CUET 2026 (UG) is the national-level undergraduate entrance exam conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) for admission to 230+ participating universities across India, including Delhi University, JNU, BHU, Jamia Millia Islamia, etc. (48 Central Universities).
The exam will be held in May 2026 (tentatively May 11-31) in online CBT mode. This comprehensive guide covers every aspect of CUET UG 2026 - official exam dates, syllabus, eligibility, exam pattern, cutoff, result, counselling, and free preparation resources (sample paper, previous year papers, & mocks).
Follow this article to gain a brief awareness about CUET 2026 UG and boost your CUET preparation.
The following table provides a quick-reference summary of all the key CUET UG 2026 exam details.
CUET 2026 Exam Highlights
|
Particulars |
Details |
|
Exam Name |
Common University Entrance Test - Undergraduate (CUET UG) |
|
Conducting Body |
National Testing Agency (NTA) |
|
Official Website |
https://exams.nta.ac.in/CUET-UG/ (cuet.nta.nic.in) |
|
Exam Level |
National Level |
|
Mode of Exam |
Online - Computer-Based Test (CBT) only |
|
Exam Medium |
13 languages |
|
Question Type |
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) |
|
Total Sections |
3 (Section I: Languages, Section II: Domain Subjects, Section III: GAT) |
|
Total Subject Options |
37 (reduced from 63 in previous years) |
|
Number of Universities |
230+ (including 48 Centraluniversities) |
|
Exam Duration |
60 minutes per paper (uniform for all sections) |
|
Max Subjects Allowed |
5 (must include at least 1 language) |
|
Total Questions per Paper |
50 (compulsory) |
|
Marking Scheme |
+5 for correct | -1 for incorrect |
|
Exam Frequency |
Once a year |
|
CUET 2026 Exam Dates |
May 11-31, 2026 (tentative) |
|
Registration Last Date |
February 26, 2026 |
|
Fee Payment Last Date |
February 27, 2026 |
CUET 2026 brings several officially announced changes compared to previous editions. Every aspirant must be aware of these updates.
Key Changes in CUET 2026 You Must Know
|
Change |
Previous (2024) |
CUET 2026 |
|
Total subject options |
63 subjects |
37 subjects (26 discontinued) |
|
Discontinued subjects |
Entrepreneurship, Teaching Aptitude, Legal Studies |
Discontinued - not offered in 2026 |
|
Mode of exam |
CBT online |
CBT online only (confirmed) |
|
Exam duration per paper |
45–60 min (varied) |
60 minutes (uniform for all) |
|
Questions per paper |
40-50 (varied) |
50 compulsory (uniform) |
|
Number of shifts |
Multiple |
Multiple (exact schedule TBA by NTA) |
|
Registration deadline |
Varied |
Feb 26, 2026 (extended by NTA) |
Download the college, category & course-wise intake capacity of DU colleges for Arts stream courses.
Get PDFNTA has released the CUET 2026 exam tentative dates. The complete timeline, including registration, admit card, exam, result, and counselling dates, is given below:
CUET 2026 important dates
|
Event |
CUET 2026 Date |
|
CUET 2026 Notification Release |
January 3, 2026 |
|
CUET 2026 Registration Opens |
January 3, 2026 |
|
CUET Registration Last Date (Extended) |
February 26, 2026 (11:50 PM) |
|
Application Fee Last Date |
February 27, 2026 (11:50 PM) |
|
City Intimation Slip Release |
1st week of May 2026 (expected) |
|
CUET 2026 Admit Card Release |
3-4 days before exam (expected) |
|
CUET 2026 Exam Dates |
May 11-31, 2026 (tentative) |
|
CUET 2026 Answer Key Release |
1st week of June 2026 (expected) |
|
CUET 2026 Result Declaration |
Mid of June 2026 (expected) |
|
University Counselling Begins |
The last week of June 2026 (expected) |
The CUET UG exam is conducted by the NTA once a year. The CUET 2026 will be conducted in May (11-31) 2026.
