Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI) is a distinguished public research university located in New Delhi, India. Established on October 29, 1920, during the British colonial period, the university was founded by prominent leaders including Allama Muhammad Iqbal, Mahmud Hasan Deobandi, Mohammad Ali Jauhar, Hakim Ajmal Khan, Mukhtar Ahmed Ansari, Abdul Majeed Khwaja, and Zakir Husain. Originally situated in Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh, JMI relocated to its current campus in the Okhla area of Delhi in 1935. In 1988, it was designated as a central university by an act of the Indian Parliament.
JMI offers a comprehensive range of undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs across various disciplines. The university comprises multiple faculties and centers, including Faculty of Engineering and Technology, provides cutting-edge programs in engineering disciplines. Faculty of Fine Arts, focuses on visual arts and design education. Anwar Jamal Kidwai Mass Communication Research Centre (AJK MCRC), renowned for media and communication studies. Centre for Theoretical Physics, engages in advanced research in physics. Maulana Mohammad Ali Jauhar Academy of International Studies, dedicated to international relations and area studies. The university is also planning to establish a medical college, having received approval from the central government in 2023.
Spanning over 239 acres in Delhi's Okhla region, JMI's campus is equipped with modern infrastructure to support academic and extracurricular activities. The Nawab Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi Sports Complex includes a cricket ground that has hosted various tournaments, including women's cricket matches and the University Cricket Championship. The university has also embraced sustainability by installing 2,250-kilowatt solar panels on campus. In 2020, to commemorate its centenary, JMI inaugurated the Centenary Gate, enhancing the campus's architectural heritage.
The university's library system boasts a collection of over 600,000 books and approximately 143,000 subject-specific volumes, including rare manuscripts and Urdu literature. The Digital Resource Centre provides access to a vast array of e-resources, e-journals, and online academic materials, supporting the research and learning needs of students and faculty.
JMI offers comprehensive healthcare services through the Ansari Health Centre, Faculty of Dentistry, Centre for Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Sciences, and a Unani medical center. These facilities provide free medical services to students, faculty, and staff, ensuring a healthy campus community.
In 2025, JMI extended the application deadline for admissions to its schools, reflecting its commitment to accessible education. The university has also made significant strides in academic excellence, as evidenced by its improved standing in the QS Asia University Rankings 2025.
With a rich legacy of fostering academic excellence, cultural diversity, and social responsibility, Jamia Millia Islamia continues to be a pivotal institution in India's higher education landscape.
