Which is India's top university, Delhi University or JNU?

There is a stark difference between both universities in terms of culture as well as fees. JNU or Jawaharlal Nehru University is mostly about expression, literature, culture, research, and building intellectual facilities whereas DU is all about glamor, fashion, fests, high cutoffs, and placements. In financial terms, JNU is much more affordable than DU. Be it course fees or hostel fees, JNU cuts down on expenses a lot. JNU is learning for life, whereas DU focuses on learning the bare essentials and getting placed in a reputed firm. One more significant difference to consider is that JNU is more about post-graduation whereas DU focuses more on graduation. The difference in intellectual level stems from the same reason. If you are still confused between the two, spend equal time on both campuses and you will get the answer soon.

Is it worth leaving a Master's in Public Policy at NLSIU to pursue an MA in Development and Labour Studies at JNU?

If you have been contemplating leaving your Master’s in Public Policy program at NLSIU Bangalore to pursue an MA in Development and Labour Studies at JNU, it is not worth it. Here's why: Pursuing a Master’s in Public Policy from a reputed institute like NLSIU Bangalore opens doors to promising and lucrative career opportunities. In comparison, job prospects in Development and Labour Studies are relatively meager. A Master’s in Public Policy program helps you develop a wholesome understanding and a holistic idea of Policy Making. It also allows you to understand the broader spectrum of key issues related to policy-making. In contrast, the MA program in Development and Labour Studies at JNU may not provide a 360º approach towards understanding public issues or cultivate a knack for Policy Making, as this course is primarily focused on issues related to Labour and Trade Unions. There are several reputed Think Tanks in India that offer lucrative and respectful career opportunities to Public Policy Graduates. Some of them are - the Centre for Policy Research, NITI Aayog, Observer Research Foundation, Research Foundation for Governance in India, Institute of Peace and Conflict Studies, India Policy Foundation, Indian Institute for Advanced Studies, and so on. In conclusion, if you are already selected for pursuing a Master’s in Public Policy at NLSIU Bangalore, it is not worth leaving it to pursue an MA in Development and Labour Studies at JNU. Pursuing Public Policy at a reputed institute like NLSIU Bangalore will open doors to lucrative career opportunities and help you develop a wholesome understanding and a holistic idea of Policy Making.

JNU or DU which is a better university?

JNU is a better option, especially for postgraduate degrees. JNU has a different aura altogether. The environment on campus is extremely accepting. You will meet people on campus who are intellectuals, readers, writers, and speakers. Simply being on JNU campus can be rewarding. It has a different culture entirely which motivates the holistic development of personality. JNU has an excellent faculty base. In financial terms as well JNU is a better option. The course fees and hostel fees are lower compared to DU. As per JNU University course fees, an MSc degree costs around INR 692.

Is pursuing MA (international relations) from JNU worth it?

JNU MA International Relations is among the best masters courses in International relations in the country. If you want to understand the different dynamics of diplomatic relations, this is the best place to be in. The faculties of the School of International Studies at JNU are the leaders in their respective fields. After completing the course you can join embassies, academics, think tanks, or work as a diplomate. The syllabus of JNU IR can be quite useful if you are planning on preparing for civil services.

How can I qualify the JNU entrance exam in MA in Politics with International Relations?

In order to prepare efficiently for JNU entrance, you will need to study smart. Read the editorial and international relations page of Hindu and IE to get a fair idea of what is happening around the globe. Read Arihant’s guide for JNU entrance for IR. Rafer to some good magazines like Frontline, EPW, etc. The exam of JNU Entrance would be computer-based and Multiple Choice Questions would be asked. Make sure to study the following crucial portion of International Relations (IR). Period of Cold War Treaties like CTBT, NPT, Kyoto Protocol United Nations Bretton Woods Institutions (IMF, WB, WTO) Environment Topics like Climate Change Indian Foreign Policy US Foreign Policy The majority of questions in entrance will be from History, Economics, International Relations, Philosophy, Indian Politics, and Contemporary Issues. Here are some books that you can refer to. The Globalization of World Politics - Baylis, Smith & Owens. India after Gandhi - Ramachandra Guha International Relations in the 21st Century - Pushpesh Pant Global Politics - Andrew Heywood Just prepare thoroughly without losing faith in yourself and be honest with your studies and you shall do well in your entrance.

