Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) offers a comprehensive range of over 110 courses spanning undergraduate, postgraduate, diploma, certificate, and PhD programs across diverse disciplines. The institution is particularly renowned for its MA Political Science, MA International Relations, and BA (Hons.) programs, which combine rigorous academics with highly affordable fee structures. JNU's commitment to accessible education is reflected in its exceptionally low tuition costs, making quality higher education available to students from all economic backgrounds.

Major Programs - First Year Fees

  • MA Political Science: INR 420.5
  • MA International Relations: INR 420.5
  • BA (Hons.): INR 420.5
  • M.Tech: INR 737
  • PhD: INR 444.5
  • MBA: INR 3,18,066

Admissions for JNU postgraduate programs are scheduled for May 2026, while undergraduate admissions will take place in July 2026.

Overview of JNU Courses and Fee Structure 2026

JNU provides a diverse portfolio of academic programs designed to meet the needs of students at various educational levels. The fee structure is intentionally kept minimal to ensure that financial constraints do not prevent deserving students from accessing quality education. Below is a comprehensive overview of all major programs offered across different levels.

Program Admission Requirements First Year Fees
BA (Hons.) 10+2 with 45% + CUET-UG INR 420.5
B.Tech 10+2 + JEE MAIN INR 1,43,021
MA Bachelor's degree with 45% + CUET-PG INR 420.5
M.Sc Bachelor's degree with 45% + CUET-PG INR 420.5
MCA Bachelor's degree with 45% + CUET-PG INR 420.5
M.Tech Master's degree in MCA or Bachelor's in Engineering with 55% + CUET-PG INR 737
MBA Bachelor's degree + CAT INR 3,18,066
MPH Bachelor's degree with 50% + CUET-PG INR 737
Ph.D Master's degree with 55% + UGC-NET/CSIR-NET/GATE INR 444.5
PGDM Bachelor's degree INR 10,204.5
Certification 10+2 with 45% + CUET INR 264

Subject to revision. Kindly check with the official sources to confirm

Undergraduate Fees

BA (Hons.) Program 2026-27

The BA (Hons.) program at JNU is offered in 14 distinct specializations including Persian, Pashto, Arabic, Japanese, Korean, Chinese, French, German, Urdu, Russian, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, and Latin American studies. To qualify for admission, candidates must have completed 10+2 or equivalent from a recognized board with a minimum of 45% marks and a valid CUET-UG score. Candidates appearing for the 10+2 examination are also eligible to apply.

Important Notes:

  • Candidates must apply separately to JNU after CUET-UG 2026 results are declared.
  • Reservations are provided as per university regulations.
  • Candidates appearing for the Senior School Certificate (10+2) or equivalent examination are eligible to apply.

The first-year fee for BA (Hons.) is INR 420.5, with a tuition fee of INR 216. The detailed fee structure for the three-year program is as follows:

Fee Component Year 1 Year 2 Year 3
Tuition Fee (Annual) INR 216 INR 216 INR 216
Sports Fee (Annual) INR 16.50 INR 16.50 INR 16.50
Literary and Cultural Fee (Annual) INR 16.50 INR 16.50 INR 16.50
Library Fee (Annual) INR 6 INR 6 INR 6
Medical Fee (Annual) INR 9 INR 9 INR 9
Medical Booklet INR 12 - -
Students Aid Fund (Annual) INR 4.50 INR 4.50 INR 4.50
Admission Fee INR 5 - -
Enrolment Fee INR 5 - -
Security Deposit (Refundable) INR 40 - -
Identity Card Folder INR 10 - -
Student Hostel and General Information Guide INR 15 - -
National Service Scheme (NSS) INR 20 - -
Chief Proctor Office Manual INR 45 - -
Total Yearly Fees INR 420.5 INR 268.5 INR 268.5
Total Program Fees INR 957.5

Subject to revision. Kindly check with the official sources to confirm

B.Tech Program 2026-27

The B.Tech program at JNU is designed for students who have completed 10+2 and qualified in JEE MAIN. This engineering program provides comprehensive technical education with a focus on practical applications and research.

The first-year fee for B.Tech is INR 1,43,021.

Subject to revision. Kindly check with the official sources to confirm

Postgraduate Fees

MA Program 2026-27

The MA program at JNU is offered in 19 distinct specializations covering Politics, International Relations and Area Studies, International Relations (West Asian Studies), French and Francophone Studies, Advance Diploma in Mass Media, Urdu, Persian, Korean, Hindi, Pashto, Chinese, Urdu Translation, Hindi Translation, Russian, English, Japanese Studies, Arabic, Linguistics, German Studies, Spanish, and Economics. Candidates must hold a Bachelor's degree in any discipline under the 10+2+3 pattern with a minimum of 45% marks and a valid CUET-PG score.

