M.A. (Criminology & Criminal Justice)

The M.A. in Criminology & Criminal Justice Administration is a two-year postgraduate program designed to develop advanced expertise in crime analysis, criminal behavior, justice systems, and policy reform. The program spans 4 semesters with a total intake of 50 seats and is offered in full-time on-campus mode. The total tuition fees for the entire duration is 2.22 Lakhs. The program is recognized for its interdisciplinary approach, combining legal, psychological, sociological, and forensic perspectives. WBNUJS, ranked 4th in NIRF India Ranking 2025 under the Law category, is one of India's premier national law universities. This program is popular among students seeking careers in criminal justice administration, law enforcement, policy-making, and research.

Admission for the 2026-2027 academic session is currently ongoing. The application deadline is March 16, 2026. Candidates must qualify in the NUJS-PGET (Post Graduate Entrance Test) scheduled for March 29, 2026, followed by a personal interview. The final results will be published on April 30, 2026, with the admission procedure closing by June 25, 2026.

Key Points:

• Interdisciplinary curriculum integrating legal, psychological, sociological, and forensic perspectives
• Hands-on field experiences and praxis-based learning approach
• Access to specialized research centers and mentorship from top researchers
• Covers advanced areas including Victimology, Criminal Psychology, Cyber Criminology, and Emerging Trends in Policing
• Strong faculty with international academic credentials
• Opportunities for internships with law enforcement and criminal justice agencies

WBNUJS M.A. (Criminology & Criminal Justice) Fees

The M.A. Criminology & Criminal Justice program has a total tuition fee of 2.22 Lakhs for the entire two-year duration. This fee covers all academic and administrative expenses including tuition, examination fees, and other institutional charges. The program offers affordable postgraduate education compared to other specialized master's programs in India. Students can pay fees on a semester-wise basis to manage their financial planning effectively.

Fee Structure

• Students withdrawing before commencement of classes or during specified timelines can claim back their fees.
• Semester-wise payment options are available.
• SC/ST candidates receive a 5 percent mark relaxation during admission.

WBNUJS M.A. (Criminology & Criminal Justice) Admission 2026

The M.A. Criminology & Criminal Justice program follows a merit-based admission process through the NUJS-PGET entrance examination. Candidates are selected based on their performance in the entrance test (100 MCQ-based assessment) and personal interview. The admission process is transparent and conducted in hybrid mode for interviews, ensuring accessibility for candidates across India. The program accepts applications from graduates holding a Bachelor's degree in any discipline with a minimum of 55 percent marks from any recognized university in India or abroad.

Important Dates

The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Bachelor's degree in any discipline with minimum 55 percent marks from a recognized university in India or abroad
• Candidates awaiting final results may apply provisionally; provisional admission will be revoked if final degree certificate is not submitted within two months from commencement of first semester
• 5 percent mark relaxation for SC/ST candidates as per West Bengal State Government norms

Admission Process:

• Submit application exclusively on the Samarth portal of the university
• Pay application fee of Rs. 2,000 (Rs. 1,500 for SC/ST candidates) through SBI Collect portal
• Appear for NUJS-PGET examination (90 minutes, 100 MCQ-based assessment with 50 marks Aptitude test and 50 marks Domain Knowledge)
• Qualify for personal interview based on entrance test performance
• Merit list prepared based on entrance examination score and personal interview performance
• Final admission after document verification and fee payment

WBNUJS M.A. (Criminology & Criminal Justice) Scholarships 2026

WBNUJS offers merit-based and need-based scholarships to support postgraduate students. The National Scholarship for Postgraduate Studies (UGC) is available for first-time PG students under 30 years of age enrolled in UGC-recognized full-time programs. Additionally, the NSP (PM-USP) Yojana provides financial assistance to students meeting specific criteria including academic performance and family income thresholds.

Scholarship Details

• Scholarship recipients must maintain 50 percent marks and 75 percent attendance throughout the program.
• Merit-based scholarships are also available for top-performing candidates.
• Students should contact the admissions office for detailed application procedures and deadlines for each scholarship scheme.

WBNUJS M.A. (Criminology & Criminal Justice) FAQs

Ques. What is the difference between M.A. and M.Sc in Criminology at WBNUJS?

Ans. Both M.A. and M.Sc in Criminology & Criminal Justice Administration are two-year programs with the same curriculum and intake (50 seats). The M.A. is awarded to candidates with a background in humanities/social sciences, while M.Sc is awarded to candidates with a science background. The course content, faculty, and career prospects remain identical.

Ques. Is the NUJS-PGET exam difficult compared to other entrance tests?

Ans. The NUJS-PGET is a 100-mark MCQ-based test with 50 marks for Aptitude and 50 marks for Domain Knowledge. It is designed to assess general knowledge, English proficiency, and basic understanding of social sciences. With proper preparation and focus on current affairs and legal concepts, candidates can perform well. The exam duration is 90 minutes.

Ques. What are the career prospects after completing M.A. Criminology & Criminal Justice?

Ans. Graduates can pursue careers in law enforcement agencies, criminal justice administration, policy-making bodies, research institutions, NGOs working on criminal justice reform, and international organizations. Many graduates join as investigators, crime analysts, policy advisors, or pursue further research and doctoral studies. The program prepares students for leadership roles in criminal justice systems.

Ques. Can I apply if my bachelor's degree is not in law or criminology?

Ans. Yes, the program accepts graduates from any discipline with a minimum of 55 percent marks. The curriculum is designed to be accessible to students from diverse academic backgrounds including arts, science, and commerce. The program provides foundational knowledge in criminology and criminal justice from the beginning.

Ques. What is the placement scenario for M.A. Criminology graduates from WBNUJS?

Ans. WBNUJS has a strong placement record with graduates securing positions in government agencies, law firms, research organizations, and international bodies. The university's reputation and the specialized nature of the program ensure good career opportunities. However, placement is merit-based and depends on individual performance and interview skills.

Ques. Are there any internship or field experience opportunities during the program?

Ans. Yes, the program emphasizes praxis-based learning with hands-on field experiences. Students get opportunities to work with law enforcement agencies, courts, and criminal justice institutions. These field experiences are integral to the curriculum and help students gain practical insights into the criminal justice system.