CUET Eligibility Criteria 2026- The National Testing Agency has released the CUET eligibility criteria 2026 along with the official notification on their website. To be eligible for various undergraduate programs, applicants must meet the minimum standards set by NTA. Applicants need to be aware that the eligibility requirements for admission to specific courses may vary based on the institutions and programs. Any candidate not adhering to the university-specific eligibility might not get admission even after qualifying CUET.
CUET (Common University Entrance Test) is a pivotal entrance test for admissions to undergraduate programs at Central, State, Deemed, Private and other participating universities. National Testing Agency (NTA) conducts the CUET exam in Computer Based Test (CBT) mode.
CUET 2026: Eligibility for Undergraduate Program
NTA has released the eligibility criteria for CUET (UG) 2026 in the official Information Bulletin. Key points are:
- There is no minimum percentage requirement in Class 12 for appearing in CUET (UG) 2026.
- Candidates who have passed Class 12 (or equivalent) or are appearing in 2026 are eligible to apply.
- Candidates can choose any subjects/tests in CUET irrespective of the subjects studied in Class XII (subject to university/programme-specific eligibility).
- The candidate must fulfil the specific eligibility criteria (e.g., minimum marks, required subjects) of the desired university/programme for admission.
- Appearing candidates must submit proof of passing the qualifying exam at the time of admission/counselling.
CUET 2026: Age Limit
There is no age limit to appear for CUET (UG) 2026. Candidates of any age can apply, provided they fulfil the educational qualifications and programme-specific criteria of the participating universities.
CUET Free Master Classes:
CUET 2026 Nationality
Candidates must meet one of the following nationality criteria to be eligible for CUET (UG) 2026:
- Indian citizen.
- Subject of Nepal or Bhutan.
- Tibetan refugee who came to India before 1 January 1962 with the intention of permanent settlement.
- Person of Indian origin who has migrated from Pakistan, Burma, Sri Lanka, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi, Zaire, Ethiopia, or Vietnam with the intention of permanently settling in India.
CUET 2026: Number of Attempts
There is no restriction on the number of attempts for CUET (UG) 2026. As long as the candidate fulfils the educational qualifications and other guidelines of the participating universities, they can appear for the exam in multiple years.
CUET Eligibility Criteria: Key Points
- Each participating university sets its own eligibility criteria for specific programmes (e.g., minimum marks in Class 12, compulsory subjects).
- Admissions are based solely on CUET (UG) 2026 scores (normalized NTA scores) and fulfilment of university-specific eligibility.
- No age restriction is imposed by NTA.
- Candidates must carefully check the programme-wise eligibility on the respective university websites before applying.
CUET Eligibility Criteria: Reservation
Participating universities (especially Central Universities) follow the reservation policy of the Government of India for admissions to undergraduate programmes.
|
Category
|
Reservation
|
|
Scheduled Castes (SC)
|
15%
|
|
Scheduled Tribes (ST)
|
7.5%
|
|
Other Backward Classes (OBC-NCL)
|
27%
|
|
Economically Weaker Sections (EWS)
|
10%
|
|
Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD)
|
5% (horizontal reservation)
|
Candidates must verify their credentials against the CUET eligibility criteria and the specific requirements of the university/programme they are applying to. Relevant certificates (e.g., caste, EWS, PwBD) must be produced at the time of admission.
FAQs
Q. What is the full form of CUET?
CUET stands for Common University Entrance Test. It is conducted for admissions to undergraduate programs in over 300 Central, State, Deemed, Private and other participating universities.
Q. What is the frequency of CUET exam?
Once a year.
Q. When will CUET be conducted?
National Testing Agency will conduct CUET (UG) 2026 tentatively between 11-31 May 2026.
Q. When will the registration for CUET 2026 begin?
CUET 2026 registration is ongoing (started 03 January 2026 and closes on 30 January 2026).
Q. Will Delhi University accept CUET scores?
Yes, Delhi University and all other participating universities grant admissions based on CUET (UG) scores, subject to fulfilment of programme-specific eligibility.
Q. Will CUET 2026 exam be online or offline?
CUET 2026 will be conducted in online Computer Based Test (CBT) mode. The question paper will contain objective MCQ-type questions.
Q. What documents might be necessary when applying for CUET or for admission?
Candidates must be prepared with documents such as Class 12 marksheet, category certificates (SC/ST/OBC-NCL/EWS/PwBD), nationality proof (if required), etc., for verification during application and admission.
Q. Where can candidates get more information about CUET and its preparation?
Detailed information about CUET including eligibility criteria, exam pattern, preparation resources, and updates, can be found on the official website https://cuet.nta.nic.in and NTA website.
Q. Are international students eligible for CUET?
Certain foreign nationals (subjects of Nepal/Bhutan, Tibetan refugees settled before 1962, PIOs migrated from specified countries with intent of permanent settlement) are eligible for CUET (UG) 2026.
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