CUET UG 2026: Registration, Exam Pattern, Syllabus, Admit Card

As you gear up for the next phase of your academic journey, CUET UG 2026 emerges
as an important examination. CUET, which stands for Common University Entrance
Test, is gradually becoming the standardised gateway to enter in the most
superior institutions across India for
undergraduate programmes. If you
are an aspirant gearing yourself for CUET UG 2026, here is everything you need
to know about it.

What is CUET UG 2026? A Quick Overview

CUET is a nationwide entrance examination to ease the application process for
undergraduate programmes. This exam, conducted by the National Testing Agency
(NTA), opens doors to different courses from central, state, and other
participating universities. The examination has an extensive structure that
tests candidates like you on core subjects, general aptitude, and language
proficiency, making the selection process merit-based and transparent.

Key Highlights of CUET UG 2026

• Nationwide Entrance: CUET UG 2026 simplifies undergraduate
  admissions for central, state, and participating universities across India.
• Standardised Selection: The exam also ensures standardised
  tests for students from different education boards.

• Wide Acceptance: Top universities acknowledge scores,
  allowing aspirants to have different academic scholarships.

• Comprehensive Assessment: Tests cover domain-specific
  subjects, general aptitude, and language proficiency.

• Flexible Format: Allows students to highlight strengths in
  specific subjects and aptitudes.

• Online Mode: Accessible examination format for students
  nationwide.

Why is CUET UG 2026 Important?

CUET UG acts as an equaliser for all the students across the country from varied
cities, towns or states. CUET UG is important as:

• It tests the understanding of fundamental concepts and skills of students.
• It is an effective way to enter any undergraduate programme in any
  university nation-wide with a single entrance test.
• It is a leveling ground for all students from across boards.
• It provides an equal and fair chance to candidates.

CUET UG 2026 Eligibility Criteria

Prior to starting the registration process, make sure you fulfil the following
eligibility criteria:

• Educational Qualification
  • Passed Class 12 or an equivalent examination from a recognised board.
  • Students appearing for class 12 exams in 2026 are also eligible to
    apply.

• Minimum Marks 
  • General Category - 50% aggregate score in Class 12
  • SC/ST Category - 45% aggregate score in Class 12

• Age Limit 
  • There is no age limit set for CUET 2026. Candidates just need to comply
    with the age requirement (if any) given by the desired universities
    where they want to enroll.

• Nationality 
  • Indian nationals are eligible
  • Foreign nationals, NRIs, OCIs, and PIOs can also apply

• Subject Requirements 
  • Subject-wise requirements in Class 12 can differ according to the
    desired undergraduate programme. It is recommended to verify the
    particular requirements of each programme and university.

Key Features of CUET UG 2026

As a nation-wide entrance exam, the CUET UG allows every student to have access
to the top universities in the country despite their geographical background.
The top features of CUET that set it apart include:

1. 1. 1. Wide Acceptance: CUET UG 2026 will be recognised by
         various universities, including all central and private ones, thus
         giving you a wider range of options.
      2. Diverse Subjects: The test allows you to choose a
         combination of subjects based on your field of interest and career
         perspectives.
      3. Flexibility: The modular examination enables you to
         show your strength in specific domains, while your general aptitude
         is shown.
      4. Online Mode: CUET UG 2026 will be organised via
         online mode and efficiently within reach from anywhere by every
         student from all over the country.

CUET 2026 Exam Dates

Staying informed about the CUET 2026 exam dates is crucial for proper
planning and preparation. The National Testing Agency (NTA), which is
responsible for conducting the CUET, usually announces the schedule well in
advance. Here’s an outline of what to expect:

For more information like the list of participating universities you can
visit the CUET UG 2026 official website. (https://cuet.nta.nic.in/).

CUET UG 2026 Exam Structure/Pattern 

The CUET exam structure or pattern contains three sections of Language, Domain
Subject and General Aptitude Test. Understanding the pattern helps the students
to effectively prepare for the exam. Learn about the three sections of the exam
in detail.

CUET UG 2026 Marking Scheme 

The marking scheme for CUET UG 2026 is as followed: 

• +5 Marks for every correct answer
• -1 Mark for any incorrect option
• No marks for unanswered or answers marked for review.
• In case a question is found to be wrong or a question is dropped, then all
  candidates who attempted the dropped question get +5 marks.
• If all options of a question are found to be correct, then all the
  candidates who attempted the question get +5 marks.
• If more than one option is found to be correct, then all the candidates who
  attempted the question get +5 marks.

Changes in CUET UG 2026 – Latest Updates

Here is a comprehensive look at the latest changes made in the CUET UG 2026
examination, introduced by the University Grants Commission (UGC):

• Exam Language - The exam can be written in
  13 languages including English, Hindi, Assamese, Bengali, Gujarati, Kannada,
  Malayalam, Marathi, Odia, Punjabi, Tamil, Telugu and Urdu languages.

• No subject restrictions - Students now have the choice to
  opt for any subject for CUET UG, irrespective of their Class 12 stream.

• Online mode only - The exam will be conducted online
  exclusively in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode.

