University of Delhi (DU) is in New Delhi, Delhi, was set up in 1922, is ranked #5 in NIRF 2026 and holds NAAC A+. Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) is in New Delhi, Delhi, was set up in 1969, is ranked #2 in NIRF 2026 and holds NAAC A++. Both admit students through CUET UG, CUET PG, NET/JRF, JEE Main, CAT, so one set of scores works for both.
Quick verdict
DU is ahead onNo clear lead on the compared figures.
JNU is ahead on- JNU: better NIRF rank (#5 vs #2)
- JNU: higher NAAC grade (A+ vs A++)
DU vs JNU: full comparison
| Parameter | DU | JNU |
|---|---|---|
| Location | New Delhi, Delhi | New Delhi, Delhi |
| Established | 1922 | 1969 |
| NIRF rank | #5 | #2 |
| NAAC grade | A+ | A++ |
| Campus | 1000 acres | 1000 acres |
| Students | 20,000+ | 20,000+ |
| Courses | 200+ | - |
| UG fee | Rs.500-25,000/yr | Rs.500-25,000/yr |
| PG fee | Rs.1,000-50,000/yr | Rs.1,000-50,000/yr |
| Hostel fee | Rs.5,000-20,000/yr | Rs.5,000-20,000/yr |
| Average package | 8-15 LPA | 8-15 LPA |
| Highest package | 25-45 LPA | 25-45 LPA |
| Placement rate | 75-90% | 75-90% |
| Admission routes | CUET UG, CUET PG, NET/JRF, JEE Main, CAT, NCET/ITEP, CLAT | CUET UG, CUET PG, NET/JRF, JEE Main, CAT, GATE, GAT-B |
| DU profile → | JNU profile → |
Sources: NIRF 2026 (Ministry of Education), NAAC, each university's prospectus and placement reports. Fees and packages are indicative ranges; the official prospectus is final. A tick marks the better value in a row.
Which one should you choose?
- Choose DU if its location, courses or admission route suit you better, or you want to study in New Delhi.
- Choose JNU if what matters most to you is: better NIRF rank (#5 vs #2); higher NAAC grade (A+ vs A++), or you want to study in New Delhi.
Admission at both is mostly through the national entrance tests, so check each one's DU admission and JNU admission pages for the courses and seats you want.
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