Common Universities Entrance Test Overview 2026

What is the CUET UG Exam?

CUET UG is a single entrance exam used by many universities for undergraduate admissions. Candidates can apply to different universities using one common score.

• CUET is a single exam for UG admissions across 280+ universities in India.
• CUET scores are used for course-wise cutoff and counselling, not for qualifying.
• Admission depends upon the subjects required for the course, not the marks.
• Colleges decide their own cutoff and counselling after the results.

CUET UG 2026 Exam Dates

NTA is expected to release the CUET UG city intimation slip 2026 on 5th May 2026 on its official website at cuet.nta.nic.in. Candidates will be able to download the city intimation slip using their application number and date of birth.

The CUET 2026 exams will be conducted from May 11 to May 31, 2026, in CBT mode. Results will be announced in the last week of June 2026.

CUET UG Registration 2026

The direct link to the Application Form for CUET UG 2026 is closed. During registration, candidates should check their Aadhar details, category certificate and class 10 records to avoid any rejection.

How many candidates registered for CUET UG?

In CUET 2025, around 14 lakh candidates registered for the exam. This shows an increase of 8 to 10% and high competition in 282+ participating universities, which include 47 central universities.

CUET UG Exam Pattern 2026

In CUET UG, candidates can select up to 5 subjects in total, including domain subjects from science, commerce or Arts, along with 1 language and a general aptitude test.

The CUET question paper includes 3 sections:

• Section I (Languages)
• Section II (Domain Subjects)
• Section III (General Test)

Each section has a duration of 60 minutes.

CUET Syllabus 2026

In domain subjects, around 90 to 95% of questions are directly or indirectly based on class 12 NCERT. Candidates should complete the syllabus 3 to 4 months before the exam to score around 12 to 15% higher percentile.

How should you prepare for CUET UG?

Candidates should attempt more than 1,500 MCQs and solve 15 to 20 full-length mock tests before the exam to score high. The CUET score will be normalised in each shift, which ensures fair ranking even in different sessions of the exam.

Key Summary

• In CUET UG 2025, more than 14 lakh candidates registered for the exam, showing high cutoffs in top universities.
• In domain subjects, around 90 to 95% of questions are directly or indirectly based on class 12 NCERT.
• Completing the syllabus 3 to 4 months before the exam can help score around 12 to 15% higher percentile.
• Attempting more than 1,500 MCQs and solving 15 to 20 full-length mock tests before the exam is recommended.
• The CUET score will be normalised in each shift, ensuring fair ranking across different sessions.

CUET UG 2026 Exam Overview

The Common University Entrance Test – UG (CUET UG) is a national-level entrance exam for undergraduate admissions. The National Testing Agency (NTA) conducts the exam.

CUET 2026 Exam Dates

The CUET UG exam schedule covers registration, correction, examination, and result separately. This helps candidates plan preparation and document verification in advance.

The long exam window and early notification release help universities complete counselling before the academic session begins.

CUET UG 2026 Important Dates (Official)

Source: CUET UG 2026 Information Bulletin.

CUET Exam Frequency and Attempts

The CUET exam is held once a year by NTA. It is conducted in different shifts over multiple days.

• There is no second attempt for CUET UG in the same academic session.
• The CUET Score is only valid for admissions in that year.

There is no particular limit on the total number of attempts for the CUET exam. Candidates can appear for the exam multiple times depending on their academic goals.

• Candidates must meet the eligibility criteria each time they appear.
• Eligibility relates to educational qualifications and other criteria.

CUET UG Registration 2026

The registration process is currently ongoing. Candidates should complete registration within the given deadline to be eligible for the entrance exam.

• For registration, visit the official website cuet.nta.nic.in.
• Register using your Email ID and Mobile Number.
• Fill in personal, academic, and exam-related details carefully.

Source: examinationservices.nic.in

CUET UG Registration Fees 2026

The CUET UG registration fees must be paid online using UPI, Debit/Credit Card, or Net Banking.

• For the General Category, the fees are Rs. 1000 for 3 subjects and Rs. 400 for each additional subject.
• For OBC/EWS, the fees are Rs. 900 for 3 subjects and Rs. 375 for each additional subject.
• For SC/ST/PwD, the fees are Rs. 800 for 3 subjects and Rs. 350 for each additional subject.
• For International Candidates, the fees are Rs. 4,500 for 3 subjects and Rs. 1,800 for each additional subject.

How many candidates register for CUET UG?

CUET registration numbers have grown, making it one of the largest UG entrance exams within four years. The exam started in 2022, and registrations have remained consistently high through 2025.

