Source: Official website Document: Click

Introduction

CUET (UG) 2026 (Common University Entrance Test) is a national-level entrance test conducted for admission into undergraduate programmes of all Central Universities and participating institutions for the academic year 2026-27. It provides a single-window opportunity to students across the country, especially from rural and remote areas, for equal access to higher education.

About National Testing Agency (NTA)

The National Testing Agency (NTA) was established by the Ministry of Education, Government of India, as an independent, autonomous, and self-sustained premier testing organisation. Its mission is to ensure transparent, efficient, and international-standard assessments for higher education admissions. NTA promotes teaching, learning, and assessment with constant engagement with students, parents, teachers, and institutions.

About Central Universities

Central Universities (Union Universities) are established by an Act of Parliament and fall under the Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education, Government of India. They offer diverse UG, PG, and doctoral programmes and follow reservation policies as per Government norms. Admissions are based on CUET scores.

About CUET (UG)

CUET (UG) Exam will serve as the admission gateway for all undergraduate programmes across Central and other participating universities in India. It provides uniform opportunities to candidates nationwide, replacing multiple entrance exams with a single exam.

Role of NTA

NTA handles:

• Registration of candidates
  
  

• Conducting the test
  
  

• Hosting answer keys
  
  

• Handling challenges
  
  

• Finalising answer keys
  
  

• Declaring results
  
  

• Issuing scorecards
  
  

Individual universities will handle counselling and admission based on CUET (UG) scorecards.

Examination Scheme

Mode of Examination

The exam will be conducted in Computer Based Test (CBT) mode only.

Medium of Examination

The examination will be conducted in 13 languages:
English, Hindi, Assamese, Bengali, Gujarati, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, Odia, Punjabi, Tamil, Telugu, and Urdu.

Scheme of Examination

• Total subjects: 37 (13 languages, 23 domain-specific subjects, 1 General Aptitude Test).
  
  

• Candidates may choose up to 5 subjects (including languages and General Aptitude Test).
  
  

• 50 MCQs per test paper; all questions compulsory.
  
  

• Each test duration: 60 minutes.
  
  

• Negative marking: -1 for wrong answers; +5 for correct answers.
  
  

Pattern of Question Paper

Objective type Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) only.

Tests / Subjects covered under CUET (UG) - 2025

The subjects offered include 13 languages, 23 domain-specific subjects, and 1 General Aptitude Test. The full list is provided in Appendix II of the Information Bulletin.

Duration of Test

Each subject paper will be for 60 minutes. PwBD candidates will get compensatory time of 20 minutes per hour.

Eligibility

Eligibility

• No age limit.
  
  

• Class 12 or equivalent pass (or appearing in 2026).
  
  

• Must satisfy specific university eligibility criteria.
  
  

List of Qualifying Exam

• Class 12 exams of recognised Boards.
  
  

• Pre-University exams.
  
  

• Joint Services Wing (NDA) exams.
  
  

• NIOS Senior Secondary exams.
  
  

• AIU recognised foreign exams.
  
  

• AICTE approved diplomas (minimum 3 years).
  
  

• GCE Advanced Level exams.
  
  

• International Baccalaureate Diplomas.
  
  

Year of Appearance in Qualifying Examination

Candidates must verify eligibility with respective universities as conditions may vary.

Reservation

Reservations

Reservation policies as per Government norms for OBC-NCL, EWS, SC, ST, and PwD candidates apply.

Provisions relating to persons with disability

PwBD candidates with benchmark disabilities of 40% or more are eligible for scribe and other exam assistance based on prescribed guidelines.

Scribe and Compensatory Time

• Eligible candidates may use their own scribe or request one from NTA.
  
  

• Compensatory time: 20 minutes per hour of exam duration.
  
  

Choice Of Cities

Candidates can select up to 4 preferred exam cities. However, NTA reserves the right to allot centres based on administrative and logistical feasibility.

Admit Card

The admit card will be available for download from the NTA CUET website. No admit card will be sent by post. The candidate must carry a printed admit card and a valid photo ID to the exam centre.

Schedule Of Examination

• Exam dates: 08 May to 01 June 2026 (tentative).
  
  

• Multiple shifts depending on subject combinations.

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