Jawaharlal Nehru University
New Delhi, India • Founded 1969 • World Rank #1861
Updated May 2026
Overview
Founded in 1969, the Jawaharlal Nehru University is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the urban setting of the large metropolis of New Delhi (population range of over 5,000,000 inhabitants), NCT of Delhi.
Officially recognized by the University Grants Commission of India, Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) is a medium-sized coeducational Indian higher education institution. Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor's degrees in several areas of study.
This 55-year-old Indian higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations. International students are welcome to apply for enrollment.
JNU also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, housing, sports facilities, study abroad and exchange programs, as well as administrative services.
Location & Contact
Jawaharlal Nehru University's campus address and the ways prospective students can reach the institution. For visa queries, contact the international student services office directly rather than central admissions.
Academic Details
Below: the academic-side numbers and recognition that shape Jawaharlal Nehru University's reputation. Recognition and accreditation are distinct — recognition is government-level, accreditation programme-specific.
Degrees
Also Certificate of Proficiency and Advanced (postgraduate) Diploma, 2 sem.
Master's 56 programs
Master's programmes develop advanced specialised expertise, suited to senior industry positions and applied research.
- Aesthetics
- African Studies
- American Studies
- Ancient Civilizations
- Arabic
- Asian Studies
- Biological and Life Sciences
- Biotechnology
- Business Administration
- Canadian Studies
- Chemistry
- Chinese
- Community Health
- Comparative Politics
- Computer Science
- Demography and Population
- Development Studies
- East Asian Studies
- Economics
- Educational Sciences
- English
- Environmental Studies
- European Studies
- Film
- French
- Geography
- German
- Government
- Hindi
- History
- International Relations and Diplomacy
- International Studies
- Japanese
- Korean
- Latin American Studies
- Linguistics
- Media Studies
- Medieval Studies
- Molecular Biology
- Nanotechnology
- Persian
- Philosophy
- Physics
- Political Sciences
- Portuguese
- Russian
- Sanskrit
- Sociology
- South Asian Studies
- Southeast Asian Studies
- Spanish
- Theatre
- Translation and Interpretation
- Urdu
- Visual Arts
- Women's Studies
Doctoral 48 programs
Doctoral programmes train independent researchers, leading to academic, scientific, and senior advisory careers.
- African Studies
- American Studies
- Arabic
- Asian Studies
- Biological and Life Sciences
- Biotechnology
- Canadian Studies
- Chemistry
- Chinese
- Community Health
- Comparative Politics
- Computer Science
- Demography and Population
- Economics
- Educational Sciences
- English
- European Studies
- Film
- French
- Geography
- German
- Government
- Hindi
- History
- International Relations and Diplomacy
- Japanese
- Korean
- Latin American Studies
- Linguistics
- Mathematics
- Media Studies
- Medieval Studies
- Molecular Biology
- Nanotechnology
- Pacific Area Studies
- Persian
- Philosophy
- Physics
- Political Sciences
- Russian
- Sanskrit
- South Asian Studies
- Spanish
- Theatre
- Translation and Interpretation
- Urdu
- Visual Arts
- Women's Studies
Faculties & Divisions
All faculties operate under University Grants Commission of India.
Law and Governance (Centre) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Government
- Law
Common Career Paths
- Lawyer
- Legal Consultant
- Compliance Officer
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Molecular Medicine (Centre) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Medical Technology
- Medicine
Common Career Paths
- Physician
- Medical Researcher
- Clinical Specialist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Nano Sciences (Centre) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Nanotechnology
Common Career Paths
- Research Scientist
- Lab Technician
- Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Sanskrit Studies (Centre) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Sanskrit
Study of Discrimination and Exclusion (Course/Programme) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Social Sciences
Women's Studies (Course/Programme) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Women's Studies
Arts and Aesthetics (School) 5 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Aesthetics
- Arts and Humanities
- Cinema and Television
- Theatre
- Visual Arts
Biotechnology (School) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Biotechnology
Computational and Integrative Sciences (School) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Construction Engineering
- Information Technology
Common Career Paths
- Research Scientist
- Lab Technician
- Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Computer and Systems Sciences (School) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Computer Science
Common Career Paths
- Software Engineer
- Data Scientist
- Systems Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Environmental Sciences (School) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Environmental Studies
Common Career Paths
- Environmental Consultant
- Sustainability Officer
- Climate Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
International Studies (School) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- International Relations and Diplomacy
Language, Literature and Cultural Studies (School) 3 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Cultural Studies
- Literature
- Modern Languages
Life Sciences (School) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Biological and Life Sciences
Common Career Paths
- Research Scientist
- Lab Technician
- Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Physical Sciences (School) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Physics
Common Career Paths
- Research Scientist
- Lab Technician
- Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Social Sciences (School) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Social Sciences
Common Career Paths
- Researcher
- Policy Analyst
- Social Worker
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Archives of Contemporary History (Unit) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Contemporary History
Educational Research Record (Unit) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Educational Research
Common Career Paths
- Teacher
- Educational Administrator
- Curriculum Specialist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Programs Offered
Jawaharlal Nehru University's teaching programmes are listed below — search or scan by level. International student eligibility varies by programme — some require additional language or visa-pathway checks.
