Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), New Delhi, has officially published the PG Round 2 Cutoff 2026 on its admission portal at jnuee.jnu.ac.in. The second selection list covers postgraduate programmes including MA, MSc, MCA, MTech, MPH, PGD and Advanced Diploma of Proficiency (ADOP) for the 2026-27 academic session. Separate List-2 cutoffs have also been issued for Defence Quota and JNU/Jammu & Kashmir (J&K) Ward categories.
If your name appears in the Round 2 merit list, you are among the candidates shortlisted on the basis of CUET PG 2026 scores and programme-specific admission criteria. However, selection alone does not confirm admission. You must complete pre-enrolment registration, pay the admission fee online, and attend physical document verification at the JNU campus before the July 18, 2026 deadline to block your allotted seat. Missing any of these steps can lead to automatic cancellation of your seat.
This guide explains the Round 2 cutoff marks programme-wise, the complete admission timeline, what selected candidates must do next, and what waitlisted applicants should expect in upcoming rounds. Note that throughout this article, JNU refers to Jawaharlal Nehru University in New Delhi not to be confused with Jaipur National University (JNU Jaipur), which is a separate institution in Rajasthan.
What Is JNU PG Round 2 Cutoff 2026?
The JNU PG Round 2 cutoff is the minimum CUET PG score (and corresponding rank) required for a candidate to be shortlisted in the second merit list for admission to a specific programme and category. JNU releases cutoffs in the form of programme-wise PDF documents rather than a single consolidated rank list on the homepage.
Round 2, also referred to as List-2, was published on July 3, 2026. It includes seats that remained vacant after candidates from the first merit list (released June 25, 2026) either did not complete pre-enrolment within the July 3–5 window or voluntarily withdrew. As a result, cutoff marks in Round 2 are generally lower than Round 1 for several programmes though highly sought-after courses like Sociology, Political Science and Economics may still show competitive thresholds.
Programmes Covered in Round 2
- Two-Year Programmes: MA, MSc and MCA across schools such as School of Social Sciences (SSS), School of International Studies (SIS), School of Language, Literature and Culture Studies (SL), and School of Computer and Systems Sciences (SC&SS)
- One-Year Programmes: MA, MSc and MCA under the one-year category
- Technical and Professional Programmes: MTech, MPH (Master of Public Health) and PGD (Post Graduate Diploma)
- ADOP: Advanced Diploma of Proficiency programmes
- Special Category Lists: Defence Quota and JNU/J&K Ward Quota cutoffs published separately
JNU conducts PG admissions entirely through CUET PG scores. Unlike some state universities that hold their own entrance tests, JNU does not conduct a separate JNUEE for most PG programmes in the current cycle. Your CUET PG application number is the primary identifier used to search your name in the cutoff PDFs.
JNU PG Round 2 Cutoff 2026: Key Dates and Deadlines
Staying on top of dates is critical during JNU PG admissions. Each merit list comes with a short pre-enrolment window, and the university strictly enforces deadlines. Below is the official schedule relevant to Round 2 and upcoming stages.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| First Merit List (Round 1) Released | June 25, 2026 |
| Round 1 Pre-enrolment and Fee Payment | June 25 to June 27, 2026 |
| Round 2 Merit List (List-2) Released | July 3, 2026 |
| Round 2 Pre-enrolment and Fee Payment | July 3 to July 5, 2026 |
| Physical Document Verification | July 9, 10, 13, 14, 15, 16 and 17, 2026 |
| Last Date to Block Seats (Round 2) | July 18, 2026 |
| Expression of Willingness for Vacant Seats | July 23 to July 25, 2026 |
| Final Merit List | July 31, 2026 |
| Final List Pre-enrolment and Fee Payment | July 31 to August 2, 2026 |
| Final List Physical Verification | August 6 to August 7, 2026 |
| Admission Process Deadline | August 10, 2026 |
Actionable tip: Even if you missed the initial July 3–5 payment window, the university has extended the overall confirmation deadline to July 18, 2026, provided you complete both online fee payment and physical document verification within the assigned slots. Do not wait until the last day payment gateway delays and campus verification queues are common near deadlines.
