CUET Eligibility Criteria 2026 [Educational Qualification, Age Limit, Course Fees & Documents Required]

Overview: Explore the fascinating world of CUET 2026 Eligibility criteria - a path to various undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. Discover the particular prerequisites, from topic details to qualifying marks. Dive into this guide to CUET eligibility criteria and discover the innovative CUET exam format, with its unique sections and question pattern. 

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The National Testing Agency releases the CUET Eligibility Criteria 2026 for taking the exam. However, eligibility may vary according to the programs offered by different participating universities based on subject selection and qualifying marks.

Since the CUET entrance exam can be taken immediately after class 12th, it is crucial to score well to qualify for various courses based on your category. 

Note: The video is for 2025, but the content is also relevant for the 2026 exam cycle. Any new changes will be updated here once released.

What are the Eligibility Criteria for CUET 2026?

Before submitting the NTA CUET 2026 application form, ensure that you meet the CUET eligibility Criteria for 2026. 

Generally, the eligibility criteria are defined under three parameters as mentioned below: 

• CUET Age Limit 2026
• CUET Educational Qualification 2026
• CUET Minimum Qualifying Marks 2026

CUET Eligibility Criteria 2026 

To be eligible to take the Common University Entrance Test, candidates must: 

• Must be citizens of India or individuals of Indian descent. 
• Must have finished (or are in the process of completing) their 10+2 education from a recognised educational board or university. 
• There is no age restriction for candidates appearing in CUET (UG) - 2026. 
• The minimum eligibility changes according to the course. The main CUET subjects required for each course are different depending on the course you choose to enrol in. 
• Applicable regulations of Universities/Institutions for the year of Class 12/equivalent examination must be adhered to.
• Candidates should verify their eligibility on the respective university's or institution's official website. 

Note: The course level at each university determines the CUET eligibility criteria. The academic qualification, percentage of candidates, and stream are all part of the eligibility criteria for the CUET exam 2026. Candidates who meet the eligibility requirements will be eligible to appear in the CUET. 

General CUET Eligibility Criteria 2026 for UG Courses

Below are the general CUET UG Eligibility Criteria for a few highly popular CUET courses offered at participating universities: 

Course	CUET Eligibility Criteria 2026
Integrated B.A.LL.B/B.B.A/B.C.A/B.A Integrated B.A.B.Ed/Integrated B.A.LL.B (Hons.)	The candidates must have completed 10+2 or equivalent in any stream from a recognised Board/University, with a minimum of 50% marks for General/OBC candidates and 45% marks for SC/ST/PWD candidates.
Integrated B.Sc B.Ed	The candidate must have done 10+2 or equivalent in the Science stream from a recognised Board/University with a minimum of 50% marks for General/OBC and 45% marks for SC/ST/PWD candidates.
Integrated B.Sc (Hons.) M.Sc/Integrated M.Sc in Chemistry	The candidate must have completed 10+2 or equivalent in the Science stream with Chemistry from a recognised Board/University, with a minimum of 50% marks for General/OBC candidates and 45% marks for SC/ST/PWD candidates.
Integrated B.Sc. M.Sc/Integrated M.Sc in Biotechnology	Minimum 50% aggregate marks or equivalent on the grading scale of the Board at 10+2 level with Biology/Mathematics/Biotechnology/Biochemistry. 5% relaxation to OBC/SC/ST/PWD candidates
Integrated M.Sc in Biochemistry/B.Voc in Biomedical Sciences	The candidate must have completed 10+2 or equivalent in the Science stream with Biology from a recognised Board/University, with a minimum of 50% marks for General/OBC candidates and 45% marks for SC/ST/PWD candidates.
B.Tech in Electrical Engineering	The candidate must have completed 10+2 or equivalent in the Science stream with Chemistry from a recognised Board/University, with a minimum of 45% marks for General/OBC candidates and 40% marks for SC/ST/PWD candidates. Physics and Mathematics must be compulsory in 10+2, along with Chemistry/Biotechnology/Computer Science/Biology and Electronics.
Integrated M.Sc in Economics	The candidate must have done 10+2 or equivalent with English and Mathematics from a recognised Board/University with a minimum of 65% marks for General/OBC and 60% marks for SC/ST candidates.
B.Voc	The candidate must have passed a 10+2 pass from a recognised board with a minimum of 45% marks in aggregate. Students with NSQF certification levels may also apply. Students who have passed an equivalent exam from a polytechnic in the same.
B.Sc in Textiles	The candidate must have done 10+2 or equivalent with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics from a recognised Board/University with a minimum of 60% marks for General/OBC and 55% marks for SC/ST candidates.
B.A in Social Science	The candidate must have completed 10+2 in any discipline with a minimum aggregate of 55% marks. 5% relaxation to candidates belonging to SC/ST/PH categories.
B.Sc in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics/B.Tech in Electronics and Communication Engineering	The candidate must have done 10+2 or equivalent with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics from a recognised Board/University with a minimum of 50% marks for General/OBC and 45% marks for SC/ST candidates.

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CUET Reservation Policy 2026 

• Candidates should review the CUET reservation criteria before applying to any of the participating CUET universities.
• Each participating university follows the reservation policy rules established by the Government of India.
• If a candidate fails to present proof of the legality of the CUET reservation claims, the participating universities will deny admission. 

