Jawaharlal Nehru University, (JNU),Delhi was established in 1969 under the Jawaharlal Nehru University Act 1966. It is one of the most prestigious universities across the country. JNU is basically a research oriented university.Instead of colleges, JNU offers undergraduate, postgraduate, MPhil. and research courses through various schools and centres of the university, that makes JNU different from other universities in the country.It is identified and is concentrating upon some major academic programmes, which are of relevance to national progress and development.
Several Centres in Schools have been declared by the UGC to be Centres of 'Excellence'. These are Centre for Historical Studies, Centre for the Study of Social Systems, Centre for Political Studies, Centre for Economic Studies and Planning, Centre for the Study of Regional Development, all in the School of Social Sciences. In addition three Science Schools--School of Physical Sciences, School of Life Sciences and School of Environmental Sciences have also received the UGC recognition as Centers for Excellence.