CUET UG 2026 Registration Open: Complete Guide

CUET UG 2026 Registration Open: Complete Guide

Thinking about studying at one of India’s top universities? Then CUET UG 2026 might just be the opportunity you’ve been waiting for.

The National Testing Agency (NTA) has officially opened registrations for CUET UG 2026 starting January 3, 2026. You can apply online till January 30, 2026, so don’t put it off till the last minute. This single exam can open doors to 200+ universities across India, including some of the most prestigious ones like Lingaya’s Vidyapeeth.

In this blog, we’ll walk you through CUET UG in simple, no-stress language—what it is, who can apply, important dates, how to register, and how to prepare smartly. Let’s get started.

What Exactly Is CUET UG?

CUET UG (Common University Entrance Test – Undergraduate) is a national-level entrance exam conducted by NTA. Instead of appearing for multiple entrance tests for different universities, CUET lets you apply to many colleges using one single score.

Before CUET, every university had its own exam, which meant more stress and more travel. Now, things are much simpler.

With CUET UG, you can apply to top institutions like Lingaya’s Vidyapeeth, and many state and private universities too.

To give you an idea of its scale—over 15 lakh students appeared for CUET last year, and the number is expected to grow even more in 2026.

The exam tests you on:

  • Language subjects
  • Domain subjects (like Maths, History, Biology, Economics, etc.)
  • A General Test (GK, reasoning, basic math)

You can choose up to 5 subjects, making the exam flexible and fair for students from different streams.

CUET UG 2026: Important Dates to Remember

Here’s a quick timeline so you don’t miss anything important:

  • Application starts: January 3, 2026
  • Last date to apply: January 30, 2026 (till 11:50 PM)
  • Last date for fee payment: January 31, 2026 (till 11:50 PM)
  • Correction window: February 2 to February 4, 2026
  • Exam city intimation: To be announced
  • Admit card release: To be announced
  • Exam dates: May 11 to May 31, 2026 (tentative)
  • Answer key & results: To be announced

NTA may tweak dates if needed, so it’s a good idea to keep checking cuet.nta.nic.in regularly.

Who Can Apply for CUET UG 2026?

The good news? There’s no age limit.

You can apply if:

  • You’ve passed Class 12, or
  • You’re appearing for Class 12 exams in 2026

Your board should be recognized (CBSE, ICSE, state boards, or NIOS). NIOS students are eligible too, as long as they’ve studied at least five subjects.

However, keep in mind:

  • Universities set their own eligibility rules
  • Some colleges may ask for minimum marks in Class 12 (for example, 50% in certain subjects at Delhi University)

So, always double-check the eligibility criteria on the university’s official website.

Reservation benefits apply as per government norms:

  • SC – 15%
  • ST – 7.5%
  • OBC-NCL – 27%
  • EWS – 10%
  • PwD – 5%

Just make sure your certificates are valid and ready.

How to Apply for CUET UG 2026 (Step-by-Step)

The entire application process is online. No paperwork, no queues.

  1. Visit the official website: cuet.nta.nic.in
  2. Register yourself: Enter basic details like name, email, and mobile number
  3. Fill the application form: Personal info, education details, subjects, universities, and exam cities (you can choose up to 4 cities)
  4. Upload documents: Photo, signature, and category certificates (if applicable)
  5. Pay the application fee: Use debit/credit card, net banking, or UPI
  6. Download the confirmation page: Keep it safe for future reference

Pro tip: Use a laptop or desktop instead of your phone to avoid errors. And don’t submit multiple forms—NTA cancels duplicates.

Documents You’ll Need

Keep these ready before you start filling the form:

  • Class 10 & 12 marksheets (or roll number if appearing)
  • A valid photo ID (Aadhaar, passport, voter ID, etc.)
  • Recent passport-size photograph
  • Scanned signature
  • Category or PwD certificate (if applicable)
  • Online payment details

Make sure your files are clear and within the size limits.

CUET UG 2026 Application Fees

The fee depends on your category and the number of subjects you choose (up to 5):

  • General: ₹1000 (up to 3 subjects) + ₹400 per extra subject
  • OBC-NCL / EWS: ₹900 + ₹375 per extra subject
  • SC / ST / PwD / Third Gender: ₹800 + ₹350 per extra subject
  • Outside India: ₹4500 + ₹1800 per extra subject

Fees are non-refundable, so double-check everything before paying.

Exam Pattern & Syllabus (Quick Overview)

  • Mode: Computer-Based Test (CBT)
  • Questions: 50 MCQs per paper
  • Time: 60 minutes per paper
  • Marking: +5 for correct, -1 for wrong answer

Subjects include:

  • 13 languages
  • 23 domain subjects
  • 1 General Test

The syllabus is mainly based on NCERT Class 12 textbooks, so start there. Previous years’ question papers are also available on the NTA website—definitely practice them.

Simple & Practical Preparation Tips

If you’re aiming for a good score, consistency matters more than long study hours.

  • Stick to NCERT books for domain subjects
  • Take mock tests regularly and track your time
  • Read news daily for the General Test
  • Choose subjects you’re confident in—don’t overload
  • Sleep well, eat right, and take breaks
  • Join online study groups or forums for tips and motivation

Most toppers study 4–6 hours a day with a proper plan. You can do it too.

Final Thoughts

CUET UG 2026 is a great opportunity to step into your dream university through one common exam. With registrations open till January 30, now is the time to plan, apply carefully, and start preparing with focus

You can also explore strong options like Lingaya’s Vidyapeeth, known for its industry-oriented courses and supportive campus environment. Choose wisely, prepare smartly, and move confidently toward your future.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I change subjects later?

Only during the correction window.

2. What if I fail Class 12?

You can appear for CUET, but universities will verify eligibility later.

3. Is CUET very tough?

It’s similar to board exams, but time management is key.

4. How many universities accept CUET?

Over 250 universities, including 45 central universities and plenty of private universities.

5. Can I apply to more than one university through CUET UG?

Yes, One CUET UG score can be used to apply to many universities.

6. How many exam cities can I choose?

You can choose up to four exam cities in order of preference.

7. Do I need coaching to prepare for CUET UG?

No. Coaching is not required. Most questions come from NCERT Class 12 books.

8. When does CUET UG counselling start?

There is no single counselling process. Each university starts its own counselling after the results are announced.

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January 12, 2026

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