CUET PG Application Form 2026: Registration Date & How — Explained

CUET PG 2026 is the primary entrance gateway for students seeking admission into Master’s programs across 190+ participating universities, including Central Universities like DU, BHU, and JNU. Conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA), the Common University Entrance Test (Postgraduate) standardizes the selection process, replacing individual university entrance exams. For the 2026 academic cycle, the official notification is awaited, but registration typically commences in the first quarter of the year. Candidates must monitor the official portal at pgcuet.samarth.ac.in for the specific application window.

CUET PG 2026: Quick Overview

When will the CUET PG 2026 Application Form be released?

Based on previous year trends, the NTA usually releases the CUET PG notification between late December and mid-January. For the 2026 cycle, the official notification is awaited. Typically, the application window remains open for 30 to 45 days, followed by a brief correction window. Aspirants should prepare their documents in advance to avoid last-minute technical glitches on the Samarth portal.

As of April 12, 2026, the primary registration phase for the main 2026 cycle has concluded in many instances, but students should watch for official announcements regarding supplementary rounds or university-specific spot admissions that utilize CUET scores. If you are planning for the next session, understanding the 2026 timeline is critical for your preparation strategy.

Who is eligible to apply for CUET PG 2026?

Eligibility criteria for CUET PG 2026 are divided into two parts: the NTA’s general requirements and the specific criteria set by participating universities. While NTA manages the exam, the final admission depends on meeting the specific department's rules at your target university.

• Academic Qualification: Candidates must have completed a Bachelor’s degree or be in their final year of graduation from a recognized university.
• Minimum Marks: Most Central Universities require a minimum of 50% to 55% aggregate marks in graduation. Reserved category candidates (SC/ST/PwBD) usually receive a 5% relaxation.
• Age Limit: There is no upper age limit for appearing in CUET PG 2026. However, candidates must fulfill the age criteria of the specific university they are applying to.
• Subject Mapping: You must choose PG paper codes that align with your undergraduate subjects or the specific requirements of the Master's program you wish to join.

Candidates currently in their final semester are eligible to apply on a provisional basis. They must produce their final marksheet and degree at the time of counseling. Failing to meet the minimum percentage at the time of admission will result in the cancellation of the seat, regardless of the CUET PG score.

Documents required for CUET PG 2026 Registration

Before starting the online application, ensure you have scanned copies of the following documents. The NTA portal is strict about file sizes and formats; incorrect uploads can lead to form rejection.

• Photograph: Recent passport-size color or black-and-white photo (80% face visible, no mask, white background). File size: 10KB to 200KB in JPG/JPEG format.
• Signature: Scanned signature on white paper with black ink. File size: 4KB to 30KB in JPG/JPEG format.
• Category Certificate: If applying under SC/ST/OBC-NCL/EWS categories. File size: 50KB to 300KB in PDF format.
• PwBD Certificate: For candidates seeking reservation under the Persons with Benchmark Disabilities category. File size: 50KB to 300KB in PDF format.
• Identity Proof: Aadhaar Card, PAN Card, Voter ID, or Passport number for identity verification.

Ensure that the mobile number and email ID used for registration are active. All communication regarding the admit card, city intimation slip, and results will be sent to these contact details. Using a cyber cafe's email ID is discouraged as it may lead to missing critical updates.

Step-by-Step Guide to fill CUET PG 2026 Application Form

The application process is entirely digital. Follow these steps to ensure your form is submitted correctly without errors.

1. Online Registration: Visit pgcuet.samarth.ac.in and click on the "New Registration" link. Enter your name, date of birth, email, and mobile number. Create a strong password and choose a security question. You will receive an Application Number via SMS and email.
2. Filling the Application Form: Log in using your Application Number and Password. Enter personal details, including father’s name, mother’s name, and category. Provide your permanent and correspondence addresses accurately.
3. Academic Details: Enter your Class 10, Class 12, and Graduation marks/CGPA. If you are appearing for final exams in 2026, select the "Appearing" status.
4. University and Program Selection: This is a critical step. Select the universities and the specific PG programs you want to apply for. You can select multiple universities, but ensure you check their individual eligibility criteria first.
5. Test Paper Selection: Choose the subject codes for the entrance test. Candidates can choose up to four test papers by paying the prescribed additional fee. Common codes include COQP11 for General Paper and SCQP01 for Agricultural Sciences.
6. Exam City Preference: Select two cities where you would prefer to take the exam. NTA attempts to allot the first choice, but it is not guaranteed.
7. Uploading Documents: Upload the scanned photo, signature, and category certificates according to the size specifications mentioned earlier.
8. Fee Payment: Pay the application fee using Debit Card, Credit Card, Net Banking, or UPI. Download the Confirmation Page after successful payment.

If you face issues during the process, refer to our guide on /exam-preparation for technical troubleshooting tips. Do not close the browser until the confirmation page is generated.

CUET PG 2026 Application Fee Structure

The fee for CUET PG 2026 depends on the number of test papers selected and the candidate's category. The base fee covers up to two test papers. For every additional paper, an extra fee is applicable.

For international candidates (Outside India), the base fee is typically ₹6,000 for up to two papers, with an additional ₹2,000 for each extra paper. Fees are non-refundable once the transaction is successful.

Understanding Subject Codes and Exam Pattern

CUET PG 2026 uses specific alphanumeric codes for different subjects. It is vital to select the correct code because the question paper will be based strictly on the code chosen during registration. For example, HUQP codes are for Humanities, SCQP for Sciences, and COQP for Common/General subjects like MBA or LLB.

• Mode of Exam: Computer Based Test (CBT).
• Question Type: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs).
• Number of Questions: Usually 75 questions per paper, all based on domain knowledge.
• Marking Scheme: +4 marks for every correct answer; -1 mark for every incorrect answer. Unattempted questions receive zero marks.
• Medium: Most papers are

  CUET PG 2026: Frequently Asked Questions

  What is the official website for CUET PG 2026 registration?

  The official website for CUET PG 2026 registration is pgcuet.samarth.ac.in.

  What is the typical CUET PG 2026 application window?

  The application window typically opens in Q1 and remains active for 30-45 days.

  Who conducts the CUET PG exam?

  The CUET PG exam is conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA).

  Related Resources

  • CSIR NET 2026
  • UPSC CSE 2026
  • NEET UG 2026