CUET PG 2026 Exam: Dates, Eligibility, Cutoff & more
The official start of the admissions process for various postgraduate courses across participating universities is anticipated to occur during the first week of January 2026 with the release of the CUET PG 2026 announcement. Midway through January 2026, candidates can complete the CUET PG 2026 registration form. The second week of February 2026 is probably when the admit cards will be distributed. The CUET PG 2026 test is scheduled to take place online at around 302 exam locations across the country in March 2026.
Numerous postgraduate programs, such as MA, MSc, MCom, MFA, MTech, MBA, LLB, and BEd, will be covered by this admission exam. The counselling process is anticipated to start in the final week of May 2026, and findings are anticipated to be announced in April 2026.
There will be 75 multiple-choice questions on the computer-based CUET PG 2026 exam, which must be finished in 90 minutes. With parts on language comprehension, general aptitude (including reasoning and numeric ability), and domain-specific knowledge based on the course applied for, the exam pattern consists of questions intended to assess critical and analytical skills. Admission to esteemed universities like the University of Delhi, TISS, JNU, and BHU, among others, is made possible by passing the CUET PG exam. In order to assess applicants thoroughly, the syllabus places an emphasis on analytical and practical problems while generally aligning with the material of undergraduate courses.
Table of Contents
What is CUET PG?
CUET PG refers to the Common University Entrance Test for Postgraduate Programs. It is conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA). This exam allows universities to select candidates for their postgraduate courses through a single, unified process. Students do not need to apply to multiple universities or sit for different entrance tests. One exam is enough for several institutions.
Why it is important for 2026 applicants:
Many universities such as DU, JNU, BHU, Hyderabad University, and JMI accept CUET PG scores.
It promotes a centralized, transparent, and fair admission process for all students.
It reduces the overall stress and cost of applying to several universities.
It offers flexibility by providing multiple test papers and subject options.
Eligibility for CUET PG 2026
The eligibility criteria differ slightly from one university or course to another, but the core requirements remain similar.
Educational Qualification
Candidates must have completed their Bachelor’s degree or be in the final year of their undergraduate program.
Some universities may set a minimum percentage requirement, usually around 50% to 55% for the General category. Relaxations are available for reserved categories.
Age Limit
There is no upper age limit for students appearing for CUET PG.
University-Specific Requirements
Certain universities may ask for additional criteria such as:
Specific subjects studied during the undergraduate program
Minimum marks in particular subjects
Extra requirements for technical or professional courses
Students should carefully review the university prospectus before selecting their preferred courses.
CUET PG 2026 Admit Card
The CUET PG Admit Card is an official entry pass provided by the National Testing Agency (NTA). It includes all the essential information about your exam schedule, test center, reporting time, exam-day guidelines, and personal details. You will not be permitted to enter the exam hall if you do not carry this document.
For students appearing for CUET PG 2026, the admit card acts as:
• Proof that your registration is complete
• A list of the instructions you need to follow on the day of the exam
• A valid form of identification during the test
• A reference to help you understand your test center location and exam timings
You can think of it as the most important document you need to take with you on the exam day.
Details mentioned on the CUET PG Admit Card
After downloading the admit card, carefully check that the following information is accurate:
Your name and photograph
Application number
Exam date and shift
Exam time and reporting time
Test centre address and centre code
Course you have applied for
Signature
Exam day guidelines
If you notice any spelling mistakes, incorrect personal details, or wrong images, you should contact NTA immediately for correction.
CUET PG 2026 Exam Pattern
The CUET PG exam is conducted in online Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode. The structure is designed to be student-friendly and focuses on evaluating conceptual understanding rather than memorization.
Sections and Format
Total questions: Usually 75 to 100 (varies based on the subject)
Question type: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
Marking scheme: 4 for each correct answer and -1 for each wrong answer
Duration: 1.5 to 2 hours depending on the specific paper
Medium: English and Hindi for most subjects
Subject Papers
Candidates can select from a wide range of subjects based on their undergraduate stream or the postgraduate program they want to pursue. Some examples include:
Humanities: English, History, Political Science, Psychology, Sociology
Science: Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Mathematics, Computer Science
Commerce and Management: BCom based papers, MBA entrance paper
Professional Courses: MCA, MSW, LLB (PG), Journalism, Library Science.
