![North-Eastern Hill University - [NEHU]](https://img.collegedunia.com/public/college_data/images/logos/1463133442North-Eastern-Hill-University-Shillong.jpg?h=71.7&w=71.7&mode=stretch)
North-Eastern Hill University (NEHU), Shillong is a Central University established in 1973 under the North-Eastern Hill University Act, 1973 (Act No. 24 of 1973). It is funded and governed by the Government of India and recognised by the UGC. NEHU holds NAAC Grade A accreditation (2023) and serves as the only central government university in Meghalaya.
As per NIRF 2025, NEHU holds a position in the 151-200 band in the University category, reflecting a decline from the 101-150 band it held in 2024. The university is a premier research institution in Northeast India and has contributed significantly to the region’s higher education landscape since its founding.
The main campus spans 1,225 acres at Umshing Mawkynroh, Shillong, Meghalaya, at an elevation in the hills above the city. A second campus operates at Tura in the Garo Hills district of Meghalaya, and a third at Wahiajer. The campuses host over 60,820 students across 44 departments and 8 schools, with 53 affiliated colleges.
- Engineering and Technology , B.Tech in Biomedical Engineering, ECE, Energy Engineering, and IT. M.Tech is available in Biomedical, ECE, IT, and Nanotechnology. B.Arch is a 5-year programme.
- Management , MBA (General, Agri-Business and Food Technology, Tourism and Hotel Management)
- Sciences , M.Sc in 16 subjects including Biotechnology, Environmental Science, Chemistry, Physics, Botany, Zoology, and allied sciences. M.Sc in Horticulture specialisations includes Floriculture, Food Technology, Forestry
- Humanities and Social Sciences , MA in 14 subjects including Anthropology, Folklore Studies, Linguistics, Khasi, Garo, and Hindi
- Law , BA LLB (Hons., 5 years), LLM (1 year)
- Computer Applications , MCA (2 years)
- Social Work, Education, and Library Science , MSW, M.Ed, M.Lib, BEd
- Doctoral , Ph.D. in 40+ disciplines across all schools
The total fees for B.Tech at NEHU are INR 2.01 Lakhs for the 4-year programme. The MBA costs INR 1.18 Lakhs for 2 years. MA and M.Sc programmes cost INR 25,680 to INR 26,120 for the 2-year duration.
NEHU offers fee waivers and scholarships for students from Scheduled Tribes, Scheduled Castes, and economically weaker sections through central government schemes. The university also offers a limited number of fellowships for research and doctoral students.
NEHU is primarily a research and academic-focused university. Career outcomes for graduates depend strongly on the stream: engineering graduates enter the technology and healthcare sectors, while humanities and science graduates pursue research, civil services, education, and public sector roles. The university’s Training and Placement Cell facilitates industry connects for technical and management programmes.
NEHU Admission Dates 2026
NEHU admissions for the 2026-27 session are in progress, anchored by CUET UG and CUET PG for most UG and PG programmes. B.Tech admissions are conducted through JEE Main. The 2026-27 counselling cycle is running from July to October 2026, with multiple rounds managed centrally.
| Event | 2026-27 Session (In Progress) |
|---|---|
| CUET UG 2026 | May 2026 (conducted) |
| CUET UG Result | June to July 2026 |
| CUET PG 2026 | June 2026 (conducted) |
| NEHU Seat Allotment (UG) | July to September 2026 |
| NEHU Seat Allotment (PG) | August to October 2026 |
| B.Tech Admission (via JEE Main) | July to August 2026 |
| Ph.D. Entrance Test | Twice yearly (July and December cycles) |
The table below lists the entrance exams accepted across NEHU’s major programme families for the 2026-27 and upcoming 2027-28 cycles.
| Programme Family | Exam Accepted |
|---|---|
| B.Tech | JEE Main (CSAB / JOSAA counselling) |
| B.Arch | JEE Main (Paper 2) / NATA |
| BA LLB (Hons.) | CUET UG |
| MA / M.Sc / MBA / MCA / LLM | CUET PG |
| M.Tech | GATE / CUET PG |
| MSW / M.Ed / M.Lib | CUET PG / NEHU Entrance Test |
| Ph.D. | UGC NET / GATE / NEHU Doctoral Entrance Test |
NEHU Courses and Fees
NEHU offers 362+ programmes across 44 departments and 8 schools, spanning UG, PG, M.Phil, and doctoral levels. As a central university, fees are among the lowest in India , B.Tech costs INR 2.01 Lakhs for 4 years, and most MA and M.Sc programmes cost under INR 26,000 for 2 years. The table below covers the major programmes with total fees for the complete duration.
