The registration window for one of India's most significant undergraduate entrance exams is now open. The National Testing Agency (NTA) has officially commenced the CUET UG 2026 application process, marking the start for lakhs of aspiring students aiming for central and other participating universities.
Key Dates and Exam Schedule for CUET UG 2026
Prospective candidates must mark their calendars with the crucial timelines released by the NTA. The application process began on the official portal, cuet.nta.nic.in, on January 3, 2026. While the exact closing date for submissions is yet to be formally announced, it is expected to follow the pattern of previous years.
More importantly, the testing agency has revealed the examination schedule. The CUET UG 2026 exam is scheduled to be held from May 15 to May 31, 2026. This nearly two-and-a-half-week window will accommodate the vast number of subjects and candidates. Students are advised to complete their applications well before the anticipated deadline to avoid last-minute technical issues.
Step-by-Step Guide to the Application Process
Applying for CUET UG 2026 is a multi-step online procedure that requires careful attention to detail. Applicants must first visit the official website, cuet.nta.nic.in, and register using a valid mobile number and email ID. This generates essential login credentials.
Following registration, candidates need to meticulously fill out the detailed application form. This includes entering personal details, academic information, and selecting the desired universities, programs, and subject combinations. The next critical step is uploading scanned documents as per the specified format and size:
- Recent passport-sized photograph
- Signature
- Class 10 and Class 12 mark sheets or certificates (if available)
- Category certificate (if applicable)
- PwD certificate (if applicable)
The final step involves paying the application fee. The CUET UG 2026 application fee varies based on the candidate's category and the number of subjects chosen. Applicants can make the payment using various online modes like credit/debit card, net banking, or UPI.
Exam Pattern and Participating Universities
The CUET UG exam pattern is designed to test domain-specific knowledge and general aptitude. The exam is conducted in a Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode. The question paper typically includes sections for languages, domain-specific subjects, and a general test. Candidates should refer to the detailed information bulletin on the NTA site for subject-specific syllabi.
The exam's primary purpose is to serve as a single-window entrance for undergraduate programs across a wide network of institutions. Over 260 central, state, private, and deemed universities accept CUET scores for admission. This includes all Central Universities, prominent institutions like Delhi University, Banaras Hindu University, and Jawaharlal Nehru University, among many others.
Why This Early Start Matters for Students
The early commencement of the CUET UG 2026 process, starting in the first week of January, provides a significant advantage to students. It allows ample time for research, careful selection of universities and courses, and thorough preparation of documents. Unlike previous years where processes were compressed, this timeline reduces last-minute rush and errors.
Experts recommend that students use this head start wisely. They should finalize their list of target universities and courses, understand the specific subject requirements for each program, and begin consolidating their academic documents. Early application also helps in securing preferred exam city centers, which are allotted on a first-come, first-served basis.
With the CUET UG 2026 exam dates set for May 15-31, candidates now have a clear roadmap. The opening of the application portal is the first official step in a journey that will shape the academic futures of hundreds of thousands of students across India. All aspirants are urged to visit the official NTA CUET website regularly for the latest updates and detailed notifications.
