Table of Contents
Important Dates
Application Start: June 26, 2025
Original Deadline: July 7, 2025
Extended to: July 22, 2025 and finally July 28, 2025
Correction Window: July 8–9 (if modifying NET/JRF/GATE score or subject code)
Viva‑Voce Invites: By ~July 18; exams held ~July 25–31
First Merit List: August 11; registration & fee: Aug 11–13; document verification: Aug 18–21
Second List: August 29; verification: Sept 4–5
Third/Final List (if needed): Sept 15; verification: Sept 22–23
Last Admission Deadline: September 30, 2025
Eligibility Overview
Applicants must hold:
A Master’s degree (1‑ or 2‑year) with at least 55% marks; or
An M.Phil with ≥55%; or
A 4‑year Bachelor’s degree with ≥75% (or 70% for SC/ST/OBC/EWS/PWD).
NET/CSIR‑NET or JRF qualification is mandatory, except for two programmes (Cinema Studies & Korean Studies) which have JNU’s own entrance exam (JNUEE) .
GATE scores are accepted only for PhD admission to the School of Engineering
Admission Process Overview
Apply online via JNU portal with valid NET/JRF/GATE score.
Correction window allows updating of test scores or subject codes.
Viva‑voce interviews are scheduled in July; invites released ~July 18.
Merit lists prepared based on score (70% weightage) + viva (30%) .
Shortlisted candidates must complete pre‑enrolment, pay fees, and undergo physical document verification.
Context & Student Protests
The admission season coincides with an indefinite hunger strike led by JNUSU, protesting:
The exclusion of June 2025 UGC‑NET aspirants, many recent MA graduates ,
The non-reinstatement of JNUEE as admission criteria for PhD programmes .
The Vice‑Chancellor has stated that none of the university deans supported JNUEE for most programmes. They endorse NET/CSIR‑NET or CUET as more inclusive and equitable routes .
Quick Summary Table
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Application Deadline | July 7 → Extended to July 28, 2025 |
| Eligibility Requirements | Master’s ≥55% / M.Phil ≥55% / 4‑yr B.A. ≥75% |
| Entrance Score Accepted | NET, JRF (most subjects); GATE (Engineering) |
| Special Exams | JNUEE for Korean & Cinema Studies only |
| Shortlisting Criteria | 70% entrance + 30% viva |
| Merit Lists Publication | Aug 11 (1st), Aug 29 (2nd), Sept 15 (3rd, if any) |
| Admission & Verification | Concludes by Sept 30, 2025 |
JNU PhD Admission 2025 – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
You must have one of the following:
A Master’s degree with at least 55% marks (50% for SC/ST/OBC/EWS/PwD)
A M.Phil degree with minimum 55%
A 4-year Bachelor’s degree with minimum 75% (70% for reserved categories)
You also need to have a valid NET, JRF, or GATE score (for engineering fields).
No—JNU has removed its own PhD entrance exam (JNUEE) for most programmes. Admission is now based on:
NET/JRF/CSIR-UGC scores (for most courses)
GATE score (only for School of Engineering PhDs)
Only two courses (Cinema Studies and Korean Studies) use JNUEE in 2025.
The selection has two stages:
Stage 1: Shortlisting based on NET/JRF/GATE scores (70% weight)
Stage 2: Viva-voce interview (30% weight)
Final admission is based on combined performance in both.
General/OBC/EWS: ₹530 per programme
SC/ST/PwD: ₹310
Foreign nationals: ₹1,000
(Confirm on the official site for updated fees.)