| Programme | Duration | Eligibility | Total Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| B.Tech (Biomedical / ECE / Energy / IT) | 4 years | 10+2 PCM with 75% for GEN or 65% for SC/ST, JEE Main | INR 2.01 Lakhs |
| B.Arch | 5 years | 10+2 with Maths 50%, JEE Main Paper 2 / NATA | INR 2.46 Lakhs |
| BA LLB (Hons.) | 5 years | 10+2 any stream, CUET UG | INR 1.45 Lakhs |
| MBA (all specialisations) | 2 years | Graduation with 55%, CUET PG | INR 1.18 Lakhs |
| MCA | 2 years | BCA / B.Sc (CS / IT) / B.Tech, CUET PG | INR 92,640 |
| M.Tech (Biomedical / ECE / IT / Nanotechnology) | 2 years | B.Tech in relevant field, GATE / CUET PG | INR 59,720 |
| M.Sc (Science and Social Sciences) | 2 years | Graduation with 50% in relevant subject, CUET PG | INR 26,120 |
| M.Sc (Horticulture specialisations) | 2 years | Graduation in Agriculture / Horticulture, CUET PG | INR 1.18 Lakhs |
| MA (14 subjects) | 2 years | Graduation with 50% in relevant subject, CUET PG | INR 25,680 |
| LLM | 1 year | LLB with 55%, CUET PG | INR 6,100 |
| MSW | 2 years | Graduation with 50%, CUET PG / NEHU Entrance | INR 1.60 Lakhs |
NEHU is one of the few central universities in Northeast India offering B.Tech in Energy Engineering and M.Tech in Nanotechnology. The Horticulture M.Sc specialisations (Floriculture, Forestry, Food Technology, Fruit Science, Vegetable Science) reflect NEHU’s engagement with the region’s agricultural economy. The university also offers certificate programmes in Entrepreneurship (CIE) and Geoinformatics.
NEHU Admission Process
NEHU follows a centralised, exam-driven admission process. Most UG programmes admit through CUET UG and most PG programmes through CUET PG, both conducted by NTA. B.Tech and B.Arch follow JEE Main counselling. Ph.D. admissions are held twice a year through a separate entrance test.
B.Tech Admission
B.Tech eligibility requires 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. Minimum marks are 75% for General category and 65% for SC/ST/OBC candidates. Admission proceeds through the JEE Main score and JOSAA/CSAB counselling, which manages seat allocation across all centrally-funded technical institutions. NEHU B.Tech seats are allocated through this centralised portal. The four B.Tech branches are Biomedical Engineering, ECE, Energy Engineering, and IT.
B.Arch Admission
B.Arch admission requires 10+2 with Mathematics as a compulsory subject and a minimum of 50% marks. Admission is based on JEE Main Paper 2 (Architecture) or NATA scores. The B.Arch programme runs for 5 years and is governed by the Council of Architecture.
PG Admission (MA, M.Sc, MBA, MCA, LLM)
All PG programmes at NEHU admit through CUET PG 2026 scores. Eligibility generally requires graduation with at least 50% marks in the relevant subject (55% for MBA and LLM). Subject-wise CUET PG papers are matched to the programme applied for. Seats are allocated department-wise in merit order after the centralised CUET PG result.
M.Tech Admission
M.Tech eligibility requires a B.Tech or BE degree in the relevant branch. Admission is based on GATE score or CUET PG performance. NEHU offers M.Tech in four specialisations: Biomedical Engineering, ECE, IT, and Nanotechnology.
Ph.D. Admission
Ph.D. admissions at NEHU are held in July and December cycles. Eligibility requires a postgraduate degree with at least 55% marks. Candidates with a valid UGC NET or GATE score may be exempt from the written entrance test. Ph.D. is available across 40+ disciplines in sciences, humanities, engineering, management, and law. Admission involves a written entrance test followed by an interview with the department.
