CUET 2026 Exam Dates, Eligibility, Syllabus & Application Form

Overview: Are you a Class 12 student looking for undergraduate admissions at top CUET colleges in India? Then, the CUET 2026 is for you! Check the exam pattern, syllabus, eligibility and more in the article. 

The Common University Entrance Test (CUET) is your golden ticket to 280+ universities in India. This national-level exam levels the playing field, giving you a fair shot at getting into your dream CUET-participating universities like Central, Deemed, State, Government and Private colleges. 

Whether you're aiming for humanities, sciences, or commerce, the CUET exam can be your stepping stone. The CUET 2026 highlights are:

• The exam and mode of application will be online (Computer-based) only.
• All the subjects will be conducted in multiple shifts over that span of 15-16 days.
• You may choose up to a maximum of five (05) subjects, including languages and the General Aptitude Test.
• Application fees will be calculated based on the number of subjects chosen by you.

Download FREE Study Material for CUET 2026 by cuet.com

What is CUET 2026 Exam?

The Common University Entrance Test (CUET) is an annual national-level exam for undergraduate admissions in India. Conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA), CUET is the gateway to prestigious universities like Delhi University, Banaras Hindu University, Jawaharlal Nehru University, and many more. 

CUET 2026 aims to standardise entry into more than 280 participating universities, including central, state, government, and private universities.

The NTA CUET exam consists of three sections, and evaluates your -

• Language ability
• Domain-specific knowledge
• General Aptitude

Ideally, applications for CUET 2026 exam open around February 2026, and the exam will be conducted tentatively in May 2026, providing a uniform platform for admissions into various undergraduate programs. 

CUET 2026 Exam Overview 

The exam overview based on previous years is given below: 

Particulars	Details
Name of the exam	Common University Entrance Test
Exam short name	CUET
CUET Exam centres	379+ (26 cities outside India)
Exam Conducting Authority	National Testing Agency (NTA)
CUET official website	https://exams.nta.ac.in/CUET-UG/
CUET Medium of exam	13 languages
CUET Question type	Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ)
Level of CUET exam	National level
Mode of CUET exam	Computer-based test (CBT) (Expected)
Total number of participating institutes	280+ (46 Central Universities, 40 State Universities, 29 Deemed Universities, 158 Private Universities & 10 Government Institutions)

UNLOCK section-wise PYPs for CUET Preparation

CUET 2026 Exam Dates & Schedule

Knowing the exact dates is crucial for creating a solid CUET study plan for 2026. We've put together a tentative schedule to help you get started.

Check out the table below for the expected CUET 2026 exam dates & schedule.

Events	CUET Exam Dates 2026
Release of CUET Notification	1st week of March
CUET Registration opens	1st week of March
CUET Registration 2026 last date	Last week of March
Last date of fee payment	Last week of March
CUET Correction window opens	Last week of March
Correction Window Last Date	Last week of March
Advance CUET City Intimation slip release	1st week of May
CUET Admit Card release	3-4 days before the exam
CUET 2026 Exam Dates	2nd week of May (tentative)
Release of CUET answer key	1st week of July
Declaration of CUET result	Last week of July
CUET counselling session begins	1st-2nd week of August

CUET 2026 Eligibility Criteria 

Each university sets its eligibility requirements for different courses, but you'll definitely need to pass your 12th grade. The complete list of requirements will be on the websites of the universities you're interested in or the official website of NTA CUET UG 2026.

You are advised to check the CUET UG eligibility criteria below: 

1. There is no age limit for appearing in the CUET (UG) - 2026. 
2. Passes 10+2 examination by a recognised Board/ University.

Note: Check the university's website to see program-specific eligibility requirements. 

UNLOCK section-wise Sample Papers for CUET Preparation

CUET 2026 Application Form 

The National Testing Agency (NTA) is expected to release the application form for the CUET 2026 exam online in February 2026. 

To apply, you must register on the official CUET registration portal (https://exams.nta.ac.in/CUET-UG/). Once registered, head over to the official website to fill out the online CUET application form.

How do you fill out the CUET application Form 2026?

• Visit the official CUET website - https://exams.nta.ac.in/CUET-UG/. 
• Complete the CUET 2026 registration by entering all the details. 
• You will receive the login credentials at your registered email address and mobile number. 
• You can log in using the CUET login credentials. 
• Upload all required documents, such as photographs, educational certificates and signatures, in a specific format. 
• Pay the CUET application fees online. 
• Save and take a printout of the CUET application form for future reference. 

Check: How to Edit CUET Application Form After Submission?