CUET Seat Reservation for Central Universities 2026

CUET Reservation Policy 2026 are as follows: 

Categories	CUET Reservation Percentage
General Economically Weaker Sections (GEN-EWS)	10%
Scheduled Castes (SC)	15%
Scheduled Tribes (ST)	7.50%
Other Backwards Classes (Non-creamy layer)	27%
Persons with Disabilities	5% in each category

CUET Exam Pattern 2026 [Section-Wise]

The CUET exam pattern is one of the key things to know, as you will be selecting subjects from the sections outlined in the exam format.

Description	Number of Questions	Questions to Attempt	Time Allotted
Section I: 13 languages.	50	50	60 minutes
Section II:23 Domain-Specific Subjects	50	50	60 minutes
Section II: General Aptitude Test	50	50	60 minutes

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CUET PG Eligibility Criteria 2026

Below are the general eligibility criteria for CUET 2026 PG Courses: 

Course	CUET Eligibility Criteria for PG Courses
M.Sc. in Applied Criminology and Police Studies/M.A	Graduation in any discipline with a minimum of 55% marks in aggregate. 5% relaxation for SC/ST/PH candidates.
M.B.A. in Agribusiness	Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture/Humanities, Social Sciences, Engineering, Design, Pure Sciences, Commerce, Management, etc., with 55% for General/OBC and 50% for SC/ST candidates.
M.Sc. in Biotechnology	B.Sc (Hons.)/B.Sc Microbiology/Biochemistry/Botany/Biotechnology/Life Sciences/Zoology/Chemistry or B.Voc in Biomedical Sciences/Industrial Waste Management with a minimum of 50% marks. 5% relaxation for SC/ST/PH candidates.
M.Sc. in Biochemistry	B.Sc (Hons.)/B.Sc in Botany/Biochemistry/Biotechnology/Zoology, Microbiology/Life Sciences/Chemistry or B.Voc in Biomedical Sciences with a minimum of 50% marks. 5% relaxation for SC/ST/PH candidates.
M.A./M.Sc in Applied Criminology and Police Studies	Graduation in any discipline with a minimum of 55% marks in aggregate. 5% relaxation for SC/ST/PH candidates.
M.Com	B.Com (Hons.)/B.Com with at least 50% marks OR B.A(Hons.) Economics with a minimum of 50% marks OR B.B.S/B.B.A/B.I.F.A/B.B.E/B.Voc in Retail and Logistics Management with a minimum of 60% marks. 5% relaxation for SC/ST/PH candidates.
LL.M	LL.B degree recognised by the Bar Council of India (BCI) with a minimum of 50% marks or equivalent grade/CGPA.
M.A./M.Sc in Psychology	Graduation in any discipline with a minimum of 50% marks. 5% relaxation for SC/ST/PWD/OBC candidates.
M.P.A. (Theatre/Music/Dance/Drama)	Graduation in any discipline with Performing Arts as a subject and a minimum of 55% marks. 5% relaxation for SC/ST/PWD/OBC candidates.
Master of Public Health (M.P.H)	MBBS/BDS/B.Sc Nursing/Engineering/B.Pharm/Bachelor of Public Administration/Psychology/Law/Physiotherapy/B.Ayush/B.Vety/MSW/Economics/Policy Science/Sociology/Nutrition/Development Economics, and more.
M.B.A	Bachelor’s degree in any discipline or equivalent qualifications. OR Final exam from the Institute of Chartered Accountants, Cost and Works Accountants, or Company Secretaries. OR Passed A.M.I.E (Engineering).
M.P.A. (Theatre/Music/Dance/Drama)	Graduation in any discipline with Performing Arts as a subject and a minimum of 55% marks. 5% relaxation for SC/ST/PWD/OBC candidates.
M.A./M.Sc in Psychology	Graduation in any discipline with a minimum of 50% marks. 5% relaxation for SC/ST/PWD/OBC candidates.
Master of Public Health (M.P.H)	Qualification in MBBS/BDS/B.Sc Nursing/Engineering/B.Vety/MSW/Economics/Policy Science/Sociology/Nutrition/Development Economics/Public Administration/Psychology/Law/Physiotherapy/B Ayush.
LL.M	L.L.B degree recognised by the Bar Council of India (BCI) with a minimum of 50% marks or equivalent grade/CGPA.

Check: CUET BHU Eligibility Criteria 2026

Conclusion

In summary, understanding the CUET eligibility criteria 2026 is the key to accessing a world of educational opportunities. CUET's reservation policy adds another dimension of relevance by assuring inclusivity and fairness. With this thorough understanding, you're ready to embark on a transforming journey towards academic achievement. 

Key Takeaways:

• CUET UG applicants must complete 10+2 from a recognised board or university, with no maximum age limit.
• Eligibility for CUET includes educational qualifications, required subjects, and a minimum qualifying mark in Class 12th.
• CUET Eligibility criteria vary by program and university based on the subjects mapped and the qualifying marks.
• CUET is a computer-based test (CBT) consisting of multiple-choice questions (MCQs).
• Each university follows government-established reservation rules.

Prepare with: CUET Unlimited Mock Tests 2026