Overview
The Common University Entrance Test (CUET-UG) is a national-level entrance exam conducted for admission into undergraduate programs offered by Central Universities, State Universities, Deemed Universities, Private Universities, and other participating institutions across India.
CUET-UG is conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) and is now the second-largest undergraduate entrance exam in India, with over 14–16 lakh applicants every year.
From 2026 onwards, CUET is expected to focus more on concept-based testing, reduced syllabus, and centralized counseling for multiple universities.
CUET (UG) 2026 – Key Highlights
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | CUET (UG) 2026 |
| Conducting Body | National Testing Agency (NTA) |
| Exam Level | National |
| Mode of Exam | Hybrid (CBT + Pen-Paper for some subjects) |
| Frequency | Once a year |
| Duration | 45 minutes to 2 hours (subject-wise) |
| Courses Covered | BA, BSc, BCom, BBA, BCA, BTech, Integrated Programs |
| Participating Universities | 250+ Universities (including DU, BHU, JNU, JAMIA, AMU) |
CUET (UG) 2026 – Important Dates (Tentative)
| Event | Expected Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | February 2026 |
| Online Application | February–March 2026 |
| Correction Window | March 2026 |
| Admit Card Release | April 2026 |
| Exam Dates | May 2026 |
| Result Declaration | June 2026 |
| Admission/Counselling | July–August 2026 |
CUET (UG) 2026 Eligibility Criteria
1. Educational Qualification
Must have passed Class 12 or equivalent from a recognized board.
Students appearing in Class 12 (2025–26) are eligible.
2. Minimum Marks
No minimum percentage to appear for CUET.
Individual universities may set separate criteria (e.g., DU requires minimum percentage for certain courses).
3. Age Limit
No age limit.
4. Nationality
Indian, NRI, OCI, and foreign nationals can apply.
CUET (UG) 2026 Exam Pattern
CUET-UG is divided into three major sections:
Section I: Language Test
Two parts: A & B
| Section | No. of Languages | Questions |
|---|---|---|
| I-A | 13 Languages | 40 out of 50 |
| I-B | 20 Additional Languages | 40 out of 50 |
Section II: Domain-Specific Subjects
Choose up to 6 subjects
50 out of 60 questions
Domains include:
Physics, Chemistry, Maths, Biology, Accountancy, Economics, Business Studies, Political Science, History, Psychology, Computer Science, English, Geography, Hindi, etc.
Section III: General Test (GT)
Covers:
General Knowledge
Logical Reasoning
Current Affairs
Quantitative Aptitude
Data Interpretation
Questions: 60 out of 75
CUET (UG) 2026 Marking Scheme
CUET (UG) 2026 Syllabus
Language Section (I-A & I-B)
Reading comprehension, grammar, vocabulary, verbal ability.
Domain Subjects
Based on NCERT Class 12 syllabus for each subject.
General Test (GT)
Numerical ability
Logical reasoning
General knowledge
Current affairs
Data interpretation
Basic maths
CUET (UG) 2026 Application Process
Steps to Apply:
Visit CUET-UG official portal
Register using mobile number & email ID
Fill personal & academic details
Choose subjects & exam centers
Upload documents
Pay application fee
Download confirmation page
Expected Application Fee (Approx)
| No. of Subjects | General | OBC/EWS | SC/ST/PwD |
|---|---|---|---|
| Up to 3 papers | INR 750 | INR 700 | INR 650 |
| 4–10 papers | INR 1500 | INR 1400 | INR 1300 |
| Outside India | Higher fee structure |
CUET (UG) 2026 Cut-Off (Expected)
Cut-offs vary by:
University
Course
Number of applicants
Difficulty level
Expected Cut-Off Trends
| University | Popular Course | Expected Percentile |
|---|---|---|
| Delhi University (DU) | B.Com / B.A English / B.Sc | 98–100 |
| BHU | B.A / B.Sc / B.Com | 90–98 |
| JNU | B.A Hons | 95–98 |
| Jamia Millia Islamia | BBA / B.Com | 92–98 |
| AMU | B.Sc / B.A | 85–95 |
| State Universities | Various Courses | 70–90 |
CUET (UG) 2026 Participating Universities
Top Central Universities
Delhi University (DU)
Banaras Hindu University (BHU)
Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU)
Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI)
Aligarh Muslim University (AMU)
Other Major Universities
University of Hyderabad
Visva Bharati University
Dr. B.R. Ambedkar University
Chandigarh University
SRM University
Amity University
Total: 250+ participating universities
CUET (UG) 2026 Preparation Strategy
1. Know the CUET Syllabus Thoroughly: Stick to NCERT books for domain subjects.
2. Take Regular Mock Tests: Helps with time management and accuracy.
3. Practice Past Year Papers: Understand exam difficulty.
4. Strengthen Reading Skills: Critical for language and GT sections.
5. Make Topic-Wise Notes: Useful for last-week revision.
6. Focus on High-Weightage Domains: Physics, chemistry, economics, accounts, political science, and maths require early preparation.
CUET (UG) 2026 Counselling & Admission
Each participating university conducts its own counselling.
Admission is based on:
⇒CUET Score
⇒Course requirements
⇒University eligibility rules
Students must apply separately to universities after CUET results.
Why CUET (UG) Matters?
Equal opportunity for all students: A unified exam for fair and transparent admissions.
Eliminates high cut-off pressure: CUET normalizes scores across boards.
Multiple subject combinations: Ideal for students with diverse academic interests.
Chance to study in top universities: Central Universities offer world-class education at affordable fees.
Final Thoughts
CUET (UG) 2026 is one of the most important entrance exams for students aspiring to join India's top universities. With proper planning, consistent practice, and a clear understanding of NCERT concepts, students can score high and secure seats in prestigious institutions like DU, BHU, JNU, and more.
Start preparing early, choose subjects wisely, and focus on conceptual clarity.
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