CUET PG 2026 (Central Universities Common Entrance Test – Postgraduate): Complete Guide for Postgraduate Aspirants

INTRODUCTION

If you’re planning to pursue a postgraduate degree at Central Universities or other participating institutions in India, then CUET PG 2026 (Central Universities Common Entrance Test – Postgraduate) is one of the most important exams you need to know about. This exam serves as a standardized pathway for entry into a wide range of master’s level programs, and its reach continues to expand year after year.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about CUET PG 2026 — from registration and eligibility to exam pattern, syllabus, key dates, preparation tips, FAQs, and more. Whether you’re a final-year undergraduate student or a graduate aiming for higher studies, this post will give you the clarity and tools you need to plan effectively for CUET PG 2026.

What Is CUET PG 2026 and Why It Matters

CUET PG 2026 (Central Universities Common Entrance Test – Postgraduate) is a national-level entrance exam conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) for admission into postgraduate programs across Central Universities and other participating institutions. The purpose of CUET PG is to create a common, merit-based platform where candidates can compete fairly for seats in various PG programs such as MA, MSc, MCom, MBA, MCA, LLM, and many others.

With increasing adoption by universities across India, CUET PG has become a standard requirement for PG admissions in many institutions. A good score in CUET PG 2026 can significantly improve your chances of securing admission to reputable universities and preferred subjects.

CUET PG 2026: Important Dates and Timeline

Keeping track of the CUET PG 2026 timeline is key to a smooth application and preparation process. As per the latest official and news updates:

Event	Official Date / Deadline
Online Registration Starts	December 14, 2025
Registration Deadline (Extended)	January 23, 2026 (11:50 PM)
Last Date for Fee Payment	January 25, 2026 (11:50 PM)
Application Correction Window	January 28 – January 30, 2026
Advance City Intimation Slip	Late February 2026
Admit Card Release	First Week of March 2026
CUET PG Exam Dates	March 13 – April 1, 2026
Answer Key / Results	April – May 2026

Who Can Apply? Eligibility Criteria for CUET PG 2026

To appear for CUET PG 2026, candidates must fulfill certain basic eligibility criteria, including educational qualifications and, in some cases, additional requirements set by universities:

Academic Qualification

• You must have completed a Bachelor’s degree (or be in the final year of your Bachelor’s program) in a relevant discipline before the academic session for which you’re applying.

• Some universities may have specific subject requirements depending on the postgraduate course chosen.

Minimum Marks

• Most universities require at least 50% marks in the qualifying undergraduate degree (45% for reserved categories like SC/ST and others) but this can vary by institution.

Age Limit

• There is no upper age limit to apply for CUET PG 2026. However, eligibility requirements can differ for specific programs and universities, so always check individual university guidelines before applying.

Nationality

• Indian citizens, NRIs, and other eligible candidate categories can apply. Be sure to check university-specific rules regarding international student admissions.

Meeting these basic criteria makes you eligible to register for the exam. However, final admission will depend on your performance in the exam and the eligibility norms of the university you’re targeting.

How to Apply for CUET PG 2026 – Step by Step

The application process for CUET PG 2026 is fully online and handled by NTA. Below is a simplified process to help you understand what to expect:

1. Registration

Start by visiting the official CUET PG registration portal (exams.nta.nic.in/cuet-pg) and create your login credentials.

2. Fill Out Personal Details

Enter your personal and academic information carefully. Make sure all details match your official documents.

3. Upload Required Documents

Upload a recent passport-style photograph and your signature as per the specifications mentioned in the information bulletin.

4. Choose Subject Codes and Exam Cities

You can select papers (up to four subject codes) based on the PG courses you intend to pursue. You’ll also choose your preferred exam cities — note that the number of exam city options has been reduced, and candidates may now get allotted cities based on availability.

5. Pay Application Fee

The fee varies by category. For example:

• General category: ₹1,400

• OBC-NCL/Gen-EWS: ₹1,200

• SC/ST/Third Gender: ₹1,100

• PwD: ₹1,000

• Outside India: ₹7,000

6. Submit and Download Confirmation

After payment and review, submit your form and download the confirmation page. Save this safe for future reference.

Remember, once the registration window closes, no new applications will be accepted, so be sure to complete every step before the deadline.

CUET PG 2026: Exam Pattern and Marking Scheme

The CUET PG 2026 exam pattern is designed to be comprehensive yet streamlined. Here’s what you need to know:

Mode of Exam

• Computer Based Test (CBT) across designated centers.