Document Required for CUET 2026 Registration 

• Personal and qualification information
• Contact details (Valid mobile number /email) 
• Scanned Images (Photograph & Signature) 
• Category certificate (if required) 
• Required Fee and Valid Payment Method

Check: CUET Documents Required for Registration 2026

CUET 2026 Application Fees [Category-Wise]

You must pay a fee to apply for the CUET exam. You can pay online using your debit card, credit card, UPI, or net banking. The exact amount you'll pay depends on how many CUET subjects you choose.

Here are the details in the table below.

Category	Application Fee Upto 3 subjects	For each Additional Subject
General (UR)	Rs. 1000	Rs. 400(each)
OBC)- (NCL) / EWS	Rs. 900	Rs. 375(each)
SC/ST/PwBD/ Third Gender	Rs. 800	Rs. 350(each)
Centres Outside India	4500	Rs. 1800(each)

Important: Your application for CUET entrance exam isn't complete until you've paid the fee.

CUET 2026 Exam Syllabus [UG]

The CUET syllabus 2026 will be made available on the official NTA website. Make sure to check it out to understand what topics you need to cover.

Remember, the syllabus is based on your 12th-grade syllabus, but you can find more specific details on the NTA website.

CUET  sections	CUET 2026 UG Syllabus Details
Section I	Language: Language to be tested through Reading Comprehension (based on different types of passages–Factual, Literary and Narrative, [Literary Aptitude and Vocabulary].
Section II	Based on NCERT Class 12th
Section III	General Knowledge, Current Affairs, General Mental Ability, Numerical Ability, Quantitative Reasoning (Simple application of basic mathematical concepts, arithmetic/algebra, geometry/mensuration/stat taught till Grade 8), Logical and Analytical Reasoning.

NTA CUET Exam Pattern 2026

The CUET exam pattern is mentioned in the table below: 

Criteria	Language Test	Domain Test	General Aptitude Test
Mode	Online	Online	Online
Medium	Language Chosen	English/Language Chosen in Section I	English/Language Chosen in Section I
Duration	60 minutes	60 minutes	60 minutes
Type of Questions	Objective	Objective	Objective
Number of Questions (to be attempted)	50	50	50
CUET Exam Total Marks	250	250	250

Attend FREE Demo Class for CUET Prep by Supergrads

CUET 2026 Marking Scheme 

According to the CUET Marking Scheme 2026, you will be marked on the following basis:

• For every correct answer or the most appropriate answer, Five marks (+5) will be given. 
• Any incorrect option marked will be given minus one mark (-1). 
• Unanswered/Marked for Review will be given no mark (0). 
• If more than one option is found to be correct, then Five marks (+5) will be awarded to only those who have marked any of the correct options. 
• If all options are correct, all who attempt the question will receive five marks (+5). 
• If none of the options is correct, a question is found to be wrong, or a question is dropped, all candidates who have attempted the dropped question will be given five marks (+5). 

CUET 2026 Admit Card/Hall Ticket

The CUET exam 2026 admit card is released 10-12 days before the exam. You can download the CUET UG Admit Card 2026 by visiting the official website. The CUET hall tickets will be available online by entering the login details (application number and password).

• Your hall ticket is your entry pass to the CUET exam. Make sure to bring it on exam day. Without it, you won't be allowed to take the test.
• If you have any problems downloading your hall ticket, contact the authorities right away.

How to Download CUET Admit Card 2026?

• Visit the official website of NTA CUET - https://exams.nta.ac.in/CUET-UG/ 
• Go to the “Download CUET Admit Card” option. 
• You will be redirected to another page. 
• Enter login credentials such as CUET application number and date of birth. 
• Click on “Login” option. 
• The admit card of CUET exam 2026 will be displayed. 
• Save and take a few printouts for future use. 

Score 100% with expert-suggested CUET Study Plan

NTA CUET 2026 Advance City Intimation Slip 

• The NTA is expected to release the initial notice in April 2026, telling you the city where your CUET exam will be held. Later, you can download your admit card with the exact exam centre details.
• You'll need to use your application number and date of birth to get the city information. The city intimation slip for CUET will show your exam date, time, chosen subjects, and the language you selected.

CUET 2026 Exam Centres 

During the CUET application process, you can select your exam centres. The CUET exam is expected to be held in 379 (26 cities outside India). 

• When you fill out the application, you can pick up to three exam centres for the CUET exam. Just remember, once you've made your choice, you can't change it later. So, pick carefully!
• Check the list of CUET exam centres before filling out your applications.

CUET 2026 Exam Preparation Tips 

It is important to be well-prepared for the CUET exam if you want to qualify for the CUET with a good score. 

