CUET UG 2026: Notification, Exam Dates, Syllabus & Pattern

CUET UG 2026 Overview

The Common University Entrance Test (CUET) UG 2026 is a national-level entrance examination conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) for admission into undergraduate programs in central, state, deemed, and private universities across India. CUET provides a single standardized platform, enabling students to apply to multiple universities using one score, thereby making the admission process more streamlined and transparent.

The exam is expected to be conducted in online mode (Computer-Based Test – CBT) and will be divided into three major sections:

• Languages
• Domain-Specific Subjects
• General Test

Students can choose up to five subjects depending on the eligibility requirements of the university and program they wish to apply for. The syllabus will be based on Class 12 NCERT curriculum, and the exam will follow a multiple-choice question (MCQ) format with negative marking for incorrect answers.

CUET UG has been designed to reduce the dependency on Class 12 board marks and ensure a fair, transparent, and equal opportunity admission process across institutions.

CUET UG 2026 Important Dates

Students aspiring to secure admission to top universities through CUET UG 2026 must carefully follow the registration and examination timeline. The registration process is expected to begin in the last week of February 2026 and remain open for around 30 days. Missing the deadlines will disqualify candidates from appearing in the exam and participating in the counselling process.

Below is the tentative schedule for CUET UG 2026 registration and related events:

CUET UG 2026 – Eligibility Criteria

Before applying for CUET UG 2026, candidates must carefully check the eligibility conditions set by the National Testing Agency (NTA). The eligibility criteria are simple and designed to provide equal opportunity to all students from different boards and streams. Below are the detailed requirements:

1. Educational Qualification

• Candidates must have passed Class 12 or equivalent examination from a recognized board.
• Students appearing in Class 12 in 2026 are also eligible to apply, provided they produce the passing certificate/mark sheet at the time of admission.
• There is no restriction on the stream (Science, Commerce, Arts, Vocational, etc.). Candidates can choose subjects in CUET regardless of what they studied in Class 12.

2. Minimum Marks Requirement

• NTA has not prescribed a minimum percentage of marks for CUET UG 2026.
• However, participating universities may set their own minimum marks requirement (for example, 50% in Class 12 for general category, 45% for OBC, and 40% for SC/ST in some universities).
• Candidates must check the specific eligibility criteria of the university/course they wish to apply for.

3. Age Limit

• There is no age limit to appear in CUET UG 2026.
• Candidates must, however, meet the age requirements (if any) specified by the university they are applying to.

4. Nationality

• The candidate must be an Indian citizen.
• NRI/OCI/PIO candidates may also apply, but their admission will depend on the specific university’s rules.

5. Subject Selection Flexibility

• Candidates are allowed to choose up to 5 subjects (languages, domain-specific, and general test) in CUET UG 2026.
• Students can opt for any subject, irrespective of whether they studied it in Class 12, subject to university requirements.

CUET UG 2026 – Exam Pattern & Syllabus

CUET UG 2026 – Exam Pattern

To prepare effectively for CUET UG 2026, candidates must understand the exam structure. The test consists of three main sections: Language, Domain Subjects, and General Aptitude Test (GAT). Each section has a fixed number of compulsory questions and a duration of 60 minutes.

CUET UG 2026 – Syllabus

The CUET UG 2026 syllabus will be released officially by NTA along with the notification. It will be based on the NCERT Class 12 curriculum, which makes it easier for students who are already preparing for board exams. The syllabus is divided into three sections:

CUET UG 2026 – Subject List

Candidates can choose from 37 subjects divided into three sections. A maximum of five subjects can be selected, depending on university and course requirements.

Section I: Languages (choose one)

English, Hindi, Assamese, Bengali, Gujarati, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, Odia, Punjabi, Tamil, Telugu, Urdu.

Section II: Domain-Specific Subjects (choose one to three)

• Accountancy / Bookkeeping
• Agriculture
• Anthropology
• Biology / Biotechnology (incl. Biochemistry)
• Business Studies
• Chemistry
• Computer Science / Informatics Practices
• Economics / Business Economics
• Environmental Studies
• Fine Arts / Visual Arts / Commercial Art
• Geography / Geology
• History
• Home Science
• Knowledge Tradition & Practices in India
• Mass Media / Mass Communication
• Mathematics / Applied Mathematics
• Performing Arts
• Physical Education / NCC / Yoga
• Physics
• Political Science
• Psychology
• Sanskrit
• Sociology

Section III: General Aptitude Test (mandatory if no Language/Domain subject chosen)

• General Knowledge & Current Affairs
• General Mental Ability
• Numerical Ability
• Quantitative Reasoning (up to Grade 8 level)
• Logical & Analytical Reasoning
• General Science & Environmental Literacy

CUET UG 2026 – Science Stream Subjects

For students aspiring to pursue undergraduate courses in Science, Technology, or Allied Fields, the following CUET subjects are important:

CUET UG 2026 – Arts Stream Subjects

For students targeting Humanities, Social Sciences, or Liberal Arts courses, the following subjects are relevant:

CUET UG 2026 Participating Universities

The CUET UG 2026 participating universities include Central, State, Deemed, Government, and Private institutions across India. These universities will accept CUET UG 2026 scores for admission to undergraduate programs in various disciplines.

