CUET UG 2026 exam dates have been officially released by the National Testing Agency (NTA), scheduled from May 11 to May 31, 2026, in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode. This national-level entrance test enables admissions to undergraduate programs across over 250 central, state, deemed, and private universities in India.
Complete Exam Schedule
| Event | Date(s) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Application Process | Jan 3 – Feb 4, 2026 | Closed; check cuet.nta.nic.in |
| Correction Window | Feb 9 – 11, 2026 | Recently closed |
| Admit Card Release | First week of May 2026 | Download from the official portal |
| Exam Dates | May 11 – 31, 2026 | Multiple shifts, hybrid CBT |
| Answer Key & Responses | Late May/June 2026 (tentative) | Objections invited |
| Result Declaration | July 2026 (tentative) | Scorecards for counseling |
Registration is complete, but monitor cuet.nta.nic.in for city intimation slips (April 2026) and admit cards. The exam covers 13 languages, domain subjects, and general tests; eligibility requires a Class 12 pass/passing.
CUET UG 2026 eligibility criteria
CUET UG 2026 eligibility requires candidates to have passed or be appearing in Class 12 from a recognized board, with no upper age limit imposed by NTA. Specific minimum marks and subjects vary by university/course, but generally 50% aggregate for the General category (45% for SC/ST/OBC) in Class 12.
Academic Qualifications
| Category | Minimum Marks (General UG) | Minimum Marks (B.Tech/Technical) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| General | 50% aggregate | 45% aggregate | Physics/Math mandatory for tech |
| SC/ST/OBC-NCL | 45% aggregate | 40% aggregate | Relaxations apply |
| Appearing Students | Eligible (submit proof later) | Same as above | Declaration required |
Indian citizens, NRIs, OCIs, or specified foreign nationals (Nepal, Bhutan, Tibetans pre-1962, etc.).
Universities set course-specific rules (e.g., BHU: 50% min + age limits; Delhi Univ: subject mapping).
Check individual university websites via cuet.nta.nic.in for exact program eligibility before counseling.
CUET UG 2026 application process steps
CUET UG 2026 registration closed on February 4, 2026, but future applicants can follow this standard NTA process via cuet.nta.nic.in.
Application Steps
Visit cuet.nta.nic.in and click “New Registration”; read instructions and confirm.
Fill personal details (name, DOB, email, mobile), academic info (Class 10/12 marks), and choose exam subjects/universities.
Upload scanned photo (10-200 KB), signature (4-30 KB), and category/PwD certificates if applicable.
Select exam center preferences and review the form preview.
Pay fees online (₹1000-₹2000 based on subjects/categories via card/UPI/net banking).
Submit, download the confirmation page, and save the application number.
Required Documents
Prepare Class 10/12 marksheets, Aadhaar/other ID, and payment details beforehand. A correction window (Feb 9-11) allowed edits post-submission.
CUET UG 2026 subject selection rules
CUET UG 2026 allows candidates to select up to 5 subjects total from languages, domain subjects (23 available), and the General Test, regardless of Class 12 stream. Subject choices must align with the target university/course eligibility to qualify for admissions; wrong selections can disqualify high scorers.
Selection Rules
| Rule | Details |
|---|---|
| Maximum Subjects | 5 total (reduced from 6 in prior years) |
| Domain Subjects Limit | Up to 5 from 23 options (e.g., Physics, Economics, History) |
| Language Test | 1 from 13 options (English/Hindi preferred) |
| General Test | Optional; only if required by course/univ. |
| Class 12 Alignment | Preferred but not mandatory; check univ. rules |
Choose based on desired UG programs (e.g., B.Com: Accountancy + Economics; B.Sc: Physics + Chemistry). Verify university criteria on cuet.nta.nic.in before the correction window ends; focus on 3-4 strong subjects over quantity.
CUET UG 2026 important dates and deadlines
CUET UG 2026 key events follow the NTA timeline, with registration now closed and exams upcoming in late May.
Important Dates
| Event | Date/Status | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Registration Start | Jan 3, 2026 | Closed |
| Registration End | Feb 4, 2026 (extended) | Final deadline passed |
| Fee Payment Last Date | Feb 4, 2026 | Online payment required |
| Correction Window | Feb 9-11, 2026 | Recently closed |
| Exam City Intimation | Early May 2026 (TBA) | Advance notice slip |
| Admit Card Release | First week of May 2026 (TBA) | City/subject-wise |
| Exam Dates | May 11-31, 2026 | CBT mode, multiple shifts |
| Provisional Answer Key | Late May 2026 (TBA) | Objections invited |
| Final Result | July 2026 (tentative) | Scorecards for counseling |
How to download the CUET UG 2026 admit card?
CUET UG 2026 admit cards will be available for download from the first week of May 2026 on cuet.nta.nic.in, using your application number and password/DOB.
Download Steps
Visit cuet.nta.nic.in and click the “Download Admit Card” link on the homepage.
Enter your Application Number, Date of Birth (or password), and security pin/captcha.
Click “Submit” to view your hall ticket PDF.
Verify details (name, photo, exam center, subjects, dates), then download and print multiple color copies on A4 paper.
