What is the CUET UG Exam?
The Common University Entrance Test (CUET UG) is a single national-level entrance examination used by multiple universities for Undergraduate (UG) admissions in India. It allows candidates to apply to multiple universities using one common score, instead of appearing for separate entrance exams.
CUET UG is conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) and is used by 280+ universities across the country. The exam score is used for course-wise cutoffs and counselling, rather than just qualifying candidates.
Admissions through CUET UG depend on the subject combinations required for a particular course, not merely on overall marks. Each participating university and college sets its own cutoffs and counselling process after the declaration of results.
Key Features of CUET UG
- CUET UG serves as a common admission gateway for UG
programs across central, state, private, and deemed universities.
- Candidates can choose up to 5 subjects, including Languages, Domain Subjects,
and the General Test.
- The exam is conducted in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode with MCQ-type
questions.
- The syllabus is based on the Class 12 NCERT/Board curriculum.
- The exam is conducted in 13 different languages.
CUET UG 2026 – Brief Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
|
Exam Name |
CUET |
|
Full Form |
Common University Entrance Test |
|
Conducting Body |
National Testing Agency (NTA) |
|
Exam Level |
Undergraduate (UG) and Postgraduate (PG) |
|
Year Started |
2022 |
|
Exam Frequency |
Once a year |
|
Mode of Examination |
Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
|
Exam Purpose |
Single platform for UG and PG admissions in central, state, private, and deemed universities |
|
Eligibility |
Minimum qualifying score in Class 12 examination |
|
Application Window |
03 January to 30 January 2026 |
|
CUET 2026 Datesheet |
To be released |
|
Exam Fees |
General: ₹1000 OBC-NCL / EWS: ₹900 SC / ST / PwD / Transgender: ₹800 International Centres: ₹4500 |
|
Exam Duration |
Slot I: 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM Slot II: 12:30 PM – 2:00 PM Slot III: 4:00 PM – 5:30 PM |
|
Marking Scheme |
+5 for each correct answer −1 for each incorrect answer |
|
Medium of Examination |
13 Languages – English, Hindi, Bengali, Assamese, Odia, Punjabi, Marathi, Gujarati, Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Urdu |
|
Official Websites |
cuet.nta.nic.in examinationservices.nic.in nta.ac.in |
|
Contact Details |
Phone: 011-69227700, 011-40759000 Email: cuet-ug@nta.ac.in |
CUET 2026 Exam Dates
The CUET UG 2026 examination schedule is released in multiple phases, including registration, application correction, examination, admit card release, and result declaration. This structured timeline helps candidates plan their preparation effectively and complete document verification well in advance.
The extended exam window and early release of official notifications also allow participating universities to complete their counselling and admission processes before the start of the academic session, ensuring a smooth admission cycle.
CUET UG 2026 Important Dates (Official)
| Event | Dates |
|---|---|
|
CUET UG 2026 Notification Release |
January 3, 2026 |
|
Online Application Begins |
January 3, 2026 |
|
Last Date to Apply Online |
January 30, 2026 (up to 11:50 PM) |
|
Last Date for Fee Payment |
January 31, 2026 (up to 11:50 PM) |
|
Application Correction Window |
February 2 to February 4, 2026 |
|
CUET UG 2026 Exam Dates |
May 11 to May 31, 2026 |
|
Admit Card Release |
Expected in Early May 2026 |
|
Result Declaration |
Expected by the Last Week of June 2026 |
CUET UG 2026 Schedule (As per Official Notification)
The CUET UG 2026 process includes multiple stages such as application submission, fee payment, correction window, examination, and result declaration. Candidates are advised to follow the official timeline carefully to avoid missing any important deadlines.
CUET UG 2026 Important Dates & Events
| Event | Dates / Status |
|---|---|
|
Online Submission of Application Form |
January 3 to January 30, 2026 (up to 11:50 PM) |
|
Last Date of Successful Fee Payment (Credit/Debit Card, Net Banking, UPI) |
January 31, 2026 (up to 11:50 PM) |
|
Application Correction in Particulars |
February 2 to February 4, 2026 (up to 11:50 PM) |
|
Announcement of Examination City |
To be announced later on the website |
|
Downloading of Admit Cards from NTA Website |
To be announced later on the website |
|
Date of Examination |
May 11 to May 31, 2026 (Tentative) |
|
Display of Recorded Responses and Answer Keys |
To be announced later on the website |
|
Declaration of Result on NTA Website |
To be announced later on the website |
|
Official Website |
CUET UG Registration 2026
The CUET UG 2026 registration process is currently ongoing, and candidates must complete their registration within the specified deadline to be eligible to appear for the entrance examination.