BA LLB (Hons.) Admission
The 5-year integrated BA LLB programme admits through CUET UG scores. Eligibility requires 10+2 in any stream. Admission is merit-based on the CUET UG score in the relevant test paper. The programme is governed by BCI (Bar Council of India) norms.
NEHU Placements and Career Outcomes
NEHU is primarily a research and academic-focused central university. Career outcomes for graduates span multiple pathways depending on the programme. The university’s Training and Placement Cell facilitates placement activities for technical and management students through seminars, guest lectures, industrial visits, and mock interview sessions.
Engineering graduates (B.Tech ECE, IT, Biomedical) enter IT services, healthcare technology, and government sector roles. MBA graduates find positions in banking, FMCG, and public sector enterprises in Northeast India. Humanities, law, and science graduates predominantly pursue research, civil services (UPSC and state PSC), teaching, and judicial careers.
| Programme | Primary Career Pathways | Key Recruiters and Sectors |
|---|---|---|
| B.Tech (ECE / IT) | IT services, telecom, healthcare tech, government PSUs | IT firms, BSNL, healthcare companies, state government departments |
| MBA | Banking, FMCG, hospitality, agri-business | Banks, regional FMCG companies, state tourism boards |
| MA / M.Sc | Research, civil services, teaching, government roles | UGC-funded research institutes, state universities, NE India government departments |
| BA LLB / LLM | Judicial services, advocacy, civil services, legal academia | Meghalaya High Court, state lower courts, law firms, central government |
| Ph.D. | Academic positions (Assistant Professor), research fellowships, government research labs | Central universities, IITs, NIT, CSIR labs, DST-funded centres |
NEHU’s research infrastructure, including the BioNEST Bioincubator and Design Innovation Centre, supports graduates who pursue startup and innovation pathways in biotech and design sectors. The university’s affiliation with 53 colleges across Meghalaya creates teaching and research openings for postgraduate and doctoral graduates in the region.
NEHU Rankings
NEHU participates in NIRF and has held a University category ranking for multiple consecutive years. Its 2025 position reflects a downward trend after the university peaked in the 101-150 band. NEHU is the only central university in Meghalaya to appear in NIRF University rankings.
| Ranking Body | Category | 2025 Rank | 2024 Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| NIRF | University | 151-200 band | 101-150 band |
NEHU holds NAAC Grade A accreditation awarded in 2023. The NIRF University 2025 slide from the 101-150 band to the 151-200 band reflects performance pressures on teaching-learning resources and research output metrics. The university has initiated reforms to improve NIRF parameters in the upcoming cycles.
NEHU Scholarships
As a central university, NEHU students benefit from a range of central and state government scholarship schemes in addition to university fellowships. All central government scholarships are disbursed directly through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP).
| Scholarship / Fellowship | Eligibility | Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Central Sector Scholarship (CSSS) | Class 12 with top 20 percentile in board and family income under INR 4.5 Lakhs per annum | INR 12,000 per annum (UG) and INR 20,000 per annum (PG) |
| Post-Matric Scholarship (SC/ST) | SC/ST students in recognised UG or PG programmes | Full maintenance allowance and fees as per GOI norms |
| UGC-NET JRF/SRF Fellowship | Ph.D. scholars with valid UGC NET JRF score | INR 37,000 per month (JRF) and INR 42,000 per month (SRF) |
| NEHU Research Fellowship | Ph.D. scholars enrolled at NEHU without external funding | Monthly stipend as per university norms |
NE India-specific scholarship schemes from the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (MDoNER) and state government of Meghalaya are also available to eligible tribal students enrolled at NEHU. Details are published on the official NEHU portal at nehu.ac.in before the start of each academic year.
NEHU Campus and Infrastructure
NEHU’s main campus at Umshing Mawkynroh, Shillong, spans 1,225 acres in the hills, making it one of the largest university campuses in Northeast India. The campus includes 44 departmental buildings, a central library with digital and archival collections, research centres, labs, an auditorium, sports facilities, student activity centres, and a guest house. The hilltop setting near Umiam Lake gives the campus a distinctive natural character.
Research infrastructure includes the BioNEST Bioincubator (supported by DBT), the Bioinformatics Centre, a Design Innovation Centre (DIC), and an Entrepreneurship Development Centre. A community radio station and an institute printing press operate on campus. Multiple hostels are available for male and female students, and the university operates health services and a medical facility on campus.
