CUET 2026: Notification, Eligibility, Dates, Registration, Pattern, Syllabus, Preparation Tips

The Common University Entrance Test (CUET) serves as a national-level examination administered by the National Testing Agency (NTA) under the Ministry of Education (MoE). Scheduled for the year 2026, CUET facilitates admissions to both undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) courses across numerous central universities and other participating institutions. 

In response to the evolving educational landscape, CUET introduces innovations such as reducing subject choices from 10 to six, aiming for streamlined examination administration and evaluation processes. CUET 2026 will be conducted from the 3rd week to the 4th week of May 2026, featuring a hybrid mode of examination. 

Notably, subjects with registrations exceeding 1.5 lakh will be administered in pen-and-paper mode to ensure efficient conduct. CUET serves as a unifying platform, granting equal opportunities to candidates from diverse backgrounds, including rural and remote areas, thereby fostering inclusivity and accessibility in the higher education landscape.

CUET 2026 Highlights

CUET 2026 is a national-level entrance exam conducted by the NTA for admission to undergraduate and postgraduate programs in central universities and other participating institutions.

CUET 2026 Exam Dates

Check the following table for important dates related to the CUET 2026 examination.

For UG Courses:

For PG Courses:

CUET 2026 Application Form

The CUET 2026 Application Form process is facilitated exclusively through online mode, with separate registrations for CUET UG and CUET PG. Applicants are strongly advised to thoroughly review the eligibility criteria outlined in the brochure before proceeding with the application. It is imperative to adhere to the prescribed format and size for uploading passport-sized photographs and signatures. Additionally, candidates must ensure the accuracy of the information provided, as certain particulars may only be editable to a limited extent.

• CUET 2026 Application Form will be accessible exclusively through online mode; offline submissions will not be accepted.
• Separate registration processes will be initiated for CUET UG and CUET PG.
• Prospective applicants should thoroughly review the comprehensive brochure, including eligibility criteria, before initiating the CUET examination application process.
• To ensure compliance with the prescribed format and size, candidates must upload passport-size photographs and signatures.
• Accuracy in form details is imperative; only select particulars will have the option for edits.
• Information furnished, such as candidate name, contact details, address, category, gender, educational qualifications, date of birth, and choice of exam cities, will be considered final.
• Providing a valid and operational email ID and phone number is crucial, as all communication will be routed through these channels.
• During registration, candidates must select four preferred exam cities.
• Applicants should submit only one application form to avoid candidacy rejection.
• The entire application process, including document/image uploads and fee payments, will be conducted online; there is no requirement to send any materials via postal or offline methods.

CUET 2025 Application Fee:

For CUET 2026 the application fee can be conveniently paid via online mode, providing candidates with a seamless transaction experience. The modes of payment encompass credit card, debit card, net banking, or UPI mode, offering flexibility and accessibility to applicants. The registration fee is contingent upon the number of subjects opted by students, ensuring a fair and proportional fee structure. 

How to Fill CUET 2025 Application Form?

• Visit the Official Website: Visit the official website of CUET UG to access the online application portal.
• Register: Begin the application process by registering for the online application form. Note down the system-generated application number for future reference.
• Create Login Credentials: Create a password and choose a security question, ensuring you remember the answer for future logins.
• Login: Log in using the system-generated application number and the password you created earlier.
• Enter Personal Details: Fill in all the required personal details in the application form, ensuring accuracy and completeness.
• Upload Scanned Images: Upload scanned images of your photograph and signature as per the prescribed format and size.
• Review and Edit: Re-check all the details entered in the form for accuracy and completeness. Make any necessary edits before proceeding.
• Pay Application Fee: Pay the application fee as per your course and category through the available online payment modes.
• Confirmation Page: After successful submission, a confirmation page will appear on your computer screen.
• Print Confirmation Page: Take a printout of the confirmation page for your records and future reference. Keep it safe until the completion of the admission process.

CUET 2026 Eligibility Criteria

The eligibility criteria for CUET 2026 outline the requirements that candidates must meet to be considered for admission to undergraduate and postgraduate programs. These criteria encompass factors such as educational qualifications, age limits, and specific requirements for different courses. It is essential for candidates to thoroughly understand and fulfil these criteria before applying for the examination.

• Qualification:  Candidates applying for CUET 2026 must have either passed their 12th-grade examination or be appearing for it in the year of admission.
• Age Limit: There is no age limit for applicants to apply for CUET 2026.
• Nationality: Indian citizens are eligible to apply for CUET 2026.

Note: Candidates must fulfil the eligibility criteria specified by the respective university, institution, or organization to which they intend to seek admission.

CUET 2026 Exam Pattern

The CUET 2026 exam pattern delineates the structure and format of the Common University Entrance Test conducted for undergraduate and postgraduate programs. It encompasses details regarding the mode of examination, types of questions, subjects covered, and marking scheme. Understanding the exam pattern is crucial for candidates to strategize their preparation effectively and excel in the examination.

