JNU offers admissions once a year, usually between March and August. The university provides over 110 UG, PG, and doctoral programs across various disciplines. JNU conducts its own entrance examination for PhD admissions, known as JNUEE, while admission to UG and PG courses is based on national-level entrance exams such as CUET, CUET-PG, JEE Main, GAT-B, and CAT.
The counseling and seat allocation process at JNU is conducted through platforms like JoSAA, CSAB, DASA, and CCMT, depending on the course. Some of the most popular courses at Jawaharlal Nehru University include MA Political Science, MA International Relations, BA (Hons) in Foreign Languages, M.Tech, and PhD programs.
JNU PG admissions are expected to begin in May 2026, whereas UG admissions are likely to start in July 2026.
JNU Important Dates 2026
Below is a detailed timeline of key events for various JNU entrance exams and admission processes in 2026.
CUET PG 2026
CUET UG 2026
GAT-B 2026
JNU JNUEE 2026
| Event |
Tentative Date |
| Online Application for JNUEE 2026 |
February 2026 - March 2026 |
| JNUEE 2026 Exam |
May 2026 - June 2026 |
| JNUEE 2026 Result |
July 2026 - August 2026 |
JEE Main 2026
JNU Admission Dates 2026
| Level |
Event |
Tentative Dates |
PG |
JNU Merit List Release |
May 2026 - June 2026 |
| Counselling & Admission |
June 2026 - July/August 2026 |
UG |
JNU Merit List Release |
July 2026 - August 2026 |
| Counselling & Admission |
August 2026 - September 2026 |
Students praise JNU for its strong academics, research opportunities, and affordable, friendly campus with good dorms. Classes are tough and admissions competitive, but it’s ideal for civil services and serious study. For industry jobs, other institutes may be better. Overall, challenging, supportive, and exciting. - Reviews on Quora about JNU Master’s Admissions
JNU PG Admission Process 2026
JNU PG admissions are via CUET‑PG, with some programmes via GAT‑B and CCMT/GATE.
Step 1: Check Eligibility & Exam Route
- Verify UG degree, subject requirements, and minimum percentage in the JNU PG e-prospectus.
- Identify exam channel:
- CUET-PG: Most MA/MSc/MCA/MPH/MTech (except some branches) & PG Diplomas
- GAT-B: MSc Biotechnology & Computational Biology
- GATE/CCMT: Select MTech specialisations
Step 2: Apply for Entrance Exam
- Register on CUET-PG / GAT-B / GATE portal.
- Select JNU + programme codes, upload documents, pay fees.
- Appear for exam and save scorecard & application details.
Step 3: Register on JNU PG Portal
- After results, apply on the JNU PG admission portal.
- Enter details, exam scores, and programme preferences.
- Use correction window if needed; admissions run in multiple rounds.
Step 4: Merit List & Pre-Enrolment
- JNU releases multiple merit lists based on scores and reservation norms.
- If allotted, complete pre-enrolment: confirm seat, upload documents, pay initial fee.
Step 5: Verification & Final Registration
- Report to JNU for physical document verification.
- Pay remaining fees to complete registration.
- Final spot rounds may be held for vacant seats.
JNU PhD Admission Process 2026
From 2025‑26, JNU PhD admissions have largely shifted to a NET/JRF/GATE‑based model in line with revised UGC regulations. Internal entrance tests are retained only for limited programmes if notified.
Step 1: Check Eligibility & Exam Score
- Master’s degree in relevant discipline with ~55% marks (5% relaxation for Reserved category).
- Valid UGC/CSIR-NET or JRF from UGC/CSIR/ICMR/DBT/NBHM, or GATE score (as applicable).
Step 2: Apply on JNU PhD Portal
- Register on the JNU PhD admission portal.
- Fill personal, academic, and research details; choose permitted Centres/Schools.
- Upload documents and pay application fee online.
Step 3: Shortlisting for Viva-Voce
- Shortlisting based on NET/JRF/GATE percentile and departmental criteria.
- Interview details (date, mode, proposal/SoP if required) shared via portal/email.
Step 4: Viva-Voce & Merit List
- Selection typically uses 70% exam score + 30% viva-voce (as per UGC/JNU norms).
- Final merit list published; supervisors/research areas allotted.
Step 5: Admission & Enrolment
- Accept offer, pay fees, and complete document verification.
- Final enrolment is done in the concerned School/Centre.
JNU UG Admission Process 2026
For 2025‑26, all JNU UG and Certificate/COE/COP programmes are through CUET‑UG conducted by NTA. Basic steps:
Step 1: Check Eligibility & CUET Papers
- Pass 10+2 from a recognised board with ~45-50% marks (5% relaxation for reserved categories).
