The Common University Entrance Test (CUET) UG 2026 application process has officially commenced, offering lakhs of students a single gateway to undergraduate admissions across India’s leading universities. The National Testing Agency (NTA) released the detailed information bulletin and activated the registration link on January 3, 2026, through the official portal cuet.nta.nic.in.
CUET UG has become one of the most important entrance examinations in the country, enabling admission to 47 Central Universities and over 300 colleges and institutions nationwide. With a transparent and standardised assessment model, the exam continues to play a crucial role in shaping undergraduate admissions in India.
CUET UG 2026: Key Highlights
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | Common University Entrance Test (UG) |
| Conducting Body | National Testing Agency (NTA) |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Examination Mode | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| Exam Dates | May 11 to May 31, 2026 |
| Languages Offered | 13 |
| Total Participating Universities | 185 |
| Total Subjects Covered | 37 |
CUET UG 2026 Important Dates
Candidates planning to appear for CUET UG 2026 must keep the following timeline in mind:
| Event | Date & Time |
|---|---|
| Registration Start Date | January 3, 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | January 30, 2026 (till 11:50 PM) |
| Last Date for Fee Payment | January 31, 2026 (till 11:50 PM) |
| Application Correction Window | February 2 to February 4, 2026 |
| CUET UG 2026 Examination Period | May 11 to May 31, 2026 |
Applicants are advised to complete the application process well before the deadline to avoid last-minute technical issues.
CUET UG 2026 Eligibility Criteria
One of the key features of CUET UG is its inclusive eligibility framework.
| Eligibility Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Educational Qualification | Candidates must have passed Class 12 or an equivalent examination |
| Appearing Candidates | Students appearing for Class 12 board exams in 2026 are also eligible |
| Age Limit | No age limit prescribed by the National Testing Agency (NTA) |
However, candidates must carefully check the specific eligibility requirements of individual universities, as institutions may impose subject-wise or percentage-based criteria for particular courses.
CUET UG 2026 Application Process: Step-by-Step Guide
The application process for CUET UG 2026 is entirely online. Candidates can follow the steps below to apply:
Step 1
Visit the official website: cuet.nta.nic.in
Step 2
Click on the CUET UG 2026 Registration link on the homepage
Step 3
Register using personal details such as name, date of birth, mobile number, and email ID
Step 4
Fill in academic qualifications and select subjects and universities
Step 5
Upload scanned copies of:
- Recent passport-size photograph
- Signature
(As per the format specified in the information bulletin)
Step 6
Pay the application fee using:
- Debit card
- Credit card
- Net banking
- UPI
Step 7
Submit the form and download the confirmation page for future reference
CUET UG 2026 Correction Window
The NTA will provide a one-time correction facility from February 2 to February 4, 2026. During this period, candidates can edit selected fields in their application form.
Applicants are strongly advised to review all details carefully during the correction window, as no changes will be permitted afterward.
Exam Pattern and Subjects
The CUET UG 2026 exam will cover 37 subjects, including:
- 23 domain-specific subjects
- Languages
- General Test components
The exam will be conducted in 13 languages, ensuring accessibility for students from diverse linguistic backgrounds. The detailed exam pattern and syllabus have been released in the official information brochure.
Participating Universities and Institutions
As per the latest notification, 185 universities have adopted CUET UG 2026 for undergraduate admissions. These include:
- Central Universities
- State Universities
- Deemed Universities
- Private Universities
Admissions to undergraduate programmes in Arts, Science, Commerce, Management, and Professional Studies will be offered through CUET scores.
Admit Card, Answer Key, and Result
The NTA will announce:
- Examination city intimation slip
- Admit card download dates
- Display of recorded responses
- Provisional answer key
- Final results
All updates will be published on the official website in due course. Candidates should regularly check the portal for announcements.
Important Advisory by NTA
The NTA has urged candidates to ensure that the following documents are updated and accurate:
- Aadhaar details
- Category certificates
- UDID cards (where applicable)
Any discrepancy in documents may lead to application rejection or future grievances, the agency warned.
CUET UG: Past Year Trends
- CUET UG 2025: May 13 to June 4 (19 days, 35 shifts)
- CUET UG 2024: May 15 to May 29
- CUET UG 2023: Conducted in multiple phases
The streamlined schedule for 2026 reflects NTA’s efforts to improve exam efficiency and reduce logistical challenges.
Why CUET UG 2026 Matters
CUET UG continues to transform India’s undergraduate admission system by:
- Reducing dependency on board marks
- Ensuring uniform evaluation standards
- Expanding access to top universities
- Simplifying the admission process for students
For aspirants aiming to secure seats in reputed institutions, CUET UG 2026 is a critical milestone.
With the application window now open, candidates aspiring for undergraduate admissions in 2026 should act promptly. The CUET UG 2026 offers a single, standardised platform to access hundreds of universities across the country. Staying informed, meeting deadlines, and ensuring accurate application details will be key to a smooth admission journey.
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