CUET UG Overview: Exam Pattern, Syllabus and Universities
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- 6 Jun 2026Admit cards released for rescheduled CUET UG candidates
Admit cards were released on 06-07 June 2026 for candidates appearing in the rescheduled CUET UG 2026 sessions. - 30 May 2026NTA rescheduled CUET UG Shift-I exam due to technical glitch
NTA notified the rescheduling of CUET UG 2026 Shift-I examination for candidates affected by a technical glitch. - 11 May 2026CUET UG 2026 examination commenced nationwide
NTA issued a press briefing note confirming the commencement of the Common University Entrance Test (Undergraduate) CUET (UG) 2026.
CUET UG is a national-level computer-based entrance examination conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) for admission to undergraduate programmes across over 250 to 400 Central, State, Deemed, and Private universities in India. The exam covers 37 test papers consisting of 13 languages, 23 domain subjects based on Class 12 NCERT, and 1 General Aptitude Test.
With an application fee starting at ₹1,000 for up to 3 subjects for General category candidates, this single-window test replaces fragmented entrance exams. Below, you will find a clear breakdown of eligibility requirements, exam pattern, domain syllabus details, fee structures, participating colleges, and step-by-step application instructions.
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | Common University Entrance Test (CUET UG) |
| Conducting Body | National Testing Agency (NTA) |
| Mode of Exam | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| Medium of Exam | 13 Languages (Kannada, Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam, Gujarati, Marathi, Odia, Punjabi, Bengali, English, Assamese, Hindi, Urdu) |
| Marking Scheme | +5 for correct answer, -1 for incorrect answer |
| Total Subjects Offered | 37 Subjects (13 Languages + 23 Domain Subjects + 01 General Aptitude Test) |
| Maximum Subject Choice | Up to 5 subjects |
| Official Portal | https://cuet.nta.nic.in |
What is CUET
| Section | Paper Name | Question Count | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Section IA & IB | Languages (13 in IA, 20 in IB) | 50 Questions (Attempt 40) | 45 Minutes per language |
| Section II | Domain-Specific Subjects (23 Subjects) | 45-50 Questions (Attempt 35-40) | 45 Min (60 Min for Accountancy, Physics, Chemistry, Maths, Economics, CS) |
| Section III | General Aptitude Test (GAT) | 60 Questions (Attempt 50) | 60 Minutes |
CUET UG provides a single-window examination for admission into participating universities across India, conducted by NTA in CBT mode with no upper age limit. NTA also offers free mock test facilities for candidates through registered Test Practice Centres.
CUET Eligibility
Candidates applying for CUET UG must satisfy basic qualifying conditions before choosing their test papers. NTA sets no upper age limit for candidates appearing in the CUET UG paper. Applicants must have passed or be appearing in their Class 12 board examination from a recognised education board.
While NTA manages entry rules, specific course-level eligibility guidelines are defined independently by target institutions. For example, universities like Delhi University use Class 12 marks as a tie-breaker when two candidates achieve identical CUET scores for the same course and college.
CUET Syllabus and Subjects
- Section II domain-specific subject syllabus is based entirely on the Class 12 NCERT curriculum.
- Indian Economic Development has been newly included under the CUET Economics syllabus.
- Entrepreneurship Development unit has been removed from the Business Studies syllabus, while Financial Markets has been added.
- Section I evaluates 13 languages in IA and 20 in IB on reading comprehension (factual, literary, and narrative passages), literary aptitude, vocabulary, and verbal ability.
- Section II features 23 domain-specific subjects including Physics, Chemistry, Computer Science, Political Science, History, and Geography, testing NCERT Class 12 topics.
- Section III General Test covers General Knowledge, Current Affairs, General Mental Ability, Numerical Ability, Quantitative Reasoning (Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Mensuration), and Logical and Analytical Reasoning.
Candidates must align their preparation with Class 12 NCERT textbooks for domain subjects and review section-specific updates across languages, domain disciplines, and general aptitude papers.
