JNU Scholarships 2026: Amount, Application, Types

Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) offers a variety of scholarships and fellowships to support its students, including merit-based, need-based (merit-cum-means), endowment-based, and special category awards for postgraduate (MA/MSc/MCA), MPhil, and PhD programs. These JNU scholarships are funded by the university, endowments, government bodies, and external agencies. Many are awarded based on academic performance (e.g., CGPA), merit, income criteria, or specific fields of study. External scholarships accepted at JNU include those from UGC, CSIR, state governments, international foundations (e.g., Nippon, Korean, Japan-related), and others like Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial Fund (separate from university offerings).

JNU Scholarships: University-Endowed and Merit-Based

These scholarships support deserving students based on merit, financial need (e.g., parental income limits), or academic performance (e.g., highest CGPA in previous year/semester). Many are limited in number and awarded annually through applications/recommendations. Check the JNU scholarships from table below:

JNU Scholarships: Research Fellowships

These fellowships aid research scholars, often for confirmed PhD status, specific themes (e.g., area studies), or categories like SC/ST/PH. Some JNU scholarships include contingency grants or are awarded for limited periods post-MPhil.

JNU Scholarships: External Scholarships and Fellowships Accepted

Students can apply for these JNU scholarships through respective agencies (e.g., UGC portal, national schemes) or via university recommendation. These include government, state, and international options for higher studies/research.

JNU Scholarships: Application Process

The application process for Jawaharlal Nehru University scholarships and fellowships at varies depending on whether they are university-endowed/internal scholarships, research fellowships (e.g., UGC/CSIR-linked), or external/national/international schemes. Applications for most internal university scholarships/fellowships/awards are not direct but invited annually from registered and eligible students through the Chairpersons of Centres / Deans of Schools. These are then awarded based on the recommendations of constituted Committees.

Process for University-Provided / Endowment Scholarships and Fellowships

These are primarily handled internally by JNU.

• Applications/circulars are issued annually (typically after the academic session begins or as per endowment rules).
• Eligible registered students apply/submit through their Centre Chairperson / School Dean.
• The university constitutes selection/recommendation committees.
• Awards are made on merit, need, CGPA, category (e.g., SC/ST/PH), or specific criteria.
• Specific forms (e.g., Merit-cum-Means Scholarship Proforma for award/renewal) are available for download on the Fellowships/Scholarships page or from the section office.
• For certain named endowments (e.g., SYLFF, Korean Foundation), separate circulars and proformas are uploaded periodically with deadlines (e.g., past examples show last dates like August for SYLFF).
• Renewal (where applicable) follows a similar process with performance verification.

Process for National Fellowships

Students must first qualify through national exams/tests (e.g., UGC-NET, CSIR-NET).

• For UGC schemes: The University Grants Commission invites applications directly; details and application process are on the UGC website (www.ugc.ac.in) or UGC Scholarship/Fellowship Portal.
• Once awarded externally, students submit relevant documents/orders to JNU's Scholarship Section for disbursement/activation at the university level (e.g., claim forms, bank details, no-dues certification).
• JNU facilitates disbursement and may have internal renewal/claim forms (e.g., for UGC Non-NET).

Process for External Scholarships Accepted at JNU

• Applications are made directly to the sponsoring agency/body (e.g., respective State Government portals, Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial Fund website for doctoral fellowships, or through bilateral agreements).
• For some (e.g., certain international or nomination-based), students may need university endorsement/nomination via Chairperson/Dean → International Collaboration Office (for overseas-linked) or Scholarship Section.
• Once awarded, scholars inform/submit proof to JNU's Scholarship Section for record and any university-level support.

JNU Scholarships FAQs

Q1. What scholarships are available at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU)?

JNU provides Merit-cum-Means Scholarships, Ford Foundation Scholarships (₹700 p.m. for SIS MA students), Prof. Nurul Hasan Scholarship (₹1,500 p.m. for top 2nd-year MA/MSc/MCA students), Prof. Gouri Shankar Singhal Merit Scholarship (₹1,000 p.m. for SLS MSc), Nippon Foundation Fellowship (₹15,000 p.m. for MPhil/PhD), Korean Foundation Fellowship (₹10,000–₹12,000 p.m. + contingency), Okita Memorial Fellowship (₹5,000 p.m. + contingency for Japan-related studies), UGC/CSIR JRF/SRF (as per national norms), and various endowment awards like G. Parthasarathi Endowment Fellowship (₹1,000 p.m.). External options include state government fellowships and Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial Fund Doctoral Fellowships.

Q2. What is the eligibility for Merit-cum-Means Scholarship at JNU?

The Merit-cum-Means Scholarship is available for deserving and meritorious students (primarily BA/MA levels) whose parent's/guardian's annual income does not exceed ₹2,50,000 (or as revised by the university). It is governed by current university rules, with priority for financial need combined with academic merit.

Q3. What is the application process for UGC/CSIR Junior Research Fellowship at JNU?

First, qualify the UGC-NET or CSIR-NET exam. Apply directly through the UGC/CSIR portal as per their annual notifications. Once awarded, submit documents to JNU Scholarship Section for activation and disbursement. JNU facilitates claims/renewals via internal forms.

Q4. What are the income criteria for JNU Merit-cum-Means Scholarship?

Parent's/guardian's income should not exceed ₹2,50,000 per annum (or as updated by JNU rules from time to time). Income proof and academic merit are required during application of JNU scholarships.

Q5. Are international or area-specific scholarships available at JNU?

Yes, e.g., Nippon Foundation (Japan, ₹15,000 p.m.), Korean Foundation/Government (₹10,000–₹12,000 p.m. for relevant studies), Okita Memorial (Japan-related, ₹5,000 p.m. + contingency), China Government Scholarship (up to 4 years), and Australian High Commission Fellowship (₹3,500 p.m. + contingency for Australian Studies).