JNU Admissions 2025: Complete Guide to Dates, Eligibility, Application and Entrance Exams

Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), a premier Indian institution, has begun admissions for the 2025–26 academic year across undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs. Admissions primarily rely on national-level entrance exams, including CUET (UG and PG), JEE Main, CAT, GAT-B, GATE, and NET/JRF.

Applicants must meet course-specific eligibility criteria—generally requiring 45–55% in qualifying degrees—and follow an online application process involving registration, form submission, document uploads, and fee payment.

Important dates span from June to September 2025, with multiple merit lists and document verification rounds. Candidates are encouraged to regularly visit JNU’s official website and consult the e-prospectus for the most accurate details.

Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) Admissions 2025 – Complete Guide

Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) is a premier institution in India, known for its rigorous academic programs, vibrant campus life, and focus on interdisciplinary studies. Admissions for the academic year 2025-26 are underway, with the university primarily relying on national-level entrance examinations for various courses. This article provides a comprehensive overview of JNU Admissions 2025, including important dates, eligibility criteria, application process, courses offered, and entrance exam details.

Important Dates- JNU Admissions 2025

Eligibility Criteria JNU Admissions 2025

• UG Courses (BA Hons, BSc-MSc Integrated, COP):
  • Class 12 from a recognized board/university with a minimum of 45% marks.
  • Specific subject requirements for certain programs (e.g., English and General Test for BA Hons in Foreign Languages).
  • Candidates appearing for Class 12 exams are also eligible to apply.
• MBA:
  • Bachelor’s Degree of at least three years with a minimum aggregate of 50% (General/OBC/EWS) or 45% (SC/ST/PWD).
• M.Tech:
  • Graduation with a minimum aggregate of 55%.
• MA:
  • Graduation with a minimum aggregate of 45% to 50%.
• M.Sc.:
  • Bachelor’s Degree with a minimum aggregate of 55%.
  • For M.Sc. (Life Sciences), a bachelor’s degree in physical, biological, or agricultural sciences with a minimum of 55% marks.
• MCA:
  • Bachelor’s degree (BCA/B.Tech) with Mathematics at graduate or 10+2 level with a minimum of 55% marks.
• M.Phil and PhD:
  • Master’s degree in the related subject with a minimum of 50% marks.
  • Selection is often based on NET/JRF/GATE scores followed by a viva-voce. JNU has specifically stated that percentile of NET Examination of June 2024 onwards will be considered for PhD admissions 2025-26.

JNU Admissions 2025 Application Process

The application process is entirely online. Candidates need to:

1. Register Online: Visit the official JNU admission website (jnuee.jnu.ac.in) and register by providing personal details, email, mobile number, etc.
2. Fill Application Form: Complete the online application form with personal and qualification details.
3. Upload Documents: Upload scanned images of photograph (10 kb-200 kb) and signature (4 kb-30 kb) in JPG/JPEG format. Other required documents typically include mark sheets of Class 10, Class 12, and Graduation, passport-sized photograph, candidate’s signature, provisional certificate of qualifying examination, migration certificate, character certificate, and anti-ragging affidavits.
4. Pay Application Fee: Pay the application fee through the online payment mode.

JNU Admissions 2025 Courses Offered

JNU offers a wide array of courses across various schools and special centers. Some of the popular programs include:

• Undergraduate & COP:
  • BA (Hons) in various Foreign Languages (Persian, Arabic, Japanese, Korean, Chinese, French, German, Spanish, Russian)
  • B.Sc.-M.Sc. Integrated Programme in Ayurveda Biology
  • Certificate of Proficiency (COP) in languages like Pashto, Uzbek, Hebrew, Mongolian, Bahasa Indonesia, Urdu, Pali, Sanskrit Computational Linguistic, Yoga Philosophy, Vedic Culture.
• B.Tech:
  • Computer Science and Engineering
  • Electronics and Communication Engineering
• Postgraduate:
  • MA in various disciplines (e.g., Languages, Social Sciences, Arts & Aesthetics)
  • M.Sc. (e.g., Life Sciences, Environmental Sciences, Computational Biology, Biotechnology, Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics)
  • MCA
  • MBA
  • M.Tech
  • MPH
  • PG Diploma
  • Advanced Diploma of Proficiency (ADOP)
• Doctoral (PhD):
  • A vast range of PhD programs across all schools and centers, including International Studies, Language, Literature and Culture Studies, Life Sciences, Social Sciences, Environmental Sciences, Computer and Systems Sciences, Physical Sciences, Computational and Integrative Sciences, Arts and Aesthetics, and various Special Centres.

JNU Admissions 2025 Selection Process Merit List

• UG & PG (CUET based): Selection is based on the CUET scores. JNU will release merit lists after the CUET results are announced and the JNU application portal closes.
• MBA: CAT score (70% weightage), Group Discussion (10% weightage), and Personal Interview (20% weightage).
• PhD: For NET/JRF/GATE qualified candidates, selection is purely based on performance in the viva-voce (100% weightage).
• Additional Points: JNU awards additional points (up to a maximum of 12) for specific categories, including:
  • Educational levels (Class 10/12/UG/PG degrees): 2-3 points each.
  • Kashmiri Migrants: 5 points.
  • Female/Transgender Candidates: 5-7 points.

