Know all about Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) - Fees, Ranks, Scholarship, Pros and Cons

Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) is a world-renowned university and is one of the top-ranked central universities in India known for its academic excellence, research-oriented approach, and diverse student community.

JNU was established in 1969 with the aim of promoting excellence in higher education, research, and innovation in various fields. Over the years, JNU has emerged as a leading center of academic and research excellence in India, attracting students from all over the country and the world. The university is known for its unique academic culture, which emphasizes critical thinking, intellectual discourse, and freedom of expression. This culture has produced some of the finest minds in India and beyond, who have gone on to make significant contributions in various fields.

It has been consistently ranked among the top universities in India and the world for its academic and research excellence. Accredited by the NAAC with a Grade Point of 3.91 (on a scale of 4) and given the status of 'University of Excellence' by the UGC, JNU has established itself as a premier institution for postgraduate and research studies. In fact, it has been ranked 2 in the 'University' category by the NIRF 2022 Rankings, a testament to its academic prowess. The university has been at the forefront of innovation and has become India’s first-ever university to offer foreign language courses within its Integrated MA program. 

In this article, we will take a closer look at JNU, its history, academic programs, admission process, fees, and other important details. We will also discuss the pros and cons of studying at JNU and answer some frequently asked questions about the university. Whether you are a prospective student, a parent, or just someone interested in learning more about this prestigious institution, this article will provide you with all the information you need.

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JNU COURSES AND FEES 2023

JNU offers over 100 courses across various streams such as Arts, Technology, Management, Science, etc. at UG, PG, and doctorate levels. The university comprises 13 schools, 55 centers, and seven special centers, offering over 106 courses across several streams at UG, PG, and Ph.D. levels. The university offers BA (Hons), BTech, MA, MSc, MTech, MBA, and several PhD and integrated programs. It also offers Certificate, Diploma, and Advanced Diploma courses in various languages, making it a truly diverse and inclusive institution. To be eligible for most UG programs, candidates must have a valid score in Class 12 (or equivalent), while for PG courses, a bachelor's degree in a relevant stream is mandatory. The duration of most UG courses ranges between three and five years, while the PG courses are mostly offered for a duration of two years. JNU also offers distance learning courses to its students. Here is a comprehensive table showcasing some of the popular JNU courses along with their eligibility requirements and fees - 

 JNU RANKINGS

The recent years have seen Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) achieve recognition from various prestigious ranking bodies across several categories. Here are some of the noteworthy rankings received by JNU:

JNU SCHOLARSHIPS

Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) provides various scholarships to deserving students in order to facilitate financial assistance and encourage education. Here are some of the top scholarship opportunities offered by JNU:

1. Merit-cum-means Scholarships: Offered to exceptional students from economically weaker sections.

2. Ford Foundation Scholarships: The School of International Studies provides a monthly grant of INR 700 to outstanding students enrolled in the MA program.

3. Four G Parthasarathi Endowment Fellowships: Students from financially disadvantaged backgrounds receive INR 1,000 in the first year and subsequent renewal is based on academic performance.

4. Dr Sheila Zurbrigg Fellowship: Centre of Social Medicine and Community Health awards INR 2,000 to deserving students pursuing relevant programs.

5. Tendulkar Scholarship: Two students from different Centres of the School of Social Sciences are awarded INR 400 per month for two years on a rotational basis.

6. Prof. Nurul Hasan Scholarship: INR 1,500 per month is given to two students with the highest CGPA for a year pursuing MA, MSc/ MCA programs.

PROS OF JNU:

1. Academic Excellence: JNU is renowned for its academic excellence and research-oriented approach. The university offers a wide range of courses in various disciplines, including humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, engineering, and management. The faculty members at JNU are highly qualified and experienced, and the university has a strong emphasis on interdisciplinary research.

2. Vibrant Campus Culture: JNU has a vibrant and politically active student community. The campus culture at JNU is known for its debates, discussions, and activism. Students at JNU are encouraged to engage in a wide range of co-curricular and extracurricular activities, including sports, cultural events, and social outreach programs.

3. Diverse Student Population: JNU has a diverse student population, with students from various regions, languages, and cultures of India, as well as from different countries around the world. This diversity fosters a rich learning environment and helps students to broaden their perspectives.

4. Affordable Education: JNU provides affordable education to its students. The university has a fee structure that is much lower than many other universities in India and around the world. The university also provides financial assistance to economically weaker students through various scholarships and grants.