How is JNU for B.Tech?

JNU offers decent B.Tech courses. The faculties are among the sharpest minds in the country. Most of the professors are alumni of IIT, NIT, and IISc. The reputation of JNU lives no space for doubt about the quality of academics. The curriculum and syllabus followed are diversified and similar to top IITs and NITs. The syllabus also includes Humanities courses. In the school, there is a lack of cultural events, but the institute is working on it. There are a few problems regarding the hostel accommodation, but nothing too big. The engineering school is located in a secluded part of the campus.

How is life at JNU for MA students? Is it only hectic or do students have fun too?

Whether your life at JNU is hectic or not, depends mainly on your course. It’s you who has to find the balance between career, friends, fun and yourself. JNU is exceptionally safe for girls and girls can enjoy their college life by roaming around at night. Some other fun activities at JNU are: DJ parties for freshers almost every weekend During the winter semester you get hostel nights every weekend. Its a 2 day event celebrated by each hostel. First day is a cultural program, students irrespective of their hostel can take part in singing, dancing, music, band and drama to be performed on the same stage and get facilitated. On the second day the hostel throws a dinner party followed by a DJ. JNU facilities extracurricular toba great extent. Clubs like dance, drama, painting, music, mountaineering, photography and other sports make the experience a thrill. The campus is surrounded by many eateries, especially dhabas that provide the best food. The best part of the university has to be its no minimum attendance rule. You are assessed on the basis of your performance only. So life at JNU can be both hectic and fun depending on how you balance it.

How do I prepare for the JNU M.A. sociology entrance?

I have a friend who did his master’s from JNU and he was able to give some insight regarding the entrance test for MA Sociology. In the entrance examination, there will be questions from out of the syllabus. You may be asked to give a sociological interpretation of the current situation, event, etc. So, stay updated with contemporary social issues. Here is a list of sections from where you can expect questions. Sociological Thought: Marx, Durkheim. Weber, Parsons, Spencer, Comte, etc. Research Methodology and techniques Indian Society: Poverty, Family, Kinship, etc. Society and polity Society and economy Technology Caste and class system Concepts like Globalization, Modernization, Sanskritization, and Localization. Go through the list of topics assisted to you and make sure you prepare them thoroughly. As you can see the majority of the questions are from the syllabus itself.

How is placement in JNU, Delhi for MCA?

JNU placements for MCA are good. Some of the major recruiters for MCA are Google, Microsoft, Oracle, Adobe, etc. Students usually receive an average CTC of around INR 4-5 LPA. While the highest CTC goes up to INR 9-11 LPA. But JNU is a research-oriented university. If you want excellent placement in the technical field, it will be better to join the top IIT or NIT. You will get better technological exposure at these institutes.

How do you prepare for the JNU entrance exam for BA hons in foreign languages?

One of my friends was selected for BA French at JNU a few years back and here are his tips on how to do well in the entrance exam. G.K: You should incorporate every little detail from Arts, Literature, Drama, Culture, Dress, Cuisines, Geography, Nobel Laureates, and more to become familiar with the language you have pursued. Reasoning Skills: You should be proficient in solving several coding-decoding problems, especially alphabetical orders, blood relations, syllogisms, direction, and ranking tests. English: It is equally important to be as strong in English as you are in other subjects. Various course areas, like the Basic grammatical Rules, Vocabularies, Reading Comprehension, and Passages should be on the tip of your tongue. For best results, you should follow the editorial and articles published in “The Hindu.” English includes a major marking scheme for all the other sections. Now, since an essay alone contains a scheme of about 20-30 marks, it is best that you practice writing ingeniously without using heavy vocabulary. JNU appreciates the artistry of innovation and it is best to keep their tastes intact. Simplicity is encouraged along the lines of critical thinking, at least more than sophisticated word formations. It is best to keep your thoughts perfectly aligned with the subject area, and not outside of it.

Jawaharlal Nehru University - [JNU], New Delhi - Scholarship Details 2025-2026

JNU Scholarship: NAAC accredited Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) with an ‘A’ grade. While UGC gave it the status of ‘University of Excellence’, JNU ranks 2nd in the NIRF 2023. With more than 50 centres, 13 schools and numerous special centres, JNU has provided the most affordable education to some of the brightest minds of the nation. In order to financially support the economically weak students, JNU scholarships offer monetary rewards to deserving students.