The Tura campus at Chasingre serves students from the Garo Hills region of Meghalaya. It offers a subset of programmes under NEHU’s academic umbrella, primarily in arts, sciences, and commerce. A third campus at Wahiajer provides additional regional access. The combined campuses make NEHU one of the most geographically distributed central universities in Northeast India.
NEHU vs Tezpur University vs Assam University
Aspirants from Northeast India considering NEHU typically evaluate it alongside two other central universities in the region: Tezpur University (Assam) and Assam University (Silchar). All three are centrally funded, UGC-recognised, and serve the same Northeast India higher education pool. They differ in NIRF rank, programme mix, and research focus.
| Parameter | NEHU Shillong | Tezpur University | Assam University Silchar |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type | Central University (1973) | Central University (1994) | Central University (1994) |
| NIRF University 2025 | 151-200 band | In NIRF top 100 | In NIRF 151-200 band |
| NAAC Grade | A (2023) | A+ (2016 cycle) | A (recent cycle) |
| B.Tech Total Fees | INR 2.01 Lakhs | INR 2 to 2.5 Lakhs | INR 2 to 2.5 Lakhs |
| Programme Strengths | Humanities, Folklore Studies, Environmental Science, Energy Engineering, NE Regional Languages | Science, Technology, Energy, Management | Humanities, Science, Commerce, Social Work |
| Campus (Acres) | 1,225 acres (Shillong) | 60 acres (Tezpur) | 600 acres (Silchar) |
Tezpur University holds a stronger NIRF University rank and NAAC A+ grade, making it the preferred choice for aspirants seeking tech and science programmes with stronger research output. Assam University in Silchar serves aspirants from Barak Valley and parts of Manipur and Mizoram. NEHU’s distinctive strength lies in its NE India regional language programmes (Khasi, Garo, Mizo), environmental sciences, and its research ecosystem in Meghalaya’s capital. For aspirants specifically from Meghalaya or targeting NE regional studies and law, NEHU is the natural first choice.
NEHU FAQs
Ques. Is NEHU Shillong a central university?
Ans. Yes, North-Eastern Hill University is a central university established in 1973 under the North-Eastern Hill University Act, 1973, an Act of Parliament. It is funded by the Government of India and recognised by the UGC. It holds NAAC Grade A accreditation (2023) and is the only central government university in Meghalaya.
Ques. What is the NIRF rank of NEHU Shillong?
Ans. As per NIRF 2025, NEHU holds a position in the 151-200 band in the University category. It was in the 101-150 band in 2024. The university does not appear in the NIRF Overall top 200 in 2025.
Ques. What is the fee for B.Tech at NEHU?
Ans. The total fee for B.Tech at NEHU is INR 2.01 Lakhs for the 4-year programme, across all four branches (Biomedical Engineering, ECE, Energy Engineering, and IT). Being a central university, the fees are significantly lower than those at private universities. Admission is through JEE Main scores via JOSAA or CSAB counselling.
Ques. Which entrance exam is required for MA or M.Sc admission at NEHU?
Ans. All MA and M.Sc admissions at NEHU are based on CUET PG scores, conducted by NTA. Eligibility requires graduation with at least 50% marks in the relevant subject. The CUET PG result is used for direct merit-based seat allotment by the university without a separate interview or test. Fees for a 2-year MA or M.Sc programme range from INR 25,680 to INR 26,120.
Ques. Does NEHU offer PhD admission and what is the process?
Ans. Yes, NEHU offers Ph.D. programmes in 40+ disciplines across all schools. Admissions are held in two cycles per year (July and December). Eligibility requires a postgraduate degree with at least 55% marks. Candidates with a valid UGC NET JRF or GATE score may be exempt from the written entrance test. Admitted scholars with JRF are eligible for UGC fellowship funding of INR 37,000 per month.
Ques. How is NEHU for placements compared to Tezpur University?
Ans. Both NEHU and Tezpur University are centrally funded institutions with research-oriented cultures. Tezpur University holds a higher NIRF University rank (top 100 vs NEHU’s 151-200 band) and NAAC A+ grade, giving it a stronger placement profile in technology and management sectors. NEHU’s training and placement cell actively supports technical and MBA graduates, but a significant share of graduates pursue research, civil services, and teaching rather than corporate placements. For purely placement-focused aspirants, Tezpur University offers a stronger track record.