To register for CUET UG 2026, candidates need to visit the official website and complete the online application process. During registration, applicants must provide their email ID and mobile number, followed by carefully filling in personal details, academic information, and exam-related preferences. All details should be entered accurately to avoid issues during verification or counselling.
CUET UG Registration Fees 2026
The CUET UG 2026 application fee must be paid online only using UPI, Debit Card, Credit Card, or Net Banking. The registration fee varies according to the candidate’s category and the number of subjects selected.
CUET UG 2026 Application Fee Structure
The CUET UG 2026 application fee varies based on the candidate’s category and the number of subjects selected. The fee is applicable for up to 3 subjects, with an additional charge for each extra subject.
Category-wise CUET UG 2026 Registration Fees
| Category | Fee (Up to 3 Subjects) | Fee for Each Additional Subject |
|---|---|---|
|
General (UR) |
₹1,000 |
₹400 |
|
OBC (NCL) / EWS |
₹900 |
₹375 |
|
SC / ST / PwD / PwBD / Third Gender |
₹800 |
₹350 |
|
Centres Outside India |
₹4,500 |
₹1,800 |
CUET Application 2026 Correction Window
The CUET UG 2026 correction window will be available from February 02 to February 04, 2026. During this period, only registered candidates who have successfully submitted their application form will be allowed to make corrections.
Candidates are advised to review all details carefully and make necessary changes within the given timeline, as no corrections will be permitted after the window closes.
Details That Can Be Edited During CUET UG 2026 Correction Window
Registered candidates can make changes in the following fields:
- Candidate’s Name
- Parent’s / Guardian’s Name
- Class 10 and Class 12 details
- Date of Birth
- Gender and Category
- Photograph
- Signature
- Examination City (based on present or permanent address)
How Many Candidates Register for CUET UG?
The CUET UG has quickly become one of the largest undergraduate entrance examinations in India within just four years of its introduction. Since its launch in 2022, the number of registrations has remained consistently high, reflecting strong trust among both students and participating universities in a single, common admission test.
From 2022 to 2025, CUET UG has recorded 14–15 lakh registrations every year, placing it among the most competitive national-level UG entrance exams. The candidate appearance rate has steadily improved, especially by 2025, indicating increasing seriousness and competition among aspirants.
With 282+ universities now accepting CUET UG scores, registrations are expected to remain above 15 lakh candidates in the coming years.
CUET UG Registration Trends (2022–2025)
- Registrations have consistently stayed in the 14–15
lakh range since the exam began
- The number of candidates appearing has increased over time, showing higher
participation
- Growing university participation has contributed to stable and rising registration numbers
CUET UG Registration Statistics (2022 to 2025)
| CUET UG Year | Registered Candidates | Appeared Candidates | Data Source |
|---|---|---|---|
|
2025 |
14.0 Lakh |
13.0 Lakh |
NTA Final Attendance Data |
|
2024 |
13.5 Lakh |
11.1 Lakh |
NTA CUET UG 2024 Bulletin |
|
2023 |
15.0 Lakh |
11.2 Lakh |
NTA Press Release & PIB Brief |
|
2022 |
14.9 Lakh |
9.9 Lakh |
NTA CUET UG 2022 Post-Exam Report |
What Are the Changes in CUET UG 2026?
The CUET UG examination framework has gradually evolved to become more standardised, simpler, and student-friendly. Over the last few years, the NTA and UGC have refined the exam structure to reduce confusion and bring predictability for aspirants and universities alike.
For CUET UG 2026, no new changes have been introduced. The exam continues to follow the same pattern implemented in CUET UG 2025, indicating a clear focus on stability and consistency rather than frequent revisions.
