CUET PG Exam Date 2026: Check Schedule & City Slip — Explained

CUET PG 2026 is expected to be conducted in the second and third weeks of March 2026 for admission into 190+ participating universities across India. If you are aiming for postgraduate programs at Delhi University (DU), Banaras Hindu University (BHU), or Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), tracking the timeline is critical as the National Testing Agency (NTA) follows a strict schedule. Approximately 5 to 7 lakh candidates compete for seats in Master’s degrees ranging from M.A. and M.Sc. to M.Com and specialized professional courses.

Preparing for CUET PG requires more than just subject knowledge; it requires staying updated with the shifting administrative timelines of the NTA. Missing the city intimation slip or the admit card download window can lead to last-minute panic. This guide provides the most accurate projected timeline based on previous years' data and official NTA patterns.

When is the CUET PG Exam Date 2026?

The NTA traditionally conducts the Common University Entrance Test for Postgraduates (CUET PG) in the month of March to ensure that results are declared by April, allowing universities to begin their admission cycles by June. For the 2026 session, the exam is projected to start from March 11, 2026, and conclude by March 28, 2026.

The exam is conducted in multiple phases and shifts depending on the number of candidates registered for specific subject codes. Popular subjects like MBA (COQP12), LLB (COQP11), and Life Sciences (SCQP17) often see the highest density of applicants and are scheduled across multiple days if necessary. You must check your specific subject code against the final date sheet released by NTA approximately 15 days before the commencement of the first paper.

It is important to note that the NTA may include buffer dates in the schedule to accommodate any technical glitches or unforeseen regional disruptions. If you are planning your travel to an exam center in a different city, aim to reach at least 24 hours before your scheduled shift.

CUET PG 2026 Schedule: Shift Timings and Duration

The CUET PG 2026 will be held in three distinct shifts to manage the volume of candidates. Each paper consists of 75 multiple-choice questions (MCQs), and the total duration allowed is 105 minutes (1 hour 45 minutes). Unlike previous years where a general section was mandatory, the current pattern focuses entirely on domain-specific knowledge.

Candidates are prohibited from entering the exam hall after the gate closing time, which is usually 30 minutes before the shift begins. Ensure you verify your shift timing specifically on your admit card, as NTA does not allow shift changes under any circumstances. For those appearing in multiple papers, NTA ensures that no two subjects chosen by a candidate overlap in the same shift.

How to Download the CUET PG 2026 City Intimation Slip?

The City Intimation Slip is a preliminary document released by the NTA before the actual admit card. Its sole purpose is to inform the candidate about the city where their exam center is located. This allows outstation students to make travel and lodging arrangements in advance. It is not the admit card and cannot be used for entry into the exam center.

Follow these steps to download your slip once the link is active on pgcuet.samarth.ac.in:

1. Visit the official NTA CUET PG portal.
2. Click on the link labeled \"Login/Advance City Intimation Slip\".
3. Enter your Application Number and Date of Birth.
4. Enter the Security Pin (Captcha) as shown on the screen.
5. Click 'Submit' and view your allocated city and date of exam.
6. Download the PDF for your reference.

If your city intimation slip shows a city that was not among your top four preferences, you can contact the NTA helpdesk at 011-40759000. However, changes are rarely made unless there is a significant administrative error. You should also check /admit-card for updates on when the final hall ticket will be released.

Difference Between City Intimation Slip and Admit Card

Many first-time applicants confuse the City Intimation Slip with the Hall Ticket. It is vital to understand the distinction to avoid being turned away at the exam center gate. The City Slip is for planning; the Admit Card is for identification.

Once you receive your admit card, verify your name, photograph, and signature. If there is a mismatch, you must immediately report it to the NTA. A common issue is the photograph being blurred; in such cases, carry two passport-sized photos (the same as uploaded in the form) to the exam center.

CUET PG 2026 Exam Pattern and Marking Scheme

The CUET PG 2026 follows a standardized marking scheme across all 150+ subject codes. Understanding the weightage of each question is essential for managing negative marking, which often determines the final cutoff for top universities like JNU or DU.

