Essential Information on CUET UG 2026: Application Process, Eligibility, and More
Overview of CUET UG 2026
CUET UG 2026: The journey towards achieving academic aspirations begins after completing 12th grade. To enhance their career prospects, students often enroll in various undergraduate programs. Admission to engineering courses (B.Tech) necessitates passing the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) Main, while medical courses require the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) UG. For university admissions post-12th grade in India, the Central University Entrance Test (CUET) Undergraduate (UG) is essential. This single examination facilitates admission to undergraduate courses in over 45 universities nationwide, including B.Tech programs. Thus, a single CUET UG exam can open doors to numerous universities across the country.
Eligibility Criteria for CUET UG
Who is eligible to apply for CUET UG?
Students who have completed or are currently enrolled in their 12th board examinations can apply for CUET UG. There are no specific age restrictions for taking the CUET UG exam, although universities may have their own age-related policies during the admission process.
Application Timeline for CUET UG 2026
When does the application process for CUET UG 2026 commence?
The National Testing Agency (NTA) oversees the CUET UG, which is held annually in May. The NTA has announced that CUET UG 2026 will take place in May 2026, although the exact schedule is yet to be released. The application window for CUET UG 2026 is expected to open in February-March, providing students with over a month to submit their applications. Only those who apply will be eligible to take the CUET UG exam.
CUET UG 2026 Syllabus and Subject Combinations
CUET UG 2026 Syllabus
The syllabus for CUET UG, administered by NTA, is aligned with NCERT guidelines and is updated annually.
Subject Combinations for CUET UG
CUET UG encompasses a total of 37 subjects. Students can choose to appear for 5 subjects from this list, which are categorized into three sections: 3 core subjects, one or two languages, and a general test. Admission to universities based on CUET UG scores is contingent upon the subject combinations selected. For instance, students can pursue graduation in the subjects they chose for the CUET UG.
Exam Pattern and Marking Scheme
CUET UG Exam Structure
The CUET UG is conducted subject-wise, spread over multiple days and shifts. The exam is scored out of 200 marks, with 50 questions presented, of which candidates must attempt 40. Each main subject is allotted a 60-minute duration for the exam. The format consists of multiple-choice questions, where candidates earn five marks (+5) for each correct answer and lose one mark (-1) for incorrect responses. No marks are awarded for unanswered questions.
If any answer options are incorrect or if the question itself is flawed, candidates receive five marks (+5). In addition to the main subjects, a language test and a general test are also part of CUET UG.
Participating Universities for CUET UG
List of Universities Accepting CUET UG Scores
Below is a list of universities that accept CUET UG scores for admission:
| Serial Number | University Names |
|---|---|
| 1 | Aligarh Muslim University |
| 2 | Assam University |
| 3 | Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University |
| 4 | Banaras Hindu University |
| 5 | Central University of Andhra Pradesh |
| 6 | Central University of South Bihar |
| 7 | Central University of Gujarat |
| 8 | Central University of Haryana |
| 9 | Central University of Himachal Pradesh |
| 10 | Central University of Jammu |
| 11 | Central University of Jharkhand |
| 12 | Central University of Karnataka |
| 13 | Central University of Kashmir |
| 14 | Central University of Kerala |
| 15 | Central University of Odisha |
| 16 | Central University of Punjab |
| 17 | Central University of Rajasthan |
| 18 | Central University of Tamil Nadu |
| 19 | Dr. Harisingh Gour Vishwavidyalaya |
| 20 | Guru Ghasidas University |
| 21 | Hemwati Nandan Bahuguna Garhwal University |
| 22 | Indira Gandhi National Tribal University |
| 23 | Jamia Millia Islamia |
| 24 | Jawaharlal Nehru University |
| 25 | Mahatma Gandhi Antarrashtriya Hindi Vishwavidyalaya |
| 26 | Manipur University |
| 27 | Maulana Azad National Urdu University |
| 28 | Mizoram University |
| 29 | Nagaland University |
| 30 | North Eastern Hill University |
| 31 | Pondicherry University |
| 32 | Rajiv Gandhi University |
| 33 | Sikkim University |
| 34 | Tezpur University |
| 35 | The English and Foreign Languages University |
| 36 | Tripura University |
| 37 | University of Allahabad |
| 38 | University of Delhi |
| 39 | University of Hyderabad |
| 40 | Visva-Bharati University |
| 41 | Mahatma Gandhi Central University |
| 42 | Central Sanskrit University, Delhi |
| 43 | Shri Lal Bahadur Shastri National Sanskrit University |
| 44 | National Sanskrit University |
| 45 | Central Tribal University, Andhra Pradesh |
| 46 | Summakka Sarakka Central Tribal University |
Admission Process through CUET UG
Changes in Admission Criteria
The introduction of CUET UG has significantly altered the admission landscape for undergraduate courses. Now, admissions are determined by CUET UG scores rather than Class 12th marks. Previously, many institutions, including Delhi University, based their admissions on Class 12th results or conducted their own entrance exams. Currently, all universities listed accept admissions based on CUET UG scores.
However, passing the CUET UG does not guarantee admission; students must also fulfill the specific eligibility criteria set by the universities for their chosen programs.