Common University Entrance Test (CUET)

 What is CUET?

The Common University Entrance Test (CUET) is a nationwide entrance exam for students seeking admission to Central, Deemed, and Private Universities across India. 

CUET 2026 offers a single platform for admission to undergraduate programs in Humanities, Commerce, Science, and Engineering. 

The National Testing Agency (NTA) conducts the CUET UG examination for admission to undergraduate programmes in India. The CUET is a standardized format that promotes equal evaluation for all candidates from different academic boards and backgrounds.

The CUET examination is conducted annually in computer-based test (CBT) mode and may be held in multiple phases, depending on the total number of registered candidates. With exam centres across more than 500 cities in India and overseas, CUET is among the largest undergraduate entrance examinations in the country.

With the vision of “One Nation, One Entrace Exam”, CUET aims to simplify the university admission process across India. The exam may become mandatory for students after +2 to gain entry into any university across all streams. CUET could serve as a foundational step toward competitive exams, such as NEET. 

CUET 2026 Important Dates

Lets us see the following dates, which are provisional and will be updated after the official NTA notification:

CUET 2026 Eligibility Requirements

• Age Criteria: There is no upper or lower age limit for candidates appearing for CUET 2026.
• Educational Qualification: Candidates must have passed or be appearing for the Class 12 or equivalent examination in 2026 from a recognized board.
• Reservation Policy: Seat reservations are applicable for Indian nationals belonging to OBC-NCL, EWS, SC, and ST categories, in accordance with Government of India norms and the reservation policy of the respective Central University.
• Persons with Disabilities (PwD):
  • PwD candidates are entitled to accommodations such as the assistance of a scribe (where required) and compensatory time during the examination.
  • An additional 20 minutes per hour of examination time will be provided.
  • A minimum benchmark disability of 40% is required to avail of reservation benefits.

Who is qualified to take CUET?

There is no upper age limit to appear for CUET. However, individual universities may have their own age or eligibility conditions, so candidates should always check the admission criteria of their preferred institutions.

• For CUET (UG):
  Students who have passed Class 12 or are appearing for the Class 12 examination in the same year are eligible.
• For CUET (PG):
  Candidates who have completed a bachelor’s degree or are in their final year of graduation can apply.

CUET UG 2026- Exam Overview

The table below provides a quick overview of the important details related to the CUET UG 2026 examination.

CUET 2026 Exam Pattern

Key Exam Pattern Guidelines

• Candidates can choose up to five subjects across all sections combined.
• At least one language paper must be selected.
• The General Aptitude Test is compulsory for certain courses and universities.

CUET 2026 Exam Structure – Overview

• Total Number of Subjects: 37 subjects, comprising 13 language papers, 23 domain-specific subjects, and 1 General Aptitude Test.
• Medium of Examination: The test is conducted in 13 languages: Assamese, Bengali, English, Gujarati, Hindi, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, Punjabi, Odia, Tamil, Telugu, and Urdu.
• Exam Duration: Each test paper is allotted 60 minutes.

CUET 2026 Language Test Structure

The CUET language section evaluates candidates’ proficiency in Indian and foreign languages. Questions are designed to assess reading comprehension, vocabulary, grammar, and literary aptitude. Candidates can choose from the following language options:

Section IA: Indian Languages
English, Hindi, Bengali, Assamese, Gujarati, Malayalam, Kannada, Odia, Marathi, Tamil, Punjabi, Urdu, Telugu

Section IB: Foreign & Regional Languages
Bodo, Arabic, Dogri, Chinese, German, French, Japanese, Italian, Konkani, Kashmiri, Maithili, Nepali, Manipuri, Persian, Russian, Santhali, Spanish, Sindhi, Tibetan, Sanskrit

Subjects You Can Choose in CUET (UG)

The CUET (UG) exam tests students on subjects they have already studied in Class 12, making preparation more familiar and focused. These domain subjects help universities evaluate your subject knowledge and decide your eligibility for specific undergraduate courses.

As a student, choosing the right domain subjects is one of the most important steps in your CUET journey, because your scores directly impact college and course selection.

Domain Subjects Available in CUET (UG)

CUET (UG) offers 27 domain subjects, allowing students from Science, Commerce, Arts, and interdisciplinary streams to compete on a common platform. Some of the major subject options include:

• Accountancy / Business Studies / Economics
• Physics / Chemistry / Mathematics / Biology
• Computer Science / Informatics Practices
• History / Geography / Political Science / Sociology
• Psychology / Legal Studies / Mass Communication
• Home Science / Environmental Studies
• Engineering Graphics / Entrepreneurship
• Fine Arts / Performing Arts / Physical Education
• Teaching Aptitude / Sanskrit

(All domain subjects follow the Class 12 NCERT syllabus.)

CUET (UG) General Test – Overview & Syllabus

The General Test in CUET (UG) forms Section III of the exam and is conducted for courses that require aptitude-based assessment. It is applicable for vocational programs, interdisciplinary courses, and programs with flexible subject requirements.

This section measures a candidate’s ability in:

• General Awareness and Current Affairs
• Mental and Analytical Ability
• Numerical and Quantitative Skills
• Logical Reasoning

CUET UG 2026 Revised Exam Pattern

The CUET UG 2026 exam pattern has been revised by NTA, with updates in subject availability, section structure, and eligibility flexibility. The exam is conducted in four sections, allowing students to customize their subject combinations.

