Common University Entrance Test: Everything You Need to Know

The Common University Entrance Test (CUET) is India’s single national exam for undergraduate admissions in 45+ central universities and 250+ state, deemed and private institutions. Conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA), CUET replaces multiple university-level tests with one computer-based exam in 13 languages. Scores valid for one academic year, used for 3-4 UG programmes per candidate.

What is the Common University Entrance Test (CUET)?

The Common University Entrance Test (CUET) is a computer-based entrance exam introduced in 2022 by the Ministry of Education to standardise undergraduate admissions across India. It tests domain knowledge, language skills and general aptitude in a three-hour window. Universities set their own CUET-based cut-offs for programmes such as B.A., B.Com., B.Sc., B.Tech. and integrated M.A./M.Sc. programmes. CUET scores are accepted by 45+ central universities including Delhi University, JNU and Banaras Hindu University, along with 250+ state, deemed and private universities.

Who should take CUET 2026?

Take CUET 2026 if you are:

• An Indian citizen who has passed Class 12 or awaiting results
• Seeking admission to UG programmes in central, state, deemed or private universities that accept CUET
• Looking for a single exam window instead of multiple university tests
• Applying to programmes like B.A. (Hons.), B.Com. (Hons.), B.Sc., B.Tech., BCA, integrated M.A./M.Sc., and some professional courses

Check each university’s list of CUET programmes before applying. Some state universities restrict CUET seats to domicile candidates only.

CUET 2026 exam pattern and syllabus

CUET 2026 will have three sections: Section IA (13 languages, 50 minutes), Section IB (20 optional languages, 45 minutes), Section II (27 domain subjects, 45 minutes each) and Section III (General Test, 60 minutes). Total exam time is 3 hours 15 minutes for most candidates. Each question carries 5 marks; one mark is deducted for each wrong answer. The domain subjects include Accountancy, Biology, Chemistry, Economics, Geography, History, Mathematics, Physics and Psychology. The General Test covers quantitative aptitude, logical reasoning, general awareness and current affairs.

CUET 2026 important dates and schedule

CUET 2026 eligibility criteria by programme

Eligibility depends on the programme and university. Most UG programmes require at least 50% marks in Class 12 for general category and 45% for OBC-NCL/SC/ST/PwD. Some programmes such as B.Tech. require Mathematics and Physics in Class 12. Integrated M.Sc. programmes may require specific subject combinations. Check the programme-specific eligibility on the university website before applying.

CUET allows a maximum of three domain subjects plus one language from Section IA and one optional language from Section IB. You can attempt up to four papers in one slot if permitted by the university. The General Test is optional unless required by the programme.

How to register for CUET 2026 online

1. Visit the official CUET website at cuet.samarth.ac.in and click “New Registration”.
2. Enter Class 12 roll number, email and mobile number to generate login credentials.
3. Fill personal, academic and programme details; upload photograph and signature (10–200 KB, JPG/JPEG format).
4. Choose exam centre city from 384 cities across India and abroad.
5. Select up to 20 universities and programmes in order of preference; pay the fee online.
6. Download and save the confirmation page; print the admit card when released.

The CUET application fee for general/OBC is ₹1,000 for up to three papers and ₹1,500 for up to six papers; for SC/ST/PwD it is ₹800 and ₹1,200 respectively.

CUET 2026 application fee and payment modes

CUET 2026 exam centres and cities

CUET 2026 will be held in 384 cities across India and 24 cities abroad. Popular Indian cities include Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Chennai, Lucknow, Jaipur and Chandigarh. International centres are in Dubai, Muscat, Manama, Doha, Kuwait City, Sharjah, Riyadh, Jeddah, Kathmandu, Singapore, Colombo, Dhaka and Bangkok. You can choose up to four cities in order of preference during registration; the final centre is allotted by NTA.

CUET 2026 admit card release and details

The CUET 2026 admit card will be released online 10–15 days before the exam. Download it from CUET admit card page using your application number and date of birth. The admit card contains your name, roll number, photograph, signature, exam centre address, reporting time and COVID/medical instructions. Carry a valid photo ID (Aadhaar, PAN, passport, driving licence) and a passport-size photograph. Electronic devices and calculators are not allowed inside the exam hall.

How CUET scores are calculated and normalised

CUET uses raw scores converted to NTA scores based on equating and normalisation across multiple shifts. The highest raw score in a shift becomes 100 NTA score; other scores are scaled accordingly. Percentile ranks are also provided. For programmes with multiple papers, universities may combine domain and language scores with weights announced in their admission bulletin.

A candidate’s final CUET score is valid for admission in the academic year 2026-27 only. If you appear in multiple shifts, your best NTA score for each paper is considered.

