CUET ( Common University Entrance Test)

 CUET 2026

The CUET (Common University Entrance Test) is poised to be a national-level entrance exam which is generally conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA). This exam serves as a gateway for students willing to take admission pan India under – central, state, and private universities. Introduced to streamline the admission process and bring uniformity, CUET evaluates candidates based on subject-specific knowledge, language proficiency, and general aptitude. It has become a vital exam for candidates aspiring to secure seats in reputed universities such as Delhi University, Banaras Hindu University, and Jawaharlal Nehru University, among others.

The CUET conducted by the NTA ensures that candidates who are willing to appear for this exam are updated through their official website. The exam is conducted in a computer based mode, with multiple sessions so that thousands of registered candidates are accommodated for this exam systematically. The test ensures a fair and standardized admission procedure, thus reducing the reliance on varied board exam marks. With its increasing popularity and growing number of applicants, CUET demands focused preparation and strategic planning to gain admission into top-tier universities across the country.

CUET 2026 – Online Registration:

CUET is conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA). This exam is for those aspirants who are seeking admission to the following programs listed below.

• 3-year full-time UG program in Bachelor’s degree at various colleges and universities accepting CUET score pan India.
• Candidates can pursue 4-year professional degrees such as B. Tech program.
• Candidates can also pursue 5 years of integrated program or law programs.

CUET 2026 Notification:

CUET 2026 notification will be available in the month of February/March 2026 following with the online application submissions starting in the month of February/March 2026. The last date for the submission of online applications will be available till March/April 2026. Additionally, candidates will be provided with correction window where they will be able to make corrections till April 2026. The CUET exam is set to be conducted in the month of May/June 2026. However, the official dates are yet to be released by the authorities and the dates mentioned are only tentative.

CUET 2026 Important Dates:

CUET 2026 Application Form:

1. The application process conducted by CUET is done through online mode only.
2. Candidates are required to visit the official CUET website – cuet.nta.nic.in to begin with the application process and select the “New Candidate Registration”.
3. Candidates are required to check the eligibility criteria thoroughly before beginning with the registration process.
4. Candidates need to register themselves by entering basic details such as name, date of birth, email ID, etc.
5. After successfully registering, candidates need to begin with filling up of application form with accurate details of information regarding personal and academic details.
6. Payment of the application fee must be done through online mode using various payment methods – Credit Card, Debit Card, Net Banking services.
7. Candidates are required to keep a print/Xerox of the application form for their future references.

CUET 2026 Application Process:

Requirements:

1. Candidates must have a valid email id and phone number for ease of communication.
2. Candidates will be required to provide their personal and academic details.
3. Candidates need to upload their scanned images of a recent passport-size photograph and signature in JPEG/JPG format (size around 50 KB and signature size around 30 KB).

Steps to Apply for CUET 2026:

Online Mode:

• Candidates must visit the official CUET registration portal – cuet.nta.nic.in to begin the application process.
• Candidates need to click on the registration link and complete the new registration by providing basic personal details, creating a password, and generating a security pin.
• Candidates will be required to verify the registration through the OTP sent to the registered mobile number and email ID to receive the application number.
• Candidates are required to use the system-generated application number and password to log in to the portal and access the application form.
• Candidates are then required to fill in all their personal and academic details and choose a preferred exam center in their preferred cities and states.
• Candidates will also be required to select the engineering program and domain subjects (minimum three, maximum five), and specify the preferred language/medium for the exam.
• In the next step, candidates will have to upload scanned copies of required documents, including a recent passport-size photograph, signature, and category/PwBD certificates (if applicable), in the prescribed format and size.
• Candidates can pay the application fee online through Net Banking, Credit Card, Debit Card, or UPI. The fee varies based on category and the number of subjects selected by the candidates.
• Candidates are required to keep a print/Xerox of the application form for their future references.

