JNU Updates Housing Rules and Fees for Married PhD Scholars
Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) has introduced significant changes to the accommodation policies and fee structure for married research scholars residing in the Subansiri Hostel, previously known as the Mahanadi Extension. The decision follows recommendations from a specially constituted committee, and an official notification has already been released by the Dean of Students’ office.
The revised framework removes all references to the MPhil programme from the university’s hostel manual. This adjustment aligns with the University Grants Commission’s (UGC) 2022 PhD regulations, which formally discontinued MPhil courses. Additionally, mentions of the zero semester have been stripped from the manual since this provision was not incorporated into the revised PhD ordinance introduced after 2018.
Maximum Stay Capped at Four Years
Under the updated guidelines, both domestic and international students enrolled in PhD programmes will be permitted to reside in university housing for a maximum of four years from their date of admission. Scholars must vacate the hostel when submitting their thesis, provided no dues remain outstanding. The administration has made it clear that extensions beyond the stipulated period will not be granted under any circumstances.
Priority Allocation for Expectant and Nursing Mothers
The notification also outlines changes to the allocation process. Pregnant students and nursing mothers will receive priority when hostel rooms are assigned. International scholars will now be subject to the same rules and conditions as their Indian counterparts, ensuring uniformity across all student categories.
Revised Fee Structure and Annual Increases
Financial requirements for married scholars have also been updated. A refundable security deposit of ₹30,000 is now mandatory, alongside a monthly establishment fee and room rent set at ₹5,000. Utility charges for electricity and water will be calculated based on actual consumption. Furthermore, the security deposit, establishment charges, and rent will all see an annual escalation of 10 percent each year.
Prospective residents must also submit a sworn affidavit in the prescribed format before admission, along with a declaration detailing their own and their spouse’s employment status and income. The application window for married PhD scholars seeking hostel accommodation opens on June 1.
Key Highlights of the New Policy
- Maximum hostel stay limited to four years from PhD admission date
- Hostel must be vacated upon thesis submission with no outstanding dues
- Priority given to pregnant students and breastfeeding mothers in room allocation
- Uniform rules now apply to both Indian and international students
- Refundable security deposit raised to ₹30,000
- Monthly establishment fee and rent fixed at ₹5,000
- Annual 10 percent increase in all fees and deposits
- Mandatory affidavit and income declaration for self and spouse
- Applications accepted starting June 1
These changes reflect JNU’s efforts to streamline hostel management and create a more structured environment for married research scholars. While the increased financial burden may pose challenges for some students, the university maintains that the revisions are necessary for sustainable hostel operations and equitable resource distribution.