CUET UG 2026: Changes Introduced in 2025 and Continued in 2026
The table below highlights the major reforms introduced in 2025 that remain applicable for CUET UG 2026.
| Exam Aspect | Change Introduced in CUET UG 2025 | Status in CUET UG 2026 |
|---|---|---|
|
Total Subjects Offered |
Reduced to 37 test papers (from 63 earlier) |
Same structure continued |
|
Maximum Subjects per Candidate |
Limited to a total of 5 subjects |
No change in 2026 |
|
Exam Mode |
Fully shifted to Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
CBT-only |
|
Exam Duration |
Fixed at 60 minutes per paper |
Same timing followed |
|
Question Pattern |
All questions made compulsory MCQs (no internal choices) |
Identical pattern in 2026 |
|
Language Options |
Limited to 13 languages |
Same 13 languages available |
|
General Test |
Reframed as a General Aptitude Test |
Same structure |
|
Syllabus Base |
Strict alignment with Class 12 NCERT syllabus |
NCERT-based syllabus retained |
|
Subject Flexibility |
Allowed subjects even if not studied in Class 12 (subject to university rules) |
Same flexibility in 2026 |
|
Centre Allotment System |
Improved exam city and centre allocation process |
Same improved system used |
|
Multi-day Exam Window |
Exams conducted over multiple days and shifts |
Same multi-day model |
Key Takeaway for Students
Since CUET UG 2026 follows the same structure as 2025, candidates can prepare with confidence and clarity, without worrying about sudden pattern changes or surprises.
Who Can Appear for CUET UG 2026?
The CUET UG 2026 eligibility criteria define who is allowed to apply for the examination. Merely qualifying in CUET UG does not guarantee admission, as admissions are based on course-specific cutoffs and university-level counselling.
The National Testing Agency (NTA) is responsible for setting the basic eligibility conditions for appearing in the CUET UG exam. However, individual universities determine their own course-wise requirements, subject combinations, cutoffs, and final admission criteria.
Candidates must ensure that they meet both NTA eligibility rules and the specific eligibility criteria prescribed by the universities they are applying to.
Courses Offered Through CUET UG
CUET UG scores are used for admission to a wide range of undergraduate programs offered by central, state, private, and deemed universities across India.
- Most CUET UG–based admissions are offered in the
following streams:
- Commerce
- Arts
- Humanities
- Science
- Commerce
- Admissions to these programs are granted based on:
- Subject-wise CUET scores
- University-specific eligibility rules
- Course-wise cutoffs
- Subject-wise CUET scores
Commerce Courses Offered Through CUET UG
CUET UG scores are widely used for admission to undergraduate commerce and management-related programs. Admission is based on subject-wise CUET performance and university-specific eligibility criteria.
| Course Name | Common Eligibility / Focus Area |
|---|---|
|
B.Com |
Accounting, Business Studies, Economics |
|
B.Com (Hons) |
Advanced Commerce, Finance, Taxation |
|
BBA |
Management, Quantitative Aptitude |
|
BMS |
Business Management and Analytics |
|
BFIA |
Finance, Investment, and Economics |
|
BA (Hons) Economics |
Economics with Mathematics |
Arts & Humanities Courses Offered Through CUET UG
Arts and Humanities programs focus on language proficiency and domain-specific subjects, depending on the course and university requirements.
| Course Name | Common Eligibility / Focus Area |
|---|---|
|
BA |
Language + Domain Subject |
|
BA (Hons) English |
English Language and Literature |
|
BA (Hons) History |
History as a Domain Subject |
|
BA (Hons) Political Science |
Political Science Domain |
|
BA (Hons) Psychology |
Psychology Domain |
|
BA (Hons) Sociology |
Sociology Domain |
|
BA (Hons) Geography |
Geography Domain |
|
BJMC |
Language + General Test |
|
BSW |
Social Sciences + General Test |
Science Courses Offered Through CUET UG
Science programs primarily require one or more science domain subjects, with Mathematics or Biology depending on the specialization.
| Course Name | Common Eligibility / Focus Area |
|---|---|
|
B.Sc |
One or more Science Domains |
|
B.Sc (Hons) Physics |
Physics and Mathematics |
|
B.Sc (Hons) Chemistry |
Chemistry as Core Subject |
|
B.Sc (Hons) Mathematics |
Mathematics Domain |
|
B.Sc (Hons) Biology |
Biology / Life Sciences |
|
B.Sc (Hons) Zoology |
Biology and Zoology |
|
B.Sc (Hons) Botany |
Biology and Botany |
|
B.Sc (Hons) Computer Science |
Mathematics and Logical Skills |
|
B.Sc (Hons) Statistics |
Mathematics and Statistics |
|
B.Sc Biotechnology |
Biology and Chemistry |
|
B.Sc Microbiology |
Biology as Primary Domain |
CUET UG Exam Pattern 2026
The CUET UG Exam Pattern 2026 remains unchanged from 2025, ensuring stability and predictability for aspirants. The exam is designed to assess a candidate’s subject-specific knowledge, language proficiency, and aptitude through computer-based multiple-choice questions (MCQs), providing a uniform evaluation system for students from all education boards.