CUET 2026 Eligibility Criteria:

• Years Under Graduate Program (Bachelor’s Degree), 4 years of B. Tech program, and 5 years Integrated or Law program:
• Candidates must have qualified or be appearing in Class 12 (10+2) or equivalent examination from a recognized board.
• General category candidates must have secured a minimum aggregate of 50% marks in Class 12.
• SC/ST category candidates must have secured a minimum aggregate of 45% marks in Class 12.
• For B. Tech programs, the minimum required aggregate mark is 45% for General candidates and 40% for reserved categories.
• There is no overall lower or upper age limit prescribed by NTA for CUET 2026.
• Candidates must meet any additional age or qualification criteria specified by the participating universities they are applying to.
• Candidates must have studied the relevant subjects in Class 12 as required for their chosen undergraduate course and university.
• Candidates must be Indian citizens, subjects of Nepal or Bhutan, Tibetan refugees (arrived before January 1, 1962), or persons of Indian origin from select countries who have settled in India.
• Candidates who have failed in all subjects in Class 12 are ineligible for CUET 2026.
• Reservation policies follow the Government of India guidelines, with reserved seats for SC, ST, OBC-NCL, GEN-EWS, and PwD categories.
• Candidates should verify and fulfill the specific eligibility and subject combination requirements of each university and course before applying.

CUET 2026 Exam Pattern:

1. The exam will be conducted in an online computer – based mode.
2. The exam will consist of 50 MCQ (Multiple-Choice-Questions) in each section with a duration of 60 minutes.
3. The exam will have three sections – Section I (Languages), Section II (Domain Subjects), and Section III (General Test).
4. Candidates can select up to five subjects in total (languages and domain subjects combined).
5. The exam is available in 13 languages, including English, Hindi, and regional languages.
6. The marking scheme awards 5 marks for each correct answer and negative (-1) mark for each incorrect answer. For unanswered questions no marks will be alloted.
7. The total marks for each paper are 250 (50 questions × 5 marks each).

CUET 2026 Admit Card:

1. Candidates will be provided with admit cards for the CUET 2026 exam in May 2026 (Tentative).
2. Admit card is mandatory without which no candidate will be allowed to appear for the exam.
3. Candidates will be able to download their hall tickets/admit cards from the official website by providing their user ID and password.

CUET 2026 Syllabus:

The CUET 2026 syllabus strictly follow the NCERT Class 12 syllabus for each subject. The General Test assesses aptitude and reasoning skills, along with general awareness and basic Mathematics.

Following is the list of the main topics which are usually covered by the exam authorities when conducting CUET exam.

Syllabus:

CUET 2026 Results:

CUET 2026 results will be announced by the National Testing Agency (NTA) in June/July 2026, after the CUET 2026 exam will be conducted in May/June 2026. Candidates will be provided with answer keys in June 2026. However, candidates will not be able to challenge those answer keys unlike other competitive exams.

The results and cut-off marks will be released online. The cut-off in general varies by respective institute and course, and only candidates meeting or exceeding the cut-offs are eligible for the next stage i.e. counselling.

CUET 2026 Selection Process:

• After the exam, NTA releases the CUET scorecards for all candidates.
• Each participating university releases its own cut-off marks or merit list based on CUET scores and in some cases, Class 12 board marks as well.
• Candidates must apply separately to their chosen universities using their CUET scores, as per the university’s admission portal and guidelines.
• Universities may conduct further shortlisting or counseling rounds based on the merit list, subject combinations, and seat availability.
• Shortlisted candidates are called in for document verification and counseling process at the respective universities.
• Candidates must be present with their original documents, including mark sheets and certificates, during the counseling process for final admission.
• Final seat allotment is made based on merit, reservation policy, document verification, and fulfillment of all eligibility conditions.

CUET 2026 Instructions:

1. Candidates should upload their photograph and signature with the preferred size in the portal which should be clearly visible.
2. Candidates need to carry their admit card/hall ticket to the exam centre. Candidates will be prohibited from entering the exam hall without this document.
3. Candidates will also be required to carry a valid ID proof such as – Voter ID Card/ Aadhaar Card/ PAN Card/ Driving License, etc.
4. It is advisable for all candidates to enter the designated exam hall before time for a smooth security process before the beginning of exam.
5. Any candidate violating the rules will be strictly dealt as per the norms of the exam centre.
6. Any candidate pursuing any unfair means in the exam hall will be dealt with as per the rules and regulations of the test centre.