In a significant update aimed at providing greater convenience to aspirants, the National Testing Agency (NTA) has introduced a key change for the Common University Entrance Test for Postgraduate programmes (CUET PG) 2026. The agency has now permitted candidates to select up to four preferred examination cities during the application process, a move that offers enhanced flexibility in choosing a test location.
Enhanced Flexibility and Revised Exam City List
This new provision allows applicants to list multiple city options where they would prefer to take the entrance examination. However, this choice comes with a specific condition: all selected cities must fall within the state of the candidate's permanent or current residential address. This policy is designed to streamline allocation while accommodating geographical preferences.
The announcement follows a recent revision by the NTA regarding the list of examination cities for CUET PG 2026. The agency has consolidated its centre network, reducing the total number of examination centres from 312 to 292. The test will be administered across 272 cities within India and in 16 international cities overseas.
Opportunity for Application Correction and Key Dates
Recognizing that many candidates have already submitted their forms, the NTA has confirmed that those applicants will also benefit from this new rule. They will be given an opportunity to modify or add their exam city preferences during the scheduled application correction window from January 18 to January 20, 2026. This facility will be subject to the availability of seats in the chosen examination centres.
The registration process for CUET PG 2026 is currently ongoing, with the deadline set for January 14, 2026. The examination itself is slated to be conducted in March 2026. Candidates can apply through the official portals at exams.nta.nic.in/cuet-pg or nta.ac.in.
Unchanged Exam Pattern and Admission Scope
Despite the changes in logistical arrangements, the NTA has clarified that the core structure of the entrance test remains unaltered. There are no revisions to the exam pattern or the list of subjects. CUET PG 2026 will continue to be offered for 157 subjects, with each paper having a duration of 90 minutes.
Successfully qualifying the CUET PG opens doors for admission to a wide array of postgraduate programmes for the 2026–27 academic session. Participating institutions include:
- Central Universities
- State Universities
- Private Universities
- Deemed to be Universities
- Other participating higher education institutions
This move to increase city choice options is seen as a candidate-friendly step by the NTA, potentially reducing travel hassles and allowing aspirants to select a centre closer to their location, thereby facilitating better exam preparation and performance.
