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JNU PhD Admission 2025-26, Seats, Admission Process

Jawaharlal Nehru University has officially announced the JNU Ph.D. Admission 2025-26 for Phase-II Winter Semester. The university will offer admission through three major routes UGC/CSIR NET, JRF from approved national agencies, and GATE scores for specified engineering disciplines. Candidates interested in applying for JNU PhD Admission 2025 are advised to read the detailed article below, where we have covered the eligibility criteria, selection procedure, shortlisting rules, and other key information required for a smooth application process.

JNU PhD 2025-26 Notification Out

Jawaharlal Nehru University has released the official notification for Ph.D. Admissions 2025–26 (Phase-II Winter Semester). The university has announced a total of 230 seats, admissions will be conducted under three categories — NET Category (1, 2 & 3) as per UGC guidelines, JRF from UGC/CSIR/ICMR/DBT/NBHM, and GATE-based admission for engineering disciplines. Candidates must fulfil the prescribed educational qualifications and possess valid NET/JRF/GATE scores in relevant subjects to be eligible.

JNU PhD 2025-26 Notification PDF Here

JNU PhD Admission 2025 Overview

This section gives a quick snapshot of the JNU PhD Admission process, including categories, seat intake, and key admission routes to help candidates understand the structure at a glance.

JNU Ph.D. Admission 2025-26
University Jawaharlal Nehru University
Session 2025–26 (Phase-II Winter Semester)
Programme Ph.D. (Various Schools/Centres)
Admission Through UGC/CSIR NET
Total Seats 230
Selection Stages NET/GATE Score + Viva Voce
Weightage (NET/GATE Category) NET/GATE: 70% + Viva: 30%
Weightage (JRF Category) Viva Voce: 100%
Application Mode Online Only
Maximum Choices Up to 3 fields of study
Official website jnuee.jee.ac.in

JNU PhD Admission Schedule

This section outlines the important dates for the JNU PhD admission process, including application timelines, shortlisting stages, and viva-voce schedules. Candidates must follow these dates carefully to avoid missing any step.

Events Dates
Online Submission of Online Application 24th November to 3rd December, 2025
Correction of particulars of Online Application 4th and 5th December, 2025
Invitation for vive voce to the candidate 13th December, 2025
Holding of viva-voce examination 19th to 23rd December, 2025
First Merit list 2nd January, 2026
Pre-enrolment registration and fee payment 2nd January to 4th January, 2026
Physical verification of Admission/Registration
for First list of selected candidates
8th , 9th January, 2026
Second Merit list 16th January, 2026
Pre-enrolment registration and fee payment of seats of second Merit list 16th to 18th January, 2026
Physical Verification of Second list 22nd January, 2026
Final Merit list 29th January, 2026
Pre-enrolment registration and fee payment 29th to 31st January, 2026
Physical Verification 5th February, 2026
Deadline for Admission 10th February, 2026

JNU Ph.D. 2025 Eligibility Criteria

Check this section to know the essential NET/JRF/GATE requirements needed to apply for the PhD programmes.

Admission through UGC/CSIR NET Candidates

  • Admission will be based on UGC/CSIR NET percentile under three categories:
  1. JRF qualified
  2. Assistant Professorship qualified
  3. NET-qualified candidates
  • Selection will follow 70% weightage to NET percentile and 30% to viva-voce as per UGC guidelines.
  • Only NET percentiles from the UGC/CSIR NET December 2024 exam onwards will be valid for PhD admission in the 2025–26 (Phase-II Winter Semester).
  • Candidates must meet the programme-specific educational qualifications and relevant NET/JRF subject requirements mentioned by the respective Schools/Centres/Special Centres.
  • Applicants without a valid NET percentile in the prescribed relevant/allied subjects will not be considered for admission.

Admission through JRF

  • Only candidates who meet the minimum eligibility criteria prescribed by the respective School/Centre/Special Centre (as given in the e-Prospectus) are eligible for PhD admission through the JRF category.
  • Applicants must have qualified for UGC/CSIR Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) in the relevant NET subject, OR JRF of ICMR, DBT, or NBHM in the relevant subject areas.
  • Candidates will be shortlisted solely through a viva-voce, which will carry 100% weightage for final selection.
  • The JRF certificate must be valid at the time of physical document verification; any invalid or expired JRF certificate will lead to immediate rejection of the candidature.

Admission through GATE Score

  • Candidates must meet the minimum eligibility criteria prescribed for Ph.D. admission in Computer Science & Engineering, Electronics & Communication Engineering, and Mechanical Engineering under the School of Engineering.
  • Applicants must possess a valid GATE score on the last date of submission of the online Ph.D. application form.
  • The final merit list will be prepared based on 70% weightage to the GATE score and 30% weightage to the viva-voce.

JNU Ph.D. Admission 2025 Apply Online

The online application process for JNU PhD Admission 2025 has started from 24th November 2025. Candidates can apply directly through the official JNU website using the link provided below. It is mandatory to carefully check eligibility criteria, programme-specific requirements, and field preferences before applying, as changes will not be allowed later.

Apply Here for JNU PhD Admission 2025-26

How to Apply for JNU PhD Programme 2025

The step-by-step process for applying to JNU PhD programmes is given below. Candidates are advised to follow each step carefully to ensure the successful submission of their application

  • Visit the Official Website and register a new account.
  • Fill the Online Form with personal details, educational qualifications, programme preferences (up to 3), and select the category (NET/JRF/GATE).
  • Upload Documents: Photo, signature, certificates, and NET/JRF/GATE proof.
  • Pay the Application Fee online as per the category.
  • Review & Submit carefully; no changes allowed after submission.
  • Download Confirmation Page for future reference.

JNU Ph.D. Selection Process 2025

Candidates seeking admission to JNU Ph.D. programmes must appear in the UGC/CSIR NET or GATE examinations. However, qualifying these exams alone does not guarantee shortlisting for the viva voce. Shortlisting for viva voce will be done on the basis of:

  • NET percentile from UGC/CSIR NET December 2024 onwards, and
  • Valid GATE score (for applicable engineering disciplines).

Category-Wise Shortlisting Ratio for Viva Voice

Category Shortlisting Ratio for Viva Voice
General Intake × 8 times
SC / ST / OBC / EWS Intake × 10 times
PWD Intake × 10 times (wherever applicable)

Tie-Breaking Criteria for Final Merit (NET/GATE + Viva Voce)

Tie-Breaking Level Criteria Used
1st Preference Higher NET percentile / GATE score
2nd Preference Higher Post-Graduation marks (Candidates with declared PG results preferred)
3rd Preference Higher Graduation marks
4th Preference Higher 10+2 marks
JRF Category Rule Merit based on Post-Graduation marks, then applied criteria of Graduation and 10+2 marks

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FAQs

What are the main routes for admission to the JNU PhD programme?

Admissions are offered through UGC/CSIR NET percentile, JRF from approved agencies, and GATE scores for engineering disciplines.

Is it necessary to have both educational qualification and NET/JRF/GATE qualification?

Yes. Candidates must fulfil both the educational eligibility and possess a valid, relevant NET/JRF/GATE score, otherwise they will not be considered.

Can a candidate apply for more than one PhD discipline?

Yes. Candidates can choose up to three fields of study in order of preference in the online application form.

Who is eligible to apply for JNU PhD Admission 2025?

Candidates must meet the educational qualifications and have a valid NET/JRF/GATE score in the relevant subjects as prescribed for each programme.

What is the last date to apply for JNU PhD Admission 2025?

The last date of registration is 5 February 2026.

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