Candidates must carefully review the eligibility criteria, course offerings, and subject mapping of individual universities before applying. CUET UG ensures a single, standardized admission platform, streamlining the selection process and providing equal opportunities to students nationwide.

Central Universities in CUET Universities List 2026

The following Central Universities will accept CUET UG 2026 scores for admission:

• Aligarh Muslim University
• Assam University
• Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University
• Banaras Hindu University
• Central Sanskrit University
• Central Tribal University of Andhra Pradesh
• Central University of Andhra Pradesh
• Central University of Gujarat
• Central University of Haryana
• Central University of Himachal Pradesh
• Central University of Jammu
• Central University of Jharkhand
• Central University of Karnataka
• Central University of Kashmir
• Central University of Kerala
• Central University of Odisha
• Central University of Punjab
• Central University of Rajasthan
• Central University of South Bihar
• Central University of Tamil Nadu
• Dr. Harisingh Gour Vishwavidyalaya
• Guru Ghasidas Vishwavidyalaya
• Hemvati Nandan Bahuguna Garhwal University
• Indira Gandhi National Tribal University (Amarkantak)
• Jamia Millia Islamia
• Jawaharlal Nehru University
• Maulana Azad National Urdu University
• Mahatma Gandhi Antarrashtriya Hindi Vishwavidyalaya
• Mahatma Gandhi Central University
• Manipur University
• Mizoram University
• Nagaland University
• National Sanskrit University
• North-Eastern Hill University
• Pondicherry University
• Rajiv Gandhi University
• Sammakka Sarakka Central Tribal University
• Shri Lal Bahadur Shastri National Sanskrit University
• Sikkim University
• Tezpur University
• The English and Foreign Languages University
• Tripura University
• University of Allahabad
• University of Delhi
• University of Hyderabad
• Visva-Bharati University

State Universities in CUET Universities List 2026

Several State Universities are part of CUET UG 2026. These include:

• Baba Ghulam Shah Badshah University
• Barkatullah University
• Bhattadev University
• Cluster University of Jammu
• Cluster University of Srinagar
• Cotton University
• Dibrugarh University
• Delhi Technological University
• Devi Ahilya Vishwavidyalaya
• Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Technical University
• Dr. B.R. Ambedkar University Delhi
• Dr. B.R. Ambedkar School of Economics University
• Dr. Rammanohar Lohia Avadh University, Ayodhya
• Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee University
• Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University
• Harcourt Butler Technical University, Kanpur
• Indira Gandhi Delhi Technical University for Women
• Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti Language University
• Kolhan University
• Kumar Bhaskar Varma Sanskrit and Ancient Studies University
• M.P. Bhoj (Open) University
• Madhabdev University
• Madan Mohan Malaviya University of Technology
• Maharashtra State Skills University
• Netaji Subhas University of Technology
• Rani Durgavati University
• Sardar Patel University of Police, Security and Criminal Justice
• Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University
• Shri Vishwakarma Skill University
• University of Jammu
• University of Kashmir
• Vikram University
• Vinoba Bhave University
• Dr. Shakuntala Misra National Rehabilitation University

Deemed-to-be Universities in CUET Universities List 2026

CUET UG 2026 also includes several Deemed-to-be Universities:

• Aurora Higher Education and Research Academy
• Avinashilingam Institute for Home Science & Higher Education for Women
• Chinmaya Vishwavidyapeeth
• Dayalbagh Educational Institute
• Gokhale Institute of Politics and Economics
• Graphic Era (Deemed to be University)
• Gurukula Kangri
• IIS (Deemed to be University), Jaipur
• Institute of Advanced Studies in Education, Sardarshahar (Churu)
• Jain (Deemed-to-be University), Bangalore
• Jamia Hamdard
• Jaypee Institute of Information Technology
• Lakshmibai National Institute of Physical Education
• Lingaya's Vidyapeeth
• Maharishi Markandeshwar (Deemed to be University), Mullana
• Nehru Gram Bharati
• Sri Chandrasekharendra Saraswathi Viswa Mahavidyalaya
• SRM Institute of Science and Technology (NCR Campus)
• Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS)
• TERI School of Advanced Studies
• The Gandhigram Rural Institute
• Vinayaka Mission’s Research Foundation
• Gujarat Vidyapith

Government Institutions in CUET Universities List 2026

Some specialized Government Institutions are also included:

• Arya Vidyapeeth College (Autonomous), Assam
• Footwear Design and Development Institute (FDDI)
• Govt. College for Women, Parade Ground, Jammu
• Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)
• Indian Institute of Teacher Education, Gandhinagar
• Indian Institute of Tourism & Travel Management (IITTM)
• Rajiv Gandhi National Aviation University

Private Universities in CUET Universities List 2026

The CUET UG 2026 list also includes several Private Universities across India, such as:

• Adamas University, Kolkata
• Adani University
• AKS University
• Alliance University
• Amity University (Noida, Punjab, Jharkhand)
• Apex University, Jaipur
• Avantika University, Ujjain
• Azim Premji University
• Babu Banarasi Das University
• Bennett University
• Birla Global University
• BML Munjal University
• Career Point University, Kota
• Centurion University of Technology and Management
• Chandigarh University
• Chitkara University, Punjab
• DIT University, Dehradun
• Galgotias University
• GLA University, Mathura
• ICFAI Universities (Dehradun, Tripura, Jaipur, Sikkim, Raipur, Jharkhand, Himachal Pradesh)
• IILM University (Gurugram, Greater Noida)
• ITM University (Raipur, Vadodara, Navi Mumbai)
• JECRC University, Jaipur
• JK Lakshmipat University, Jaipur
• K.R. Mangalam University
• Kalinga University, Raipur
• Lovely Professional University (LPU)
• Manav Rachna University
• Manipal University, Jaipur
• NIIT University
• Noida International University
• Poornima University, Jaipur
• Quantum University, Roorkee
• Rishihood University, Sonepat
• RV University
• Sharda University
• Shoolini University
• SRM University (Delhi NCR, Andhra Pradesh, Sonepat)
• Suresh Gyan Vihar University, Jaipur
• Swami Vivekanand Subharti University
• Symbiosis Skills and Professional University, Pune
• Teerthanker Mahaveer University
• United University, Prayagraj
• University of Engineering & Management
• UPES, Dehradun
• Vivekananda Global University
• Woxsen University
• (and many more private institutions nationwide)

✅ Note for Aspirants: Each participating university may have different eligibility criteria, subject mapping, and course-specific requirements. Candidates must check the respective university’s official website https://cuet.nta.nic.in/ before filling out the CUET UG 2026 application form.

How to Apply for CUET UG 2026

The CUET UG 2026 application process will be conducted online through the official NTA (National Testing Agency) CUET portal. Candidates must ensure they meet the eligibility criteria, keep the required documents ready, and complete the application before the deadline.

Step-by-Step Process to Apply for CUET UG 2026

1. Step 1 – Visit the Official Website
   • Go to the official CUET UG 2026 website (https://cuet.nta.nic.in/).
   • Click on the “New Registration” link for CUET UG 2026.
2. Step 2 – Register as a New Candidate
   • Fill in basic details such as:
     • Full Name (as per Class 10th/12th certificate)
     • Date of Birth
     • Gender
     • Valid Mobile Number
     • Valid Email ID
     • Security Question & Answer
   • A unique application number and login credentials (password) will be generated. Keep them safe.
3. Step 3 – Fill in the Application Form

   Login using the application number and password. Enter the following details carefully:

   • Personal Information
     • Candidate’s name, father’s name, mother’s name
     • Category (General, OBC, SC, ST, EWS)
     • PwD status (if applicable)
     • Nationality and identity details (Aadhaar/other valid ID)
   • Educational Qualifications
     • Class 10th and 12th details (Board, Passing Year, Roll Number, Percentage/CGPA)
     • Subjects studied in 12th (for subject mapping in CUET)
   • Exam Preferences
     • Choose up to 10 subjects/tests depending on the course and university requirements
     • Select exam city preferences (usually up to 4 cities allowed)
4. Step 4 – Upload Scanned Documents
   • Upload the required documents in the prescribed format and size:
     • Passport-size photograph (recent, color, with white background)
     • Signature (scanned, black ink on white paper)
     • Category certificate (if applicable, in PDF format)
     • PwD certificate (if applicable)
   • (Make sure the images are clear and meet NTA’s specifications, otherwise the form may get rejected.)
5. Step 5 – Pay the Application Fee
   • Pay the CUET UG 2026 application fee online via:
     • Debit Card
     • Credit Card
     • Net Banking
     • UPI / Wallets
   • The fee will vary based on:
     • Number of subjects selected
     • Category (General, OBC-NCL, EWS, SC, ST, PwD)
     • Exam center chosen (India / Outside India)
6. Step 6 – Submit the Application Form
   • Review all entered details carefully.
   • Click on “Submit” to finalize the application.
   • After successful submission, download the confirmation page.
7. Step 7 – Take a Printout
   • Print at least 2–3 copies of the confirmation page and fee receipt.
   • Keep them safe for future reference (admit card, counseling, admission).

Key Points to Remember

• Fill the form only on the official CUET website (NTA).
• Ensure all details match your Class 10th/12th certificates.
• Submit the form before the last date; late applications will not be accepted.
• Use a valid email ID and mobile number for communication.
• Correction window will open for a limited time, so review details carefully before submission.

Preparation Tips for CUET UG 2026

• Understand the Exam Pattern and Syllabus thoroughly to plan your preparation effectively.
• Make a Daily Study Plan and stick to it consistently for better time management.
• Focus on your Weak Areas and work on improving accuracy in those topics.
• Practice Previous Year Papers and Mock Tests regularly to get familiar with the exam format and time management.
• If you’re using a learning app Invictaa, make sure to utilize the Mock Tests provided and carefully analyze your performance after each test to identify and improve your weak points.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)