CUET UG is conducted nationwide for admission to all the 210+ participating universities.
CUET UG is not a very difficult exam to crack. However, to secure admission to the top colleges or universities, students must aspire to score the maximum marks.
CUET UG 2026 will be conducted in a solely online CBT mode, as confirmed in the official notification.
General Eligibility
Course-wise Eligibility
Each participating university sets its own course-specific eligibility requirements in addition to the general CUET eligibility criteria. Students must visit the official website of each university they wish to apply to for detailed, course-level eligibility requirements.
CUET eligibility criteria
|
Criterion |
Requirement |
|
Minimum qualification |
Passed Class 12 or equivalent (45% general; 40% SC/ST/PwBD in select universities) |
|
Appearing candidates |
Eligible (admission subject to passing Class 12) |
|
Age limit |
No upper age limit |
|
Nationality |
Indian, NRI, OCI |
|
Subject eligibility |
Course-specific - check individual university websites |
The CUET 2026 syllabus is based entirely on the NCERT Class 12 curriculum for domain subjects. Below is the complete section-wise syllabus overview:
Section-wise CUET syllabus 2026
|
Section |
Subjects / Topics Covered |
No. of Questions |
|
Section I - Languages (13) |
Reading Comprehension (Factual, Literary, Narrative passages), Literary Aptitude, Vocabulary. Tested in the chosen language. |
50 (compulsory) |
|
Section II - Domain Subjects (23) |
Based on the complete NCERT Class 12 syllabus for the chosen subject. See the subject-wise breakdown below. |
50 (compulsory) |
|
Section III - General Aptitude Test (GAT) |
General Knowledge, Current Affairs, General Mental Ability, Numerical Ability, Quantitative Reasoning (Class 8 maths), Logical & Analytical Reasoning. |
50 (compulsory) |
The General Aptitude Test (Section III) evaluates the following topic areas:
|
Subject |
Key Topics Covered |
|
History |
Early societies, empires, social and religious movements, colonialism, nationalism, world history |
|
Geography |
Fundamentals of Human Geography, India: People and Economy |
|
Political Science |
Contemporary World Politics, Politics in India since Independence |
|
Sociology |
Indian Society, Change and Development in India |
|
Psychology |
Mind and behaviour, states of consciousness, learning, memory, human development |
|
Physical Education |
Planning, sports and nutrition, yoga, psychology, training methodology |
|
Environmental Studies |
Ecosystems, biodiversity, pollution, and social issues |
|
Knowledge Tradition & Practices (India) |
Indian Knowledge Systems as per Class 12 NCERT |
|
Subject |
Key Topics Covered |
|
Accountancy |
Accounting for partnership firms, companies, cash flow statements, and financial statements analysis |
|
Business Studies |
Nature of business, business finance, marketing, consumer protection, entrepreneurship |
|
Economics |
Introductory Macroeconomics (national income, money, banking, govt budget, balance of payments) |
|
Subject |
Key Topics Covered |
|
Physics |
Electrostatics, current electricity, magnetic effects, electromagnetic induction, optics, modern physics |
|
Chemistry |
Solutions, electrochemistry, chemical kinetics, surface chemistry, p/d/f-block elements, polymers, biomolecules |
|
Mathematics |
Relations & functions, algebra, calculus, vectors, 3D geometry, linear programming, probability |
|
Biology |
Reproduction, genetics, evolution, human health, biotechnology, ecology |
|
Computer Science |
Python programming, data structures, databases, networking, cybersecurity |
|
Home Science |
Work, livelihood & career; nutrition; money management; apparel; human development |
Download the college, category & course-wise intake capacity of DU colleges for Arts stream courses.
Get PDFThe CUET 2026 exam pattern remains the same as the previous year, with one key update: all papers are now a uniform 60 minutes with 50 compulsory questions.