- Confirm required CUET-UG subject papers for your chosen JNU course.
Step 2: Apply for CUET-UG
- Register on the NTA CUET-UG portal.
- Select JNU + relevant test papers, upload documents, pay fee.
- Download the admit card and appear for the exam.
Step 3: Register for JNU Counselling
- After CUET results, register on JNU’s UG Admission through CUET portal.
- Enter CUET details, academic info, and set programme preferences.
Step 4: Merit List & Seat Allocation
- JNU releases merit lists based mainly on CUET scores (with other criteria if applicable).
- Accept/upgrade allotted seat and upload documents online.
Step 5: Verification & Final Admission
- Report to JNU for physical verification and pay admission fee.
- Further rounds/spot admissions held if seats remain vacant.
According to Arundhati Das, a BA (Hons.) Arabic student, the course is engaging, particularly for those interested in learning languages like Arabic. Students benefit from small class sizes and supportive faculty at JNU. Internships and placements are primarily available in embassies or international companies. Campus life emphasizes academics, sports, and library use, while hostels are well-equipped and offer good food. Overall, the program is affordable and provides strong preparation for future careers abroad. - Click Here to Read the Detailed Review
Important Documents Required for JNU Admission 2026
Candidates must keep original documents and scanned copies ready for online upload, pre-enrolment, and physical verification.
Common Documents (UG / PG / PhD)
- Recent passport-size photographs
- Scanned signature
- Valid photo ID proof
- Date of Birth proof
- Category certificate in Government of India format, if applicable
- PwD certificate, if applicable
- Income certificate
- Migration / Transfer Certificate
- Anti-ragging affidavit
- Character/Conduct Certificate
Entrance Examination Documents
- CUET-UG / CUET-PG scorecard
- GAT-B scorecard
- GATE scorecard
- UGC/CSIR-NET / JRF certificate
- Entrance exam application form & admit card
Academic Qualification Documents
For UG Admission
- Class 10 marksheet & certificate
- Class 12 marksheet & certificate
For PG Admission
- UG marksheets (all semesters/years)
- UG degree / provisional certificate
For PhD Admission
- PG marksheets (all semesters/years)
- PG degree / provisional certificate
- Research proposal / Statement of Purpose (SoP) (if required by Centre)
- Experience certificates (if applicable)
Reservation & Special Category Documents
- OBC-NCL certificate (issued on or after 1 April of the admission year)
- EWS certificate (valid for the current financial year)
- Kashmiri Migrant certificate
- Defence / JNU employee ward certificate
- Foreign/NRI candidate documents (passport, visa, equivalence certificate)
During Pre-Enrolment & Final Registration
- Seat acceptance / pre-enrolment receipt
- Fee payment receipts
- Undertakings or declarations as notified by JNU
- Medical fitness certificate (if required)
JNU Cutoff 2026
To get admission in any courses at JNU, candidates must appear for the entrance exams such as CUET UG & PG, JEE Main, GATE, along with the CSAB Counselling. Below are the JNU cutoff of different national level test:
JEE Main 2025 CutOff for JNU
The overall cutoff rank for JEE Main is 25706 - 33831. JNU, JEE Main Cutoff 2025 for General Category is listed below.
| Courses |
First Round (Cutoff marks) |
Last Round (Cutoff marks) |
| B.Tech CSE |
25706 |
31402 |
| B.Tech ECE |
33831 |
41588 |
CUET UG 2025 CutOff for JNU
The overall cutoff marks for CUET UG is 59 - 74. JNU CUET UG Cutoff 2025 for General Category is listed below.
| Courses |
First Round (Cutoff marks) |
Last Round (Cutoff marks) |
| BA (Hons.) Japanese |
74 |
64 |
| BA (Hons.) French |
74 |
65 |
| BA (Hons.) German |
73 |
65 |
| BA (Hons.) Spanish |
70 |
64 |
| BA (Hons.) Korean |
69 |
62 |
| BA (Hons.) Chinese |
68 |
63 |
| BA (Hons.) Russian |
67 |
61 |
| BA (Hons.) Persian |
64 |
57 |
| BA (Hons.) Arabic |
62 |
55 |
| BA (Hons.) Pashto |
59 |
55 |
CUET PG 2025 CutOff for JNU
The overall cutoff marks for CUET PG is 27 - 99. JNU CUET PG Cutoff 2025 for General Category is listed below.
