JNU PhD Admission 2026-27 Opens Through NET, JRF and GATE

Jawaharlal Nehru University opens PhD admissions for 2026-27 through NET, JRF and GATE categories, with eligible candidates able to apply online until October 16, 2026.

Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) has opened online applications for admission to its PhD programmes for the academic session 2026-27 through the UGC-NET, JRF and GATE categories. Eligible candidates can submit their applications through the university’s admission portal, with the last date for registration set for October 16, 2026.

The university has activated separate registration portals for candidates applying through NET, JRF and GATE. Applicants are required to complete the online form, provide their personal, educational and professional details, upload the required photograph and signature, and pay the prescribed application fee through the online payment facility.

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Under the admission policy, candidates seeking PhD admission through UGC-NET and Joint CSIR-UGC NET will be assessed based on their NET percentile and viva voce performance. For candidates applying through the GATE category, the final merit will be determined using the valid GATE score and viva voce marks. Candidates applying under the JRF category with a valid JRF certificate will have their merit determined on the basis of viva voce marks.

Qualifying in NET or GATE alone does not automatically guarantee admission or a place in the viva voce. JNU’s PhD admission framework provides for shortlisting based on the applicable examination score, after which shortlisted candidates are required to participate in the viva voce process. JRF candidates with valid certificates are called for viva voce as per the university’s admission provisions.

The university’s admission policy also specifies reservation provisions for eligible categories. These include 27% reservation for OBC candidates, 15% for SC candidates, 7.5% for ST candidates and 5% for persons with disabilities, along with 10% reservation for candidates belonging to the Economically Weaker Sections.

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Candidates applying for the PhD programmes are advised to check the relevant programme requirements, available seats and admission schedule before submitting their applications. JNU has published the PhD admission notice and schedule for the 2026-27 academic year on its official admissions website.

The university has also made the PhD admission portal available for applicants to begin the registration process. Candidates should complete their applications before the October 16 deadline and retain copies of the submitted form and payment confirmation for future reference.