CUET UG 2026: Section-Wise Exam Pattern
The CUET UG exam follows a well-defined three-section structure, which continues from the previous year.
- The exam consists of three sections: Language, Domain
Subjects, and General Aptitude Test
- Each subject paper is conducted for a duration of 60 minutes
- Admissions are based on section-wise scores, not on overall marks; poor
performance in a required subject can directly affect course eligibility
- Approximately 80–85% of the questions are directly based on the Class 12 NCERT syllabus
Key Insight for Aspirants
Since the exam pattern and structure remain unchanged, students can focus on NCERT-based preparation and subject-wise accuracy without worrying about unexpected changes.
CUET UG 2026 Section-Wise Exam Pattern
| Section | What It Tests | No. of Questions | Questions to Attempt | Duration | Marking Scheme |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Section I: Languages |
Reading comprehension, vocabulary, and grammar |
50 |
40 |
60 minutes |
+5 / −1 |
|
Section II: Domain Subjects |
Subject knowledge based on the Class 12 syllabus |
50 |
40 |
60 minutes |
+5 / −1 |
|
Section III: General Aptitude Test |
Quantitative aptitude, logical reasoning, and general awareness |
60 |
50 |
60 minutes |
+5 / −1 |
Important Notes for Candidates
- Each section is conducted separately, with 60 minutes
per paper
- Only the required subjects for a course are considered during admission
- Negative marking applies, so accuracy is important
- The exam is fully NCERT-based, especially for domain subjects
CUET Syllabus 2026
The National Testing Agency (NTA) releases a separate syllabus PDF each year for every CUET UG test paper. Candidates planning to appear for CUET UG 2026 should refer only to the official syllabus published on the NTA website to ensure accurate preparation.
The CUET UG 2026 syllabus can be accessed through the official portal: cuet.nta.nic.in, where subject-wise syllabus PDFs are made available.
Key Highlights of CUET UG Syllabus 2026
- A total of 37 subjects are included in the CUET UG
syllabus
- Certain subjects such as Art Education and Teaching Aptitude have been
removed from the CUET UG 2026 syllabus
- The General Aptitude Test (earlier known as the General Test) was renamed in 2024 and now includes General Science and Environmental Literacy in its scope
CUET Passing Marks 2026
The National Testing Agency (NTA) does not declare any fixed passing marks for the CUET UG examination. Qualifying in CUET UG does not automatically guarantee admission. Instead, each participating university and institute sets its own eligibility criteria and minimum cutoff percentile for different courses and categories.
- Admissions are granted based on:
- Course-wise CUET scores
- Category-specific cutoffs
- University-level counselling and merit lists
- Course-wise CUET scores
Expected Minimum CUET Percentile for Eligibility (Indicative)
The table below shows the expected minimum percentile required for basic eligibility in many universities. These are indicative values based on previous admission trends.
| Category | Expected Minimum Percentile | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
|
General (UR) |
40–45 Percentile |
Required for basic eligibility in mid- and low-tier universities |
|
OBC-NCL |
35–40 Percentile |
Around 5% relaxation compared to General category |
|
SC / ST |
30–35 Percentile |
Significant relaxation in most central universities |
|
EWS |
35–40 Percentile |
Similar to OBC-NCL cutoff range |
|
PwD (All Categories) |
25–30 Percentile |
Accepted under separate eligibility norms |
CUET 2026 Expected Cutoff (Score-Based)
Based on previous years’ cutoff trends, the expected CUET UG 2026 cutoff for popular courses is likely to fall within the following score ranges (out of 250).
| Category | Expected CUET Cutoff Range (Out of 250) |
|---|---|
|
General (UR) |
180 – 230 |
|
OBC-NCL |
150 – 200 |
|
EWS |
150 – 200 |
|
SC / ST |
120 – 170 |
Important Note for Aspirants
- Top central universities and high-demand courses
usually have much higher cutoffs
- Cutoffs vary by course, university, category, and subject combination
- Always check the official counselling notifications of individual universities
Fee Structure
The fee structure varies according to the candidate’s category. The details are given below:
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
|
General |
₹1,750 |
|
SC |
₹1,650 |
CUET UG 2026 Subjects List
While filling out the CUET UG 2026 application form, candidates can select a maximum of five subjects, which may include one language, domain subjects, and the General Test. The National Testing Agency (NTA) offers 13 language options, 23 domain subjects, and one General Test.