Important Notes:

  • Candidates must apply separately to JNU after CUET-PG 2026 results are declared.
  • Reservations are provided as per university regulations.

The first-year fee for MA is INR 420.5, with a tuition fee of INR 216. The detailed fee structure for the two-year program is as follows:

Fee Component Year 1 Year 2
Tuition Fee (Annual) INR 216 INR 216
Sports Fee (Annual) INR 16.50 INR 16.50
Literary and Cultural Fee (Annual) INR 16.50 INR 16.50
Library Fee (Annual) INR 6 INR 6
Medical Fee (Annual) INR 9 INR 9
Medical Booklet INR 12 -
Students Aid Fund (Annual) INR 4.50 INR 4.50
Admission Fee INR 5 -
Enrolment Fee INR 5 -
Security Deposit (Refundable) INR 40 -
Identity Card Folder INR 10 -
Student Hostel and General Information Guide INR 15 -
National Service Scheme (NSS) INR 20 -
Chief Proctor Office Manual INR 45 -
Total Yearly Fees INR 420.50 INR 268.5
Total Program Fees INR 688

Subject to revision. Kindly check with the official sources to confirm

M.Sc Program 2026-27

The M.Sc program at JNU offers advanced study in various scientific disciplines. Candidates must hold a Bachelor's degree with a minimum of 45% marks and a valid CUET-PG score.

The first-year fee for M.Sc is INR 420.5, with the same fee structure as the MA program.

Subject to revision. Kindly check with the official sources to confirm

MCA Program 2026-27

The Master of Computer Applications (MCA) program at JNU provides comprehensive training in computer science and applications. Candidates must hold a Bachelor's degree with a minimum of 45% marks and a valid CUET-PG score.

The first-year fee for MCA is INR 420.5, with the same fee structure as the MA program.

Subject to revision. Kindly check with the official sources to confirm

M.Tech Program 2026-27

The M.Tech program at JNU is offered in 7 different specializations including Computer Science and Technology, Data Science, Nano Science and Technology, Nano Electronics, Computer Science and Engineering, Electronics and Communication Engineering, and Material Science and Technology. Candidates must hold a Master's degree in MCA or a Bachelor's degree in any branch of Engineering or Technology with a minimum of 55% marks and a valid CUET-PG score.

Important Notes:

  • Candidates must apply separately to JNU after CUET-PG 2026 results are declared.
  • Reservations are provided as per university regulations.

The first-year fee for M.Tech is INR 444.5, with a tuition fee of INR 240. The detailed fee structure for the two-year program is as follows:

Fee Component Year 1 Year 2
Tuition Fee (Annual) INR 240 INR 240
Sports Fee (Annual) INR 16.50 INR 16.50
Literary and Cultural Fee (Annual) INR 16.50 INR 16.50
Library Fee (Annual) INR 6 INR 6
Medical Fee (Annual) INR 9 INR 9
Medical Booklet INR 12 -
Students Aid Fund (Annual) INR 4.50 INR 4.50
Admission Fee INR 5 -
Enrolment Fee INR 5 -
Security Deposit (Refundable) INR 40 -
Identity Card Folder INR 10 -
Student Hostel and General Information Guide INR 15 -
National Service Scheme (NSS) INR 20 -
Chief Proctor Office Manual INR 45 -
Total Yearly Fees INR 444.50 INR 292.5
Total Program Fees INR 737

Subject to revision. Kindly check with the official sources to confirm

MPH Program 2026-27

The Master of Public Health (MPH) program at JNU is designed for students seeking advanced training in public health. Candidates must hold a Bachelor's degree with a minimum of 50% marks and a valid CUET-PG score.

The first-year fee for MPH is INR 737.

Subject to revision. Kindly check with the official sources to confirm

MBA Program 2026-27

The MBA program at JNU is designed for graduates seeking advanced management education. Candidates must hold a Bachelor's degree and have a valid CAT score.

The first-year fee for MBA is INR 3,18,066.

Subject to revision. Kindly check with the official sources to confirm

PGDM Program 2026-27

The Post Graduate Diploma in Management (PGDM) program at JNU offers specialized management training. Candidates must hold a Bachelor's degree.

The first-year fee for PGDM is INR 10,204.5.

Subject to revision. Kindly check with the official sources to confirm

Doctoral Program Fees

PhD Program 2026-27

The PhD program at JNU is offered in more than 57 different specializations spanning Canadian Studies, United States Studies, Latin American Studies, European Studies, International Legal Studies, Economics (World Economy), Japanese Studies, Chinese Studies, Korean Studies, International Politics, International Organization, Diplomacy and Disarmament, Political Geography, and numerous other disciplines. Candidates must hold a Master's degree in a relevant field or allied subject with a minimum of 55% marks or equivalent grade, and possess a valid score in UGC-NET, CSIR-NET, or GATE.