JNU scholarships are offered to meritorious and needy students across all the 100 courses offered by JNU. The scholarships are awarded as a one-time grant or monthly rewards to meritorious and financially weak students. JNU scholarships are based on merit, and may be renewed every year after evaluating the progress of the candidate. These scholarships are provided by various departments of the esteemed university, UGC and more such organisations.

JNU scholarships are for academically deserving students, category, minority students, single girl child, at UG, PG, Ph.D/M.Phil level. Interested and eligible candidates may apply for the scholarships by submitting the required documents in the administration office with the duly filled scholarship form.

Table of Content

JNU Scholarships
JNU Fellowship
JNU Scholarship Awards
JNU Scholarships: Documents Required
JNU Scholarship: How To Apply?
JNU Scholarship FAQs

JNU Scholarships

JNU scholarships provide financial prizes to eligible students in order to support the economically underprivileged enrolled students. In all 100 of the courses that JNU offers, merit-based and need-based scholarships are available to deserving students. The scholarships are given to deserving students who need assistance financially as a one-time donation or as monthly prizes. Below-mentioned are the rewards and eligibility criteria for all the JNU scholarships.

JNU Scholarship	Details	Scholarship reward
Merit-cum-Means Scholarships	Needy and meritorious students whose family income does not exceed INR 2,50,000 per annum Students must be enrolled in any B.A./M.A. program	–
Ford Foundation Scholarships	Meritorious students in M.A. Programme of the School of International studies are eligible.	INR 700 per month
Prof. Ramesha Rao Scholarship and Travel Grant	Cancer Biology program students M.Phil/Ph.D student presenting paper in International Conference, Seminar, etc. in the area of Cancer Biology	The award is for a period of 10 months INR 3,000 per month in a year Travel grant of INR 30,000 to an M.Phil/Ph.D student
Tendulkar Scholarship	Offered to 2 meritorious students from the Centres of School of Social Sciences by rotation.	INR 400 per month for a period of 2 years.
Prof. Nurul Hasan Scholarship	2 Students of 2nd year M.A./M.Sc./MCA with the highest CGPA at the end of the first year, one for Social Science and Science subject	INR 1500 per month for a period of 1 year to each of the two students.
Jawahar Bhawan Trust Scholarship	10 Students who maintain CGPA of 5.5 at the end of 3rd semester of MA/M.Sc. and 5th semester in case of MCA	INR 1000 per month awarded to 10 students for a period of one year (covering two semesters) This scholarship may be renewed for subsequent semester(s) if CGPA maintained
Prof. MJK Thavaraj MCM Scholarship	Meritorious students of M.A. (Economics) 1st year of School of Social Sciences.	2 Scholarships worth INR 300 each per month and INR 2000 as contingency are awarded.
D S Gardi Sanskrit Scholarship	Annually awarded to 2 M.A. students of Sanskrit Studies for a period of two years.	This scholarship is awarded on the basis of performance of the students in the first semester itself.
Prof. Gouri Shankar Singhal Merit Scholarship	Awarded to M.Sc. (SLS) 2nd year student with the highest CGPA at the end of 3rd semester. The selection is first done on the basis of merit and then need.	INR 1000 per month for one year

JNU Fellowship

JNU fellowship are awarded to students pursuing Master’s level or PhD level course at Jawaharlal Nehru University. These fellowship include various international, state and national fellowships available for students. The eligible candidate must have a meritorious academic record and should be enrolled in JNU. Below-mentioned are the rewards and eligibility criteria for all the JNU Fellowships.