This consistency shows trust among students and universities in a single admission test. The candidate appearing rate has increased by 2025, indicating more competition.

With more than 282+ participating universities, CUET UG registrations are expected to increase by 15 lakhs. Registration statistics from 2022 to 2025 are given below.

How many students got full scores in CUET?

In CUET UG 2025, only one candidate achieved a perfect score in four subjects. Seventeen candidates scored 100 percentile in three subjects.

• Around 150 candidates scored 100 percentile in 2 subjects.
• Around 2679 candidates scored 100 percentile in 1 subject.

Can I get admission to college with 200 marks in CUET UG?

Yes, a score of 200 in the CUET UG exam can get you into a college. Admission mainly depends on the chosen university and the specific course.

• Your category and total marks in the exam can impact your admission into a college.
• For top universities such as Delhi University and Banaras Hindu University, 200 marks may be considered a low score for popular programs.

What are the Changes in CUET UG 2026?

The NTA and UGC have made changes to make the exam simpler, standardised, and student-friendly. There are no new changes in CUET UG 2026.

The exam continues to have the same pattern implemented in CUET UG 2025. This shows that NTA and UGC are focusing on stability and predictability.

The changes introduced in 2025 and continued in 2026 are listed below.

Who can appear for CUET UG 2026?

The CUET UG Eligibility Criteria shows who can apply for the exam. Qualifying in the exam does not automatically guarantee admission.

The NTA sets the basic eligibility for the exam. Course-based requirements, cutoffs, and admission criteria are decided by individual universities.

CUET Eligibility Criteria

There is no 75 per cent eligibility criterion for most universities in the CUET UG 2025 exam. Candidates must have passed their Class 12th exam from a recognised board.

Popular universities like DU and BHU may have minimum marks requirements for specific courses. Candidates need to verify the eligibility criteria of the universities where they hope to get admission.

Who Can Apply for CUET

A candidate who has failed their Class 12th exam is not eligible to appear for the CUET Exam. It is mandatory for aspirants to pass their Class 12 exam or a similar exam from a recognised university to qualify for the CUET UG exam.

Candidates who are currently appearing for their Class 12 exams can apply for CUET. They need to pass the exam before their admission.

Courses Offered Through CUET UG

The CUET Scores are used for admission to different UG programs in central and private universities. The courses are mainly offered under the commerce, arts, humanities and science streams.

Admission is granted as per the subject-wise CUET Scores and university-wise eligibility.

Commerce Courses Offered Through CUET UG

Arts & Humanities Courses Offered Through CUET UG

Science Courses Offered Through CUET UG

CUET Previous Year Questions and Answer Key

Previous year questions and answer keys are available for CUET preparation. Candidates can use these materials to understand the exam pattern and question types.

CUET 2025 Question Papers with Answer Keys

CUET 2025 question papers with answer keys are available for download. The papers are provided in PDF format for various subjects.

Each subject paper includes a separate solution PDF. Candidates can use these papers to understand the exam pattern and practice questions.

Check: CUET Previous Year Question Paper

CUET UG Exam Pattern 2026

The CUET UG Exam Pattern 2026 has the same structure as 2025. The exam tests subject-based knowledge, language proficiency and aptitude through computer-based MCQs.

This format ensures the same evaluation for candidates from all boards.

CUET UG 2026: Section-Wise Exam Pattern

• The CUET UG Exam has 3 sections: Language, Domain, and General Aptitude. This is the same as 2025.
• Candidates get 60 minutes for each subject paper.
• Admissions are based on section-based scores, not overall marks. A bad performance in 1 subject can directly affect eligibility for the course.
• Around 80 to 85% of questions come directly from the Class 12 NCERT.

Check this video by @MyKollege to know detailed information about Paper Structure, Marking Scheme and Syllabus.

Check:

• CUET Exam Pattern
• CUET Previous-Year Paper Analysis

Is CUET more difficult than NEET?

No, CUET is not as difficult as NEET. NEET is mostly considered to be more difficult and competitive compared to CUET.

• NEET is more rigorous, and the single-subject focus is on core science subjects.
• The comprehensive Class 11 and 12 syllabus of NEET makes it a more challenging exam for candidates.

Are PYQ enough for CUET?

No, Previous Year Questions are not enough for the CUET exam.

• PYQs act as valuable resources for understanding the exam pattern and question types, but they may not suffice.
• Candidates need to thoroughly study the NCERT books for conceptual clarity, and attempt timed mock tests for better preparation.

CUET Syllabus 2026

The NTA releases a separate syllabus PDF every year for each test paper. Candidates can visit cuet.nta.nic.in to check the CUET syllabus 2026 for the subjects they wish to appear for.

