Introduction to CUET 2026
The CUET 2026 exam marks a revolutionary change in India’s undergraduate admission process. Before 2021, several entrance exams existed for various universities. However, the National Testing Agency (NTA) introduced CUET, now the unified entrance exam for admission into over 500 universities, including prestigious ones such as the University of Delhi (DU), Banaras Hindu University (BHU), and Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU). Therefore, it would be wise for all Class 12 students to seriously consider this exam to secure admission into their dream institutions.
Why CUET 2026 Is Important
One of the strongest reasons why CUET 2026 stands out is its inclusivity. Students from villages, towns, and cities across India can access more than 4500 exam centres. Moreover, the exam ensures that students from all regions compete on a level playing field, giving everyone an equal chance.
CUET 2026 Exam Dates (Tentative)
The following table provides an overview of the expected schedule:
| Event | Date (Tentative) |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | February 2026 (1st week) |
| Correction Window Opens | March 2026 (4th week) |
| CUET UG 2026 Application Form | February 2026 (4th week) |
| Last Date to Submit Application | March 2026 (4th week) |
| CUET UG Admit Card | May 2026 (1st week) |
| CUET UG 2026 Exam | May 2026 (2nd week) |
| Answer Key Release | May 2026 (4th week) |
| CUET UG 2026 Result | June 2026 (4th week) |
| Counseling Begins | July 2026 (2nd week) |
CUET 2026 Eligibility Criteria
Candidates applying for CUET 2026 must meet the following eligibility standards:
- Qualification: Must have passed or be appearing in Class 12 in 2026 from a recognized board.
- Minimum Marks: 45% for the General category and 40% for SC/ST/OBC.
- Age Limit: There are no age restrictions.
CUET 2026 Exam Pattern
To prepare effectively, it is essential to understand the CUET 2026 exam pattern. The exam is divided into three main sections:
| Section | Description | Questions to be attempted |
|---|---|---|
| Paper-I Language | Most students from CBSE schools will choose English for the first section of the CUET exam. This section will include questions on topics such as Reading Comprehension, Vocabulary, and Grammar. | 50 questions |
| Paper- II Domain (Subjects in Class 12) | In this section, there are 23 subjects from the +2 covering only the NCERT syllabus. | 50 questions |
| Paper- III General Aptitude Test | This paper contains questions covering General Knowledge, Current Affairs, General Mental Ability, Numerical Ability, and Quantitative Reasoning, which includes basic mathematical concepts such as arithmetic, algebra, geometry, mensuration, and statistics, as well as Logical and Analytical Reasoning. | 50 questions |
| Marking Scheme: | +5 marks for each correct answer -1 mark for each wrong answer | |
Marking Scheme: +5 for every correct answer, -1 for every incorrect one.
CUET 2026 Syllabus
Section I – Domain-Specific Subjects
This section includes 23 subjects. The syllabus for each subject is based on the Class 12 NCERT curriculum. Subjects include:
- Accountancy
- Business Studies
- Economics
- History
- Political Science
- Physics, Chemistry, Biology
- Computer Science, Psychology, Sociology, Fine Arts
- Mathematics, Environmental Studies, and more
Some discontinued subjects: Entrepreneurship, Legal Studies, Tourism, and Engineering Graphics.
Section II – Language Section (IA & IB)
Tests reading comprehension, grammar, vocabulary, and verbal reasoning. The 13 languages offered include:
- Hindi, English, Bengali, Punjabi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, Urdu, Odia, Marathi, Assamese, Gujarati
Section III – General Test
Covers:
- Logical and Analytical Reasoning
- General Knowledge and Current Affairs
- Quantitative Reasoning and Numerical Ability
CUET 2026 Application Process
Step 1: Registration
- Visit the official portal and register using personal details
- Set a password and select a security question
- Application number is generated for further login
Step 2: Fill Application Form
- Provide academic and personal info
- Upload documents:
- Photograph (10–200 KB, white background)
- Signature (4–30 KB)
- PwD certificate (if applicable)
- Photograph (10–200 KB, white background)
Step 3: Payment of Application Fee
- Payment methods: Net Banking, Debit/Credit Card, UPI
- Confirmation page generated upon successful payment
| Category | Up to 3 Subjects | Additional Subject |
|---|---|---|
| General (UR) | ₹1000 | ₹400 each |
| OBC (NCL)/EWS | ₹900 | ₹375 each |
| SC/ST/PwBD/Third Gender | ₹800 | ₹350 each |
| Centers Outside India | ₹4500 | ₹1800 each |
CUET 2026 Admit Card & Exam Day Guidelines
Candidates will be able to download the CUET 2026 admit card from the official website in May 2026. It is important to carry the following on exam day:
Must Carry:
- Printed Admit Card
- Valid ID Proof (Aadhar, PAN, Voter ID)
- Same photograph as uploaded
Not Allowed:
- Smartwatches, mobile phones, notes, or calculators
CUET 2026 Result & Counseling Process
The result of CUET 2026 will be declared in June 2026. Candidates must download their scorecards using their login credentials. Participating universities will then release their cut-offs and initiate the counselling process.