CUET 2026 Exam Pattern
|
Parameter |
Details |
|
Exam Mode |
Online - Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
|
Sections |
Section I: Languages (13) | Section II: Domain Subjects (23) | Section III: GAT (1) |
|
Total Subject Options |
37 |
|
Duration per Paper |
60 minutes (uniform for all sections) |
|
Questions per Paper |
50 (all compulsory - no internal choice) |
|
Question Type |
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) |
|
Marking - Correct answer |
+5 marks |
|
Marking - Incorrect answer |
-1 mark (negative marking) |
|
Marking - Unattempted |
0 (no penalty) |
|
Maximum subjects a student can appear for |
5 (including at least 1 language) |
|
Exam medium |
13 languages: English, Hindi, Assamese, Bengali, Gujarati, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, Odia, Punjabi, Tamil, Telugu, Urdu |
|
Exam centres |
400+ centres in India | 26 cities outside India |
|
Response Type |
Marks |
|
Correct answer |
+5 |
|
Incorrect answer |
-1 |
|
Unattempted |
0 |
|
Maximum marks per paper |
250 (50 questions × 5 marks) |
The CUET 2026 syllabus for all the domain subjects will comprise the entire Class 12 NCERT syllabus for respective subjects.
NCERT books will be the go-to and most reliable source for the CUET 2026 syllabus and preparation.
There are no changes in the CUET 2026 exam pattern. It will remain the same as it was in 2025.
According to the official CUET marking scheme, each correct answer will carry 5 marks, and there will be a deduction of 1 mark for each wrong answer.
The CUET 2026 registration window closed on February 26, 2026. Students’ can no longer register now. However, the detailed registration process for CUET 2026 is explained below.
|
Category |
Up to 3 Subjects |
Each Additional Subject (4th, 5th) |
|
General (UR) |
1,000 |
400 per subject |
|
OBC-NCL / EWS |
900 |
375 per subject |
|
SC / ST / PwBD / Third Gender |
800 |
350 per subject |
|
Centres Outside India |
4,500 |
1,800 per subject |
Download the college, category & course-wise intake capacity of DU colleges for Arts stream courses.
Get PDFThe CUET 2026 admit card (hall ticket) will be released by NTA approximately 3-4 days before the exam commencement date. NTA will first release a City Intimation Slip in the first week of May 2026, indicating the candidate's examination city. The admit card with the exact exam centre and timing will released after.
The best and most reliable resources are the NCERT textbooks. Apart from that, students must refer to the CUET sample paper, PYQPs, and attempt the CUET mock test.
No, apart from CUET registration, students must also register for the respective universities counselling process to participate in the admission process.
The CUET 2026 cutoff is not a centralised score. Each participating university releases its own cutoff for every course and category independently. Cutoffs are based on the total number of applicants, seat availability, and the highest score achieved in that subject.
|
Course (DU) |
General (UR) |
OBC-NCL |
SC |
ST |
|
B.Com (Honours) |
920+ |
900+ |
890+ |
875+ |
|
BA (Programme) |
900+ |
880+ |
850+ |
835+ |
|
B.Sc. (Hons) Mathematics |
910+ |
885+ |
860+ |
845+ |
|
BA (Honours) English |
905+ |
880+ |
860+ |
850+ |
|
B.Com (Programme) |
900+ |
890+ |
865+ |
845+ |
The CUET 2026 result will be declared by NTA on the official portal cuet.nta.nic.in. Based on past NTA schedules, the result is expected in the mid of June 2026.
CUET 2026 Result (expected dates)
|
Result Event |
Expected Date |
|
CUET 2026 Exam |
May 11-31, 2026 |
|
Provisional Answer Key Release |
1st week of July 2026 |
|
Answer Key Challenge Window |
3-5 days after the provisional key |
|
Final Answer Key |
2nd week of July 2026 |
|
CUET 2026 Result Declaration |
Mid of July 2026 |
There is no centralised CUET counselling. Each participating university conducts its own independent admission and counselling process using CUET 2026 scores. Students must separately register for the counselling at every university they wish to seek admission to.