Important Notes:

  • Candidates must apply separately to JNU after UGC-NET, CSIR-NET, or GATE 2026 results are declared.
  • Reservations are provided as per university regulations.
  • Tuition fees are payable in two installments: first at the time of admission and second at the time of registration for the Winter Semester (January).
  • Annual fees must be paid at the beginning of each academic year.
  • Students enrolled in both full-time and part-time courses will pay full fees for the full-time course and only the tuition fee for the part-time course.
  • A fine will be imposed if fees are not paid by the due date, as per university regulations.
  • Tibetan students are charged fees at par with Indian students.

The first-year fee for PhD is INR 444.5, with a tuition fee of INR 240. The detailed fee structure for the four-year program is as follows:

Fee Component Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4
Tuition Fee (Annual) INR 240 INR 240 INR 240 INR 240
Sports Fee (Annual) INR 16.50 INR 16.50 INR 16.50 INR 16.50
Literary and Cultural Fee (Annual) INR 16.50 INR 16.50 INR 16.50 INR 16.50
Library Fee (Annual) INR 6 INR 6 INR 6 INR 6
Medical Fee (Annual) INR 9 INR 9 INR 9 INR 9
Medical Booklet INR 12 - - -
Students Aid Fund (Annual) INR 4.50 INR 4.50 INR 4.50 INR 4.50
Admission Fee INR 5 - - -
Enrolment Fee INR 5 - - -
Security Deposit (Refundable) INR 40 - - -
Identity Card Folder INR 10 - - -
Student Hostel and General Information Guide INR 15 - - -
National Service Scheme (NSS) INR 20 - - -
Chief Proctor Office Manual INR 45 - - -
Total Yearly Fees INR 444.5 INR 292.5 INR 292.5 INR 292.5
Total Program Fees INR 1322

Subject to revision. Kindly check with the official sources to confirm

Certificate and Diploma Programs

Certification Program 2026-27

JNU offers certification programs designed for candidates who have completed 10+2 with a minimum of 45% marks and possess a valid CUET score. These programs provide specialized training in various fields.

The first-year fee for Certification programs is INR 264.

Subject to revision. Kindly check with the official sources to confirm

Financial Aid and Scholarships

JNU is committed to supporting deserving students through a comprehensive scholarship and financial aid system. The university offers scholarships based on merit, merit-cum-means, financial need, and reserved categories. These programs ensure that financial constraints do not prevent talented students from pursuing their academic goals.

Scholarship Program Monthly/Annual Amount Eligibility Criteria
Merit-cum-Means Scholarship As notified Meritorious students with parent/guardian annual income not exceeding INR 2,50,000
Ford Foundation Scholarship INR 700 per month MA students from School of International Studies with merit-based selection; minimum 50% marks; priority given to female candidates
Prof. Ramesha Rao Scholarship and Travel Grant INR 3,000 per month (10 months) plus INR 30,000 travel grant M.Phil./Ph.D. students in Cancer Biology presenting research at international conferences
Tendulkar Scholarship INR 400 per month (2 years) Two students from School of Social Sciences on rotational basis
Prof. Nurul Hasan Scholarship INR 1,500 per month (1 year) Second-year MA/M.Sc/MCA students with highest CGPA after first year
Jawahar Bhawan Trust Scholarship INR 1,000 per month (1 year) Ten students; renewable if CGPA is 5.5 or higher
Prof. MJK Thavaraj MCM Scholarship INR 300 per month plus INR 2,000 contingency First-year MA (Economics) students; merit-based selection
D.S. Gardi Sanskrit Scholarship As notified (2 years) MA Sanskrit students based on first-semester performance
Prof. Gouri Shankar Singhal Merit Scholarship INR 1,000 per month (1 year) Second-year M.Sc students from School of Life Sciences with highest CGPA; merit is primary criterion, need is secondary
Earn as You Learn Scheme As per work assigned Students from economically weaker sections

Subject to revision. Kindly check with the official sources to confirm

Additional Financial Support:

Beyond the named scholarships listed above, JNU provides several other forms of financial assistance to eligible students. These include Non-NET fellowships for research scholars, income-based freeships or fee concessions for students from families earning below INR 1 lakh per year, with enhanced benefits for SC/ST students. UGC JRF awards and state government schemes further supplement the financial aid available. Students can apply for these benefits through the JNU portal following their admission to the university.

Frequently Asked Questions on Fees and Courses

Ques. How does the cost of JNU M.Tech compare with engineering programs at other premier institutions?