Reservation Policy

JNU adheres to the Government of India’s reservation policy, which includes:

• SC: 15%
• ST: 7.5%
• OBC (Non-Creamy Layer): 27%
• EWS: 10%
• PwD: 5%

Documents Required for Admission/Verification

• Marksheet of Class 10, Class 12 & Graduation
• Passport-sized Photograph
• Candidate’s Signature
• Provisional Certificate of the qualifying examination
• Migration certificate
• Character Certificate
• Anti-ragging Affidavits
• Discontinuation certificate (if applicable)
• Caste Certificate (if applicable)
• Entrance Exam Admit Card (if applicable)
• JRF Certificate (for PhD JRF candidates, must be valid at the time of physical verification)

Important Notes for Aspirants

Official Website: Always refer to the official JNU admission website (www.jnu.ac.in and jnuee.jnu.ac.in) for the most accurate and up-to-date information, e-prospectus, and notifications.

Prospectus: The e-prospectus for UG, PG, and PhD programs for 2025-26 are available on the JNU website and provide detailed information on eligibility, courses, and admission procedures.

Stay Updated: Admission dates and processes can be subject to change. Regularly check the official website and reliable education news portals for any updates.

CUET Importance: For most UG and PG programs, a valid CUET score is essential. Candidates must ensure they appear for the relevant sections as prescribed by JNU for their desired course. For example, for BA (Hons) in Foreign Languages, candidates must appear for Section IA (English Test) and Section III (General Test) of CUET (UG).

Aspiring students are encouraged to meticulously go through the e-prospectus for their desired program and ensure they meet all eligibility criteria and application requirements to successfully apply for JNU Admissions 2025.

FAQs on JNU Admissions 2025

What is the mode of application for JNU Admissions 2025?
The entire application process is conducted online through the official portals (jnuee.jnu.ac.in and jnu.ac.in).

Which entrance exams are accepted for admission to various courses?
Admissions primarily use CUET (UG and PG) for most courses. Other accepted exams are JEE Main (B.Tech), CAT (MBA), GAT-B (M.Sc. Biotechnology/ Computational Biology), GATE (M.Tech), and UGC-NET/CSIR-NET for PhD programs.

Is JNU conducting its own entrance test (JNUEE) for 2025?
No, JNU does not conduct JNUEE for most programs anymore. CUET and other national-level exams are used instead.

What are the eligibility criteria for undergraduate courses?
You must have passed Class 12 with at least 45% marks. Some courses require specific subjects (e.g., English and General Test for BA in Foreign Languages).

Can candidates appearing for Class 12 exams apply?
Yes, students awaiting their Class 12 results are eligible to apply provisionally.

How are B.Tech admissions handled?
B.Tech admissions are based on JEE Main scores, followed by JoSAA or DASA counselling.

What is the selection process for MBA?
MBA selection includes CAT score (70% weightage), Group Discussion (10%), and Personal Interview (20%).

What is the eligibility for M.Tech programs?
Candidates must hold a relevant bachelor’s degree with at least 55% marks and a valid GATE score.

How are M.Sc. (Biotechnology/Computational Biology) admissions conducted?
These are through GAT-B, a national-level entrance test conducted by DBT.

What is the eligibility for PhD admissions?
You need a master’s degree in the relevant subject with at least 50% marks and a valid NET/JRF or GATE score (where applicable).

Is there any viva voce for PhD admissions?
Yes, shortlisted candidates must appear for a viva voce, which carries 100% weightage in final selection.

How can I check important dates for each course?
Refer to the official JNU admission website and the detailed admission schedule for specific timelines.

Are there any relaxations in eligibility criteria for reserved categories?
Yes, there are relaxations in minimum marks and reservation quotas per Government of India rules.

What reservation categories are applicable?
Reservations include SC (15%), ST (7.5%), OBC Non-Creamy Layer (27%), EWS (10%), and PwD (5%).

What are the key documents required during admission?
You will need Class 10, 12, and graduation marksheets, provisional certificate, migration and character certificates, photo, signature, caste certificate (if applicable), and entrance exam admit cards.

How are merit lists prepared for UG and PG courses?
Merit lists are prepared purely on CUET scores, considering the relevant sections prescribed by JNU for each program.

Can I apply for more than one program?
Yes, you may apply for multiple programs, but each requires a separate application and fee payment.

What is the application fee?
The application fee varies depending on the course and category. Details are available in the official e-prospectus.

When will the UG and PG merit lists be released?
Tentatively, PG merit lists will begin releasing from June 27, 2025, and UG merit lists are expected by late July 2025.

What is the importance of CUET for JNU Admissions?
CUET is mandatory for most UG and PG courses. Candidates must appear for relevant sections, such as Section IA (English) and Section III (General Test) for BA programs.

How will I be informed about counselling and document verification?
All notifications will be published on the JNU admission website and communicated via registered email/SMS alerts.

Can foreign nationals apply for JNU courses?
Yes, foreign nationals can apply under a separate category. They must follow guidelines detailed in the prospectus.

Is there any provision for supernumerary seats?
Yes, supernumerary seats are available in certain categories and will be notified in merit list announcements.

What additional points are awarded in the selection process?
JNU awards up to 12 additional points for criteria such as educational qualifications, gender, and category (e.g., Kashmiri migrants, female/transgender candidates).

How can I access the e-prospectus?
You can download it from jnuee.jnu.ac.in under the Admissions section for UG, PG, and PhD programs.

Where can I get help if I face issues in applying?
Use the helpdesk contacts and FAQs on the official admission website or email the admission support team.

What is the final deadline for PhD admissions?
The final admission and registration deadline for PhD is September 30, 2025.

How should I stay updated on any changes?
Regularly visit www.jnu.ac.in and jnuee.jnu.ac.in and subscribe to admission alerts.