Check the CUET 2026 result and download your scorecard from cuet.nta.nic.in by following the steps mentioned below.
UG Admission Counselling details for some major universities
|
University |
Counselling Mode |
Expected Start |
|
University of Delhi (DU) |
Online via DU CSAS portal (du.ac.in) |
June 2026 |
|
Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) |
Online via the JNU admission portal |
June 2026 |
|
Banaras Hindu University (BHU) |
Online via the BHU admission portal |
June 2026 |
|
Jamia Millia Islamia |
Online via the Jamia admission portal |
June 2026 |
|
Other Central Universities |
Individual university portals |
June-July 2026 |
Solving the CUET previous year question papers is the most effective preparation strategy. PYQPs help you understand question patterns, identify important topics, and sharpen time management.
CUET Previous Year Question Paper PDF Download
|
Year |
Available Papers |
Download |
|
CUET 2025 |
Major domain subjects + English + GAT |
Available on NTA portal & CL website |
|
CUET 2024 |
Major domain subjects + English + GAT |
Available on NTA portal & CL website |
|
CUET 2023 |
Major domain subjects + English + GAT |
Available on NTA portal & CL website |
|
CUET 2022 |
Major domain subjects + English + GAT |
Available on NTA portal & CL website |
Download - CUET Previous Year Question Paper | CUET Sample Paper
Career Launcher's CUET free mock tests are curated by expert faculties from IIT, IIM, and DU. Each mock test is designed to replicate the actual CUET exam environment and difficulty level.
Step 1 - Know the Syllabus & Exam Pattern
Before you write a single note, download the complete CUET 2026 syllabus from cuet.nta.nic.in. Map each subject's syllabus against your Class 12 NCERT chapters. Understand the 60-minute, 50-question format and negative marking.
Step 2 - Create a Study Plan
Allocate study time across Class 12 Board preparation and CUET preparation. Since the CUET syllabus overlaps with Class 12 NCERT, focused Board preparation directly strengthens CUET readiness. Dedicate 1-2 hours daily specifically to CUET practice.
Step 3 - NCERT First, Then Practice
NCERT Class 12 textbooks are the primary and most reliable CUET preparation resource. Complete each chapter thoroughly, make concise notes, and highlight key facts, dates, and definitions. Then move to CUET-specific practice questions.
Step 4 - Solve PYQPs and Mock Tests
After completing the syllabus, solve at least 3-5 years of CUET PYQPs for each subject. Identify the types of questions asked, common topics, and your weak areas. Take full-length mock tests under timed conditions.
Step 5 - Revision & Current Affairs
Reserve the final 4-6 weeks before the exam for revision. For the GAT paper, follow a reliable current affairs source daily. Use short notes and flashcards for quick revision of high-frequency topics.
|
Subject / Section |
Recommended Resource |
|
All Domain Subjects |
NCERT Class 12 Textbooks (primary resource) |
|
English / Languages |
Wren & Martin (Grammar), Reading comprehension practice books |
|
General Aptitude Test (Quant) |
RS Aggarwal - Quantitative Aptitude |
|
Logical Reasoning (GAT) |
RS Aggarwal - Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning |
|
General Knowledge / Current Affairs |
Arihant GK Today, monthly current affairs compilations |
|
CUET-specific practice |
Career Launcher CUET Study Material & PYQPs |
|
Mock tests |
CL's free online CUET mock tests (careerlauncher.com/cuet) |
CUET 2026 scores will be accepted by 230+ universities, including 48 Central Universities. All Central University UG admissions use CUET scores as the sole admission criterion.