Ans. JNU's M.Tech program offers exceptional value with a total two-year fee of INR 737, translating to INR 370 per year. This is significantly more affordable than comparable programs at IITs, NITs, BHU, or Delhi University. The affordability is due to substantial government subsidization of JNU, which prioritizes accessibility of quality education over revenue generation. Many students benefit from additional support through Non-NET fellowships and scholarships, which often cover hostel and other incidental charges, resulting in minimal out-of-pocket expenses for students.

Ques. What financial assistance options are available to help cover JNU course fees?

Ans. While JNU does not offer full fee waivers, the university provides extensive financial assistance through multiple channels. Eligible students can access the Merit-cum-Means scholarship for families earning below INR 2.5 lakh annually, Non-NET fellowships for research scholars, and income-based freeships or fee concessions for students from families earning below INR 1 lakh per year, with additional benefits for SC/ST students. The Jawahar Bhawan Trust scholarships, UGC JRF awards, and various state government schemes provide further support. This comprehensive financial aid system makes JNU education highly affordable, and students can apply for these benefits through the JNU portal after admission.

Ques. Why are the annual fees for JNU M.Sc and MBA programs kept so low?

Ans. JNU maintains exceptionally low annual fees for M.Sc and MBA programs, with costs remaining below INR 1,000 per year for M.Sc, reflecting the university's commitment to accessible higher education. This fee structure is made possible through substantial government funding and subsidization. Many students from modest economic backgrounds have successfully completed postgraduate studies at JNU without incurring significant debt, unlike at other universities or private institutions. The low-cost model enables talented students regardless of financial background to pursue advanced degrees.

Ques. Is it realistic that JNU MCA course fees are genuinely this affordable?

Ans. Yes, JNU MCA fees are genuinely very affordable due to heavy government subsidization of the institution. The semester fee at the time of admission is approximately INR 283, with additional fees of INR 150 for each subsequent semester, resulting in a total course fee under INR 1,500. This affordability is achievable because government funding at JNU is directed toward making higher education accessible to all deserving students rather than generating institutional revenue. This model has enabled countless students to pursue advanced computer science education without financial hardship.

Ques. What is the total cost of pursuing a PhD at JNU, and how does it compare to other universities?

Ans. The total cost of a four-year PhD program at JNU is INR 1,322, making it one of the most affordable doctoral programs in India. The first-year fee is INR 444.5, with subsequent years costing INR 292.5 each. This exceptional affordability, combined with the availability of UGC JRF, CSIR JRF, and other research fellowships, makes JNU an attractive option for doctoral research. Many PhD students receive full financial support through fellowships, effectively making their education free while providing a monthly stipend for living expenses.

Ques. Are there any additional fees beyond tuition that students should be aware of?

Ans. The fees displayed in JNU's fee tables are comprehensive and include tuition, sports, library, medical, cultural, and administrative charges. However, students should budget separately for hostel accommodation, meals, books, and personal expenses. Hostel fees vary depending on the type of accommodation selected. Many students benefit from hostel fee waivers or reductions through scholarships and financial aid schemes. It is advisable to contact the JNU admissions office for current information on hostel fees and other living expenses.

Ques. How are JNU fees structured across different academic years for multi-year programs?

Ans. JNU fees are structured with higher charges in the first year due to one-time admission, enrollment, and material fees. Subsequent years have lower annual fees as these one-time charges are not repeated. For example, in BA (Hons.), the first year costs INR 420.5, while years two and three each cost INR 268.5. This structure applies across all programs. Students should note that fees are subject to revision, and they should verify current fee structures with official JNU sources before admission.

Ques. What payment schedule should students follow for JNU fees?

Ans. JNU requires tuition fees to be paid in two installments: the first at the time of admission and the second at the time of registration for the Winter Semester in January. Annual fees must be paid at the beginning of each academic year. Students enrolled in both full-time and part-time courses pay full fees for the full-time course and only the tuition fee for the part-time course. A fine is imposed if fees are not paid by the due date, as per university regulations. Tibetan students are charged fees at par with Indian students.

Ques. Can international students apply to JNU programs, and are there different fee structures for them?

Ans. JNU welcomes applications from international students for various programs. However, international students typically have different fee structures compared to Indian students. For specific information regarding international student fees, admission requirements, and application procedures, prospective international students should contact the JNU International Students Office or visit the official JNU website for detailed guidelines and current fee information.

Ques. What happens if a student needs to defer their admission or withdraw from a program?

Ans. JNU has specific policies regarding admission deferment and program withdrawal. Students should contact the JNU admissions office directly to understand the procedures, refund policies, and any applicable charges. The security deposit paid at the time of admission is refundable under certain conditions as per university regulations. It is important to review the detailed admission terms and conditions provided by JNU before finalizing enrollment.