JNU starts second phase of PhD admissions; announces schedule under new dual-cycle system

Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) has officially launched the second phase of its PhD admissions for the 2025–26 academic year under its newly introduced dual admission cycle system. This is the first time the university is conducting PhD admissions twice in a single academic year, in line with national higher education reforms being adopted by several central universities across India.

Under the new system, PhD aspirants are being provided with an additional opportunity to apply, especially benefiting candidates who were unable to participate in the earlier admission cycle. The initiative is aimed at improving academic flexibility, reducing long waiting periods for PhD enrollment, and better aligning admissions with national research and fellowship timelines.

According to the admission schedule released by the university, online applications for Phase-II opened in late November 2025 and remained open until December 3, 2025 (11:50 PM). A correction window was provided on December 4 and 5, 2025, allowing candidates to make necessary changes to their application forms.

Shortlisted candidates were informed about their viva-voce interview schedules by December 13, 2025. The viva-voce examinations were conducted between December 19 and December 23, 2025, across various schools and centres of the university.

The first PhD merit list was released on January 2, 2026. Candidates included in the first list were required to complete seat blocking and fee payment between January 2 and January 4, 2026. Physical verification of documents was conducted on January 8 and January 9, 2026.

The second merit list was released on January 16, 2026. Registration and fee payment for second-list candidates were to be completed between January 16 and January 18, 2026, followed by physical verification of documents on January 22, 2026.

If seats remained vacant, a third and final merit list was scheduled for January 29, 2026. Candidates selected in the final list were required to complete registration by January 31, 2026, with document verification scheduled for February 5, 2026.

The final deadline for completion of all PhD admissions under Phase-II was set for February 10, 2026.

University officials stated that the dual-cycle admission model is expected to streamline PhD intake, improve planning for supervisors and departments, and ensure better utilization of available research seats. The move is also aligned with University Grants Commission (UGC) reforms aimed at strengthening doctoral education and research capacity in central universities.

This development is particularly significant for PhD aspirants targeting premier Delhi-based institutions such as Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), Delhi University (DU), Jamia Millia Islamia, and other central universities, as more institutions are expected to adopt similar multi-cycle PhD admission systems in the coming academic years.