Fellowship	Details	Scholarship Rewards
Sungum Sudhar Fellowship	Two students whose PhD status is confirmed and have a 6.5 grade in Masters(MA & MPhil) programme.	2 students are rewarded for three years.
SYLFF Fellowship	Candidates should be confirmed in a PhD programme with an approved PHD topic. Candidates should have at least 2 years remaining of PhD study, as on the last date of application of fellowship. Each school, centre and special centre may recommend PhD students for this fellowship	Fellowship for a period of three years rewarding 22,000 per month to each selected student. Renewed every year after evaluating the progress of the research work
Fox International Fellowship	Annually awarded to 1 or 2 students of M.Phil./Ph.D. programme in any of the following fields: Economics, Finance, Political Science, International Relations, Law And Contemporary History. Should have completed 3 semesters but not more than 6 semesters of M.Phil./Ph.D./Direct Ph.D. programme. Duly filled application form (can be found on the official website) supported with the documents should be submitted in the Admin Office.
UGC-CSIR Junior Research Fellowship	Students who qualify in the national level test conducted by the University Grants Commission/CSIR and other similar tests for award of Junior Research Fellowship.	Rewards as per the norms of the relevant organisation
UGC-Scholarships and Fellowship	Students can avail UGC Scholarships and Fellowships every year to pursue higher studies It is available for meritorious students, women candidates, category, minority students, foreign nationals, single girl child, rank holders at UG, PG, Ph.D levels. This UGC Scholarship fellowship extends to various Science, Humanities, Language and various other programs.	Rewards and benefits as per organisation norms
State Government Fellowship	Awarded to 1 or 2 students. The fellow must devote his whole time to approved courses of research and study at the University. She/He shall not hold any other scholarship/remunerations Junior Research Fellows with the consent of the Guide/Head of the Department may assist the University/Institution in its teaching programmes S/He shall obtain prior permission of the University for appearing at any examination conducted by any other University or public body The fellowship shall be terminated at any time if the progress and conduct of the fellow is found to be unsatisfactory However, a research fellow who has displayed research ability but not completed his work may be considered for extension of fellowship for a further period of one year at the end of four years period	The fellowship is tenable for a period of 1 year but may be renewed for the second, third and fourth years if the student continues to maintain satisfactory progress
Okita Memorial Fellowship	Meritorious Indian students in JNU who are registered for MPhil/Ph.D. and MA 2nd year programme in various Centres of SIS/SLLCS/SSS pursuing studies/research in any of the areas of specialisation bearing on Japan or on India's Relations with Japan	2 Fellowships each of the value of INR 5000 per month with an annual contingency grant of INR 10,000 awarded by the ICCR
G. Parthasarathi Endowment Fellowship	4 meritorious students coming from economically weaker sections of society, particularly Scheduled Caste/Scheduled Tribe/Backward Class, and Physically Challenged handicapped students	INR 1000 per month each awarded to students initially for 1 year, renewable by another year on the basis of academic performance
Australian High Commission Fellowship	The Fellowship is awarded to a Ph.D. student for 2 years working on a subject concerning Australian Study in the Centre of CSCSEA&WPS/SIS	INR 3500 per month plus annual contingency grant of INR 6000
Special Fellowships for SC/ST and PH students	Students hailing from deprived sections of society i.e. Scheduled Caste/ Scheduled Tribe and Physically Challenged (Handicapped) with a view to preparing them for taking up teaching and/or research as a career The most deserving candidates who have completed two years of Ph.D. or after having completed M.Phil. are on the verge of completing a Ph.D	Four Fellowships are awarded INR 12000 per month for one semester or two semesters
Dr. Sheila Zurbrigg Fellowship	Awarded to 1 deserving student of the Centre of Social Medicine and Community Health, School of Social Sciences	One time assistance of a maximum of INR 2000
Dr. Prafulla K. Pani Research Fellowship	Awarded to only 1 student for pursuing research at Special Centre for Molecular Medicine in the relevant areas of molecular medicine	Short-term fellowship of INR 8000 per month
Posco Fellowship	Awarded to 10 undergraduate meritorious students every year in the Korean language programme of the CJKNEAS/SLLCS on the basis of selection at Centre/School level	Awarded cash prize in Indian Rupees equivalent to US $500 (approximately) to each
Nippon Foundation (Japan) Fellowship	2 Fellowships are awarded every year From third year onwards, six students of M.Phil./Ph.D. programme will be awarded the Fellowship	Fellowship for a period of 3 years at the rate of INR 15000 per month
Korean Foundation (Korea) Fellowship	Awarded to meritorious M.Phil./Ph.D, M.A. and UG students.	Two Fellowships of INR 10000 per month to the M.Phil./Ph.D INR 20,000 contingency for the first two years to the M.Phil./Ph.D Senior Fellowship of INR 12,000 per month and contingency of INR 20,000 per annum for the subsequent two years are awarded to the M.Phil./Ph.D. Two Fellowship of INR 2000 per month each for a period of two years to M.A. students 2 Scholarships of INR 1000 per month each for a period of two years are awarded to Undergraduate Students.
Com. H L Parwana Research Stipend	Awarded to M.Phil. student of School of International Studies or School of Social Sciences working in the areas of Banking, Trade Union and Allied Areas	Research stipend of INR 5000 per month is awarded
Swamy Pranavananda Memorial Research Fellowship	Awarded annually to a M.Phil. student pursuing studies for promotion in the Indian Philosophy, Culture and Civilization	Rewards as per the department

