CUET (Common University Entrance Test) is a national-level entrance examination conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) under the Ministry of Education, Government of India. CUET-UG is the single gateway for undergraduate admissions to over 200+ universities across India, including Central Universities, State Universities, Deemed Universities, and Private Universities.
CUET-UG enables candidates to apply to multiple universities through one exam. The test is conducted in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode and covers languages, domain-specific subjects, and an optional General Test. Results are used by participating universities for merit-based admissions to programmes in Arts, Science, Commerce, Management, Law, and other streams.
Prominent institutions such as University of Delhi (DU), Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), Banaras Hindu University (BHU), Jamia Millia Islamia, Aligarh Muslim University, and University of Hyderabad, among others, use CUET-UG scores for admission. The exam is held once a year; the 2026 edition will be conducted between May 11 and May 31, 2026.
| Section | Description | Questions | Duration | Marks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Section I | Languages (13 options) | 50 | 60 min | 250 |
| Section II | Domain-Specific Subjects (23 subjects) | 50 per subject | 60 min each | 250 per subject |
| Section III | General Test (optional) | 50 | 60 min | 250 |
Note: Domain subjects include Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Biology, Accountancy, Economics, History, Political Science, etc. General Test covers General Awareness, Mental Ability, Numerical Ability, and Logical Reasoning. Syllabus is based on Class 12 level; check the official NTA CUET syllabus for details.
The CUET-UG syllabus is largely based on the Class 12 NCERT/board curriculum and is divided into three parts – Languages, Domain-Specific Subjects, and General Test. Candidates are advised to prepare strictly as per the official NTA syllabus and the subjects chosen while filling the application form.
The Language section checks a candidate’s reading and basic language skills in English, Hindi, or other regional languages offered in CUET-UG.
Domain subjects test conceptual understanding from Class 12 in the specific subject(s) selected by the candidate. The detailed syllabus follows the Class 12 NCERT/board curriculum.
| Stream | Representative Subjects (examples) | Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Science | Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Biology/Biotechnology, Computer Science | Class 12 NCERT units, including core theory, numerical/application-based questions |
| Commerce | Accountancy, Business Studies, Economics | Financial statements, partnership & company accounts, management & marketing basics, micro & macro economics |
| Humanities & Social Sciences | History, Political Science, Geography, Sociology, Psychology, etc. | Major themes from Class 12 syllabus – historical events, Indian polity & governance, maps & environment, social change, etc. |
The General Test (optional) is designed to evaluate overall aptitude relevant for many undergraduate programmes.
Important: For the latest, subject-wise official syllabus and downloadable PDFs, always refer to the NTA CUET-UG website cuet.nta.nic.in before finalizing your preparation plan.
CUET UG 2026 will be conducted between 11 May 2026 and 31 May 2026 in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode. Below are the key dates for the application and examination process:
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| January 2026 | Official notification released |
| January – February 2026 | Application window open (cuet.nta.nic.in) |
| February 2026 | Application correction window (as announced) |
| May 2026 | Admit card release |
| 11 May – 31 May 2026 | CUET UG 2026 Exam (CBT) |
| June 2026 | Result declaration |
Note: The above schedule is subject to change. Please check the official NTA website cuet.nta.nic.in for the latest updates and exact dates.
CUET UG 2026 is accepted by 200+ universities across India, including 49 Central Universities, State Universities, Deemed Universities, and Private Universities. One exam score can be used to apply for undergraduate programmes in Arts, Science, Commerce, Management, Law, and other streams at these institutions.
Other participating institutions include Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), Visva-Bharati University, University of Allahabad, and Central Universities in various states. For the complete official list, visit cuet.nta.nic.in.