Overview


Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), New Delhi is a premier public university accredited with an A++ grade by NAAC and consistently ranked among the very best institutions in India. Ranked 2nd in the University category by NIRF 2025 (and 9th in the Overall category), JNU stands out for its world-class research ecosystem, highly affordable fee structure, and intellectually vibrant campus culture. The university’s core specialization lies in social sciences, humanities, international studies, languages, and sciences, while its growing School of Engineering, School of Management, and School of Physical Sciences have made it a strong destination for technical and professional education as well.
Established in 1969, JNU operates from a single, expansive 1,000+ acre residential campus in New Delhi, home to more than a dozen schools and centres of advanced study. It is widely recognized as India’s leading hub for postgraduate research and doctoral studies, with over 100 Ph.D. programmes and one of the most diverse student communities in the country, including a significant international student population. The university is known for its award-winning faculty, interdisciplinary teaching model, and a rich calendar of seminars, festivals, and cultural exchange programmes.
For students, JNU offers an unbeatable combination of quality, affordability, and opportunity. Annual tuition fees for most UG and PG programmes are as low as ₹216–₹240, making it one of the most economical top-ranked universities in the world. Facilities include 22+ hostels, a central library with massive digital resources, advanced research labs, sports complexes, and dedicated placement and career counselling cells. With national entrance exams like CUET-UG, CUET-PG, JEE Main, GATE, and CAT as admission gateways, JNU attracts some of the brightest minds from across India and abroad.
Rankings
- NIRF 2025 (University Category): Ranked 2nd in India with a score of 70.54, retaining its position just behind IISc Bengaluru.
- NIRF 2025 (Overall Category): Ranked 9th among all Indian institutions.
- NIRF 2024 (Overall Category): Ranked 10th in India.
- NIRF 2023 (Overall Category): Ranked 10th in India.
- NAAC Accreditation: A++ grade, the highest accreditation band awarded by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council.
- Recognized as: An Institute of Eminence (IoE) status-holder and UGC-recognised central university funded by the Government of India.
- Global Recognition: Regularly featured among the top Indian universities in QS and THE world rankings, with particular strength in social sciences, languages, and research output.
Courses & Fees
| Courses | Total Tuition Fees | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| B.A. (Hons.) in 10+ Foreign Languages | ~₹648 (full programme) | 10+2 with 45% + CUET-UG |
| B.Tech (CSE, ECE) | ~₹5.51 Lakhs | 10+2 + JEE Main (PCM) |
| B.Sc.-M.Sc. Integrated (Ayurveda Biology) | ~₹3.1 Lakhs | 10+2 with 45% + CUET-UG |
| M.A. (Humanities & Social Sciences, 32+ fields) | ~₹577 | Graduation with 50% + CUET-PG |
| M.Sc. (Life Science, Chemistry, Physics, etc.) | ~₹577 | Graduation with 55% + CUET-PG |
| MCA | ~₹577 | Graduation with 45% + CUET-PG |
| M.Tech (CSET, ECET, Data Science, Nano Science) | ~₹625 | B.Tech/M.Sc. with 55% + GATE |
| MBA | ~₹20,145 – ₹12 Lakhs | Graduation + CAT |
| MPH (Public Health) | ~₹533 | Graduation with 50% + CUET-PG |
| Ph.D. (73+ specializations) | ~₹986 | Post Graduation + JNU Entrance/Interview |
| Diploma (DOP) & Certificate (COP) Programmes | ~₹219 | 10+2 / Graduation (Merit-based) |
Placements
- Highest Package: Around ₹33 LPA (off-campus), with on-campus highest packages of up to ₹16 LPA.
- Average Package: Approximately ₹9.5 – ₹11 LPA for placed students.
- Median Salary: Around ₹8.5 – ₹10 LPA, as per recent placement records.
- Top Recruiting Sectors: IT & Software, Analytics & Consulting, Research, NGOs & Policy Think Tanks, Journalism, Teaching, and Government Services.
- Placement Strengths: JNU’s School of Engineering (B.Tech/M.Tech) has been driving a sharp rise in technical placements, with students placed in IT, data, and core engineering roles.
- Additional Opportunities: A large share of students opt for research fellowships (JRF/SRF), UPSC & other civil services, higher studies abroad, and academia, where JNU alumni consistently perform at the top level.
- Career Support: Dedicated placement cell, internship fairs, pre-placement talks, and soft-skills training programmes run across schools.