Programme-Wise JNU PG Round 2 Cutoff Marks 2026
The following cutoff marks represent the minimum CUET PG scores for general-category shortlisting in Round 2 for select programmes. Category-wise cutoffs (SC, ST, OBC, EWS, PwBD) are published in separate sections within each PDF. Always refer to the official PDF for your exact category.
Two-Year MA, MSc and MCA Programmes Round 2 Cutoff Highlights
| Programme (Code) | Round 2 Cutoff Marks |
|---|---|
| Sociology (SOCM) | 100.33 |
| Western Philosophy (WSPM) | 97.00 |
| Education (EDUM) | 95.00 |
| Philosophy (PISM) | 92.67 |
| Political Science (POLM) | 90.33 |
| Iranian Studies (IRAM) | 89.33 |
| English (ENGM) | 88.00 |
| Economics (ECOM) | 86.33 |
| English Literature (ELLM) | 86.00 |
| Sanskrit Literature (SLSM) | 84.67 |
| Comparative Modern Literature (CMMM) | 80.67 |
| Linguistics (LINM) | 78.00 |
| Mathematics (MATM) | 78.00 |
| Delhi Studies (DLSM) | 77.33 |
| MCA (MCAM) | 75.33 |
| Spanish Studies (SPHM) | 75.00 |
| Ancient Indian Culture (ANCM) | 73.33 |
| Sanskrit (SANM) | 74.67 |
| Urdu (URDM) | 63.00 |
| Social Sciences (SESM) | 58.67 |
| Spanish (SPSM) | 55.67 |
| Chemistry (CHEM) | 52.00 |
| Tibetan (TROM) | 50.33 |
| German (GERM) | 42.33 |
| Tamil (TAMM) | 40.00 |
| Tibetan Translation (TRTM) | 40.00 |
| Korean (KORM) | 35.67 |
MTech, MPH and PGD Programmes Round 2 Cutoff Highlights
| Programme (Code) | Round 2 Cutoff Marks |
|---|---|
| Neural Networks (NNST) | 73.67 |
| M.Tech Computer Technology (MTCT) | 59.33 |
| PGD (PGDT) | 54.33 |
| M.Tech Information Technology (MTIT) | 53.00 |
What these numbers tell you: Programmes in humanities and social sciences Sociology, Political Science, Economics and English continue to attract the highest CUET PG scores even in Round 2. Language programmes such as Korean, Tamil and German show relatively lower cutoffs, which may reflect both seat availability and applicant pool size. For MTech aspirants, Computer Technology and Information Technology remain accessible in Round 2 with cutoffs in the low-to-mid 50s.
Where to Download Official Cutoff PDFs
JNU publishes separate PDF files for each programme group on the cutoff page at jnuee.jnu.ac.in/JNUCutoff2026.html. Available List-2 documents include:
- MA, MSc and MCA Two-Year List-2 Cutoff Score and Rank
- MA, MSc and MCA One-Year List-2 Cutoff Score and Rank
- MTech, MPH and PGD List-2 Cutoff Score and Rank
- Defence Quota MA and MTech List-2
- JNU and J&K Ward Quota PG List-2
Open the PDF matching your applied programme, then use Ctrl+F (or Cmd+F on Mac) to search your CUET PG application number. If your number appears, you have been shortlisted for pre-enrolment in Round 2.
How JNU PG Cutoffs Are Determined
Understanding how cutoffs are calculated helps you interpret Round 2 results and plan for future rounds. JNU does not publish a fixed cutoff before admissions; instead, the university sets programme-wise thresholds dynamically based on several factors each year.
Key Factors Behind Cutoff Marks
- Number of applicants: Programmes with large applicant pools such as MA Political Science and MA Economics tend to have higher cutoffs across all rounds.
