CUET 2026: Exam Dates, Syllabus, Application Form

When is CUET 2026? Below are the official and revised dates released by NTA. Dates marked To be announced will be updated once NTA releases further notifications.

Latest Changes in CUET UG 2026 – Key Updates

The University Grants Commission (UGC) has introduced several modifications for CUET UG 2026:

• No subject restrictions: Students can now choose any subject for CUET UG, regardless of their Class 12 subjects.

• CBT mode only: The exam will be conducted exclusively in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode.

• Reduced subject choices: The number of subjects has been reduced from 63 to 37, with Entrepreneurship, Teaching Aptitude, and Legal Studies removed.

• Standardised exam duration: Each subject exam will now have a fixed duration of 60 minutes.

• General Aptitude Test for discontinued subjects: Admissions for subjects that have been removed will be based on General Aptitude Test scores.

• No optional questions: The exam will no longer include optional questions, ensuring a uniform question pattern.

CUET 2026 Notification 

What is CUET?

The Common University Entrance Test (CUET UG) is a national-level entrance exam conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) for admission into undergraduate (UG) programs offered by participating universities across India. Introduced in 2022, CUET provides a standardised admission platform, enabling students to secure seats in top central, state, private, and deemed universities. The exam is held once a year in a computer-based mode (CBT) and is conducted in multiple phases, depending on the number of registered candidates. CUET is held in over 500 cities in India and abroad, making it one of the most significant UG entrance examinations in the country.

CUET UG 2026 Highlights

Check out the key details of CUET 2026 in the table below:

For the latest updates on CUET UG 2026, visit the official website and stay informed about the exam schedule, eligibility, and application process.

CUET 2026 Eligibility Criteria 

Before applying, ensure you meet the CUET 2026 eligibility:

• Educational Qualification: You must have passed Class 12th or equivalent examination in any stream from a recognised board. Students appearing in the 2026 board exams are also eligible to apply​.

• Age Limit: No age limit. NTA has not prescribed any age restriction for CUET UG 2026; candidates of any age can take the exam, provided they meet the educational requirements​. (Universities may have their age criteria for admissions in specific courses.

• Nationality: Indian nationals are eligible. Foreign nationals/NRIs, OCIs and PIOs can also apply for CUET UG.

• Reservation: Reservations follow Government of India norms. e.g., OBC-NCL, SC, ST, EWS, and PwD candidates get the applicable relaxation in qualifying marks and seat allocation​. There is a 5% reservation for PwD, 27% for OBC-NCL, 15% SC, 7.5% ST, and 10% EWS in participating universities as per policy​and reservation percentages.​

Most universities will require 50% marks in Class 12 (45% for SC/ST/OBC) for admission eligibility​ though this is unrelated to the CUET score itself. CUET doesn’t impose a minimum percentage to take the exam, but the college you apply to might – for example, a certain university’s B.Sc program might say “must have 60% in PCB in 12th”. So, check individual university eligibility too. Click to get the complete details on the Eligibility Criteria

CUET 2026 Eligibility Criteria 

CUET 2026 Syllabus

The CUET syllabus is essentially based on the Class 12 syllabus of respective subjects, as NTA aims to test understanding of topics students learned in higher secondary school​. Key points:

• Language Test Syllabus: This includes reading comprehension (factual, literary, and narrative passages) and vocabulary (synonyms, antonyms, etc.). It mainly tests your proficiency in the chosen language. For languages like English or Hindi, expect questions based on 12th-grade level grammar and comprehension.

• Domain Subjects Syllabus: The syllabus for each domain subject (such as Physics, Accountancy, or History) is mostly based on NCERT Class 12 textbooks. For example, if you choose Physics, you should prepare topics from Class 12 like Electricity and Mechanics. A detailed syllabus PDF will be available on the official CUET website once released.

• General Test Syllabus: This section includes General Knowledge (including current affairs), Mental Ability, Numerical Ability (basic maths up to Class 8 level), and Logical & Analytical Reasoning. You can prepare by practising basic arithmetic, solving puzzles, and staying updated with daily news.

We have a detailed subject-wise syllabus guide

CUET 2026 Syllabus 

CUET UG 2026 Exam Pattern (Revised)

One of the big changes in CUET 2026 is the revised exam pattern and available subjects​.