• Total Questions: 75 (All based on the specific subject domain).
• Maximum Marks: 300 marks.
• Correct Answer: +4 marks.
• Incorrect Answer: -1 mark (Negative marking).
• Unanswered Questions: 0 marks.
• Language: Bilingual (English & Hindi) except for Language and Sahitya papers.

Because there is a negative marking of 25% for every wrong answer, accuracy is more important than the number of attempts. For competitive courses like M.Sc. Physics or M.A. Economics, a score above 220 is generally considered safe for top-tier colleges. You can find detailed subject-wise syllabi at /syllabus to streamline your preparation.

CUET PG 2026 Eligibility Criteria for Major Courses

While NTA conducts the exam, the eligibility criteria are defined by the individual participating universities. However, there are general guidelines that apply to most candidates appearing for CUET PG 2026.

Educational Qualification: You must have completed your Bachelor’s degree or be in the final year/semester of your graduation. There is usually no minimum percentage required by NTA, but universities like DU and BHU often require a minimum of 50% to 55% aggregate marks in graduation for general category candidates (5% relaxation for SC/ST/PwD).

Age Limit: There is no age limit for appearing in CUET PG 2026. However, candidates must fulfill the age criteria of the specific university they are applying to. For instance, some professional courses might have an upper age cap, though this is rare for standard M.A. or M.Sc. programs.

Preparation Strategy for CUET PG 2026

With only 75 questions to answer in 105 minutes, the CUET PG is a test of speed and conceptual clarity. Unlike the UPSC or State PSC exams, the depth of questions here is equivalent to the undergraduate syllabus of major Indian universities.

1. Analyze Previous Year Papers (PYPs): Start by solving the 2024 and 2025 papers. This will give you a clear idea of which topics are repeated. For example, in M.A. English, questions on British Literature and Literary Theory are consistently high-weightage.
2. Focus on Core Domain: Since the general section (Part A) has been removed, your entire rank depends on your subject knowledge. Do not waste time on general aptitude unless it is part of your specific subject code (like MBA).
3. Mock Tests: Practice at least 10 full-length mock tests in a CBT (Computer Based Test) environment. This helps in managing the screen-reading fatigue and the 105-minute timer.
4. Revision of Basics: Revisit your graduation notes. NTA often picks fundamental definitions and theorem statements for multiple-choice questions.

For those looking for structured guidance, checking /exam-preparation can provide subject-specific booklists and study schedules tailored for the March 2026 exam window.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Can I change my exam center city after the City Intimation Slip is released?
No, the NTA does not allow changes to the exam city once the slip is issued. The allocation is done based on the preferences you filled during the registration process and the availability of seats in those cities.

Q2: What documents should I carry to the CUET PG 2026 exam center?
You must carry a printed copy of your Admit Card, one original valid photo ID (Aadhar Card, PAN Card, Voter ID, or Passport), and one passport-size photograph. Transparent water bottles and a simple ballpoint pen are usually allowed.

Q3: Is the CUET PG exam conducted offline?
No, the CUET PG 2026 is strictly a Computer Based Test (CBT). Candidates will be provided with a computer terminal at the center to mark their answers digitally.

Q4: How many subjects can I choose in CUET PG 2026?
Candidates can typically choose up to 4 subject papers. However, an additional fee is required for each subject beyond the initial limit set by the NTA during the registration process.

Q5: When will the CUET PG 2026 results be declared?
Results are usually declared within 3-4 weeks after the conclusion of the last exam. For the 2026 cycle, expect the results by the third week of April 2026.

How to follow this exam update

The CUET PG 2026 is your gateway to India's most prestigious central and state universities. With the exam expected in March 2026, the window for preparation is narrowing. Stay focused on your domain subjects, keep your application number safe, and regularly check the official portal for the city intimation slip. Success in this exam depends on consistent revision and staying calm during the 105-minute test window. For the latest updates on results, cutoffs, and counseling schedules, keep visiting TrueJobs.co.in.