CUET
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CUET 2026 – Exam Dates, Syllabus, Pattern, Application, Eligibility & Top Tips
Your complete CUET 2026 resource hub by Hodu Academy
CUET 2026 (Common University Entrance Test) is the national gateway to 280+ top universities across India—including Central, Deemed, State, Government, and Private colleges. Get all key updates on exam dates, application process, syllabus, eligibility, pattern, cut-off, results, and preparation strategy—right here.
Quick Links: Exam Dates | Eligibility | Application | Exam Pattern | Syllabus | Participating Universities | Cut-Off | Results | Counselling | FAQs
What is CUET 2026?
CUET 2026 is a national-level online entrance exam for undergraduate admissions, conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA). It opens doors to 280+ universities, including all Central, many State, Deemed, Government, and top Private institutions. The exam is fully online (CBT), covering languages, domain subjects, and general aptitude—standardizing admissions and ensuring equal opportunities for students nationwide.
CUET 2026 Important Dates (Tentative)
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| CUET Notification Release | 1st week of March 2026 |
| CUET Registration Opens | 1st week of March 2026 |
| Registration Last Date | Last week of March 2026 |
| Fee Payment Deadline | Last week of March 2026 |
| Correction Window | Last week of March 2026 |
| Advance City Intimation Slip | 1st week of May 2026 |
| Admit Card Release | 3-4 days before exam |
| CUET 2026 Exam Dates | 2nd week of May 2026 (15-16 days span) |
| Answer Key Release | 1st week of July 2026 |
| Result Declaration | Last week of July 2026 |
| Counselling Starts | 1st-2nd week of August 2026 |
Always check the official CUET UG site for the latest updates and final schedule.
CUET 2026 Eligibility Criteria
- No age limit to appear in CUET 2026 UG.
- Must have passed 10+2 (Class 12) or be appearing in 2026 from a recognised board/university.
- University- and course-specific eligibility (percentage/subject requirements) must be checked on each university’s website.
CUET 2026 Application Process & Fees
How to apply:
- Visit exams.nta.ac.in/CUET-UG/ and register online
- Fill the application form with personal, academic, and contact details
- Upload scanned documents (photo, signature, certificates)
- Pay application fee (see below)
- Submit and download/print your confirmation page
CUET 2026 Application Fee (As per number of subjects):
| Category | Up to 3 Subjects | For Each Additional Subject |
|---|---|---|
| General (UR) | ₹1,000 | ₹400 |
| OBC (NCL) / EWS | ₹900 | ₹375 |
| SC/ST/PwBD/Third Gender | ₹800 | ₹350 |
| Centres Outside India | ₹4,500 | ₹1,800 |
Pay via debit/credit card, UPI, or net banking. Your application is valid only after payment.
CUET 2026 Exam Pattern
- Mode: Online (CBT)
- Languages: 13 languages
- Shifts: Multiple (over 15-16 days, several slots/day)
- Subjects: Max 5 choices (incl. languages & General Test)
- Sections:
- Section I: Language (Reading Comprehension, Vocabulary, Literary Aptitude)
- Section II: Domain-specific (Based on Class 12 NCERT)
- Section III: General Test (GK, Current Affairs, Reasoning, Quantitative, Analytical Ability, up to Grade 8 math)
- Duration: 60 minutes per section
- Questions to attempt: 50 per section (per subject)
- Total Marks per section: 250
- Type: MCQ (Objective)
Marking Scheme: +5 for correct, -1 for incorrect, 0 for unattempted.
Multiple corrects: +5 for any correct option; all correct: +5 for all attempts; dropped/incorrect question: +5 for all attempted.
Multiple corrects: +5 for any correct option; all correct: +5 for all attempts; dropped/incorrect question: +5 for all attempted.
CUET 2026 Syllabus – UG (Key Highlights)
- Section I – Language: Comprehension (Factual, Literary, Narrative), Vocabulary, Literary Aptitude
- Section II – Domain: Class 12th NCERT (subject-specific: Physics, Chemistry, Math, Bio, Commerce, Humanities, etc.)
- Section III – General Test: General Knowledge, Current Affairs, Mental Ability, Numerical Ability, Quantitative Reasoning, Analytical & Logical Reasoning (Maths up to Grade 8 level)
CUET 2026 Participating Universities
280+ universities including:
- Central: DU, JNU, BHU, AMU, Hyderabad, Allahabad
- State: APJ Abdul Kalam Technical Univ, Barkatullah Univ, Mumbai Univ, Calcutta Univ, etc.
- Private: KR Mangalam, Woxsen, Galgotias, Bennett, and many more
- Deemed: Tata Institute of Social Sciences, SRMIST, etc.
- Others: Indian Maritime Univ, Footwear Design & Development Inst.
CUET 2026 Cut-Off & Admission Policy
Each university will publish its own cut-off and merit list after results.
- Cut-off varies by category, seats, difficulty, and university.
- Separate cut-off for General, OBC, SC, ST, EWS, PwD categories.
CUET 2026 Results & Scorecard
- Results declared ~30–35 days after exam
- Check scorecard by logging in to CUET official site
- Scores are normalized for multi-shift exams
- No physical scorecards sent—download online only
CUET 2026 Counselling & Admission Process
- Counselling is conducted separately by each university (no central counselling)
- Shortlisted candidates register on university portal, upload documents, and fill preferences
- Admission is based on cut-off, merit rank, and seat availability
- Be ready with: CUET admit card, scorecard, Class 10/12 marksheets, photos, category/medical certificates (if any)
CUET 2026 Preparation Tips by Hodu Academy
- Download and review the latest official syllabus
- Plan a practical, daily study routine for each chosen subject
- Solve previous years’ question papers and sample mock tests
- Take regular full-length mock exams for speed & accuracy
- Make and revise quick notes for all important concepts
- Stay updated with official notifications and exam dates
CUET 2026 – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- How many universities participate in CUET 2026? Over 280 universities (Central, State, Deemed, Private, Government) accept CUET UG scores.
- In how many languages can I take the CUET exam? CUET is offered in 13 languages; choose your preferred medium during application.
- When will CUET 2026 registrations open? Expected 1st week of March 2026; keep checking the official CUET site.
- What are the eligibility criteria? Must have passed or be appearing in Class 12; check university-specific requirements.
- How can I apply and what is the fee? Apply online at official portal; fees vary by category and number of subjects.
- How will the CUET exam be conducted? Fully online, multiple shifts, at designated test centres in 379+ cities (India & abroad).
- What if I face issues downloading admit card? Contact the NTA CUET helpline immediately; details available on the official site.
- Is there negative marking? Yes, -1 for each incorrect answer; +5 for correct answers.
- How will universities admit students? Universities publish their own cut-off/merit lists and run individual counselling.
- What documents are needed for admission? CUET admit card & scorecard, Class 10/12 mark sheets, photos, category/medical certificates, as per university list.
Bookmark Hodu Academy’s CUET Hub for the latest 2026 updates, detailed guides, practice resources, and expert tips!
Last modified: Monday, 7 July 2025, 1:25 PM