Here’s what you need to know:

• Sections: The exam has 3 Sections:

• Section 1A – Languages: 13 Languages (one of these must be chosen; this section tests reading comprehension, vocabulary, etc.).

• Section 1B – Additional Languages: 20 other languages (optional, for those who want to take a language that’s not in 1A).

• Section 2 – Domain Subjects: 23 domain-specific subjects (major subjects like Physics, Chemistry, Accountancy, History, etc. – you can choose up to 5 subjects from this section)​.

• Section 3 – General Test: Tests General Knowledge, Current Affairs, Quantitative Aptitude (basic math), Logical Reasoning, etc.​

CUET 2026 Exam Pattern

• Changes in 2026: The number of domain subjects has been reduced from 27 to 23 this year​. NTA has dropped subjects like Entrepreneurship, Performing Arts, etc., and admissions for those will be via the General Test instead. Also, students can now choose subjects they didn’t study in Class 12 (per UGC’s new rule)​– which is a significant flexibility.

• Marking Scheme: +5 marks for each correct answer, –1 for each incorrect answer. If a question is dropped or all options are correct, full marks are awarded to all attempts​.

CUET 2026 Application Form & Registration (Updated)

Application Form Availability

The CUET UG 2026 application form has been released by the National Testing Agency (NTA) on the official website cuet.nta.nic.in. The application process is currently active, and candidates must complete registration within the revised timeline announced by NTA.

As per the latest notification, the CUET UG 2026 application form submission window is open from 03 January 2026 to 04 February 2026 (up to 11:50 PM). Candidates are advised not to wait until the last date to avoid technical issues.

Important Update:

As per the latest notice issued by NTA, the CUET UG 2026 application form submission window has been re-opened from 23 February 2026 to 26 February 2026 (11:50 PM) to allow candidates another opportunity to submit the application and pay the application fee.

How to Apply for CUET UG 2026

Follow the steps below to complete the CUET 2026 online application process:

1. Registration: Visit the official CUET website (cuet.nta.nic.in) and click on Register. Enter basic details such as name, mobile number, and email ID. Create a password and security question to generate your application credentials.

2. Fill Application Form: Log in using the system-generated Application Number and password. Fill in personal details, academic qualifications, and select your courses/universities, domain subjects, and preferred exam city.

3. Upload Documents: Upload scanned images of the following documents in the prescribed format:

• Passport-size photograph (recent, clear face visibility)

• Signature

• Category / PwD certificates (if applicable)
  Ensure all files meet the size and format guidelines specified by NTA.

4. Pay Application Fee: Pay the CUET UG 2026 application fee online using Credit Card, Debit Card, Net Banking, or UPI. The fee varies based on category and the number of subjects selected. The last date for successful fee payment is 07 February 2026 (up to 11:50 PM).

5. Correction Window (If Required): NTA provides a one-time correction window from 09 to 11 February 2026 (up to 11:50 PM) to edit permitted fields in the application form.

6. Print Confirmation Page: After successful submission, download and print the confirmation page for future reference. No hard copy needs to be sent to NTA.

Important Notes for Candidates

• Only one application form is allowed per candidate

• Applications submitted after the deadline will not be accepted

• Candidates should regularly check cuet.nta.nic.in for official updates

CUET 2026 Registration Process 

CUET 2026: Admit Card, Exam Centers, and Guidelines

CUET 2026: Admit Card

The CUET 2026 admit card is expected to be available online by the second week of May 2026. Registered candidates can download it from the official website using their application number and password or date of birth.

Before the admit card is released, NTA will issue an Exam City Intimation Slip, which lets you know the city where your exam centre will be. This helps in planning travel in advance.

CUET 2026 Exam City Intimation Slip

The admit card will include details like your exam date, shift timing, centre address, and important instructions. You must carry a printed copy of your admit card along with a valid photo ID (such as an Aadhaar card, passport, or school ID) on the exam day.

CUET 2026 Admit Card 

CUET 2026: Exam Centers

The CUET exam will be conducted in over 300 cities across India and 24 cities abroad. While filling out the application form, candidates can select their preferred exam centres (usually two choices). The final assigned centre will be mentioned on the admit card.