Candidates are advised to choose subjects carefully, as course eligibility depends on subject combinations prescribed by individual universities.
CUET Subjects – Section I: Languages
Candidates can choose one language from the list below. The selected language will also be the medium of the question paper.
- English
- Hindi
- Urdu
- Assamese
- Bengali
- Odia
- Punjabi
- Gujarati
- Marathi
- Tamil
- Telugu
- Kannada
- Malayalam
CUET Subjects – Section II: Domain Subjects
(Aligned with Class 12 Subjects)
Candidates must ensure that the CUET domain subjects align with the subjects studied in Class 12. Students should check university and course-specific requirements and select 2–3 appropriate domain subjects accordingly.
- Accountancy / Book Keeping
- Agriculture
- Anthropology
- Biology
- Business Studies
- Chemistry
- Computer Science / Informatics Practices
- Economics / Business Economics
- Fine Arts / Visual Arts (Sculpture / Painting) / Commercial Arts
- Geography / Geology
- Home Science
- History
- Knowledge Tradition and Practices of India
- Environmental Science
- Mathematics
- Physical Education / NCC / Yoga
- Physics
- Political Science
- Psychology
- Sociology
- Mass Media / Mass Communication
- Performing Arts
- Sanskrit
CUET Subjects – Section III: General Test (Optional)
The CUET General Test is an optional paper. Choosing this subject can help candidates expand their course and university options.
- The General Test includes:
- General Knowledge and Current Affairs
- General Mental Ability
- Numerical Ability
- Quantitative Reasoning
- Logical and Analytical Reasoning
- General Knowledge and Current Affairs
Important Tip for Aspirants
Always check the official eligibility criteria of your target universities and courses before finalising subject combinations, as requirements may vary.
CUET UG Trends
The CUET UG examination was first introduced in 2022 as a revamped version of CUCET, with the objective of creating a single, merit-based admission system for undergraduate programmes across India. With its introduction, CUET UG was made mandatory for all central universities, and later expanded to include state, private, and deemed universities.
Since its launch, CUET UG has witnessed consistently high registration numbers, making it one of the largest undergraduate entrance examinations in the country. The steady rise in the number of candidates appearing for the exam reflects growing acceptance and trust in CUET as a unified admission platform.
The trend data below highlights the year-wise registrations and number of candidates who appeared for the CUET UG examination from 2022 to 2025, showcasing the exam’s rapid growth and increasing competition.
FAQs About CUET (Common University Entrance Test)
1. What is CUET?
CUET (Common University Entrance Test) is a national-level entrance examination conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) for admission to undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in central, state, private, and deemed universities across India.
2. Who conducts the CUET exam?
The National Testing Agency (NTA) conducts the CUET exam on behalf of the University Grants Commission (UGC).
3. Is CUET compulsory for all universities?
CUET is mandatory for all central universities. Many state, private, and deemed universities also use CUET scores for admissions, but participation may vary by institution.
4. Does qualifying CUET guarantee admission?
- No. Qualifying CUET does not guarantee admission.
Admission depends on:
- Course-wise cutoff
- Subject combination
- Category
- University-specific counselling process
- Course-wise cutoff
5. How many times is CUET conducted in a year?
CUET is conducted once a year.
6. How many subjects can a candidate choose in CUET UG?
- Candidates can select up to five subjects, including:
- Language
- Domain subjects
- General Aptitude Test
- Language
7. What is the mode of the CUET exam?
CUET is conducted in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode.
8. What is the marking scheme for CUET?
- +5 marks for each correct answer
- −1 mark for each incorrect answer
- No marks for unattempted questions
9. Is there any age limit for CUET UG?
There is no upper age limit for appearing in CUET UG. Candidates must meet the eligibility criteria set by the universities they are applying to.
10. Which syllabus is followed for CUET UG?
The CUET UG syllabus is based on Class 12 NCERT / Board syllabus, especially for domain subjects.