145 programmes on record. Each level below shows a sample. Compare these on the programs page All programs in India
Bachelor's Degree 12 programmes
Showing 10 of 12.
Master of Business Administration 1 programme
Master's Degree 53 programmes
Showing 10 of 53.
Doctorate 78 programmes
Showing 10 of 78.
Postgraduate Diploma 1 programme
How to apply to Jawaharlal Nehru University
Application guidance for Jawaharlal Nehru University, structured as five practical steps with attention to documents and admissions communication.
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1
Identify the right programme
Use the programme finder to browse Jawaharlal Nehru University's 145 active programmes. Filter by keyword or scan by degree level. Read curriculum details on each programme's dedicated page if available.
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2
Check entry requirements
Programme-level requirements at Jawaharlal Nehru University typically include academic transcripts, language proficiency proof, identity documents, and a personal statement or interview. Confirm specific requirements with the admissions office.
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3
Prepare your application documents
Prepare academic transcripts, ID/passport copies, language proficiency proof, a personal statement, and reference letters. International candidates may need apostilled or notarised translations — start early to avoid deadline pressure.
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4
Submit via the institution
Jawaharlal Nehru University processes applications through www.jnu.ac.in. Create an account, fill out the application form, and submit your documents. Note application deadlines, which vary by intake and programme.
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5
Get in touch with admissions
Confirm receipt of your application with the admissions office and keep an eye on your portal for status changes. Reach the institution by phone at +91 (11) 2671 7500. Quick responses to any follow-up requests keep your application moving smoothly through the review process.
Frequently Asked Questions about Jawaharlal Nehru University
Below are the key facts most prospective students ask about Jawaharlal Nehru University, drawn directly from institutional records.
How old is Jawaharlal Nehru University?
The institution opened in 1969 (approximately 57 years ago).
What city is Jawaharlal Nehru University in?
Jawaharlal Nehru University operates from New Delhi, India.
Is Jawaharlal Nehru University a public or private institution?
It is a public higher-education institution.
How big is Jawaharlal Nehru University's student body?
Jawaharlal Nehru University serves approximately 8,000-8,999 students.
How is Jawaharlal Nehru University ranked?
Jawaharlal Nehru University holds rank #1861 globally and #41 in India.
What programmes are available at Jawaharlal Nehru University?
Programmes at Jawaharlal Nehru University cover bachelor's, master's and doctoral programmes.
Is Jawaharlal Nehru University accredited?
Yes, Jawaharlal Nehru University is recognised by University Grants Commission (UGC).
How do I find Jawaharlal Nehru University online?
The institution's website is www.jnu.ac.in.
Top-Ranked Universities in India
Below: India's top-ranked universities, providing benchmarks for Jawaharlal Nehru University's academic standing. National rankings reflect a mix of research output, teaching quality, and graduate outcomes.
Members of Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU)
Member-only fellowships through Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU) are open to students at Jawaharlal Nehru University and the universities below. These can be less competitive than open competitions because the applicant pool is narrower.
Faculties at nearby universities
Alumni networks within a region often outlast individual institutional choice. Universities near Jawaharlal Nehru University share post-grad employer connections that benefit students from any of them.
Where Else to Study Linguistics & Language Studies
Programme delivery mode varies across the Linguistics & Language Studies programmes listed — online, hybrid, and in-person formats differ in tuition, schedule flexibility, and credential recognition across borders.
Universities Compared with Jawaharlal Nehru University
Comparable institutions to Jawaharlal Nehru University — by academic scale and standing — are gathered below. Same-tier shortlists give you flexibility on admissions outcomes without compromising on institutional level.
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