- Seat matrix: Each programme has a fixed number of seats across categories (UR, OBC, SC, ST, EWS, PwBD). Cutoffs reflect the score of the last admitted candidate in each category.
- CUET PG score distribution: If the overall exam was moderately difficult, cutoffs may shift downward compared to a year with easier papers.
- Seat surrender in previous rounds: Round 2 cutoffs drop when Round 1 selected candidates fail to pay fees or choose other universities. This is the primary reason Round 2 marks are lower for many programmes.
- Category and quota: Defence Quota and JNU/J&K Ward Quota have independent cutoff lists with separate seat pools.
Unlike undergraduate admissions at JNU through CUET UG, PG admissions do not involve a separate interview for most programmes. Merit is largely score-driven, making your CUET PG percentile and raw marks the decisive factors.
What Round 2 Selected Candidates Must Do Before July 18, 2026
Being named in the Round 2 cutoff PDF is only the first step. JNU requires two mandatory actions online pre-enrolment with fee payment and in-person document verification before your seat is officially blocked.
Step 1: Pre-Enrolment Registration and Online Fee Payment
- Log in to jnuee.jnu.ac.in using your CUET PG credentials.
- Download your allotment letter from the dashboard.
- Complete the pre-enrolment registration form with accurate personal and academic details.
- Pay the prescribed admission fee through net banking, debit card, credit card or UPI on the official payment gateway.
- Save the payment receipt and a printout of the allotment letter for verification.
Important: Seat blocking is confirmed only after successful payment. Partial form submission without payment does not hold your seat.
Step 2: Physical Document Verification at JNU Campus
After online payment, report to the JNU campus in New Delhi on your assigned verification date (July 9–17, 2026). Carry the following documents in original along with self-attested photocopies:
- CUET PG 2026 scorecard and admit card
- Class 10 and Class 12 mark sheets and certificates
- Graduation degree and mark sheets (provisional certificate accepted if final degree is pending)
- Category certificate (SC/ST/OBC/EWS/PwBD) issued by competent authority, if applicable
- Defence or JNU/J&K Ward quota documents, if applicable
- Photo identity proof (Aadhaar, passport or voter ID)
- Passport-size photographs
- Payment receipt and allotment letter printout
Arrive early on your slot date. Verification queues at JNU can be long, especially on July 16 and 17 as candidates rush to meet the July 18 deadline. Any discrepancy in documents such as name mismatch or invalid category certificate can delay or deny your admission.
Why Round 2 Is Critical for Many Programmes
For several MA and MSc programmes, Round 2 represents one of the last open merit lists before the university moves to expression-of-willingness rounds and the final merit list. Seats not blocked by July 18, 2026 will be released for subsequent rounds only if vacancies remain. If you are satisfied with your allotted programme, treat this deadline as non-negotiable.
What If You Are Not Selected in Round 2?
If your application number does not appear in the Round 2 PDF, do not lose hope. JNU typically releases up to five merit lists during the PG admission cycle, followed by a final call round for remaining vacant seats.
Upcoming Admission Stages After Round 2
- Lists 3, 4 and 5: Expected in July 2026 as seats are surrendered by candidates who skip payment or accept offers elsewhere. Cutoffs generally decline with each subsequent list.
- Expression of Willingness (July 23–25, 2026): Candidates who were not selected in earlier lists but wish to be considered for vacant seats can register their willingness on the portal during this window.
- Final Merit List (July 31, 2026): The last formal list for remaining seats, with pre-enrolment from July 31 to August 2, 2026.
- Overall admission deadline: August 10, 2026 after this date, no further registrations are accepted for the 2026-27 session.
Tip for waitlisted candidates: Monitor jnuee.jnu.ac.in/JNUCutoff2026.html daily. JNU usually publishes new lists within 10–14 days after the previous round's payment window closes. Keep your documents ready and ensure your category certificates are valid so you can act quickly when a later list opens.