CUET University List (Top Universities)
|
University |
Type |
Location |
|
University of Delhi (DU) |
Central University |
New Delhi |
|
Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) |
Central University |
New Delhi |
|
Banaras Hindu University (BHU) |
Central University |
Varanasi, UP |
|
Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) |
Central University |
Aligarh, UP |
|
Jamia Millia Islamia |
Central University |
New Delhi |
|
University of Allahabad |
Central University |
Prayagraj, UP |
|
University of Hyderabad |
Central University |
Hyderabad, Telangana |
|
Pondicherry University |
Central University |
Puducherry |
|
Tezpur University |
Central University |
Assam |
|
Visva Bharati University |
Central University |
West Bengal |
|
Manipur University |
Central University |
Imphal, Manipur |
|
Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University |
Central University |
Lucknow, UP |
|
Central University of Rajasthan |
Central University |
Ajmer, Rajasthan |
|
Central University of Karnataka |
Central University |
Kalaburagi, Karnataka |
|
The English and Foreign Languages University |
Central University |
Hyderabad |
|
Central University of Andhra Pradesh |
Central University |
Anantapur, AP |
|
Central University of Haryana |
Central University |
Mahendergarh, Haryana |
|
Central University of Himachal Pradesh |
Central University |
Dharamshala, HP |
|
Central University of Jammu |
Central University |
Jammu, J&K |
|
Central University of Jharkhand |
Central University |
Ranchi, Jharkhand |
View the complete list of all 230+ CUET 2026 participating universities at cuet.nta.nic.in or on the Career Launcher CUET University list page.
Delhi University is the most sought-after CUET destination. DU uses CUET 2026 scores as the sole admission criterion for all its UG programs across 91 colleges. The DU Common Seat Allocation System (CSAS) portal manages the entire admission process.
All our programs are designed and taught by top IITs, IIMs, and DU mentors. The programs are tailor-made to suit the requirements of all the students. Choose a program that suits you the best and prepare for CUET now.
CUET 2026 will be conducted tentatively from May 11 to May 31, 2026. The exact exam schedule and shift timings will be announced by NTA in March 2026 on cuet.nta.nic.in.
NTA has extended the CUET 2026 registration deadline to February 26, 2026 (11:50 PM). The application fee must be paid by February 27, 2026.
Key changes include: total subject options reduced from 63 to 37; subjects like Entrepreneurship, Legal Studies, and Teaching Aptitude have been discontinued; uniform 60-minute duration and 50 compulsory questions for all papers confirmed.
Yes. NCERT Class 12 textbooks are the primary and most reliable resource for all CUET domain subjects. For the GAT section, supplement the NCERT with a current affairs source and basic reasoning/quant practice books.
A student can appear for a maximum of 5 subjects. The selection must include at least one language. Choosing 3, 4, or 5 subjects is permissible based on university and course requirements.
Each correct answer carries +5 marks. Each incorrect answer results in a deduction of 1 mark (-1). Unattempted questions carry 0 marks. Maximum marks per paper: 250 (50 questions x 5 marks).
NTA will release a City Intimation Slip in the first week of May 2026, followed by the CUET 2026 admit card approximately 3-4 days before the exam start date. Both will be available on cuet.nta.nic.in.
Based on NTA's past schedule, the CUET 2026 result is expected in the last week of July 2026. It will be available on cuet.nta.nic.in as a downloadable scorecard.
There is no centralised CUET counselling. Each university conducts its own independent admission process. After the result, students must separately register on each university's admission portal (e.g., DU CSAS portal, JNU admission portal) to participate in their counselling rounds.
No. CUET scores are valid only for the academic year of the exam. CUET 2026 scores are valid only for 2026-27 admissions and cannot be used for 2027-28.
Since CUET 2026 is conducted in multiple shifts over multiple days, NTA applies a percentile-based normalisation formula to standardise scores across shifts and ensure fairness to all candidates.
Yes. Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) and Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) cardholders are eligible to apply. They must register and pay the applicable fee for centres outside India.