• Create a Study Plan: Establish a personalized timetable to cover all topics efficiently.
• Understand Syllabus and Exam Pattern: Familiarize yourself with the syllabus and exam format to focus your preparation effectively.
• Practice Regularly: Solve the previous year's question papers and sample papers to understand the exam’s structure and identify key topics.
• Take Mock Tests: Regular full-length CUET mock exams help improve speed and accuracy under timed conditions.
• Make Short Notes: Jot down essential concepts for quick revision.
• Revise Consistently: Regularly review your notes and the syllabus to reinforce learning and retention.

Check: CUET Preparation Books 2026

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CUET 2026 Answer Key 

Following the Common University Entrance Test, the National Testing Agency (NTA) will release the final answer key in around 20 days.

The CUET Answer Key 2026 will be made available by NTA in two stages: 

• Provisional answer key 
• Official answer key  
• This CUET provisional answer key allows you to review all responses and raise concerns if you identify any discrepancies.
• The authorities will review the feedback received and make necessary adjustments to the answers before issuing the final answer key.
• Please note that objections cannot be made against the final answer key.

Check: CUET Cut Off for DU

CUET 2026 Cut-Off 

You can check the expected CUET cut off 2026 online using the website. Each participating university is going to release its own ranking list.

It will be published individually for several groups, including General, ST, SC, OBC, PWD, and EWS. The cut-off for CUET exam 2026 will be calculated taking into account factors such as

• Total exam takers
• Total seat intake
• Category
• Difficulty level
• Performance etc.

CUET 2026 Result 

• The authorities will release the final answer key, and the results will be announced after 30-35 days after the NTA CUET exam.
• You can check the CUET Result by entering your login credentials. Your marks will be converted into scores for the multi-shift papers.
• It would help if you were informed that scorecards will not be sent to you and must be downloaded online through the website.

CUET 2026 Counselling 

The CUET counselling process will be organized individually by each participating institution. No centralized counselling will be conducted online. The event will be held once the CUET entrance exam result is released, i.e. last week of July or the first week of August 2026.

• Those who meet the institution's required cut-off will be considered eligible for counselling.
• You should check the website for document verification, seat allotment processes, and admission policies.

When attending counselling for CUET, make sure you have the required documents with you, including:

• CUET admit card  
• Class 10 Mark sheets  
• Class 12 Mark sheets  
• CUET 2026 Scorecard  
• Graduation Certificates  
• Category certificate (if applicable)  
• Passport size photographs  
• Medical certificate (for PwD category)  

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CUET 2026 Participating Universities

The Common University Entrance Test (CUET) 2026 is an important gateway for undergraduate admissions, with participation from various academic institutions across India. The breakdown of the CUET  universities include:

• Central Universities: Prestigious institutions like the University of Delhi, Jawaharlal Nehru University, and Aligarh Muslim University are notable participants.
• State Universities: Features universities such as the Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Technical University and Barkatullah University, bridging education across various Indian states.
• Private Universities: These include a broad spectrum, from KR Mangalam University to Woxsen University, offering diverse educational opportunities.
• Deemed Universities: These include specialised institutions like the Tata Institute of Social Sciences and SRM Institute of Science and Technology, renowned for their niche academic offerings.
• Other Universities: Government institutions such as the Indian Maritime University and the Footwear Design and Development Institute highlight the CUET's inclusive approach.

Check: How Many Universities Can We Select in CUET form 2026?

CUET 2026 Admission Policy 

• CUET provides a standardized platform for all candidates, ensuring equal opportunities, especially for those from underserved areas.
• It simplifies the admission process to various universities nationwide with a single exam.
• The National Testing Agency (NTA) manages the CUET process, including registration, exam conduct, and result declaration.
• Universities will create their merit lists based on CUET scores and may conduct counselling sessions for admissions.

Check: Is CUET Compulsory for Admission to Government Colleges?

Key Takeaways

In conclusion, CUET 2026 is an important gateway for those seeking undergraduate admission to India's top colleges. This guide has covered crucial topics such as eligibility and application procedures, as well as exam preparation and structure, to provide you with the knowledge you need to take the CUET exam.

• The CUET will be conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) for admissions into undergraduate programs at 280+ Indian universities.
• The test is divided into three sections to assess language skills, domain knowledge, and general aptitude.
• CUET exam is open to Indian nationals who have completed Class 12 with at least 45-50% marks. 
• You must fill out the CUET online form, upload the necessary documents, and pay a variable application fee based on your chosen subjects.
• Subsequent processes include answer key release, results declaration, and counselling sessions starting in late July 2026 or early August.
• Early and systematic preparation, understanding of the exam pattern, regular practice with past papers and mock tests, and consistent revision are recommended. With expert guidance and resources from Supergrads CUET Online Coaching, aspirants can prepare more effectively.