• Exam Mode: The CUET 2026 examination will be conducted in a Hybrid mode, combining both computer-based and pen & paper-based formats.
• Medium: The examination will be offered in 13 languages, including Assamese, Bengali, English, Gujarati, Hindi, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, Punjabi, Odia, Tamil, Telugu, and Urdu.
• Question Type: The question paper will consist of Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs).
• Subjects: CUET 2026 will cover a total of 61 subjects, comprising 33 languages, 27 domain-specific subjects, and one General Test.
• Choice of Test Paper: Candidates can select up to six test papers, including four or five domain subjects along with the General Test, and one or two language papers.
• Total Questions: Each test paper will contain 40 out of 50 questions, while the General Test will consist of 50 out of 60 questions.
• Duration: The examination will be held on multiple days, with two or three shifts per day, depending on the number of candidates and their combinations.
• Marking Scheme: Correct answers will be awarded +5 marks each.
• Negative Marking: There will be a penalty of -1 mark for every incorrect attempt.

CUET 2026 Syllabus

CUET 2026 syllabus covers a comprehensive range of subjects, totalling 61 in number. These subjects are divided into 33 languages, 27 domain-specific areas, and 1 General Test.

CUET Preparation Tips

Prepare effectively for the Common University Entrance Test (CUET) 2026 with these insightful tips tailored to enhance your exam readiness. These strategies are designed to optimize your preparation and boost your performance on the examination day.

1. Understand the Exam Pattern: Familiarize yourself with the exam pattern, including the types of questions, subjects, and marking scheme.
2. Create a Study Plan: Develop a structured study plan that allocates time for each subject and allows for regular revision.
3. Use Reliable Study Materials: Utilize high-quality study materials, including textbooks, online resources, and previous years’ question papers.
4. Practice Regularly: Solve practice papers and mock tests to improve time management and enhance problem-solving skills.
5. Focus on Weak Areas: Identify your weak subjects or topics and dedicate extra time to understanding and mastering them.
6. Enhance Speed and Accuracy: Practice solving questions quickly without compromising accuracy to excel in the time-bound exam.
7. Revision is Key: Regularly revise the concepts, formulas, and important topics to reinforce your understanding and memory retention.
8. Stay Updated: Keep yourself updated with current affairs and the latest developments in your chosen subjects to ace the General Test.
9. Stay Healthy: Maintain a balanced diet, get adequate sleep, and incorporate exercise into your routine to stay mentally and physically fit during preparation.
10. Stay Positive: Maintain a positive attitude, stay focused, and believe in yourself throughout the preparation journey to boost confidence and performance on the exam day.

CUET 2026 Admit Card

The CUET 2026 Admit Card will be available for download exclusively through online mode. Candidates must log in using their credentials to access and download the hall ticket. Provided by the NTA, the e-admit card will include essential details such as the candidate’s name, roll number, exam date, time, venue, and examination instructions.

Initially, NTA will release the exam city slip, followed by the issuance of the hall ticket for CUET UG 2026. All candidates must carry the admit card along with a valid ID proof to the examination centre. Candidates are advised to thoroughly review all the information provided in the admit card, and in case of any discrepancies, they should promptly contact the officials for rectification.

CUET 2026 Answer Key

The CUET 2026 Answer Key will be made available by the NTA through online mode, expected in the first week of May 2026. Initially, the authority will release the provisional answer key, allowing candidates to raise objections by submitting Rs. 200/- per question. It’s important to note that the fee for challenging the answer key will be non-refundable.

After the objection period concludes, the NTA will publish the final answer key, also accessible online mode. Furthermore, the result will be declared based on the final answer key, providing candidates with a clear understanding of their performance in the examination.

CUET 2026 Result

The CUET 2026 Result is expected to be announced through online mode, likely in the last week of June 2026. It’s important to note that the result will be prepared based on the final answer key provided by the NTA. The CUET 2026 Results and scores obtained will be utilized by various organizations according to their specific eligibility criteria.

It’s crucial to understand that the NTA does not play a role in publishing the CUET 2026 Result. The result will encompass essential details such as the candidate’s name, roll number, individually scored marks, and qualifying status. Candidates should be aware that no scorecard will be issued via post or any other offline medium, necessitating them to check their results online.

CUET 2026 Counselling

CUET 2026 Counselling sessions will be conducted individually by each participating institute. Attendance at the counselling session is compulsory for all eligible candidates who have qualified for the examination.

The selection and admission process will be contingent upon meeting the admission criteria, fulfilling eligibility requirements, securing a position on the merit list, passing the medical fitness assessment, completing document verification, and adhering to any other criteria specified by the respective university.

CUET 2026 Participating Institutes

CUET 2026 boasts participation from a diverse array of esteemed institutions across India, spanning central, private, state, and deemed universities. These institutes offer a broad spectrum of academic programs and opportunities for aspiring candidates.

Central Universities:

Private Universities:

State Universities:

Deemed Universities:

CUET 2026 FAQ’s

Sunil Kushwaha

As a dedicated Biology Science graduate, I’m passionate about sharing the latest updates in national and state entrance exams through my blog. I aim to keep aspiring students informed about exam trends, important dates, and changes in syllabi. With a keen interest in education, I strive to offer valuable insights for students navigating the competitive landscape of entrance examinations and admission tests. Stay updated with me.