• Subject Reduced - Students can now choose only 5 subjects,
  which were earlier 6. 

• Fewer Subjects - The total number of subjects has been
  reduced from 63 to 37 which includes 23 domain-specific subjects, with
  Entrepreneurship, Teaching Aptitude, and Legal Studies removed.

• Standardised exam duration - A fixed duration of 60 minutes
  for each subject now.

• General Aptitude Test for discontinued subjects - Admissions for subjects that have been removed will be based on General
  Aptitude Test scores.
• No optional questions - There will be no optional questions
  now, to offer a uniform question pattern.

  CUET 2026 Syllabus

  The CUET 2026 syllabus will evaluate the candidate's knowledge, aptitude,
  and skills in a variety of areas. It is structured to suit students from
  diverse educational boards and backgrounds, making it an inclusive and
  standardised examination. Here’s a breakdown of the key components:

  Section I: Language Proficiency

  This section tests candidates on their reading comprehension and linguistic
  skills, including:

  • Reading Comprehension: Factual, literary, and narrative
    passages.
  • Language Skills: Verbal ability, rearranging parts of
    sentences, choosing the correct word, synonyms, antonyms, and
    vocabulary.

  Languages Offered: The exam includes 13 compulsory
  languages:

  • Malayalam
  • Marathi
  • Urdu
  • Gujarati
  • Odia
  • Assamese
  • Tamil
  • Telugu
  • Kannada
  • Punjabi
  • Bengali
  • English
  • Hindi

  Section II: Domain-Specific Subjects

  This section allows candidates to choose from 23 domain-specific subjects,
  and admission to these areas will rely on the General Aptitude Test.

  Subjects Offered:

  • Accountancy
  • Mathematics
  • Agriculture
  • Environmental Studies
  • Performing Arts
  • Anthropology
  • Fine Arts/Visual Arts
  • Physical Education/NCC/Yoga
  • Biology/Biotechnology/Biochemistry
  • Geography/Geology
  • Physics
  • Business Studies
  • History
  • Political Science
  • Chemistry
  • Home Science
  • Psychology
  • Computer Science/Informatics Practices
  • Knowledge Tradition and Practices of India
  • Sanskrit
  • Economics/Business Economics
  • Sociology
  • Mass Media/Mass Communication

  Section III: General Aptitude Test

  The General Aptitude Test evaluates candidates on a variety of skills:

  • General Knowledge
  • General Mental Ability
  • Numerical Ability
  • Current Affairs
  • Quantitative Reasoning (Basic concepts of Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry,
    and Mensuration)
  • Logical and Analytical Reasoning

  Understanding the syllabus thoroughly helps prioritise your preparation and
  focus on improvement areas for CUET 2026. Regular practice in line with the
  syllabus will make the way smoother for success.

  Documents Required for CUET UG 2026 Registration

  Having the required documents ready will make the application process
  smoother. Ensure you have:

  • A valid email ID and mobile number
  • A scanned passport-sized photograph (recent, colored, and meeting the
    specified dimensions)
  • A scanned signature (clear and within the required size)
  • Class 10 and 12 mark sheets (or equivalent certificates)
  • A photo identity proof (such as Aadhaar Card, Passport, or Voter ID)
  • A caste or category certificate (if applicable)
  • A PwBD certificate (if applicable)
  • Bank account details for payment (Debit/Credit card, Net banking, or
    UPI)

  CUET UG 2026 Application Fee Details (Tentative)

  The application fee for CUET 2026 depends on the candidate's category and
  the number of subjects selected. Below is a general overview:

  Category	Up to 3 Subjects	Additional Subjects (per subject)
  General	₹1,000	₹400
  OBC-NCL/EWS	₹900	₹375
  SC/ST/PwBD/Third Gender	₹800	₹350
  Centers Outside India	₹4500	₹1800

CUET UG 2026 Admit Card & Exam Day Guide

The admit card for CUET UG 2026 will be available on the official website in May
2026. The appearing students need to carry these essential documents to the exam
center on the day of the examination:

• Printed Admit Card
• Valid ID Proof (Aadhar/PAN/Passport)
• Same Photograph as Uploaded

Prohibited Items:

• Smartwatches, Mobile Phones, Calculators, Study Material

CUET UG 2026 Counseling Process

CUET UG 2026 counseling process begins after the declaration of result.
Candidates need to stay updated with the CUET 2026 counselling registration
dates of accepting universities. Each participating university conducts a
separate counselling process for which you need to visit the university’s
official website and register to participate in the CUET counselling process.
Essential documents needed during counselling process:

• CUET admit card
• Class 10 Mark sheets
• Class 12 Mark sheets
• CUET 2026 Scorecard
• Category certificate (if applicable)
• Passport-size photographs
• Medical certificate (for PwD category)

How to Download Your CUET UG 2026 Result?