Ques. How many affiliated colleges does NEHU have?
Ans. NEHU has 53 affiliated undergraduate colleges across Meghalaya, including 8 professional colleges. The main university campus is in Shillong, with additional campuses in Tura and Wahiajer serving students from other districts of Meghalaya. Affiliated colleges offer BA, B.Sc, and B.Com programmes under the NEHU examination system.
Comments
Found 132 Comments
You cannot apply now because NEHU’s PG application deadline for 2025-26 (including M.Com) was 6 July 2025.
Yes, NEHU may allow PhD admission without NET/SLET if you qualify through the university’s PhD Entrance Test and interview/viva. However, having UGC-NET/JRF can give exemption from the written test and added preference. Eligibility and rules vary by department, so check NEHU’s latest PhD notification.
To check admission status at North Eastern Hill University, visit the official website and open the admission or merit list section. Download the published lists and search your name or application number. You can also log into the admission portal or contact the university admission office for confirmation.
At North Eastern Hill University, most MA admissions are through Common University Entrance Test (CUET-PG). Without CUET, chances are limited. However, some departments may offer seats through university-level tests or merit if vacancies remain.
Admissions at North-Eastern Hill University (NEHU) are not direct. For most undergraduate and postgraduate programs, selection is based on national-level entrance scores like CUET UG and CUET PG. Professional courses utilize standard exams like JEE Main, GATE, NATA, or MAT. If seats remain vacant after counseling, the university may allow direct admission for non-CUET applicants via its own internal entrance test or qualifying merit. Certain programs like MBA also require an active group discussion and interview round.
Regular academic classes for the new batch commence in early August 2026. Make sure you have completed your seat booking, verification, and have secured your institutional fee receipts before the campus orientation begins.
To secure admission into the 5-year Integrated BA LLB (Hons) program at NEHU, Shillong, you must qualify for the CUET UG exam. Eligibility requires passing your 10+2 examinations with at least 50% aggregate marks for the General category and 45% for SC/ST candidates.
Yes, to join the 5-year integrated B.A. LL.B (Hons) course at NEHU Shillong, you must appear for the CUET-UG exam; CLAT is not required or accepted for this program.
NEHU opens the Ph.D. application window in early March and closes it by mid-April. Last year’s entrance test notification for Economics was published on 28 November 2024, and applications likely opened around March-April 2025. You will need to take the NEHU Research Common Entrance Test (RCET) for Economics; however, you will be exempted from the entrance exam if you have given the NET and qualified.
North-Eastern Hill University (NEHU) offers Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com) programs at its affiliated colleges. For admission to the B.Com program, NEHU requires candidates to appear for the Common University Entrance Test (CUET). The applicants should have taken English from Section IA and Accountancy/Book Keeping or General Test in the CUET.
North-Eastern Hill University (NEHU) in Shillong offers a B.Sc. Major in Biotechnology program. This undergraduate course is part of NEHU's science curriculum and is available through the university's admission process
Candidate should have a Postgraduate degree in the relevant discipline. The admission fee is INR 180. The application process for admission at North Eastern Hill University (NEHU) is completely online. Application forms for admission to NEHU courses can be filled online on the official website of the university
Candidate should have a Postgraduate degree in the relevant discipline. The admission fee is INR 180. The application process for admission at North Eastern Hill University (NEHU) is completely online. Application forms for admission to NEHU courses can be filled online on the official website of the university.
The fee for the BALLB course is mentioned below:
No, North Eastern Hill University (NEHU) does not offer PhD programs in distance mode. NEHU provides PhD programs only through regular, on-campus, full-time or part-time study options.
NEHU Shillong offers BALLB in Honors mode. The first year fee of the course is INR Twenty five thousand Three hundred sixty. The second, third and fourth and fifth year fees are the same INR Eighteen thousand One hundred sixty.
The hostel fee details are as follows:
NEHU Shillong has hostel facilities available for the girl students. The hostel fee is INR Two thousand per year. The hostel fee is so minimal because it is subsidized by the Government.
The contact numbers of NEHU Shillong are given below:
Yes, North Eastern Hill University offers the BALLB Course. Candidates who has passed the Higher Secondary Examination (10+2) or its equivalent with not less than 50% marks in aggregate for General and 45% for SC/ST from a recognized University/Board are eligible for admission into this course.