The National Testing Agency (NTA) has officially released the CUET (UG) 2026 Notification on 3rd January 2026. The Common University Entrance Test (CUET) is being conducted for admission into Undergraduate Programmes across all Central Universities and other participating State, Deemed, and Private Universities for the academic session 2026-27. Interested and eligible candidates can submit their applications online from January 3 to January 30, 2026, through the official NTA website.
This single-window opportunity streamlines the admission process for students seeking entry into various higher education institutions across India and abroad.
CUET UG 2026 Notification
The CUET (UG) 2026 Information Bulletin is provided below for candidates’ reference. This document contains comprehensive details regarding the examination scheme, eligibility criteria, application process, and important dates. Aspirants are advised to read the bulletin thoroughly to ensure they meet all requirements and understand the procedures for registration, fee payment, and the computer-based test.
Download CUET (UG) 2026 Information Bulletin PDF
CUET UG 2026: Overview
The CUET (UG) 2026 offers a standardized platform for students to apply for multiple universities through a single entrance exam. Below is a detailed overview of the key highlights of the examination.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | National Testing Agency (NTA) |
| Exam Name | Common University Entrance Test [CUET (UG)] – 2026 |
| Participating Institutions | Central, State, Deemed, and Private Universities |
| Registration Dates | 03rd to 30th January 2026 (up to 11:50 PM) |
| Mode of Application | Online Only |
| Mode of Examination | Computer Based Test (CBT) |
| Total Subjects | 37 (13 Languages, 23 Domain Subjects, 1 General Test) |
| Maximum Subjects to Opt | Up to 05 subjects |
| Negative Marking | Yes (-1 for incorrect answers) |
| Official Website | https://cuet.nta.nic.in |
| Exam Date (Tentative) | 11th to 31st May 2026 |
| Fee Payment Last Date | 31st January 2026 (up to 11:50 PM) |
Also Read: CUET PG 2026 Registration Window Active | Check Important Dates, Eligibility & Exam Pattern
CUET UG 2026 Participating Central Universities
The CUET (UG) 2026 is mandatory for admission to Undergraduate programmes in all Central Universities. Below is a partial list of the prominent Central Universities participating in the process:
| S. No. | Name of Central University |
|---|---|
| 1 | University of Delhi |
| 2 | University of Allahabad |
| 3 | University of Hyderabad |
| 4 | Visva-Bharati University |
| 5 | Tripura University |
| 6 | Pondicherry University |
| 7 | Mizoram University |
| 8 | Tezpur University |
Note: The complete list of 48+ Central Universities and other participating institutions is available in the Information Bulletin.
CUET UG 2026 Apply Online
The application process for CUET (UG) 2026 is conducted entirely online. Candidates must ensure they have a valid email ID and mobile number, as all communications will be sent to these registered details. The application is considered complete only after the successful payment of the prescribed fee and the generation of the Confirmation Page.
Direct Link to Apply for CUET (UG) 2026
How to Apply for CUET UG 2026?
Candidates must follow these steps to complete their online registration and application:
| Step | Procedure |
|---|---|
| 1 | Visit the official website https://cuet.nta.nic.in and read the Information Bulletin carefully. |
| 2 | Step 1: Registration – Register with basic details to generate a system-generated Application Number and create a password. |
| 3 | Step 2: Application Form – Log in with the Application Number and Password to fill in personal, educational, and university/programme choices. |
| 4 | Select Test Papers – Choose up to 05 subjects (Languages/Domain Subjects/General Test) as per university eligibility. |
| 5 | Upload Documents – Upload scanned photograph (10-200 kb), signature (10-50 kb), and PwD certificate if applicable. |
| 6 | Step 3: Fee Payment – Pay the examination fee online via Net Banking, Credit Card, Debit Card, or UPI. |
| 7 | Download Confirmation – Print and save the Confirmation Page for future reference. |
CUET UG 2026 Application Fee
The fee for CUET (UG) 2026 is determined by the number of subjects selected and the candidate’s category.
| Category | Fee for up to 03 Subjects | Fee for each Additional Subject |
|---|---|---|
| General (UR) | ₹ 1000/- | ₹ 400/- |
| OBC-NCL / EWS | ₹ 900/- | ₹ 375/- |
| SC / ST / PwBD / Third Gender | ₹ 800/- | ₹ 350/- |
| Centres Outside India | ₹ 4500/- | ₹ 1800/- |
CUET UG 2026 Eligibility Criteria
Candidates must satisfy the following criteria to appear for the exam:
- Educational Qualification: Candidates must have passed the Class 12th/equivalent examination or be appearing for it in 2026. There is no upper age limit.
- University Specifics: Candidates must also meet any specific age or percentage criteria stipulated by the individual university they are applying to.
- Nationality: The exam is open to Indian nationals as well as NRI/OCI/Foreign nationals.
CUET UG 2026 Exam Pattern
The examination follows a Multiple Choice Question (MCQ) format conducted in Computer Based Test (CBT) mode.
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Question Type | Objective Type MCQs |
| Number of Questions | 50 questions for each test paper (All compulsory) |
| Duration | 60 minutes for each test paper |
| Medium | 13 Languages (English, Hindi, Assamese, Bengali, Gujarati, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, Odia, Punjabi, Tamil, Telugu, and Urdu) |
| Marking Scheme | +5 for Correct Answer; -1 for Incorrect Answer; 0 for Unanswered |
Important Dates
National Testing Agency (NTA) has released the complete schedule for the undergraduate entrance examination. The key dates for the application, examination, and subsequent processes are summarized in the table below.
| Event | Date(s) |
|---|---|
| Online Application Window | 03 – 30 January 2026 (up to 11:50 PM) |
| Last Date for Fee Payment | 31 January 2026 (up to 11:50 PM) |
| Correction Window | 02 – 04 February 2026 (up to 11:50 PM) |
| City of Exam Announcement | To be announced later |
| Admit Card Download | To be announced later |
| Examination Dates | Between 11 – 31 May 2026 (Tentative) |
| Display of Answer Keys | To be announced later |
| Declaration of Result | To be announced later |
FAQs
Q1. What is the last date to apply for CUET UG 2026?
Ans: The last date to submit the online application form is 30th January 2026 (up to 11:50 PM).
Q2. How many subjects can a candidate choose?
Ans: A candidate can choose a maximum of five (05) subjects, which can include languages, domain subjects, and the General Test, as per university requirements.
Q3. Is there negative marking in CUET UG 2026?
Ans: Yes, there is a negative marking of minus one (-1) mark for every incorrect answer.
Q4. What is the mode of the CUET UG 2026 exam?
Ans: The exam will be conducted in Computer Based Test (CBT) mode.
Q5. When will the CUET UG 2026 results be declared?
Ans: The date for the declaration of results will be announced later on the official NTA website.