The NTA typically announces the result a month after the completion of CUET UG
2026 exam. The result is released in PDF form, and can be easily downloaded by
using registration ID and date of birth. Simple steps to download your
scorecard:

1. Visit the official website
2. Click on ‘login to view scorecard'
3. Enter registration ID and DOB
4. Click on ‘Login’
5. Download result PDF and take a PDF if required

1. Step-by-Step Registration Process for CUET UG 2026

   a. Online Registration

   • Visit the Official Website: Go to the official CUET UG
     portal:
     https://exams.nta.ac.in/CUET-UG/
   • Access the Registration Link: Click on the ‘Register’
     or ‘Apply Online’ link on the homepage.
   • Read Instructions: Carefully go through the guidelines,
     instructions, and eligibility criteria before proceeding.
   • Click on ‘New Registration’: Start the registration
     process by selecting the ‘New Registration’ option.

   b. Filling the Application Form

   • Personal Details: Enter your name, date of birth,
     gender, nationality, and other required details.
   • Contact Information: Provide a valid email ID and
     mobile number, ensuring they remain active for important updates.
   • Educational Qualifications: Enter details about your
     Class 10 and 12 exams, including board name, roll number, year of
     passing, and marks obtained.
   • Select Programmes and Universities: Choose the
     undergraduate programmes and universities you wish to apply to. Multiple
     programmes and institutions can be selected.
   • Test Paper/Subject Selection: Pick the relevant test
     papers or subjects based on your chosen programmes.
   • Exam City: Select your preferred exam city.

   c. Uploading Documents

   • Photograph: Upload a recent passport-sized color
     photograph that meets the specified dimensions and file size.
   • Signature: Upload a clear scanned image of your
     signature, following the required format and size.
   • Other Documents: If applicable, upload category
     certificates, PwBD certificates, or other required documents.

   d. Payment of Application Fee

   • Review Application: Check all entered details carefully
     before proceeding to payment.
   • Choose Payment Method: Select a preferred mode of
     payment—Debit/Credit Card, Net Banking, or UPI.
   • Pay the Fee: Complete the payment as per the given
     instructions. The fee varies based on the number of subjects selected
     and the candidate's category.

   e. Confirmation and Submission

   • Review Final Application: After successful payment,
     review the entire application form to ensure accuracy.
   • Submit Application: Click the ‘Submit’ button to
     finalise your registration.

   Print Confirmation Page: Download and print the
   confirmation page for future reference.

   Top 5 Tips to Prepare for CUET UG 2026

   Success in the CUET UG 2026 requires proper planning for the best execution
   and time discipline. Here are a few key steps to take to prepare for the
   same:

   1. Get familiar with the syllabus and exam patterns

   The first step to performing well in CUET UG 2026 is to know the syllabus
   and structure of it. The sections normally cover:

   • Domain Specific Subjects
   • General Aptitude
   • Language Proficiency: Generally, this can be English
     and one more regional language

   The weightage for the above sections must be understood, and tailored
   preparation must be made accordingly.

   2. Create a timetable

   The study plan needs significant time; this plan should also state which
   strengths and weaknesses must be worked out when each subject is studied.
   Revising and practising are the regimes for retaining the concepts in your
   mind.

   3. Work on Mock Tests

   Mock tests and the previous year's questions are the best resources for
   preparation for CUET UG 2026. Even though it makes you well-versed in the
   exam pattern, it prefers time spent and areas that need improvement.

   4. Strengthen Fundamentals

   Core subjects must be clear. Do not memorise, but understand the
   specifications. This is pertinent in CUET and serves as a foundation in the
   following undergraduate studies.

   5. Develop Language Proficiency

   Work on vocabulary, grammar, and comprehension. Reading newspapers, novels,
   and academic articles will help you build these language skills.

Recommended Books for CUET UG 2026 Preparation

Students can refer to the list of best CUET 2026 books given below prepare for
the CUET UG exams:

1. BMU: A Premier Choice for Higher Education

   BML Munjal University
   stands out among the institutions accepting CUET UG 2026. The university is
   known for its innovative pedagogy and offers industry-oriented programmes in
   various disciplines like engineering, management, commerce, law, and liberal
   studies. Here are some compelling reasons to consider BMU for your
   undergraduate education:

   1. Industry-Driven Curriculum

   BMU's programmes are meticulously designed in collaboration with industry
   experts to ensure that they are in tune with the demands of the job market
   today.

   2. Global Collaborations

   Through partnerships with renowned institutions like Imperial College London
   and the University of Warwick, BMU offers you international exposure.

   3. Experiential Learning

   The university offers 45% experiential learning to empower you to become a
   new-age innovator.

   4. Strong Industry Connect

   The university's ties with leading corporations like Genpact, Zomato, and
   JLL provide you with internships, live projects, and placement
   opportunities.

   5. State-of-the-Art Infrastructure

   The university is spread across 50 acres of campus with modern
   infrastructures for a cutting-edge learning experience.

   In a Nutshell

   CUET UG 2026 preparation is one of the major steps toward achieving all your
   academic and career goals. Knowing how the exam is structured, having a
   broad study plan, and selecting the right university can unlock every
   potential opportunity. Remember that consistent effort and strategic
   preparation are your best friends in this journey. So, start early, stay
   focused, and take the first step toward a successful future with CUET UG
   2026!