Round 1 vs Round 2: How Cutoffs Compare
One of the most common questions among CUET PG aspirants is whether Round 2 cutoffs are significantly lower than Round 1. In most years and in the 2026 cycle based on published data the answer is yes for programmes with moderate seat counts and high first-round drop-off rates.
For example, programmes like Chemistry, German, Korean and Tibetan often see noticeable score reductions between Round 1 and Round 2 because fewer candidates hold multiple offers in niche language streams. Conversely, flagship programmes such as MA Sociology, MA Political Science and MA Economics may show smaller drops because demand remains strong even in later rounds.
If your CUET PG score falls within 5–10 marks of the Round 2 cutoff for your target programme, you may still have a realistic chance in Round 3 or Round 4. Track the cutoff trend across lists rather than relying on a single round's data.
Reservation Policy and Category-Wise Cutoffs
JNU follows the Government of India's reservation policy for central universities. Seats are distributed across the following categories:
- General (UR)
- Other Backward Classes (OBC-NCL)
- Scheduled Castes (SC)
- Scheduled Tribes (ST)
- Economically Weaker Sections (EWS)
- Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD)
Each category has a separate cutoff within the programme PDF. Additionally, supernumerary seats are available for:
- Defence Quota: For wards of defence personnel separate List-2 PDF published
- JNU Ward Quota: For children of JNU employees
- J&K Ward Quota: For candidates from Jammu and Kashmir under the designated quota
Ensure your category certificate is issued in the correct format and dated before the CUET PG application deadline. Invalid or expired certificates are a leading cause of admission rejection during physical verification.
Common Mistakes to Avoid During Round 2 Admission
Every year, candidates lose allotted seats due to avoidable errors. Here are the most frequent pitfalls and how to prevent them:
- Assuming selection equals admission: You must pay fees and complete verification. Many seats in Round 2 open precisely because Round 1 candidates skipped these steps.
- Waiting until July 18: Payment failures, server downtime and long verification queues peak on the last day. Complete both steps by July 16 or 17 if possible.
- Carrying incorrect documents: Provisional graduation certificates must clearly state eligibility for PG admission. Unclear or expired category certificates will be rejected.
- Ignoring the correct PDF: Two-year and one-year programmes have separate cutoff files. Searching the wrong PDF wastes time and creates unnecessary panic.
- Not reading the e-prospectus: JNU publishes detailed admission rules, programme-specific eligibility and fee structures in its e-prospectus on the official website. Read it before payment.
- Confusing universities with similar abbreviations: JNU Delhi and Jaipur National University are entirely different institutions with separate admission processes. This article applies only to Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi.
Preparing for Other Competitive Exams While Waiting
If JNU PG admission remains uncertain after Round 2, continue exploring parallel options. Many students sit for multiple national-level entrance exams simultaneously. For instance, design aspirants may appear for exams like NID DAT while pursuing humanities or social science PG programmes through CUET PG. Keeping backup admission options at other central universities including Delhi University, BHU and Hyderabad University reduces the risk of losing an academic year.
However, if JNU is your first choice, prioritise completing Round 2 formalities before shifting focus to other processes. An unblocked JNU seat cannot be reclaimed once the deadline passes.
Conclusion
The JNU PG Round 2 Cutoff 2026 marks a pivotal stage in the university's CUET PG-based admission process for the 2026-27 academic year. With List-2 now live at jnuee.jnu.ac.in, shortlisted candidates across MA, MSc, MCA, MTech, MPH, PGD and ADOP programmes must act swiftly to block their seats by July 18, 2026. Download the correct programme PDF, confirm your selection status, complete online pre-enrolment and fee payment, and attend physical document verification at the JNU campus without delay.
Candidates not yet selected should monitor the portal for Lists 3, 4 and 5, register willingness for vacant seats between July 23 and 25, and stay prepared for the final merit list on July 31, 2026. With the overall admission deadline set for August 10, 2026, every remaining round moves quickly and preparedness is your strongest advantage in securing a seat at one of India's premier central universities.
