CUET UG Exam Date 2026: Notification, Schedule & City — Explained

CUET UG 2026 is expected to be conducted between May 15 and May 31, 2026, by the National Testing Agency (NTA). Over 15 lakh students are anticipated to compete for undergraduate seats across 250+ participating universities, including Delhi University (DU), Banaras Hindu University (BHU), and Jamia Millia Islamia. The official notification is likely to be released in the second week of February 2026, marking the beginning of the registration process for the world's second-largest entrance examination.

When will the CUET UG 2026 Notification be released?

The National Testing Agency typically releases the CUET UG notification in February. For the 2026 cycle, the information bulletin is expected by February 10, 2026. This document will contain critical details regarding the CUET UG Exam Date 2026, revised syllabus, and university-specific eligibility criteria. Students should keep their Class 10 and Class 12 certificates ready for the registration process.

The application window usually remains open for 30 to 45 days. In 2025, the registration process saw significant traffic, leading to extension of deadlines. Aspirants are advised to complete their forms at least one week before the closing date to avoid technical glitches on the NTA portal. The correction window will likely open for two days in early April 2026 to allow students to rectify errors in their name, category, or subject choices.

CUET UG 2026 Exam Date and Complete Schedule

NTA plans to conduct the exam in a hybrid mode (Pen & Paper and Computer Based Test) to accommodate students from rural backgrounds. The CUET UG 2026 Schedule is designed to prevent clashes with major state board exams and NEET. Below is the projected timeline based on previous academic cycles:

What is the CUET UG 2026 City Intimation Slip?

The CUET UG 2026 City Intimation Slip is a preliminary document released before the admit card. It informs candidates about the specific city where their exam center is located. This allows students, especially those from remote areas, to make travel and accommodation arrangements well in advance. It is important to remember that the city slip is not a substitute for the admit card.

The slip contains the candidate's name, application number, father's name, gender, date of birth, category, and the city of examination. If a candidate finds that the city allotted is different from their preferred choices, they must contact the NTA helpdesk immediately. Usually, NTA tries to allot the first or second preference city chosen by the candidate during registration.

How to check the CUET UG 2026 City Intimation Slip?

1. Visit the official NTA CUET website at exams.nta.ac.in/CUET-UG/.
2. Click on the link titled "Login/Sign-in" on the homepage.
3. Enter your Application Number and Password or Date of Birth.
4. Enter the Security Pin (Captcha) as shown on the screen.
5. Click on the "Download City Intimation Slip" button on the dashboard.
6. Save the PDF and take a printout for your travel planning.

In case of any difficulty in downloading the slip, candidates can call the NTA Help Desk at 011-40759000 or 011-69227700 between 10:00 AM and 5:00 PM. You can also check for updates on /admit-cards for direct download links once they are live.

CUET UG 2026 Eligibility Criteria

While NTA sets the basic eligibility, individual universities have their own specific requirements. For most central universities, there is no age limit for appearing in CUET UG 2026. However, candidates must fulfill the age criteria of the specific university they are applying to. The primary requirement is passing the Class 12 or equivalent examination from a recognized board.

Candidates appearing for their Class 12 exams in 2026 are also eligible to apply. For Delhi University, it is mandatory to appear in CUET for only those subjects that the candidate has studied in Class 12. If you choose a subject not studied in school, your candidature for DU may be cancelled during the CSAS counseling process. Always check the /syllabus section to ensure your subject mapping is correct.

Detailed Exam Pattern and Marking Scheme 2026

The CUET UG 2026 will consist of three main sections. The total number of subjects a candidate can choose is limited to six to reduce exam stress. This typically includes two languages, three domain subjects, and one general test, or one language, four domain subjects, and one general test.

The marking scheme is standardized: +5 marks for every correct answer and -1 mark for every incorrect answer. No marks are deducted for unanswered questions. Subjects like Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Accountancy, Economics, and Computer Science are allotted 60 minutes due to the calculative nature of the questions.

Subject Selection Strategy for CUET 2026

Choosing the right subjects is more critical than the actual score. Most students make the mistake of choosing subjects they find easy rather than those required by their target university. For a B.A. (Hons) at BHU, the General Test is often mandatory, whereas for DU, the focus remains on Class 12 domain subjects.

The CUET UG 2026 Schedule will likely span 7-10 days, with multiple shifts. Ensure you select the "General Test" if you are aiming for professional courses like BBA, BMS, or B.Voc. For Science students aiming for B.Sc., a combination of Physics, Chemistry, and Biology/Maths along with at least one language is essential. High-scoring candidates often practice with NCERT-based mock tests since the CUET syllabus is strictly aligned with the Class 12 NCERT books.

Top Universities accepting CUET UG 2026 Scores

The score obtained in CUET UG 2026 will be the sole criterion for admission to undergraduate programs in all Central Universities. Many State, Deemed, and Private universities also use these scores. Some of the top-tier institutions include:

• University of Delhi (DU): 70,000+ seats across 70+ colleges.
• Banaras Hindu University (BHU): Known for Arts, Social Sciences, and Agriculture.
• Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU): Primarily for specialized Language courses.
• University of Allahabad: One of the oldest and most prestigious for Law and Humanities.
• Jamia Millia Islamia: Highly competitive for Mass Media and Engineering.

Each university will conduct its own counseling process (like DU's CSAS portal) after the NTA declares the CUET results. You must apply separately to these portals using your CUET application number. For updates on university-specific merit lists, stay tuned to our /government-jobs section.

How to Prepare for CUET UG 2026: Actionable Tips

Preparation should begin at least six months before the CUET UG Exam Date 2026. Since the exam is based on the Class 12 syllabus, your board exam preparation forms the foundation. However, CUET is objective (MCQ-based), which requires a different approach than descriptive board exams.

Focus on speed and accuracy. For the General Test, daily reading of current affairs and practicing basic quantitative aptitude (up to Class 10 level) is necessary. For Domain subjects, go through

CUET UG 2026 FAQs

• When will the CUET UG 2026 notification be released?
  The official notification is expected in the second week of February 2026.
• What is the exam date for CUET UG 2026?
  The exam is scheduled to be held between May 15 and May 31, 2026.
• What is the City Intimation Slip?
  It is a slip released in the first week of May 2026, informing candidates of their allotted exam city.
• What is the official website for CUET UG?
  The official website is exams.nta.ac.in/CUET-UG/.

Related Resources

• NEET UG 2026 Result
• UPSC CSE 2026 Notification
• SSC CGL 2026 Notification
• IBPS PO 2026 Notification

How to follow this exam update

Staying updated on the CUET UG 2026 schedule is crucial for success. Bookmark this page and the official NTA website for the latest updates on the notification, exam date, and city intimation slip. Begin your preparation early to secure a seat in your dream university.