CUET reservation for 2026 outlines specific quotas for various categories in UG admissions, with 10% for EWS, 15% for SC, 7.5% for ST, and 27% for OBC (Non-creamy layer). Additionally, a 5% horizontal reservation is provided for Persons with Disabilities within each category. These policies, based on NTA and Government of India norms, ensure equitable access to central universities.
Table of Contents
CUET Reservation Policy 2026: NTA Guidelines and Criteria
The CUET Reservation 2026 policy is based on NTA and Government of India norms, applying to UG admissions across Central, State, Deemed, and Private universities. This policy provides benefits in application fees, cutoff marks, and course fees for reserved categories, ensuring equitable access to higher education opportunities.
| Categories | CUET Reservation Percentage |
|---|---|
| General Economically Weaker Sections (GEN-EWS) | 10% |
| Scheduled Castes (SC) | 15% |
| Scheduled Tribes (ST) | 7.50% |
| Other Backward Classes (Non-creamy layer) | 27% |
| Persons with Disabilities | 5% in each category |
These percentages outline the specific seat reservations for different categories in Central Universities, with Persons with Disabilities receiving a 5% reservation within each category.
The CUET Reservation 2026 policy ensures benefits for reserved categories, though university-specific policies remain unaffected. NTA does not entertain category changes post-application, and failure to provide documents leads to default General categorization. Admission is not guaranteed by appearing in CUET (UG) - 2026.
| Subjects | General (UR) | OBC (NCL)/EWS | SC/ST/PwBD/Third gender | International Candidates |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Upto 03 Subjects | ₹ 750/- | ₹ 700/- | ₹ 650/- | ₹ 3750/- |
| Upto 07 Subjects | ₹ 1500/- | ₹ 1400/- | ₹ 1300/- | ₹ 7500/- |
| Upto 10 Subjects | ₹ 1750/- | ₹ 1650/- | ₹ 1550/- | ₹ 11000/- |
This table illustrates the varying application fees for CUET (UG) - 2026 based on the number of subjects chosen and the candidate's reservation category, including international candidates.
- GEN-EWS: Annexure-IA/IB, issued on/after April 1, 2025.
- OBC-NCL: Annexure-IIA/IIB, Central List, issued on/after April 1, 2025.
- SC/ST: Annexure-III, as per latest Government of India guidelines.
- PwBD: UDID/Annexure-IV/V/VI from notified medical authority.
- Dyslexic PwBD: Annexure-VII/VIII (merged PDF), for 'severe' dyslexia.
- Kashmiri Migrant: Valid migration certificates and supporting documents.
- PwBD Minimum Disability: 40% for reservation eligibility.
- PwBD Scribe: NTA provides for specific disabilities; no personal scribes.
- PwBD Compensatory Time: 15 min for 45-min exams, 20 min for 1-hour exams.
- Application Period: January 3 to January 30, 2026.
- CUET 2026 Exam Dates: May 11 to May 31, 2026.
- Policy Update Date: January 9, 2026.
Category-Wise CUET Reservation Quota 2026: SC, ST, OBC, EWS
The CUET Reservation 2026 policy outlines specific quotas for various categories, ensuring equitable access. For instance, Persons with Disabilities (PwD) are eligible for a 5% horizontal reservation, requiring a minimum disability of over 40% as per the official exam brochure. This section details the category-wise seat distribution.
| Category | Typical Percentage of Seats | Important Notes |
|---|---|---|
| UR/General | Balance after applying other quotas | Varies depending on total reserved seats and state quotas |
| OBC-NCL | 27% | Non-Creamy Layer certificate required; usually recent financial year validity |
| SC | 15% | Community certificate as per state/UT format |
| ST | 7.5% | Community certificate as per state/UT format |
| EWS | 10% | Income and assets certificate as per applicable government format |
| PwD | 5% horizontal reservation | Applied within each vertical category, not as a separate vertical pool |
This table illustrates the distribution of seats across different categories for CUET PG LLB 2026, highlighting the specific percentage allocations and necessary documentation for each reserved group. It shows how the CUET Reservation 2026 policy is implemented vertically and horizontally.
CUET PwD and Kashmiri Migrant Reservation Criteria 2026
CUET Reservation 2026 for Persons with Disabilities (PwD) includes a 5% horizontal reservation in each category for central universities. This section details eligibility, required documents, and facilities for PwD candidates, along with criteria for Kashmiri Migrants, ensuring comprehensive understanding of the reservation policies.
- PwD Reservation Type: Horizontal reservation.
- PwD Percentage: 5% in each category for central universities.
- PwD Eligibility: Candidates with 40% or more benchmark disability.
- Required PwD Documents: UDID Card OR Certificate of Disability.
- Scribe Facility: Available for specific disabilities (≥40% disability).
- Compensatory Time: 15–20 minutes per hour of exam.
Further details on PwD categories, document specifics, and provisions for Kashmiri Migrants are outlined below, crucial for understanding the complete CUET Reservation 2026 framework.
