Got thru JNU ( this is what I really wanted ) :). Igidr God knows what happened , my written marks were good , interview went well still didn't make it to the list. Nevertheless Happy endings
@ Sam - This whole moot/discussion boils down to what a person really want to do. I have seen many of my batchmates who chose JNU over DSE/IGIDR , DSE over JNU/ISI/IGIDR and in the same way ISI over DSE/JNU/IGIDR. They are all contented with their choices.
Basically, if you have very mathematical orientation , DSE/ISI is the place for you. If you are looking for placements again DSE/ISI. Both provide good opportunities for research.
JNU has two major advantages, one the positive externality attached to it or the campus feel (ignoring the ideological orientation).Its a great exposure, one can truly explore whatever she/he wants to do. Second, faculty of SSS is great and JNU as a brand will obviously pay well if you are going for further research.
So the comparison when it comes to JNU and DSE/ISI is like comparing apple and oranges. This whole choice comes down to our tastes and preferences ultimately.