Check More: JNU Courses & Fees

JNU Scholarship Awards

JNU scholarship awards are mainly awards awarded to meritorious students or rank holders or best performers in a course. These JNU scholarship awards include various course specific awards too. Below mentioned are such awards with eligibility:

Awards	Details	Scholarship Rewards
The President of India Gold Medal	Awarded annually to one student judged best for excellence in academic performance, literary activities, music, participation in hostel life, sports, good character and conduct	Gold Medal and Certificate is awarded
Smt. Jaswant kaur Khurana Merit Award	Awarded to 1 student obtaining the highest rank at the conclusion of the M.Sc/ M.Phil/Ph.D. Programmes out of the interests earned on the endowment created for the purpose	An annual one time award of INR 15,000
Dr. Arpita Mishra Award	Awarded to the best M.Phil. (Linguistics) student on completion of the course work every year.	Annual certificate of Merit cum cash award of INR 5000 is awarded
Rafael Iruzubieta Award	Cash awards are awarded annually to the best 2 MA students of Spanish Studies, SLL&CS.	The cash prize for the awardees will be determined on the availability of funds/interest accruing the endowment.
A N Bhat Memorial Prize	Awarded annually to the most meritorious student of the 3rd semester of MA (Economics) programme of School of Social Sciences based on his/her performance in the 1st year of MA Programme	Cash prize of INR 5000 is awarded annually to the most meritorious student of the said course
Vimla Saran Gold Medal Award	Awarded to one student of MA (Chinese) in SLL&CS	A Gold Medal is awarded annually
Sajjad Zaheer and Razia Zaheer Award	Awarded to one male and one female MA Urdu literature student with the best performance in MA first year	Award money plus certificate are awarded every year The interest amount for a particular year will be equally divided into two parts one for male and other for female student
Juhi Prasad Award	Awarded annually to the best girl student of B.A. in Spanish in the the Centre of Spanish, Portuguese, Italian & Latin American Studies, of School of Language, Literature and Culture Studies	Cash prize of INR 2000 annually
Devendra Kumar Gupta Award	Awarded to 1 B.A. student of the Centre of French and Francophone Studies of School of Language, Literature and Culture Studies	Gold Medal plus Certificate is awarded annually
School of Physical Sciences Gold Medal Award	Awarded selectively for outstanding performance in the M.Sc.(Physics)	Gold Medal
Ranjan Roy Memorial Prize	The Centre for Economic Studies and Planning awards it to the best student completing the M.A. (Economics) programme from the Centre	Awarded INR 4000
Prof. T K Oommen Cash Award	Awarded annually to a topper student of M.A. Sociology who qualify the programme	Award as per department
Prof. K J Mahale Cash Award	Awarded annually to a topper student of M.Phil. (French).	Award as per department
Prof. S Marcandane Memorial Gold Medal Award	Awarded annually to a topper student of M.A. (French) programme	A Gold medal and a certificate
Ms. Kanu Priya Bharadwaj Memorial Award	Awarded annually to the best M.A. student of the School of Arts & Aesthetics	A Gold medal and a certificate
Pande Medal	Awarded annually to the Best Student of B.A (Hons) of the Centre of Russian Studies of SLL&CS	A Gold Medal and a Certificate of Merit
Smt Jaswant Kaur Khurana Merit Award	Awarded every year to the student of Life Sciences obtaining the highest rank at the conclusion of the M.Sc. and M.Phil./ Ph.D. programme on the basis of selection at School level	An award of INR 15000 lump sum and a Gold medal
Manoj Kumar Srivastava Memorial Gold Medal Award	Awarded to the topper of M.A. in the Sociology programme of CSSS every year. The Chairperson, CSSS will be the nodal person for recommending the name of the topper	A Certificate and a Gold Medal
JNU Women's Club Merit Award	The Award will be open to the Master's degree female students from the EWS category of all the disciplines offered in the university and will be given once in a year The selection will be made through a Selection Committee	Award as per the university The applications will be invited later through a notification separately
Prof. G. K. Chadha Awards	For students hailing from differently able categories and pursuing Master programmes	The Award has two prizes, each carries one time amount of INR 5,000 along with certificate, citation and memento