Each university conducts counselling independently. Admission will be granted based on:
- Rank in CUET
- Course availability
- Category reservation
CUET 2026 Mock Tests and PYQs
Mock tests are essential for CUET 2026 preparation. NTA provides official mocks online. Students should:
- Solve the previous year’s question papers
- Attempt time-bound mock tests
- Track progress and adjust strategy
CUET 2026 Accepting Universities
CUET 2026 scores are accepted by 46+ Central Universities and various private/deemed universities.
| University/College | State | City |
|---|---|---|
| Aligarh Muslim University | Uttar Pradesh | Aligarh |
| Assam University | Assam | Silchar |
| Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University | Uttar Pradesh | Lucknow |
| Banaras Hindu University | Uttar Pradesh | Varanasi |
| Central Agricultural University | Manipur | Imphal |
| Central Sanskrit University | Delhi | New Delhi |
| Central Tribal University of Andhra Pradesh | Andhra Pradesh | Vizianagaram |
| Central University of Andhra Pradesh | Andhra Pradesh | Anantapur |
| Central University of Gujarat | Gujarat | Gandhinagar |
| Central University of Haryana | Haryana | Mahendragarh |
| Central University of Himachal Pradesh | Himachal Pradesh | Dharamsala |
| Central University of Jammu | Jammu and Kashmir | Jammu |
| Central University of Jharkhand | Jharkhand | Ranchi |
| Central University of Karnataka | Karnataka | Kalaburagi |
| Central University of Kashmir | Jammu and Kashmir | Srinagar |
| Central University of Kerala | Kerala | Kasaragod |
| Central University of Odisha | Odisha | Koraput |
| Central University of Punjab | Punjab | Bathinda |
| Central University of Rajasthan | Rajasthan | Ajmer |
| Central University of South Bihar | Bihar | Gaya |
| Central University of Tamil Nadu | Tamil Nadu | Tiruvarur |
| Delhi University | Delhi | New Delhi |
| Dr Hari Singh Gour University | Madhya Pradesh | Sagar |
| Dr Rajendra Prasad Central Agriculture University | Bihar | Samastipur |
| English and Foreign Languages University | Telangana | Hyderabad |
| Guru GhasidasVishwavidyalaya | Chhattisgarh | Bilaspur |
| Hemwati Nandan Bahuguna Garhwal University | Uttarakhand | Srinagar |
| Indian Maritime University | Tamil Nadu | Chennai |
| Indira Gandhi National Open University | Delhi | New Delhi |
| Indira Gandhi National Tribal University | Madhya Pradesh | Amarkantak |
| Jamia Millia Islamia | Delhi | New Delhi |
| Jawaharlal Nehru University | Delhi | New Delhi |
| Mahatma Gandhi Antarrashtriya Hindi Vishwavidyalaya | Maharashtra | Wardha |
| Mahatma Gandhi Central University | Bihar | Motihari |
| Manipur University | Manipur | Imphal |
| Maulana Azad National Urdu University | Telangana | Hyderabad |
| Mizoram University | Mizoram | Aizawl |
| Nagaland University | Nagaland | Lumami |
| Nalanda University | Bihar | Rajgir, Nalanda |
| National Sanskrit University | Andhra Pradesh | Tirupati |
| National Sports University | Manipur | Imphal |
| North-Eastern Hill University | Meghalaya | Shillong |
| Pondicherry University | Puducherry | Pondicherry |
| Rajiv Gandhi National Aviation University | Uttar Pradesh | Raebareli |
| Rajiv Gandhi University | Arunachal Pradesh | Itanagar |
| Rani Lakshmi Bai Central Agricultural University | Uttar Pradesh | Jhansi |
| Shri Lal Bahadur Shastri National Sanskrit University | Delhi | New Delhi |
| Sikkim University | Sikkim | Gangtok |
| South Asian University | Delhi | New Delhi |
| Tezpur University | Assam | Tezpur |
| Tripura University | Tripura | Agartala |
| University of Allahabad | Uttar Pradesh | Prayagraj |
| University of Hyderabad | Telangana | Hyderabad |
| Visva-Bharati University | West Bengal | Santiniketan |
CUET 2026 Preparation Tips
Here are some important tips for CUET 2026 aspirants:
- Revise NCERT books thoroughly
- Practice sample papers regularly
- Focus on weak areas
- Work on time management
- Avoid new topics at the last minute
- Enrol in online mock tests and coaching (if required)
Conclusion
With CUET 2026, India has embraced the vision of One Nation, One Entrance Test. It is time for every aspirant to take their preparation seriously. By understanding the syllabus, focusing on mock tests, and staying informed, you can increase your chances of securing admission into India’s top universities.
CUET 2026 FAQs
Who is eligible for CUET 2026?
Candidates who passed or are appearing in Class 12 in 2026.
Can Class 12 students apply?
Yes, appearing candidates can apply.
Is there an age limit?
No, age is not a barrier for CUET.
When will CUET 2026 registration start?
In the 4th week of February 2026.
Can I edit my form later?
Yes, during the correction window.
How many sections are in CUET 2026?
There are 3 sections – Language, Domain, and General Test.
What’s the marking scheme?
+5 for correct answers, -1 for wrong ones.
When will the admit card be out?
In May 2026.
Can I change my exam city?
No, once assigned, it cannot be changed.