CUET PG 2026 Cut Off
Most universities release category-wise cut-offs. Based on previous years, here is a general estimate:
General (UR) Category
High-demand courses: 300 to 350 marks or 85 to 95 percentile
Moderate courses: 250 to 300 marks or 70 to 85 percentile
Low-demand courses: 200 to 250 marks or 55 to 70 percentile
OBC Category
Usually 5 to 10 percentile lower than the UR category
Popular courses may require 75 to 90 percentile
EWS Category
The trend is similar to OBC or slightly higher
Expected range: 70 to 90 percentile
SC Category
Cut-off is generally 15 to 25 percentile lower than the General category
Popular courses may still require 55 to 70 percentile
ST Category
Expected range: 40 to 60 percentile for most courses
Competitive courses may require around 55 to 70 percentile
Here are approximate cut-off ranges predicted from the patterns seen in 2024 and 2025:
MA English
DU, JNU, BHU: 80 to 95 percentile
Other universities: 60 to 80 percentileMBA / PGDM
Top universities: 85 to 98 percentile
Others: 60 to 80 percentileMSc Mathematics
High-demand institutions: 75 to 90 percentile
Others: 55 to 75 percentileMSc Physics / Chemistry
Leading institutes: 75 to 88 percentile
Most other universities: 55 to 70 percentileMCom
DU and BHU: 80 to 95 percentile
Other universities: 60 to 75 percentileMA Psychology
Demand is high across India
Expected cut-off: 75 to 92 percentileMA Political Science / History / Sociology
DU and BHU: 75 to 90 percentile
Regional universities: 55 to 75 percentile.
CUET PG 2026 Syllabus Overview
Every course has its own syllabus, but the exam usually focuses on topics taught at the undergraduate level. The following is a general outline:
For Humanities Subjects
Basic theories and concepts, major thinkers, key historical events, important literature, and subject-related analytical questions.
For Science Subjects
Core UG topics such as mechanics, organic chemistry, algebra, and programming. Questions also include applied problem solving.
For Commerce and Management
Accounting, Economics, Business Studies, Quantitative Aptitude, and Reasoning. MBA-oriented programs may also include basics of marketing and finance.
For MCA
Quantitative Ability, Logical Reasoning, and fundamental concepts of Computer Science.
For Social Sciences
Current socio political topics, research methodology, and essential analytical skills.
NTA will publish the detailed syllabus for each subject in the official information bulletin.
CUET PG 2026 Important Dates (Expected Timeline)
While the official schedule will be announced by NTA, the following timeline is expected based on previous years:
Notification Release: November or December 2025
Application Form Start: December 2025
Application Last Date: January 2026
Correction Window: January or February 2026
Admit Card Release: Second week of March 2026
Exam Dates: March or April 2026
Answer Key Release: Approximately one week after the exam
Results Announcement: April or May 2026
Counselling: May to July 2026
Students are advised to keep checking the official NTA website for the latest updates once the process begins.
How to Apply for CUET PG 2026
The entire application procedure takes place online. Follow this simple step-by-step guide:
Go to the official NTA CUET PG portal once the application forms are released.
Create your registration using basic details such as your name, mobile number, and email ID.
Complete the application form by entering your academic information and selecting preferred universities and courses.
Upload the required documents including your photograph, signature, and any relevant certificates.
Select the exam paper that matches the postgraduate program you want to pursue.
Pay the application fee through UPI, debit card, credit card, or net banking.
Download the confirmation page after successful submission.
Make sure to review your chosen university and course combinations carefully before final submission.
CUET PG 2026 Results and Counselling
Once the exam is completed, NTA publishes the following in order:
Provisional answer key
Final answer key
Scorecard
After this, each participating university carries out its own counselling and seat allotment process based on CUET PG scores. Students are usually required to submit:
Academic certificates
Category certificates (if applicable)
Scorecard
Identity documents
The counselling procedure may include merit list announcements, online choice filling, document verification, or interviews depending on the specific program.
CUET PG FAQs
CUET‑PG does not have a single “total‑seat” number — seats depend on how many courses each participating university offers.
A good score in CUET PG depends on the university and the program you are applying to, as each institution sets its own cut-offs. Generally, a score above 50–60% is considered competitive for most programs, while top universities or highly sought-after courses may require scores above 70–75%. It’s important to check the specific cut-off trends of your chosen universities, as even a moderate score can secure admission in less competitive programs.
No, the General Paper is not compulsory for CUET PG. CUET PG primarily consists of subject-specific papers related to the postgraduate program you are applying for. The exam pattern allows candidates to choose papers relevant to their chosen course, and there is no mandatory requirement to take a General Paper unless a specific university or program has its own criteria. Always check the official CUET PG brochure for the detailed list of required papers for your course.