  
  

Duration and Questions

• The exam consists of 75 multiple-choice questions per paper.

• Total duration is 90 minutes for each paper.

  
  

Marking Scheme

• +4 marks for each correct answer.

• -1 mark for each incorrect answer.

• 0 marks for unattempted questions.

  
  

Medium of Question Papers

• Papers will be offered in English and Hindi for most subjects, except M.Tech, higher sciences, and certain language/Acharya papers where English is compulsory.

  
  

Subject Choices

• There are 157 subject papers available in CUET PG 2026 across a broad range of disciplines.

This exam pattern emphasizes depth in subject knowledge and helps universities fairly compare applicants who may be applying across different streams.

CUET PG 2026 Syllabus Overview

Unlike some entrance tests with rigid syllabi, CUET PG 2026 allows you to prepare topic-wise based on your chosen subject codes. Each paper code corresponds to the discipline you are applying for — for example:

• MA subjects like English, History, Economics

• MSc subjects like Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics

• Professional subjects like MBA, MCA

• Law subjects like LLM

The syllabus contents are detailed in the official information bulletin available on the NTA CUET PG portal. It’s important to download the syllabus PDF for the subject codes you’ve chosen and prepare accordingly.

Typically, the syllabus tests your domain knowledge, comprehension skills, and analytical ability in the specialisation you’ve chosen.

CUET PG 2026 Exam Cities and Accessibility

In 2026, NTA has reduced the number of exam cities available for CUET PG from previous years. The exam will be conducted in around 292 cities in India and 16 cities abroad, giving wide access while balancing administrative feasibility.

You can choose up to two preferred exam cities during registration, but final allotment will be based on availability and NTA’s administrative decision.

How CUET PG 2026 Scores Are Used by Universities

Once CUET PG 2026 results are announced, universities will use your score to shortlist candidates for admission into postgraduate programs. Some points to note:

• Central Universities consider CUET PG scores for PG admissions.

• Many State Universities and Deemed Universities also use CUET PG scores.

• Some institutions combine CUET PG scores with other criteria such as merit, interviews, or additional tests depending on the program.

Always check the admission policy of your target university, as eligibility criteria and usage of CUET PG scores can differ.

Preparation Tips for CUET PG 2026

Preparing for CUET PG 2026 effectively requires planning and strategy:

Understand the Exam Pattern

Review the exam structure and marking scheme so you know where to focus your energy.

Get the Official Syllabus

Download the syllabus for your selected subject codes from the NTA portal and map it with previous year question trends.

Make a Study Schedule

Create a timetable that balances core subject preparation with revision and mock tests.

Practice Previous Papers

Solving CUET PG question papers from previous cycles helps you understand difficulty level and time management.

Take Mock Tests

Regular mocks under timed conditions build confidence and speed.

Focus on Conceptual Clarity

PG-level courses demand strong fundamentals. Don’t just memorise — understand.

Being consistent and disciplined in your preparation will pay off when you finally sit for the CUET PG 2026 exam.

FAQ

Q. What is CUET PG 2026 and who conducts it?

A. CUET PG 2026 stands for the Central Universities Common Entrance Test for Postgraduate programs, and it is conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) for admission into PG courses across Central and other participating universities.

Q. When will CUET PG 2026 be held?

A. CUET PG 2026 is expected to be conducted in March 2026, but the exact dates will be confirmed by NTA in official announcements.

Q. How many questions are there in CUET PG 2026?

A. The exam consists of 75 questions per paper, and each carries four marks for correct answers, with one mark deducted for incorrect responses.

Q. Can I apply for CUET PG 2026 without a Bachelor’s degree?

A. You must have completed (or be in the final year of) your Bachelor’s degree to apply for CUET PG 2026. Most universities require you to finish your graduation before the session begins.

Q. Is CUET PG 2026 exam bilingual?

A. Yes, CUET PG 2026 question papers are in English and Hindi for most subjects, except certain paper types which are available only in English.

CTA

• Apply Before Deadline: Complete your CUET PG 2026 application at the official portal before January 23, 2026.

• Download Information Bulletin: Get the detailed syllabus and subject codes from the NTA website.

• Plan Your Preparation: Create a study plan covering topics in your chosen subjects.

• Take Mock Tests: Practice with previous year papers and online mock tests to build confidence.

• Check University Requirements: Visit the official sites of universities you want to join and confirm their specific criteria.