CUET Exam 2026: Complete Guide for Students (Eligibility, Syllabus, Exam Pattern & Dates

The CUET Exam 2026 (Common University Entrance Test – Undergraduate) is one of the most important national-level entrance exams for students aiming to secure admission into Central Universities and other participating universities in India. Conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA), CUET ensures a fair, transparent, and equal opportunity-based admission process for students across the country.

If you are planning to appear for CUET (UG) 2026, this blog will help you understand everything you need to know—from eligibility and exam pattern to application dates and preparation tips.

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What Is CUET (UG) 2026?

The Common University Entrance Test (CUET) is a computer-based entrance examination conducted for admission into undergraduate programs offered by Central Universities, State Universities, and other participating institutions.

CUET was introduced to:

• Reduce pressure of multiple entrance exams

• Provide a single common platform for admissions

• Ensure equal opportunity for students from rural and urban backgrounds

For the academic year 2026–27, CUET (UG) scores will be used by universities to prepare merit lists and conduct counseling.

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Who Conducts the CUET Exam?

The exam is conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) under the Ministry of Education, Government of India.
NTA is responsible for:

• Online registration

• Conducting the exam

• Releasing answer keys

• Declaring results and NTA scores

Universities handle admissions and counseling, not NTA.

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CUET (UG) 2026 Important Dates

Here are the tentative official dates as mentioned in the information bulletin:

👉 Always check the official website cuet.nta.nic.in for updates.

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CUET (UG) 2026 Eligibility Criteria

Educational Qualification

• Candidates who have passed Class 12 or are appearing in 2026 are eligible.

• There is no age limit for appearing in CUET.

Important Note

• Eligibility for specific courses depends on the university’s admission criteria.

• Merely appearing in CUET does not guarantee admission.

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CUET Exam Pattern 2026

The CUET exam follows a Computer-Based Test (CBT) format.

Key Highlights

• Total Subjects: 37

  • 13 Languages

  • 23 Domain Subjects

  • 1 General Aptitude Test

• Maximum Subjects Allowed: 5

• Questions per Paper: 50 MCQs

• Duration: 60 minutes per subject

Marking Scheme

• Correct Answer: +5 marks

• Wrong Answer: –1 mark

• Unattempted Question: 0 marks

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CUET Syllabus 2026

Language Subjects

• Reading Comprehension (Factual, Literary, Narrative)

• Vocabulary

• Literary Aptitude

Domain Subjects

• Based on NCERT Class 12 syllabus

General Aptitude Test

• General Knowledge & Current Affairs

• Logical & Analytical Reasoning

• Numerical Ability

• Quantitative Reasoning

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CUET (UG) 2026 Medium of Examination

CUET will be conducted in 13 languages, including:

• English

• Hindi

• Tamil

• Telugu

• Bengali

• Marathi

• Gujarati

• Punjabi

• Urdu

• Malayalam

• Kannada

• Assamese

• Odia

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Application Process for CUET (UG) 2026

The application process is fully online and includes four steps:

1. Registration – Generate application number

2. Form Filling – Personal, academic & subject details

3. Upload Documents – Photo, signature, certificates

4. Fee Payment – Online via UPI/Debit/Credit/Net Banking

Once payment is successful, download the Confirmation Page.

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CUET (UG) 2026 Application Fee

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Admit Card & Exam Day Instructions

• Admit cards will be released on the official NTA website

• Carry:

  • Printed Admit Card

  • One valid photo ID

  • Passport-size photograph

• Reach the exam center 2 hours before reporting time

• Electronic gadgets, notes, and smart watches are strictly prohibited

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CUET Result & Admission Process

• NTA releases NTA Score, not rank

• Scores are normalized for multiple shifts

• Each university prepares its own merit list

• Counseling and seat allotment are handled by universities

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FAQs About CUET Exam 2026

1. Is CUET compulsory for all universities?

No, but it is mandatory for Central Universities and many participating universities.

2. Can I choose subjects not studied in Class 12?

Yes, subject selection depends on university eligibility criteria.

3. Is there negative marking in CUET?

Yes, 1 mark is deducted for each wrong answer.

4. How many times can I appear for CUET?

There is no limit on attempts.

5. Will CUET be conducted offline?

No, CUET is a Computer-Based Test (CBT) only.

6. Who conducts CUET counseling?

Individual universities conduct their own counseling.

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Conclusion

The CUET Exam 2026 is a golden opportunity for students to gain admission into India’s top universities through a single, standardized entrance test. With the right preparation strategy, clear understanding of the exam pattern, and timely application, students can confidently achieve their academic goals.

Start early, stay consistent, and always rely on official sources for updates.