CUET UG 2026 Registration Opens: Dates, How to Apply & Changes

The Common University Entrance Test (CUET UG) 2026 registration has officially begun, marking an important step for students aiming for higher education. This national-level entrance exam allows students to get admission into undergraduate (UG) courses offered by many universities across India. This includes central universities, state universities, private universities, and deemed universities. The application process started on January 3, 2026 , and students have until January 30, 2026 , to apply online.

The National Testing Agency (NTA), which organises the exam, has opened registrations earlier this year compared to the previous cycle. This gives students more time to prepare their applications. The CUET UG 2026 exam is scheduled to be held tentatively between May 11 and May 31, 2026 . All interested candidates must submit their application forms through the official website: cuet.nta.nic.in .

Key Dates for CUET UG 2026

Here are the important dates for CUET UG 2026 that students should remember:

Who Can Apply for CUET UG 2026?

Students who have successfully passed their Class 12 examination are eligible to apply for CUET UG 2026. Those who are currently appearing for their Class 12 board exams in 2026 can also apply. There is no specific age limit set by the NTA for taking the CUET UG exam. However, it is crucial for students to check the individual eligibility criteria for each programme and university they wish to apply to. Universities may have their own specific requirements for certain courses.

Steps to Fill the CUET UG 2026 Application Form

The application process for CUET UG 2026 is entirely online. Students should follow these clear steps to submit their forms correctly:

• First, go to the official NTA CUET website: cuet.nta.nic.in .
• On the homepage, find and click on the link for ‘CUET UG 2026 Registration’.
• For new applicants, click on the ‘New Registration’ tab.
• Fill in your basic personal details to create a new user account. This will generate your CUET login details.
• Log in using your new credentials.
• Carefully fill out the CUET 2026 application form. Provide all necessary personal information, contact details, and academic qualifications.
• Upload scanned copies of required documents, such as your photograph and signature, as per the specified guidelines.
• Pay the application fee using online payment methods like debit card, credit card, or net banking.
• Before final submission, review all the details filled in the application form to ensure there are no errors.
• Finally, submit the application form.
• It is highly recommended to download and print a copy of the submitted application form and the payment receipt for future reference.

What's New in CUET UG 2026?

The NTA has made a few updates for the CUET UG 2026 exam:

• The registration period has started earlier than the CUET UG 2025 cycle, offering more time for applicants.
• There are now clearer rules and instructions regarding UDID (Unique Disability ID) verification for candidates with disabilities (PwD category).
• Applicants must now capture a live photograph using their device's camera during the online application process.
• Importantly, there are no changes to the CUET UG 2026 syllabus, the overall exam pattern, or the marking scheme. Students can prepare using previous year's guidelines for these aspects.

CUET UG 2026 Exam Format and Centres

The CUET UG 2026 exam will be conducted in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode. This means students will take the test on a computer at designated exam centres. The exam will be available in 13 different Indian languages , allowing students to choose their preferred language.

The test covers a wide range of subjects, with a total of 37 subjects available. These include various language papers, specific domain subjects related to different academic streams (Science, Commerce, Arts), and a General Aptitude Test.

For the convenience of students, the NTA has increased the number of exam centres within India. This year, the exam will be held in 306 cities across the country, which is more than the 300 centres in the last cycle. Additionally, there will be 15 exam centres located outside India for international candidates.

Students should regularly check the official website for detailed information and any further announcements regarding the exam.