Key Instructions
No offline issuance; download online only. Carry printed admit card + valid photo ID (Aadhaar/PAN) to the exam center—no entry without both. Check for errors immediately and contact the NTA helpline if issues arise.
Details required at the CUET UG 2026 exam center
Candidates must carry specific documents to enter the CUET UG 2026 exam centers, as entry is strictly verified by NTA invigilators.
Required Documents
| Document | Details/Notes |
|---|---|
| Printed Admit Card | Color copy on A4 paper; mandatory—no digital OK |
| Government Photo ID | Aadhaar, Voter ID, PAN, Passport, or Driving License (name must match admit card) |
| Passport-size Photo | 2 recent identical photos (same as uploaded) |
| PwD Certificate (if applicable) | Original with the undertaking form |
Arrive 60 minutes early; no bags, mobiles, calculators, or study materials allowed—biometric verification (photo/fingerprint) and frisking are mandatory. Follow dress code: light clothing, no metallic items.
CUET UG 2026 exam centers enforce strict NTA rules prohibiting items that could aid unfair means or disrupt security checks.
Prohibited Items
| Category | Examples | Reason/Consequence |
|---|---|---|
| Electronic Devices | Mobile phones, smartwatches, earphones, tablets, calculators | Confiscation, entry denial |
| Study Materials | Books, notes, papers, log tables, geometry boxes | Disqualification for cheating |
| Accessories/Jewelry | Rings, chains, belts, hair clips, metallic items | Frisking delays or rejection |
| Bags & Personal Items | Handbags, wallets, goggles, caps | No storage; leave at home |
| Food & Drinks | Packed/open food, colored water bottles | Only transparent water allowed |
| Stationery (Unauthorized) | Pencils, erasers, scales, non-transparent pens | Provided or transparent only |
CUET UG 2026 follows NTA’s strict dress code to facilitate frisking and security, requiring light-colored, simple clothing for both genders.
Guidelines for Males
Wear half-sleeved T-shirts/shirts with trousers/jeans in light colors.
Footwear: Slippers/sandals (low heels); no shoes, boots, or sneakers.
Avoid full sleeves, hoodies, jackets, belts, metallic items, or accessories.
Guidelines for Females
Wear half-sleeved kurtis/tops with leggings/trousers in light colors.
Footwear: Slippers/sandals only; no closed shoes.
Avoid scarves, headbands, hair clips, jewelry, cosmetics, henna, or layered clothing.
Cultural/religious attire requires arriving 1 hour early for extra checks. Non-compliance risks entry denial.
CUET UG 2026 shift timings and reporting time
CUET UG 2026 exams, scheduled from May 11-31, follow multiple daily shifts in CBT mode with fixed reporting times for frisking and biometrics.
Shift Timings
| Shift | Reporting Time | Last Entry (Gate Closing) | Exam Start – End (per subject) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shift 1 (Morning) | 7:30-8:00 AM | 8:30 AM | 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM |
| Shift 2 (Afternoon) | 12:30-1:00 PM | 1:30 PM | 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM |
Arrive 2 hours early as per the admit card; late entry strictly prohibited. Each subject gets 60 minutes; multiple subjects may extend the shift duration. Check the city intimation slip (early May) and admit card for your exact slot/subject-wise schedule.
CUET UG 2026 operations are managed through dedicated NTA portals for registration, downloads, and updates.
Official Websites
| Purpose | Website URL | Usage Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Main Portal | cuet.nta.nic.in | Admit cards, city slips, results |
| Parent NTA Site | nta.ac.in/cuetexam | Information bulletin, syllabus |
| Candidate Login Portal | examinationservices. nic.in/ExamSysCUETUG26 | Form correction, application status |
| NTA Main Site | nta.ac.in | General queries, helplines |
CUET UG 2026 FAQs
Here are frequently asked questions based on NTA guidelines and exam processes.
Application & Registration
Q: When was the CUET UG 2026 registration period?
A: Applications opened January 3 and closed February 4, 2026, with a correction window February 9-11.
Q: Can I apply after the deadline?
A: No extensions beyond February 4; monitor cuet.nta.nic.in for any announcements.
Eligibility & Subjects
Q: What is the minimum qualification?
A: Class 12 passed or appearing; 50% aggregate for General (45% reserved categories).
Q: How many subjects can I select?
A: Maximum 5 total (languages + domain subjects + General Test if needed).
Admit Card & Exam Day
Q: When will admit cards be released?
A: First week of May 2026; download using application number/DOB from cuet.nta.nic.in.
Q: What to carry to the exam center?
A: Printed admit card, government photo ID (Aadhaar preferred), 2 passport photos.
Q: What are the shift timings?
A: Morning shift: Report 7:30-8:00 AM, exam 9 AM-12 PM; Afternoon: Report 12:30-1 PM, exam 3-6 PM.
Results & Counseling
Q: When will the results be declared?
A: Tentatively July 2026; used for university-specific counseling.
Q: Official websites for updates?
A: cuet.nta.nic.in (main), nta.ac.in/cuetexam (bulletin).