List of top central universities accepting CUET 2026

• University of Delhi: 68 UG programmes, 54,000 seats, cut-offs range from 95% to 65% depending on programme
• Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), Delhi: 16 integrated M.A. programmes, 1,800 seats, cut-offs around 80–85% for general category
• Banaras Hindu University (BHU), Varanasi: 70+ UG programmes, 12,000 seats, cut-offs from 90% to 60%
• Aligarh Muslim University (AMU): 40+ UG programmes, 8,000 seats, cut-offs from 85% to 55%
• University of Hyderabad: 20+ integrated M.A./M.Sc. programmes, 2,500 seats, cut-offs from 80% to 60%

You can filter programmes and colleges on the college finder using CUET as the entrance filter.

State and private universities accepting CUET 2026

Over 250 state and private universities now accept CUET, including:

• Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda (Gujarat)
• University of Kashmir (Srinagar)
• Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University (Delhi)
• Chandigarh University (Punjab)
• Manipal Academy of Higher Education (Karnataka)
• SRM Institute of Science and Technology (Tamil Nadu)

Many state universities restrict CUET seats to domicile candidates, so verify domicile rules before applying.

CUET 2026 cut-offs for top programmes

Cut-offs vary each year based on applicant numbers and seat availability. Check the university’s admission bulletin for 2026 when released.

CUET vs other entrance exams: key differences

CUET is unique because it allows candidates to apply to multiple universities with one set of scores and supports 13 mediums of instruction.

CUET preparation tips for 2026

• Start subject-wise preparation 8–10 months before the exam; focus on Class 11–12 NCERT books first.
• Attempt a full-length mock test every week; analyse mistakes in sectional time.
• For Section II domain subjects, solve previous-year CUET papers and mocks from 2022–2025 to understand question types.
• For Section III General Test, practise quantitative aptitude sets and reading comprehension passages daily.
• Revise formulae and grammar rules weekly; keep formula sheets handy for quick reference.
• Join a trusted online or offline test series for performance benchmarking and doubt resolution.

CUET 2026 mock tests and sample papers

NTA releases official CUET mock tests on cuet.samarth.ac.in for free. These mocks simulate the real exam interface, timing and question types across languages and domain subjects. Use them to familiarise yourself with navigation, answer marking and review screens. Supplement with mock tests from coaching institutes such as ALLEN, Aakash and FIITJEE, which offer sectional and full-length tests with performance analytics.

CUET 2026 counselling and admission process

After results, universities release their individual counselling schedules. Steps include:

1. Register on the university portal using CUET roll number and score.
2. Choose programme and college preferences; lock choices before the deadline.
3. Pay the counselling fee (₹500–₹2,000 per university).
4. Upload documents such as Class 10 & 12 marksheets, caste certificate, PwD certificate and passport photo.
5. Appear for document verification and seat allotment rounds; pay admission fee to confirm the seat.

Each university conducts 3–5 rounds of counselling depending on seat availability.

CUET 2026 reservation policy

CUET follows Government of India reservation norms:

• General-EWS: 10%
• OBC-NCL: 27%
• SC: 15%
• ST: 7.5%
• PwD: 5% horizontal across categories
• Kashmiri Migrants: 1 seat per programme (supernumerary)

State universities may add domicile-based reservations up to 50%. Check the university’s bulletin for exact percentages.

CUET 2026 for study abroad: how it helps

While CUET is primarily for Indian universities, some international pathways recognise CUET scores for foundation or diploma entry. Check partner institutions in the UK, Canada and Australia that accept CUET for pathway programmes. CUET English and General Test scores can strengthen applications for liberal arts or business foundation courses abroad. Always verify with the foreign university before applying.

CUET vs SAT: which is better for Indian students?

Choose CUET if you plan to study in India; choose SAT if you aim for the US or Canada. Some students take both for wider options.

How to choose the right CUET programme and university

• List 5–10 programmes aligned with your stream (arts, commerce or science).
• Check the university’s NIRF ranking and programme-specific placements on college pages.
• Verify CUET cut-offs for your category from the previous year’s admission bulletin.
• Compare annual fees: central universities charge ₹10,000–₹50,000; private universities charge ₹1 lakh–₹5 lakh.
• Look at hostel availability and scholarships; central universities offer fee waivers for SC/ST/PwD.
• Attend university open days or webinars to clarify programme content and internship opportunities.

CUET 2026 scholarships and fee waivers

Central universities offer merit-cum-means scholarships (₹1,000–₹2,000 per month) and fee waivers up to 100% for SC/ST/PwD students. Delhi University’s “EWS Scholarship” covers tuition fees for EWS students. Check the university’s scholarship portal after admission. State governments also run fee reimbursement schemes for domicile students; apply through their portals after securing admission.