| Courses |
Last Round |
| MA Hindi |
99 |
| MA Functional Hindi and Translation |
94 |
| MA Sanskrit |
92 |
| MA English |
89 |
| MA Urdu |
86 |
| MA Arabic |
85 |
| MA International Studies |
84 |
| MA Philosophy |
84 |
| MA Political Science |
83 |
| MA International Relations |
82 |
| MA Sociology |
78 |
| MA Chinese |
76 |
| MA French |
76 |
| MA Labour and Development |
73 |
| MA Ancient History |
71 |
| MA Linguistics |
71 |
| MA Geography |
69 |
| MA Medieval History |
67 |
| MA World Economy |
61 |
| MA Economics |
61 |
| MA Disaster Management |
62 |
| MA Korean |
59 |
| MA Spanish |
59 |
| MA Russian Studies |
45 |
| MA Arts and Aesthetics |
46 |
| MA Persian |
32 |
| M.Sc Life Science |
71 |
| M.Sc Molecular Medicine |
65 |
| M.Sc Mathematics |
67 |
| M.Sc Environmental Science |
65 |
| M.Sc Physics |
65 |
| M.Sc Chemistry |
58 |
| M.Sc Computational and Integrative Sciences |
50 |
| M.Tech Computer Science & Technology |
51 |
| M.Tech Data Science |
49 |
| M.Tech. Nano Electronics |
32 |
| M.Tech Nano Science and Technology |
27 |
| MCA |
73 |
| MPH |
76 |
| PG Diploma in Big Data Analytics |
48 |
GATE 2025 CutOff for JNU
The overall cutoff marks for GATE is 400 - 592. JNU, GATE Cutoff 2025 for General Category is listed below.
| Courses |
First Round (Cutoff marks) |
Last Round (Cutoff marks) |
| M.Tech CSE |
592 |
509 |
| M.Tech ECE |
400 |
350 |
DASA 2025 Cutoff JNU
The overall cutoff rank for DASA is 584509. JNU, DASA Cutoff 2025 for CIWG Category is listed below.
| Courses |
Round 1 (Closing rank) |
| B.Tech Computer Science Engineering |
584509 |
CSAB Counselling Cutoff 2025 for JNU
The overall cutoff rank for CSAB Counselling is 36168 - 49000. JNU, CSAB Counselling Cutoff 2025 for General Category is listed below.
| Courses |
First Round (Closing rank) |
Last Round (Closing rank) |
| B.Tech CSE |
36168 |
37965 |
| B.Tech ECE |
49000 |
55021 |
JNU Admission FAQs
Ques. Can I get admission in JNU if my CUET score is 348/450 (English+GT)?
Ans. Yes, you may have a chance, but it depends on the course, your category, and the specific cutoff for that program at JNU. A 348/450 CUET score is generally competitive, especially for some language, social science, or less high-demand programs, but for very popular courses, cutoffs can be higher. Final admission also depends on merit lists, seat availability, and counseling rounds.
Ques. How is MA Sociology at JNU in terms of academics, classes, attendance, UPSC relevance?
Ans. MA Sociology at JNU is academically rigorous, theory- and research-focused, with heavy reading, seminars, and assignments. Attendance isn’t strictly enforced, but regular participation helps with grades and faculty support. It aligns well with UPSC sociology optional, though balancing prep with coursework can be challenging due to the workload.
Ques. What subjects are taught in JNU's MA in International Relations and Area Studies?
Ans. JNU MA in International Relations and Area Studies (IRAS) teaches core subjects like International Relations theories, International Law, Foreign Policy, Area Studies, and Research Methods. Students can also choose optional courses about different regions like South Asia, East Asia, West Asia, Africa, and topics like nation-building, security, and development. The course gives a good mix of theory, research skills, and knowledge about different parts of the world.
Ques. What is the JNU M.Tech in Geotechnical Engineering program like?
Ans. JNU M.Tech in Geotechnical Engineering is a 2-year program that focuses on soil and rock behavior, foundations, retaining structures, and ground improvement. It includes theory, lab work, projects, and sometimes computer modelling to solve real-world construction and infrastructure problems. Graduates can work in construction, consulting, research, or government projects.
Ques. Can I get into JNU master’s courses without CUET‑PG?
Ans. No, for most master’s programs at JNU, including MA and M.Tech courses, CUET (or the specific JNU entrance test) is now required for admission. JNU has mostly stopped direct admissions or merit-based entry without CUET, except in very rare cases like certain PhD programs, sponsored candidates, or international students. So if you are applying for regular MA/M.Tech courses as a general student, you cannot get in without CUET.
Ques. What is the last date to register for JNU 2026?
Ans. For JNU 2026 admissions, the last date to apply depends on the program. For CUET‑PG, the application deadline was January 14, 2026. For most JNU programs that use CUET scores, the admission registration usually opens around July–August 2026, with the final deadline likely in August. It’s important to check JNU’s official website for the exact dates and updates.
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