JNU Scholarships: Documents Required

The documents required for JNU scholarships may vary with each scholarship. However, students are recommended to attach the following common documents:

Academic mark sheets and score cards, showing a meritorious academic record.
Proof of income for scholarships focused on economically weak students.
Caste certificate for scholarships for category students.
Duly filled scholarship forms which applicants can find on the official website of Jawaharlal Nehru University
Passport size photographs

Other documents may vary according to the norms and latest notification for every JNU scholarship.

JNU Scholarship: How To Apply?

Eligible applicants can apply for JNU scholarships by submitting the scholarship form and required documents in the administration office during working hours. Applicants must ensure that all the documents are valid, updated and are as per the scholarship requirements.

For more information, students may visit Admissions Branch – Room No. 20, Administrative Block.

JNU Scholarship FAQs

Ques.Can a Candidate apply for more than 1 JNU Scholarship?

Ans. Students cannot apply for more than one JNU scholarship at once. It is also applicable for external scholarships.

Ques.How are students selected for JNU scholarships?

Ans. Eligible candidates have to apply for the scholarships by submitting the scholarship form and the required documents. Then, a selection committee is generally formed for the selection of the students on the basis of their profile and academic records.

Ques.Are there any JNU scholarships for SC/ST/OBC and Minority Category Candidates?

Ans. There are JNU scholarships for the reserved categories to help them pursue higher studies in the institution. One of them is Special Fellowships for SC/ST and PH students, G. Parthasarathi Endowment Fellowship and more. Reserved students can also apply for UGC scholarships and fellowship.

Ques.What is the basis on which JNU scholarships are provided to the students?

Ans. JNU scholarships are provided to eligible students on the basis of merit and need. Moreover, rank holders and reserved category students are awarded with numerous awards too.

Ques.Can physically handicapped students apply for JNU Scholarships?

Ans. JNU offers the G. Parthasarathi Endowment Fellowship for physically, challenged and handicapped students. It has a reward of INR 1000 per month for one year. It can also be renewed on the basis of the academy performance of the candidate.

Ques.What are the documents required for Blind students JNU Scholarships?

Ans. Blind students enrolled in JNU are eligible for JNU scholarships under the physically handicapped category.

Ques.Can M.Phil/ Ph.D students get JNU scholarship?

Ans. Students pursuing PhD degrees or MPhil have a provision of getting fellowship awards. These are mainly monetary stipends for students enrolled in the doctoral program.

Ques.Is there any region-specific JNU scholarship?

Ans. There are no region specific JNU scholarships for students. However, students belonging to various reserved categories can apply for fellowship and scholarships on the basis of their category and merit.

Ques.Why is JNU scholarship No 1?

Ans. JNU scholarships are for meritorious and needy students. It is one of the premier institutions of the country. Moreover, despite being one of the best institutions of the country, the course fee is very minimal. It is the reason why some of the brightest students enrolled into the university. Jenny scholarships are for economically weak and academically strong students.

Ques.How can I get scholarship in JNU?

Ans. Achieving a JNU scholarship is easy. If a student has a good academic background. These scholarships and fellowship are provided to deserving students, category, minority students, single girl child, at UG, PG, Ph.D/M.Phil level. Interested applicants have to submit duly filled scholarship forms and the required documents in the admin office.

Ques.Is JNU government or private?

Ans. JNU is one of the top ranked government educational institutes that offers numerous UG, PG and M.Phil/PhD programs. It offers more than 40 scholarships to deserving students. Students can apply by submitting valid documents and the scholarship form in the admin office during working hours.