CUET Fees
The application fee for CUET UG varies depending on the candidate’s category and the total number of subjects selected during registration. CUET UG application fee for General category applicants is ₹1,000 for up to 3 subjects, with ₹400 charged for each additional subject.
| Candidate Category | Application Fee (Up to 3 Subjects) | Fee for Each Additional Subject |
|---|---|---|
| General (UR) | ₹ 1,000 | ₹ 400 |
| OBC-NCL / EWS | ₹ 900 | ₹ 375 |
| SC / ST / PwBD / Third Gender | ₹ 800 | ₹ 350 |
| Centres Outside India | ₹ 4,500 | ₹ 1,800 |
Top CUET Colleges
CUET UG scores are required for seat allocation across various undergraduate programmes, including B.A., B.Sc., B.Com., and professional courses offered by top central and state universities. Fee structures for academic programmes are established directly by each participating university.
| University Name | Selected Undergraduate Course | Annual / Base Fee Payable (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI) | B.A. (Hons) English / History / Economics | ₹ 7,100 per year |
| Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI) | Bachelor of Hotel Management (BHM) | ₹ 35,210 per year |
| Banaras Hindu University (BHU) | B.A. (Arts & Social Sciences) | ₹ 3,420 (Proposed) |
| Banaras Hindu University (BHU) | B.Sc. (Hons.) | ₹ 4,400 (Proposed) |
| Banaras Hindu University (BHU) | L.L.B. | ₹ 3,850 (Proposed) |
CUET vs Board Exams vs State CET
| Feature | CUET UG | Class 12 Board Exams | State CET |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Purpose | National University Admission | Class 12 Academic Qualification | State-level College Admission |
| Conducting Body | National Testing Agency (NTA) | Central / State Education Boards | State CET Cell / Authorities |
| Acceptance Scope | Central & Participating Universities Nationally | Schools & Higher Education Eligibility | Colleges located within specific State |
| Exam Mode | Computer-Based Test (CBT) | Offline / Online | Computer-Based Test (Mostly) |
While CUET UG serves as a national entrance test, Class 12 scores remain important since universities like Delhi University use them as a tie-breaker for candidates with identical CUET scores.
How to Apply for CUET Admission in 2026: Step by Step
- Check eligibility: Verify Class 12 pass or appearing status and check specific course-wise requirements for target universities.
- Register on official portal: Visit https://cuet.nta.nic.in and register using an email ID and mobile number.
- Select universities and domain subjects: Choose up to 5 subjects out of 37 total options aligned with target courses and universities.
- Pay application fee: Pay ₹1,000 for General category (up to 3 subjects) via online payment gateways or offline SBI Challan.
- Download admit card and appear for CBT: Download the NTA admit card and take the Computer-Based Test at assigned examination centers.
- Check NTA result and apply for university admission: Obtain the CUET score card from the official portal and participate in university admission processes.
| What to do | Where | Link |
|---|---|---|
| exam registration | NTA CUET UG Official Website | cuet.nta.nic.in |
| Compare colleges, fees and cutoffs | CUET colleges in India | findmycollege.com |
Candidates must ensure all registration details, uploaded documents, and subject selections align with university requirements before paying the application fee.
FAQs
What is the cuet exam given for?
CUET UG is a national-level entrance exam conducted by NTA providing a single-window application process for admission into undergraduate courses across Central, State, Deemed, and Private universities in India.
Is 12th marks required for CUET?
Candidates must pass or appear in Class 12 to take CUET UG. Although NTA sets no upper age limit, participating universities like Delhi University use Class 12 marks as a tie-breaker when candidates achieve identical CUET scores.
What courses is CUET for?
CUET UG covers undergraduate degree programs across Science, Commerce, Arts, and Vocational streams. Options include B.A., B.Sc., B.Com., BBA, L.L.B., and Bachelor of Hotel Management offered by participating universities across India.
What are 5 subjects in CUET?
Candidates can choose up to 5 subjects out of 37 total options, comprising 13 Section IA languages, 23 NCERT-based domain subjects (such as Physics, Accountancy, or History), and the General Aptitude Test paper.
What are the fees for applying for the CUET exam?
For General candidates, the fee is ₹1,000 for up to 3 subjects plus ₹400 per extra subject. For OBC-NCL/EWS, it is ₹900 (plus ₹375), and for SC/ST/PwBD/Third Gender, it is ₹800 (plus ₹350).
Is CUET only 12 syllabus?
Yes, Section II domain-specific subject syllabi in CUET UG are derived strictly from the Class 12 NCERT curriculum, while Section I tests reading comprehension and Section III tests general aptitude, current affairs, and reasoning.