CUET UG 2026 Exam Structure

The CUET UG exam is divided into four sections:

Section 1A – Languages

• Choose one compulsory language from 13 options
• Tests Reading Comprehension, Vocabulary, and Grammar

Section 1B – Additional Languages (Optional)

• 20 additional language choices
• Can be attempted if a student wishes to appear for a language not listed in Section 1A

Section 2 – Domain Subjects

• 23 domain-specific subjects such as Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Accountancy, History, etc.
• Students can select up to 5 domain subjects.

Section 3 – General Test

• Covers General Knowledge, Current Affairs, Quantitative Aptitude, Logical and Analytical Reasoning

CUET UG 2026 Exam Pattern Table

What’s New in CUET UG 2026?

• The number of domain subjects has been reduced from 27 to 23
• Subjects like Entrepreneurship and Performing Arts have been removed from the domain list
• Admissions for these courses will now be based on the General Test.
• Students are now allowed to choose subjects not studied in Class 12, offering greater flexibility

Marking Scheme

• +5 marks for every correct answer
• –1 mark for every incorrect answer
• Full marks are awarded if a question is dropped or has multiple correct options.

CUET Passing Marks 2026: What Students Need to Know

CUET doesn’t have a one-size-fits-all passing score. Your cutoff depends on your course, university, and competition. Here’s the smart way to understand it:

• Competition Matters: The more students appearing, the tougher the cutoffs can be.
• Category Advantage: Reservation rules mean your required score may vary if you’re in General, OBC, SC, or ST.
• Paper Difficulty: Harder questions = slightly lower cutoffs; easier papers = higher cutoffs.
• Popular Courses: High-demand programs often need top scores.
• Merit Lists Decide: Universities release lists showing who cleared the minimum required marks.

Student Tip: Don’t aim just to pass—aim high. Focus on consistent practice, mock tests, and strong preparation to stay ahead of the competition.

CUET UG 2026 Total Marks

The total marks in CUET UG 2026 depend on the number of subjects you choose. Candidates can select up to 5 subjects out of 37, with each subject carrying 250 marks.

Pro Tip for Students: Choosing the maximum number of subjects gives you more opportunities to score higher and improve your chances for admission.

CUET 2026 Passing Marks: A Quick Guide

The minimum expected marks for CUET 2026 generally range between 300 and 400. For students in the General and OBC categories, cutoffs may be slightly higher, around 400–450.

Key points to remember:

• Each subject’s passing marks aren’t fixed and can vary based on course demand, difficulty level, and category.
• Admission depends on overall performance and the merit list published by universities.

Student Tip: Don’t aim just for the minimum! Focus on thorough preparation, practice mock tests, and aim for a higher score to secure a seat in your preferred university program.

CUET 2026 Preparation Strategy – Section-Wise Tips

• Early Preparation: Start CUET preparation by January 2026 to balance board exams and the CUET syllabus efficiently.
• NCERT-Based Study: Focus mainly on NCERT textbooks for all domain subjects, as questions are strictly syllabus-based.
• Language Test Practice: Improve vocabulary, grammar, and reading comprehension through daily reading and practice.
• General Test Readiness: Cover current affairs, logical reasoning, quantitative aptitude, and analytical skills consistently.
• Mock Test Practice: Regular mock tests help improve exam temperament, time management, and confidence.
• Effective Revision: Maintain concise revision notes for quick recall during the final days before the exam.

CUET 2026: Top Colleges for Undergraduate Admissions

Some of the best universities in India that consider CUET scores for UG admissions include:

• Aligarh Muslim University (AMU)
• Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University (BBAU), Lucknow
• University of Delhi (DU)
• Banaras Hindu University (BHU), Varanasi
• Central Sanskrit University
• Central Tribal University of Andhra Pradesh
• Central University of Andhra Pradesh
• Central University of Gujarat

These universities offer a wide range of undergraduate programs in Arts, Science, Commerce, Humanities, and more, making CUET a gateway to some of India’s most prestigious institutions.

Why Radiant Study Centre Is the Best Choice for CUET Aspirants in Kerala

Radiant Study Centre is a leading CUET coaching institute in Kerala, trusted by students for structured preparation and consistent results in the Common University Entrance Test (CUET). With a strong academic foundation and student-first approach, Radiant helps aspirants secure admission to top Central, Deemed, and Private Universities across India.

Why Students Choose Radiant for CUET

• Regular CUET Classes: Daily structured classes ensure continuous learning and exam-focused preparation
• Customized CUET coaching programs tailored to each student
• Experienced faculty with deep expertise in the CUET syllabus and exam pattern
• Smart classrooms and an interactive learning environment
• Concept-based teaching aligned with NCERT textbooks
• Regular mock tests and performance analysis
• Doubt-clearing sessions and personal mentoring
• Comprehensive CUET study materials for practice and revision
• Motivation and guidance to boost confidence and performance.

Our goal is to empower students to excel in CUET and secure admission to their preferred undergraduate programs. With consistent results and a proven preparation strategy, Radiant Study Centre is recognized as one of the best CUET coaching centres in Kerala.

Enroll today and start your CUET preparation with daily, regular classes at Kerala’s trusted CUET coaching institute.