JMI PhD Admission 2025-26: Eligibility, Dates, and Full Selection Process. Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI): Courses, Fees, Admission 2025.
Get the complete guide for Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI) PhD Admission 2025-26, including important dates, eligibility criteria, entrance test format, exemption details, and the application process.
Focus On: JMI PhD Admission 2025, Jamia PhD Eligibility, JMI PhD Entrance Test, PhD Allied Disciplines, JMI PhD Application.
1. Overview and Key Dates (2025-26 Session)
Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI), a premier Central University, has released its official notification for PhD admissions for the academic session 2025-26. The application window is open for candidates seeking to pursue their doctoral research across various faculties and centres.
JMI PhD Admission 2025-26 Timeline
| Event | Date (2025-26) | Application Fee |
| Notification Release Date | October 16, 2025 | |
| Application Form Availability | October 20, 2025 | ₹2000/- (Non-refundable) |
| Application Submission Deadline | November 08, 2025 | |
| Form Correction Window | November 09 – 10, 2025 | |
| Admit Card Release | November 11, 2025 | |
| Admission Test Dates | November 15 – 16, 2025 | |
| Interview/Presentation Period | December 10 – 19, 2025 | |
| Final Result Declaration | December 22, 2025 | |
| Commencement of Course Work | January 13, 2026 |
Note on 2024 Session: The 2024-25 session followed a similar timeline, with applications opening around October 10 and the final deadline extended to mid-November, indicating consistency in the university's academic calendar.
2. Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the JMI PhD program, candidates must meet the following criteria:
Educational Qualification: A Master’s Degree (or an equivalent degree from a recognized foreign university) with a minimum of 55% marks in aggregate (or equivalent Grade "B" in the UGC seven-point scale) in the relevant or allied subject.
Relaxation: A relaxation of 5% marks (from 55% to 50%) is provided for candidates belonging to the SC/ST/OBC (Non-Creamy Layer)/Differently-abled categories.
M.Phil. Holders: Candidates possessing a regular M.Phil. degree (minimum two semesters) with $\ge 55\%$ marks in the same subject are also eligible for direct admission.
Official JMI PhD Application Link
The application form and portal can be accessed directly at:
- Steps to Apply:
- Look for the link titled "Click here to Apply for Ph.D. Admissions 2025-26."
- New users must click the "New Registration" button first.
- Once registered, log in using your credentials to fill out the detailed application form, upload documents, and pay the fee (₹2000/-).
- Visit the official JMI Admission Portal link above.
Since today is October 20, 2025, and the forms are officially available from October 20, 2025, the link should be active right now.
3. Admission Process and Exemption
The selection process is a two-stage method, giving 70% weightage to the Entrance Test score and 30% weightage to the Interview/Presentation performance.
A. Entrance Test (70% Weightage)
The written test is conducted in English (except for Language Departments and the Faculty of Fine Arts) and comprises two papers of equal weightage:
| Paper | Duration | Content | Marks/Structure |
| Paper I | 2 Hours | Research Methodology (Common to all faculties/centres) | 100 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs), 1 mark each |
| Paper II | 3 Hours | Subject-Specific Advanced Knowledge & Specialization | 100 Marks (50 MCQs + 50 Marks Subjective Questions) |
Qualifying Criterion: Candidates must secure a minimum of 50% aggregate marks in the Entrance Test (Paper I + Paper II) to be shortlisted for the interview.
B. Interview/Presentation (30% Weightage)
Candidates who qualify the Entrance Test (or are exempted) are called for an interview with the Departmental Research Committee (DRC). Candidates must present a synopsis (Research Proposal) covering:
Topic of Research
Objectives
Current state of Literature
Proposed Research Work & Methodology
Candidates must score a minimum of 40% marks in the interview to qualify for admission.
C. Exemption from Entrance Test
The following candidates are generally exempted from the Entrance Test but must appear for the Interview/Presentation:
Candidates who have qualified for the UGC/CSIR-JRF/NET/AYUSH-NET/JRF examination.
Candidates with SLET/GATE in the relevant area of research (score reviewable by DRC/CRC).
Teacher Fellowship Holders (with a No Objection Certificate/NOC).
DST-INSPIRE or other equivalent fellowship holders.
4. Allied Disciplines (The Interdisciplinary Advantage)
JMI allows candidates to pursue PhD research in a discipline that is allied (related) to their main qualifying subject. This interdisciplinary approach expands the scope of research.
Examples of Main Disciplines and their Allied Departments (based on official JMI list):
| Main Discipline | Allied Discipline |
| AJK Mass Communication & Research Centre | Centre for the Study of Social Exclusion and Inclusive Policy |
| Department of Biosciences | Department of Biotechnology |
| Department of Chemistry | Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Basic Sciences |
| Department of Political Science | Department of Sociology |
| Department of Management Studies (Finance) | Department of Economics |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What is the minimum marks required in the Master's degree to apply?
A. You need a minimum of 55% marks in the Master's degree, with a 5% relaxation (to 50%) for reserved categories (SC/ST/OBC/PwD).
Q2. Is the UGC NET/JRF score mandatory for exemption?
A. Qualifying the UGC/CSIR-JRF/NET or equivalent examination grants exemption from the Entrance Test. However, you must still apply and appear for the Interview/Presentation.
Q3. What is the weightage given to the Interview?
A. The final selection is based on a 70:30 ratio, where 70% weightage is given to the Entrance Test score and 30% to the Interview performance.
Q4. Where can I find the list of vacant seats for 2025-26?
A. The official notification or the detailed prospectus released on the JMI admission portal (https://admission.jmi.ac.in/) contains the faculty-wise list of vacant seats (subject to change).
Q5. Can I apply if I am in the final year of my Master’s program?
A. Yes, final semester students can apply but must successfully complete their Master's program with the required qualifying marks and submit all relevant documents before the stipulated deadline for final admission.