5. Good Career Opportunities: JNU graduates are highly sought after in various fields. The university has a strong reputation for academic and research excellence, and its graduates have gone on to pursue successful careers in academia, research, government, public policy, journalism, and other fields.

CONS OF JNU:

1. Political Atmosphere: JNU is known for its politically active student community. While this can be seen as a positive aspect, it can also be a negative aspect for some students who are not interested in politics or do not want to be part of any political group.

2. Limited Course Options: While JNU offers a wide range of courses, it may not have options in certain specialized areas of study. This may be a disadvantage for students who are interested in pursuing a specific career path that is not offered by JNU.

3. Language Barrier: The primary language of instruction at JNU is English. While this may not be a problem for many students, it can be a disadvantage for students who are not fluent in English.

4. Limited Infrastructure: JNU has limited infrastructure in terms of sports facilities, hostels, and other amenities. This can be a disadvantage for students who are interested in pursuing sports or other extracurricular activities.

5. Distance from City Center: JNU is located on the outskirts of Delhi, which may be a disadvantage for some students who prefer to be closer to the city center. However, the university provides bus services for students to commute to various parts of the city.

5 MOST ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT JNU

1.      What is JNU known for?

JNU is known for its academic excellence, research-oriented approach, and its politically active student community. The university offers undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs in a wide range of disciplines including social sciences, humanities, natural sciences, engineering, and management. JNU is also known for its commitment to promoting social justice, gender equality, and environmental sustainability.

2. How is JNU ranked among Indian universities?

JNU is consistently ranked among the top universities in India by various ranking agencies. In the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) 2020, JNU was ranked 2nd among all universities in India. The university has also been ranked among the top universities in Asia and the world by QS World University Rankings, Times Higher Education World University Rankings, and other global ranking agencies.

3. What is the admission process for JNU?

The admission process for JNU varies depending on the program and the level of study. For undergraduate programs, JNU conducts an entrance examination called JNUEE (JNU Entrance Examination) to select candidates. For postgraduate and doctoral programs, JNU conducts separate entrance exams, and admission is based on merit and performance in the entrance examination. JNU also has a special quota for economically weaker sections and persons with disabilities.

4. What is the campus culture like at JNU?

JNU has a vibrant and politically active student community. The campus culture at JNU is known for its debates, discussions, and activism. Students at JNU are encouraged to engage in a wide range of co-curricular and extracurricular activities, including sports, cultural events, and social outreach programs. The university has a diverse student population, with students from various regions, languages, and cultures of India, as well as from different countries around the world.

5.  What are the job prospects after completing a degree from JNU?

JNU has a strong reputation for academic and research excellence, and its graduates are highly sought after in various fields. Graduates from JNU have gone on to pursue successful careers in academia, research, government, public policy, journalism, and other fields. JNU alumni are also known for their leadership and activism, and many have gone on to occupy important positions in government and public life in India and around the world.

NOTABLE ALUMNI FROM JNU:

Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) is a prestigious university in India that has produced several notable alumni who have made significant contributions in various fields. From politicians and economists to environmentalists and social activists, JNU alumni have made their mark in India and around the world.

One of the most famous alumni from JNU is Abhijit Banerjee, an Indian-American economist who was awarded the Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences in 2019 for his experimental approach to alleviating global poverty. Banerjee obtained his master's degree in economics from JNU before completing his Ph.D. at Harvard University.

Another prominent JNU alumnus is Ali Zeidan, a Libyan politician who served as the Prime Minister of Libya from 2012 to 2013. Zeidan obtained his master's degree in political science from JNU and played a key role in the overthrow of former Libyan dictator Muammar Gaddafi.

Baburam Bhattarai, a Nepalese politician who served as the Prime Minister of Nepal from 2011 to 2013, is another notable JNU alumnus. Bhattarai obtained his Ph.D. in regional development planning from JNU and later worked as a professor of political science at the university.

Nirmala Sitharaman is another notable alumnus from JNU. She is an Indian politician and currently serves as the Finance Minister of India. Sitharaman obtained her master's degree in economics from JNU and later worked as a senior manager at PwC in London before joining the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

Other famous alumni from JNU include the Indian political scientist and public intellectual, Pratap Bhanu Mehta; the Indian economist and former Chief Economic Advisor to the Government of India, Arvind Subramanian; and the Indian environmentalist and writer, Sunita Narain.

JNU's emphasis on academic excellence, research, and innovation, combined with its politically aware student community, has produced a diverse and accomplished group of graduates who have gone on to make their mark in various fields. JNU alumni continue to play an important role in shaping the social, political, and economic landscape of India and the world.

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