CUET 2026 Comprehensive Guide
Overview
The National Testing Agency (NTA) conducts the Common University Entrance Test (CUET) 2026, a national exam for admission to undergraduate programs at central, state, and other participating Indian universities. It evaluates eligibility for a variety of UG courses based on general aptitude, language competency, and domain-specific expertise.
Official Website: https://cuet.nta.nic.in/
Important Dates (Tentative)
- Online Application Window: Opens in the 1st week of April 2026.
- Last Date to Apply: Expected by mid-May 2026.
- Exam Dates: Set for June 2026 (exact dates TBA).
- Result Declaration: Anticipated by late June 2026.
These are provisional—always check the official NTA CUET website for confirmed schedules.
Eligibility Criteria
Nationality
Indian citizens are eligible, along with specified categories like Nepalese, Bhutanese, Tibetan refugees (pre-1962), and migrants from select countries. Foreign nationals, PIOs, and OCIs should refer to NTA/university guidelines.
Age Limit
No upper age limit applies for CUET UG. Individual universities may impose program-specific requirements.
Educational Qualification
Must have passed or be appearing in Class 12 (10+2) from a recognized.
Minimum Marks (varies by source and category):
| Category | Minimum Aggregate in Class 12 |
|---|---|
| General/OBC/EWS | 45-50% |
| SC/ST/PwD | 40-45% |
Final admission requires passing Class 12.
State Code of Eligibility
Assigned based on the state of Class 12 completion (or equivalent).
Exam Pattern
Mode Structure
Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode.
Key components:
- Language Comprehension (English/regional languages).
- Domain/Subject-Specific Papers (program-dependent, e.g., Physics, Math, History).
- General Test (awareness/aptitude, where required).
Question Type and Marking
- MCQs (objective-type).
- Details like marks per question, totals, and negative marking are in the official NTA notification—typically applied for incorrect answers.
Duration
Varies by paper/subject combo: 1-2 hours per paper; overall depends on papers selected.
Syllabus Overview
Syllabus : https://cuet.nta.nic.in/syllabus/
- Language: Reading comprehension, grammar, vocabulary, inference.
- Domain Subjects: Class 12-level (NCERT-aligned) in Physics, Chemistry, Math, Biology, Economics, etc.
- General Test: Current affairs, GK, basic science, history/culture.
- Math/Reasoning (if included): Arithmetic, algebra, geometry, data interp., logic. Refer to NTA’s subject-wise syllabus for specifics.
Application Process — Step-by-Step
- Register: Create an account on the NTA CUET portal; note your application number.
- Fill Form: Enter personal/academic details, select papers/subjects and up to 3 exam cities.
- Upload Docs: Scanned photo, signature, certificates (meet size/dim specs).
- Pay Fee: Online via card/net banking/UPI (fees in notification).
- Submit: Review, submit, and download confirmation page.
Retain copies of confirmation, receipt, and docs.
Admit Card, Answer Key & Results
- Admit Card: Download from NTA portal pre-exam; carry printed copy + valid photo ID (Aadhaar, Passport, etc.).
- Answer Key: Provisional post-exam; challenge option available (fee applies).
- Results: Scorecards on NTA site; universities handle admissions/cutoffs per their policies.
Information Bulletin brochure