CUET 2026: Exam Date, Syllabus, Eligibility, Pattern, Registration, Question Papers, Answer Key

What is CUET?

The Common University Entrance Test (CUET) is a national-level entrance exam conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) for admission to undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) programs in over 250 central, state, deemed, and private universities across India, including top institutions like Delhi University (DU), Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), Banaras Hindu University (BHU), and Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI).

CUET standardizes admissions, replacing individual university entrance tests, and aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 for fair access to higher education. It is mandatory for most central universities and optional for others.

CUET 2026 Highlights

CUET 2026 Important Dates

CUET 2026 Eligibility Criteria

• Nationality: Indian citizens, NRIs, OCIs, PIOs, and foreign nationals (subject to university rules)

• For UG Programs:

• Passed Class 12 or equivalent from a recognized board

• Minimum 50% aggregate marks (45% for SC/ST/OBC-NCL/PwD from reserved categories)

• Final-year (appearing) students eligible (must pass before admission)

• No specific subject requirements at entry level; domain subjects chosen based on program

• For PG Programs:

• Bachelor’s degree in relevant field from a recognized university

• Minimum 50% aggregate (45% for reserved categories)

• Final-year students eligible

• Age Limit: No upper age limit; universities may impose program-specific criteria

• Number of Attempts: Unlimited, but valid only for the admission year

• Reservation: As per Government of India norms (15% SC, 7.5% ST, 27% OBC-NCL, 10% EWS, 5% PwD)

CUET 2026 Application Form: Step-by-Step Guide

1. Visit the official website: cuet.samarth.ac.in or cuet.nta.nic.in
2. Click on “New Registration” for CUET UG or CUET PG 2026
3. Register using personal details, valid mobile number, and email ID
4. Receive Application Number and Password on mobile/email
5. Log in and fill the application form:

• Personal details, category, PwD status
• Educational qualification (Class 10, 12, and graduation for PG)
• Select university and program combinations
• Choose domain/language/general test subjects (max 6 for UG, as per university)
• Select exam city preferences (up to 4 cities)

7. Upload photograph, signature, Class 10 mark sheet, and category certificate (if applicable)
8. Pay application fee online (Net Banking / UPI / Credit / Debit Card)
9. Submit and download confirmation page

CUET 2026 Application Fees

Document Specifications for Upload

CUET 2026 Application Form Correction Window & Exam Centers

• Correction Window: 2–3 days after last date (can edit most fields except registered mobile/email)
• Exam Centers: 500+ cities across India and 25+ international centres (Dubai, Doha, Kathmandu, etc.)
• Candidates can choose up to 4 cities in order of preference
• Final centre allotment by NTA (cannot be changed later)

CUET 2026 Exam Pattern

CUET UG 2026 Pattern

Maximum subjects allowed: 6 (including languages + domain + general test)

CUET PG 2026 Pattern

Marking: +5 for correct, –1 for incorrect, 0 for unattempted

CUET 2026 Detailed Syllabus

• Section IA & IB: Reading Comprehension, Vocabulary, Grammar, Verbal Ability (based on Class 12 level)

• Section II (Domain): Strictly NCERT syllabus of Class 12 for chosen subject (Physics, Chemistry, Maths, Accountancy, History, Political Science, etc.)

• Section III (General Test):

• General Knowledge & Current Affairs

• Quantitative Reasoning (Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Mensuration)

• Logical & Analytical Reasoning

• Numerical Ability & Data Interpretation

• PG Domain Papers: Based on graduation-level syllabus of respective subject

Best Books for CUET 2026 Preparation

How to Download CUET 2026 Admit Card

1. Visit cuet.samarth.ac.in or cuet.nta.nic.in
2. Click on “Download Admit Card CUET (UG/PG) 2026”
3. Enter Application Number, Date of Birth, and Security Pin
4. Admit card with exam date, shift, and centre details will appear
5. Download and print 2 copies (colour print recommended)

CUET 2026 Exam Day Instructions

• Report to centre 60–90 minutes before exam time
• Carry printed admit card + original photo ID (Aadhaar, Voter ID, Passport, etc.)
• Prohibited items: Mobile phones, calculators, smart watches, notes, bags
• Only black/blue ball-point pen allowed for rough work (sheet provided by centre)
• Biometric verification and frisking mandatory
• Late entry not permitted after gate closing time

CUET 2026 Result & Score Card

• Result declared on official NTA website in July (UG) / May (PG) 2026
• Score card shows raw marks, percentile, and All India Rank (AIR)
• Normalization applied across multiple shifts
• No re-evaluation or re-checking facility
• Score card valid only for 2026–26 academic session

CUET Previous Years Cut-off Percentile (Top Universities – General Category)

CUET 2026 Counselling / Admission Process

• No centralized counselling by NTA
• Each university conducts its own counselling/merit list based on CUET scores
• Top universities like DU, BHU, JMI use CSAS (Common Seat Allocation System) portal
• Steps:

1. Register on university-specific portal after result
2. Fill college + course preferences
3. Multiple rounds of seat allocation
4. Document verification & fee payment

Top Universities Accepting CUET 2026 Score with Approx. Annual Fees

CUET 2026: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is CUET compulsory for DU admission?
   Yes, 100% admission to all UG programs in Delhi University is through CUET UG only.

2. Can I apply for CUET after Class 12 results?
   No, you must apply before the last date (March 2026); appearing students are eligible.

3. Is there any age limit for CUET UG?
   No upper age limit.

4. Can NRI/foreign students apply?
   Yes, through separate quota or CUET scores.

5. How many subjects should I choose in CUET UG?
   Maximum 6 subjects (including languages). Choose as per university/program eligibility.

6. Is Class 12 percentage considered?
   Only for eligibility; final merit is purely on CUET normalized score.

7. Is NCERT enough for domain subjects?
   Yes, 95% questions come from NCERT Class 12 syllabus.

8. Is there negative marking?
   Yes, –1 for every wrong answer.

9. When will CUET UG 2026 result come?
   Expected in last week of July 2026.

10. Will there be normalization?
    Yes, NTA applies normalization across multiple shifts.

11. How many universities accept CUET?
    250+ including 47 central, 40+ state, 20+ deemed, and 100+ private universities.

12. Can I get admission in B.Tech through CUET?
    Yes, universities like BHU, AMU, Tezpur, Central University of Karnataka offer B.Tech via CUET.

13. Is there common counselling?
    No, each university has its own portal and counselling schedule.

14. Can I apply to multiple universities with one CUET score?
    Yes, apply separately to each university after result.

15. What is CSAS portal?
    Common Seat Allocation System used by Delhi University for UG admissions.

16. Can I change college after first allocation?
    Yes, through upgrade option in subsequent rounds.

17. Is hostel guaranteed?
    No, limited seats; allotted on merit-cum-distance basis.

18. Can I appear for CUET PG and UG together?
    Yes, separate applications and exams.

19. Is CUET score valid for private colleges like Amity, Bennett?
    Yes, many private universities accept CUET scores.

20. What is the safest score for top DU colleges?
    760+ out of 800 (95+ percentile) for popular courses like SRCC, Hindu, Hansraj.