
| First list physical verification | 18–21 August 2025 |
| Second merit list | 29 August 2025 |
| Second round registration & fee | 29–31 August 2025 |
| Second physical verification | 4–5 September 2025 |
| Third/final merit list (if needed) | 15 September 2025 |
| Final physical verification (if needed) | 22–23 September 2025 |
| Last admission and registration | 30 September 2025 |
Eligibility Criteria
Educational Qualifications:
- Master’s degree (1‑ or 2‑year) with 55% aggregate marks, or
- M.Phil with 55% aggregate marks, or
- Four‑year Bachelor’s degree with 75% marks (70% for reserved categories)
Valid Entrance Test Score (both education and test qualify):
- UGC‑NET or CSIR‑NET/JRF, or
- GATE score only for School of Engineering applicants
Reserved category relaxation:
- 5% relaxation (from 75% to 70%) for SC/ST/OBC‑Non‑Creamy/PwBD/EWS candidates
Foreign degrees recognized by approved Indian agencies are valid.
Application Process
1. Register online on jnuee.jnu.ac.in under PhD Admissions 2025.
2. Provide personal and academic information.
3. Upload scanned documents: certificates, scorecards, research proposal, testimonials, statement of purpose (for foreign nationals).
4. Pay application fee:
- ₹325 for general/NET/JRF applicants
- ₹20,545 for engineering (GATE) applicants
5. Submit and save printout.
6. Make corrections (if needed) during the 8–9 July correction window.
Note: Only the latest submitted application is considered if multiple submissions are made—they replace earlier ones.
Viva-Voce & Merit Process
Eligible candidates get viva‑voce invites by 18 July and are scheduled for interviews between 25–31 July.
Candidates must submit:
- Academic testimonials
- Research interests and proposal
- One representative published paper (if any)
- Reference letters (including former teacher)
Final selection is based on a composite score of NET/JRF/GATE along with performance in viva-voce.
Merit Lists & Admission Process
- First merit list: 11 August; fee payment and pre-enrollment: 11–13 August; physical document verification: 18–21 August.
- Second merit list: 29 August; fee & registration: 29–31 August; verification: 4–5 September.
- Final list, if required: 15 September; quick enrollment 15–17 September; final verification 22–23 September.
- Last admission deadline: 30 September 2025.
Partial Entrance via JNUEE
- JNU will conduct its own entrance exam (JNUEE) only for Cinema Studies and Korean Studies PhD programmes as they are not covered by UGC‑NET.
Student Protests & Context
The JNUSU (students’ union) initiated a hunger strike in protest against exclusion of UGC NET June 2025 aspirants and demanded reinstatement of JNU’s in-house exam (JNUEE) for PhD admissions.
The VC clarified that deans did not support reinstating JNUEE broadly, emphasizing reliance on NET and CUET for inclusiveness.
Fellowships & Financial Support
JRF-qualified candidates get UGC‑JRF scholarship.
Non‑JRF candidates may explore:
- ICSSR Doctoral Research Fellowship
- Savitribai Phule Single Girl Child Fellowship
- PMRF, AICTE-ADF, and other institutional or government fellowships
Preparation & Strategy
- Read the e‑Prospectus thoroughly for subject-specific guidance and seat availability.
- Prepare research proposal and practice viva-voce based on past formats.
- Attend mock interviews and gather testimonials in advance.
- Apply early and avoid last-minute rush—especially for physical verification and enrollment deadlines.
Quick Overview Table
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Online Application | 26 June – 7 July 2025 |
| Correction Window | 8–9 July 2025 |
| Eligibility | Master’s/MPhil/Bachelor’s + NET/JRF/GATE |
| Viva-Voce | 25–31 July 2025 |
| Merit Lists & Verification | Multiple rounds till 30 Sep 2025 |
| Application Fee | ₹325 (General) / ₹20,545 (Engineering) |
| Special Entrance (JNUEE) | For Cinema & Korean Studies only |
Ready to Join India’s Premier Research University?
Don’t miss your chance to be a part of Jawaharlal Nehru University’s prestigious PhD programs!
Apply now at jnu.ac.in and take the first step toward academic excellence.
Stay updated with exam dates, admit card releases, and counselling rounds—bookmark this page for real-time updates!
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