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Recognized PwD Categories | Physical, visual, hearing, intellectual, mental illness, specific learning, multiple disabilities. |
| Dyslexic Document Category | Appendix-IX for 'Specified Disabilities'. |
| PwD Document Validity | Must be validated, reissued, and updated to avoid rejection. |
| PwBD Application Fee Benefit | Reduced application fees. |
| Kashmiri Migrant Eligibility | Eligible for reservations as per government rules. |
| Kashmiri Migrant Documents | Valid migration certificates along with supporting documents. |
These specific criteria ensure that all eligible candidates, including those with various disabilities and Kashmiri Migrants, can access appropriate support and reservation benefits.
| Category | Reservation Percentage |
|---|---|
| General Economically Weaker Sections (GEN-EWS) | 10% |
| Scheduled Castes (SC) | 15% |
| Scheduled Tribes (ST) | 7.5% |
| Other Backward Classes (Non-creamy layer) | 27% |
| Persons with Disabilities (PwBD) | 5% in each category |
This table summarizes the vertical and horizontal reservation percentages applicable for various categories in central universities under CUET, highlighting the comprehensive reservation policy.
How to Apply for CUET 2026 Reservation: Steps and Documents
Applying for CUET Reservation 2026 requires specific documents. Candidates must submit scanned copies of their category or PwBD certificates, if applicable, adhering to strict format and size guidelines. Domicile or income certificates are not necessary for the CUET UG 2026 application process.
- Category Certificate: Scanned copy (SC/ST/OBC-NCL/EWS), if applicable. PDF format, 50 KB – 300 KB.
- PwBD Certificate: Scanned copy in the prescribed NTA format, if applicable.
- Domicile/Income Certificate: Not required for CUET UG 2026 application.
- Document Specifications: Category / PwBD Certificate, 50 KB – 300 KB, PDF.
CUET LLB Reservation Policy 2026: Seat Allocation and Quotas
The CUET Reservation 2026 policy for LLB programs outlines specific seat allocation and quotas, incorporating both central reservation patterns and various horizontal provisions. This section details the indicative reservation percentages for different categories and the specific policies for horizontal reservations.
| Horizontal Category | Typical Policy | Documents Required |
|---|---|---|
| PwD | 5% across categories | Disability certificate under RPwD Act, 2016; UDID if available; scribe request form if applicable |
| Women | Up to 33% in some state institutions; varies | Domicile or identity proof, if required |
| Sports | 1-5% in select universities | Sports certificates and trial or merit verification |
| Ex-servicemen/Defence | 1-5% in select universities | Service certificate, dependency certificate, and priority documents |
| Domicile/State Quota | Varies widely | Domicile certificate issued by the state authority |
This table illustrates the typical policies and required documentation for various horizontal reservation categories, which function as an overlay within the vertical reservation pools.
- SC: 15% (indicative)
- ST: 7.5% (indicative)
- OBC-NCL: 27% (indicative)
- EWS: 10% (indicative)
- PwD: 5% (horizontal across categories)
Vertical reservations refer to category-wise reservation such as SC, ST, OBC-NCL, EWS, and UR, which are separate category pools. Horizontal reservations work as an overlay within each vertical category, including PwD, Women, Sports, Ex-servicemen, Defence, or Domicile-based categories.
- PwD Eligibility: Benchmark disability (≥40%) per Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act; certificate from a notified medical board.
- EWS Eligibility: Valid EWS certificate as per current financial year cut-off, issued by competent authority.
- Supernumerary/Relaxed Provisions: May apply for Wards of Defence personnel and Kashmiri Migrants where notified.
- State Quota Seats: May be carved out based on domicile/residency norms (e.g., Delhi, Maharashtra, Karnataka).
- Additional University-Specific Seats: Some universities add women/ward-of-university-staff/JKM supernumerary seats.
CUET UG vs CUET LLB Reservation Policies 2026: Key Differences
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Program Focus | CUET PG LLB refers to the 3-year LLB admission route through the CUET-PG test and subsequent university counselling. |
| Common Terminology | CUET LLB 2026 is a broader search term students use for the same 3-year LLB pathway. |
| Reservation Implementation | Implemented by the admitting university as per its statute, ordinance, and applicable central or state rules; can differ subtly across universities. |
The table highlights that CUET Reservation 2026 policies for PG LLB are determined at the university level, reflecting variations based on institutional rules and applicable regulations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the CUET Reservation policy for the 2026 academic year?
The CUET Reservation Policy 2026, administered by NTA, reserves 10% of seats for General EWS and 27% for Other Backward Classes in UG admissions.
Who is eligible to claim reservation benefits in CUET 2026 admissions?
Candidates from SC, OBC, and PwD categories are eligible for CUET 2026 reservation benefits. Migrants from the Kashmir region also receive specific waivers.
How do I apply for reservation categories during CUET 2026 registration?
During CUET 2026 registration at cuet.nta.nic.in, select your applicable reservation category (EWS, SC, ST, OBC-NCL, PwD) on the application form. Be aware of the CUET Reservation Criteria 2026.
When will the application window for CUET 2026 reservation categories open?
The application window for CUET 2026 reservation categories opened well in advance of the tentative exam dates, scheduled from May 11 to May 31, 2026.
How does CUET 2026 reservation impact my chances of admission to universities?
CUET 2026 reservation, administered by NTA, provides specific advantages for categories like 10% EWS and 27% OBC, influencing your admission chances based on your category.
Are CUET 2026 reservation quotas different for central and state universities?
No, the CUET 2026 reservation policy released by NTA specifies uniform quotas like 10% for EWS and 27% for OBC across participating universities.