• A total of 37 subjects are covered in the CUET UG 2025 syllabus.
• Some subjects like Art Education and Teaching Aptitude have been removed from the CUET syllabus 2026.
• The General Aptitude Test was renamed from General Test in 2024. It now encompasses General Science as well as Environment Literacy.

CUET Subject-Wise Syllabus PDFs

The table below lists the syllabus PDFs for all CUET subjects. Each subject has a separate PDF available for download.

Also Read

• Do PYQ Repeat in CUET?
• CUET Syllabus

CUET 2026 Syllabus: Frequently Asked Questions

What is the syllabus for the CUET exam 2026?

The CUET 2026 syllabus is based on the NCERT syllabus for Class 12 subjects. It covers 3 sections, including Language and Domain-Specific Subjects, along with the General Test.

• Candidates can select their languages and domain subjects based on their interests.
• The General Test covers areas like General Knowledge, Logical Reasoning, Current Affairs, and Numerical Ability.

Is CUET based on the NCERT syllabus?

Yes, the CUET UG Exam is majorly NCERT-based for domain subjects. Most of the questions are from Class 12 NCERT Books, which ensures a common academic base for candidates with different boards.

• Around 90 to 95% domain questions are directly or indirectly asked from the NCERT Class 12.
• The CUET Will include both conceptual MCQs and Direct NCERT Based questions.
• The Language and general test sections are more skill-based and not NCERT-Based.

How should you prepare for CUET UG in 5 Months?

As only 5 months are left for CUET UG, your preparation should focus on syllabus coverage, accuracy, and revision. A proper Month-wise plan will help you balance the domain subjects, language and General test in an effective manner.

CUET UG 2026: 5-Month Preparation Strategy

• Around 80 to 85% questions are directly NCERT-Based and it matters more than any reference books.
• The Focus should be equal on language+domain subject, as they use proper section-wise scores.
• In the last month, avoid doing any new topic, focus only on revision, formulas and high-weightage topics.

5-Month CUET 2026 Preparation Plan

This is a 5-month study plan for the CUET 2026 examination. The plan is divided into monthly phases with specific targets.

Check preparation tips for CUET UG and books used to prepare for CUET UG.

CUET Mock Test

MyKollege has prepared CUET Mock Tests for candidates who wish to appear for the CUET 2026 examination. The free CUET mock test 2026 is available in the form of full-length tests, chapter-wise, and college-wise mock tests.

• CUET Physics Mock Test
• CUET Maths Mock Test
• CUET Economics Mock Test
• CUET General Test Mock Test
• CUET English Mock Test
• CUET Geography Mock Test

Check: CUET UG Mock Test

CUET Passing Marks 2026

The NTA does not release CUET passing marks for the CUET UG Exam. However, every participating institute has its own eligibility criteria.

They also have the minimum CUET cutoff percentile for students to get admission.

Candidates can also go through the links below, mentioning the passing marks analysis done by MyKollege for various universities.

• CUET Passing Marks for Assam University
• CUET Passing Marks for Tezpur University
• CUET Passing Marks for North Eastern Hill University
• CUET Passing Marks for JNU
• CUET Passing Marks for Pondicherry University
• CUET Passing Marks for Jamia Millia

CUET 2026 Expected Cut-off

As per the previous year's cutoff, the CUET 2026 expected cutoff will be around 180-230 for the General Category.

Refer to the table below for additional categories.

Also Read: CUET Cutoff 2025, CUET Seat Intake.

As per the Reddit user, CUET cutoffs might drop due to no choice in CUET questions. However, DU might still hit 750+ cutoff. He also mentioned that CUET 2026 could be tougher due to more applicants.

CUET College Wise Cutoff 2026

Colleges Accepting CUET UG 2026

Many institutes accept CUET UG scores for admission. This includes central, state, deemed, and private universities.

Students have multiple options for core and professional undergraduate programs through these universities.

Major Universities Accepting CUET UG Scores

CUET UG Cutoff for Participating Universities

Cutoffs for CUET UG are released by individual universities. Each university sets its own cutoff for different courses.

The table below lists universities and their cutoff pages.

CUET UG 2026 Score Analysis

A good score in CUET UG depends on the institute and course you choose. The candidate's category also affects what is considered a good score.

Scoring over 1000 marks can give you access to a wide range of top-ranked institutes and courses.

Score Range and Admission Possibility

CUET UG 2026 FAQs

Can I get admission to college with 200 marks in CUET UG?

Yes, with a score of 200 marks in CUET UG 2025, you can get admission in state universities or lower cut-off private colleges.

