Campus Overview
Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) spans approximately 1,019 acres in South Delhi, featuring a lush green campus amid the Aravalli hills, often described as a "green lung" in the bustling capital. The red-brick architecture, meandering pathways, peacocks, and diverse flora create an oasis-like environment conducive to intellectual pursuits. The campus includes academic complexes, administrative buildings, and residential quarters, with free WiFi and internet access across hostels, library, and common areas.
Academic and Research Infrastructure
- Central Library (Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Central Library): A nine-storey building with a carpet area of about 100,000 square feet and seating for 1,000 users. It houses extensive collections, subscribes to over 1,600 journals, and includes a Cyber Library with 200 computers for online resources. The library is a hub for archives on contemporary history and benefits from UGC-INFONET consortia.
- Laboratories and Instrumentation: Science schools have dedicated labs and Central Instrumentation Facilities. Key centres include the Advanced Instrumentation Research Facility (AIRF) with equipment like TEM, SEM, GCMS, and XRD; University Science Instrumentation Center (USIC); Biosafety Level 3 Lab; and High-Performance Computing Clusters.
- Language Labs: One of Asia's best, equipped with video/audio studios and rich software.
- Classrooms and Other Facilities: Equipped with whiteboards, projectors, multimedia, and media labs. Upcoming developments include an ₹11 crore Special Centre for E-Learning (construction expected by end-2025) and dedicated buildings for the School of Engineering and Atal Bihari Vajpayee School of Management.
- Computing and ICT: Communication and Information Services (CIS) provides 10 Gbps bandwidth, video-conferencing at 8 locations, and campus-wide connectivity.
Hostels and Residential Facilities
JNU has 18 hostels (including co-ed and married research scholars' hostels) named after rivers, plus dormitories, accommodating thousands of students with priority for outstation and full-time enrollees. Examples:
- Brahmaputra: 398 rooms (male research students).
- Lohit: 172 rooms (co-ed).
- Shipra: 272 rooms + dorms.
- Yamuna: 195 single rooms (working women's hostel).
Hostels offer messes (hygienic, pan-Indian cuisine, special diets), 24/7 water/power backup in key areas, reading rooms, gyms, TV rooms, visitors' rooms, and laundry. SC/ST/PH students may get fee exemptions. New hostels (e.g., Barak) are under construction.
Sports and Recreation
- Sports Complex/Stadium: Central facility with tracks, fields for athletics, volleyball, basketball, tennis (with coach), and more. 11 active sports clubs organize inter-hostel/school competitions.
- Hostel-Level Facilities: Badminton/volleyball courts, table tennis, carrom, chess, gyms, and outdoor fitness equipment in most hostels.
- Other: Indoor badminton at Students Activity Centre; yoga and fitness programs.
Health and Wellness
- Health Centre: Provides primary care, biochemistry/microbiology labs, HIV counseling, and emergency services.
Other Amenities
- Convention Centre, guest houses, shopping complex (Kamal Complex), banks, canteens (e.g., Ganga Dhaba, 24/7 food courts), disability support, and grievance redressal.
- Transport: Internal buses and proximity to bus stops.
Despite some aging buildings (over 30 years old), ongoing upgrades address needs, with environmental safeguards for new projects. For latest updates, check official sites like https://www.jnu.ac.in facilities or specific hostel pages.
