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CUET 2026 Complete Guide: Eligibility, Exam Pattern, Syllabus & Colleges

Last Updated: 2026-01-29

The Common University Entrance Test (CUET) 2026 is one of the most important entrance examinations in India for students aspiring to take admission into leading colleges and universities. Conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA), CUET offers a single-window opportunity to apply for central, state, deemed, and private universities using one exam score.
Whether you are a Class 12 student, a drop-year aspirant, or planning for higher education in 2026, this guide explains everything you need to know about CUET 2026—from eligibility to colleges.

What Is CUET 2026?

CUET (Common University Entrance Test) is a national-level entrance examination introduced to make the university admission process more transparent, fair, and merit-based.

Earlier, admissions were largely dependent on board marks, which varied across boards. CUET creates a level playing field for students from all educational backgrounds.

Through CUET 2026, students can apply for:

  • Undergraduate (UG) courses
  • Integrated programmes
  • Selected professional and skill-based courses

One CUET score can be used to apply to multiple universities across India.

CUET 2026 Eligibility Criteria

One of the biggest advantages of CUET is its flexible eligibility criteria.

Basic Eligibility

  • Students appearing in Class 12 (2026)
  • Students who have passed Class 12
  • Gap-year students are eligible
  • No age limit for appearing in CUET

Important Note

Eligibility conditions may vary course-wise and university-wise. Students must fulfill the specific subject combination and minimum percentage requirements set by the universities they are applying to.

CUET 2026 Exam Pattern (Expected)

CUET 2026 is expected to be conducted in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode and divided into three sections:

Section 1: Language Test

  • English / Hindi / Regional Languages
  • Reading comprehension
  • Grammar & vocabulary

Section 2: Domain Subjects

  • Based on the Class 12 syllabus
  • Subjects selected according to course requirements

Section 3: General Test (Optional)

  • General Knowledge
  • Current Affairs
  • Logical Reasoning
  • Quantitative Aptitude

Marking Scheme

  • +5 marks for each correct answer
  • –1 mark for each wrong answer

CUET 2026 Syllabus

The CUET syllabus is primarily based on NCERT Class 12 textbooks.

Domain Subjects

Commerce

  • Accountancy
  • Business Studies
  • Economics

Science

  • Physics
  • Chemistry
  • Biology
  • Mathematics

Arts & Humanities

  • History
  • Political Science
  • Geography
  • Sociology
  • Psychology

Language & General Test

  • Grammar & reading comprehension
  • Basic mathematics & reasoning
  • Current affairs & general awareness

Preparation Tip: Start with NCERT textbooks first, then move to mock tests and practice papers.

Colleges & Universities Accepting CUET 2026

CUET 2026 scores are accepted by a wide range of institutions across India.

Central Universities

  • Delhi University (DU)
  • Banaras Hindu University (BHU)
  • Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU)
  • Aligarh Muslim University (AMU)
  • University of Hyderabad

State & Deemed Universities

  • Various state universities across India
  • Deemed universities offering specialised programmes

Private Universities

  • Amity University
  • Sharda University
  • GD Goenka University
  • IILM University
  • Manav Rachna University

Each university conducts its own counselling process after CUET results.

CUET 2026 Counselling Process

CUET counselling is not centralised. Every university has its own admission portal.
Examples

  • Delhi University → CSAS Portal
  • BHU, JNU → Separate admission portals

General Counselling Steps

  1. Registration on the university portal
  2. Course & college preference filling
  3. Seat allotment based on CUET score
  4. Document verification & fee payment

Many students lose seats due to wrong preference order or missed deadlines.

Why CUET 2026 Preparation Is Crucial?

CUET success is not just about scoring high marks. It also involves:

  • Choosing the right subject combination
  • Understanding college cut-offs
  • Applying a smart counselling strategy
  • Keeping course and college flexibility

Early planning helps avoid last-minute mistakes and panic.

Conclusion

CUET 2026 opens doors to India’s top universities, but success depends on more than exam performance alone. Students who clearly understand the exam pattern, syllabus, eligibility criteria, and counselling process have a strong advantage.
Whether your goal is Delhi University, central universities, or private colleges, CUET 2026 can unlock multiple opportunities—with the right strategy in place.

Need Help With CUET 2026?

If you need guidance on:

  • Subject selection
  • College options
  • Counselling & preference filling

Get expert CUET counselling and plan your admission smartly.
 

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