• Admission to major universities such as DU or JNU may be tough.
• Top-tier universities normally require a better score, which is ideally above 850 marks.

How should I prepare for CUET 2026?

To prepare for CUET 2026, you must start by thoroughly understanding the syllabus and the exam pattern of the chosen subjects.

Is CUET Difficult to Crack?

Yes, the CUET exam is mostly considered to be moderate in difficulty level.

• The CUET Exam is aligned with the Class 12 NCERT syllabus, so candidates need to be strong in this area.
• Its difficulty level is subjective, and it mainly depends on the preparation level of the candidates.

Candidates need to focus on the NCERT textbooks to learn the core concepts in detail. They also need to use additional reference materials for extra practice.

Is CUET Easier Than JEE?

Yes, CUET is mostly considered to be easier than the JEE exam. It is easier, especially in terms of the difficulty level of the questions.

• JEE requires top problem-solving skills in diverse areas like Physics, Chemistry, and Math.
• CUET questions are generally more straightforward in nature.

How Many Seats Are There in CUET?

There are more than 3 lakh undergraduate seats available for candidates through CUET. These seats span over 250 participating universities across India.

• The exact number of seats varies considerably by university and specific course.
• Candidates need to check the official seat matrix for each institution and program.

Documents Required for CUET Form

For a CUET form, candidates require a valid ID proof along with their Class 10th and 12th mark sheets.

• Candidates also need a scanned passport-size photograph, a scanned signature, and potentially caste/category certificates and PwD certificates if applicable.
• Additionally, candidates need payment details relating to the application fees.

Changes in CUET 2026

CUET 2026 involves several changes that candidates need to be aware of before appearing for the competitive exam.

• A major change is that the exam will be exclusively conducted in the Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode.
• Optional questions have been removed, and the number of subjects has been reduced to 37 from 63.
• Now, candidates can choose only five subjects.

CUET Exam Frequency and Attempts

The Common University Entrance Test (CUET) is held once a year by the National Testing Agency (NTA). It is conducted in different shifts over multiple days.

There is no second attempt for CUET UG in the same academic session. The CUET score is only valid for admissions in that year.

There is no limit on the total number of attempts for the CUET exam. You can appear for the exam multiple times, but you must meet the eligibility criteria each time.

CUET UG 2025 Top Scores

In the CUET UG 2025, only one candidate achieved a perfect score in four subjects. Seventeen candidates scored 100 percentile in three subjects.

• Around 150 candidates scored 100 percentile in 2 subjects.
• Around 2679 candidates scored 100 percentile in 1 subject.

Admission with 200 Marks in CUET UG

Yes, a score of 200 in the CUET UG exam can get you into a college. Admission depends mainly on the chosen university, the specific course, your category, and your total marks.

For top universities such as Delhi University (DU) and Banaras Hindu University (BHU), 200 marks may be considered a low score for popular programs.

CUET Eligibility Criteria

No, there is no 75% eligibility requirement for most universities in the CUET UG 2025 exam. Candidates must have passed their Class 12th exam from a recognised board.

Popular universities like DU and BHU may have minimum marks requirements for specific courses. Candidates need to verify the eligibility criteria for the universities where they hope to get admission.

A candidate who has failed in their Class 12th exam is not eligible to appear for the CUET Exam. Candidates who are currently appearing for their Class 12 exams can apply, but they must pass the exam before their admission.

CUET vs NEET Difficulty

No, CUET is not as difficult as NEET. NEET is considered more difficult and competitive compared to CUET.

NEET is more rigorous, with a single-subject focus on core science subjects. The comprehensive Class 11 and 12 syllabus of NEET makes it a more challenging exam.

Preparation Strategy for CUET

No, Previous Year Questions (PYQs) are not enough for the CUET exam. PYQs are valuable for understanding the exam pattern and question types, but they may not suffice.

You need to thoroughly study the NCERT books for conceptual clarity. Attempt timed mock tests for better preparation.

CUET 2026 Syllabus

The CUET 2026 syllabus is based on the NCERT syllabus for Class 12 subjects. It covers 3 sections, including Language and Domain-Specific Subjects, along with the General Test.

Candidates can select their languages and domain subjects based on their interests. The General Test covers General Knowledge, Logical Reasoning, Current Affairs, and Numerical Ability.

NCERT Syllabus in CUET

Yes, the CUET UG exam is majorly NCERT-based for domain subjects. Most questions are from Class 12 NCERT Books, ensuring a common academic base for candidates from different boards.

Around 90 to 95% of domain questions are directly or indirectly asked from NCERT Class 12. The CUET includes both conceptual MCQs and direct NCERT-based questions.