On exam day, reach the centre at least an hour before the reporting time to complete security checks and verification.

CUET 2026 Exam Centers 

CUET 2026 Exam Date (Updated)

The Common University Entrance Test (CUET) 2026 is tentatively scheduled to be conducted between 11 May 2026 and 31 May 2026, as per the latest information released by the National Testing Agency (NTA). The examination will be held in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode across multiple days and shifts for admission to undergraduate programmes for the academic session 2026–27.

The CUET UG 2026 application process has already been conducted earlier in the year, with revised deadlines announced by NTA. The detailed subject-wise exam schedule, date sheet, exam city details, and admit card release date will be notified separately on the official CUET website (cuet.nta.nic.in). Candidates are advised to regularly check the official portal for the most up-to-date information related to the CUET exam date 2026 and other important announcements.

CUET 2026 Exam Date 

CUET Provisional Answer Key 2026

After the CUET UG 2026 exam, NTA will release the provisional answer key. If candidates find any discrepancies, they will have the option to challenge the answer key within the specified time frame. However, a non-refundable fee must be paid for each challenge. Only objections submitted within the given deadline will be reviewed, and NTA will not individually inform candidates about the outcome of their challenges. The answer key challenge window is expected to open in the last week of June 2026.

Steps to Download CUET Answer Key

1. Visit the official CUET website.

2. Click on the tab labeled "Provisional Answer Key for Common University Entrance Test."

3. The CUET answer key PDF will be displayed on the screen.

4. Download and save the provisional answer key for reference.

This answer key helps candidates estimate their scores before the official results are announced. Stay updated with NTA notifications for exact dates and guidelines.

CUET 2026 Answer Key 

CUET 2026 Result Declaration

The CUET 2026 results are expected to be announced in June 2026, about 2-3 weeks after the exam. Candidates can check their results on the official CUET website by logging in with their application number and date of birth.

Your CUET scorecard will show your section-wise and overall scores along with your percentile. There is no pass or fail in CUET; instead, universities will use your scores to prepare merit lists for admissions.

Once the exact result date is announced, we will update this section with a direct link to check your results. Generally, students should start checking cuet.nta.nic.in around the last week of June for updates.

CUET 2026 Results 

Counselling and Admission Process

Unlike some other entrance exams like JEE Main, CUET does not have a centralied counselling process. After the results are announced, each university will handle its own admission process. Here’s what you need to do:

1. Check University Admissions – Look for admission updates from the universities you applied to (such as Delhi University, BHU, etc.). They will likely open registration portals where you’ll need to submit your CUET scores.

2. Cutoff and Merit Lists – Universities will release cutoff scores for different courses. For example, Delhi University might require a specific CUET percentile for a B.A. Economics program. If your score meets the requirement, you will be eligible for that course.

3. Seat Allocation and Counselling – Universities will conduct their own counselling and seat allocation processes. This may involve multiple rounds, where you choose your preferred colleges and courses.

4. Final Admission Steps – If you are allotted a seat, you will need to verify your documents (like your 12th marksheet, CUET scorecard, and category certificate if applicable) and pay the admission fee to confirm your seat.

CUET 2026 Counselling 

Preparation Tips for CUET 2026

• Start Early & Plan Well – Begin serious preparation by January 2026 to balance board exams and CUET prep effectively. Allocate dedicated time for each section.

• Focus on NCERT Books – Since CUET follows the Class 12 syllabus, thoroughly revise NCERT textbooks for domain subjects. Use reference books or MCQ practice materials for extra preparation.

• Improve Language Skills – Read newspapers, articles, and essays regularly to enhance reading speed and comprehension for the Language Test.

• Prepare for the General Test – Stay updated with current affairs (last 6 months), practice logical reasoning, analytical puzzles, and basic math problems (up to Class 8 level).

• Take Regular Mock Tests – Attempt full-length mock tests under exam conditions to improve speed and accuracy. Analye mistakes and work on weak areas.

• Make Quick Revision Notes – Write down important formulas (Math), dates (History), and key theories (Economics/Polity) for easy last-minute revision.