NTA CUET PG 2026 Online Application Form Released: Complete Guide to Eligibility, Fee, and Exam Dates
The National Testing Agency (NTA) has officially released the notification and commenced the online application process for the Central Universities Entrance Test (CUET) PG 2026. Prospective students seeking admission to various postgraduate (PG) courses across participating central and state universities in India can now register for the examination. The CUET PG 2026 online form submission process began today, on 14 December 2025, providing a crucial opportunity for candidates to secure seats in prestigious institutions for the academic year 2026-27.
The NTA, entrusted with conducting this examination, has set the application window from 14 December 2025 to 14 January 2026. This window is essential for all candidates to register, fill out their details, and submit the CUET PG 2026 application form before the stipulated deadline. The CUET PG 2026 examination serves as a single-window entrance test for admissions into a wide range of PG programs, including MA, MSc, MCom, LLM, and various other specialized courses. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the application process, eligibility criteria, required fees, important dates, and examination pattern for CUET PG 2026.
Key Highlights of CUET PG 2026 Application Process
The CUET PG 2026 registration process is entirely online. Candidates must visit the official NTA website for CUET PG to complete the application steps. It is imperative for all candidates to carefully review the official information bulletin provided by NTA before proceeding with registration. The examination aims to standardize the admission procedure for postgraduate courses across numerous central universities, including prominent institutions like Delhi University (DU), Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), Banaras Hindu University (BHU), and many others. The NTA CUET PG 2026 online application form is available on the official website: exams.nta.nic.in/cuet-pg/.
Understanding the application timeline is critical for candidates. The limited window of exactly one month for filling the CUET PG 2026 online form means candidates should not wait until the last minute. The process involves multiple stages, including initial registration, filling personal and academic details, uploading documents, selecting university preferences and subjects, and finally, fee payment.
Important Dates for NTA CUET PG 2026
Candidates must keep track of the following key dates to avoid missing any deadlines for the CUET PG 2026 application process and subsequent exam events. The table below outlines the critical timeline as per the official notification issued by NTA. The CUET PG 2026 last date for submission is a non-negotiable deadline.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| CUET PG 2026 Online Application Form Start Date | 14 December 2025 |
| CUET PG 2026 Last Date for Online Registration | 14 January 2026 |
| Last Date for Fee Payment | 14 January 2026 (exact time specified in notification) |
| Application Correction Window | Not Available (To be announced after registration closes) |
| Release of Admit Card | Not Available (Expected in February/March 2026) |
| CUET PG 2026 Exam Date | Not Available (Expected in March 2026) |
| Release of Provisional Answer Key | Not Available |
| Declaration of Result | Not Available |
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Apply for CUET PG 2026 Online Form
For candidates seeking to complete the CUET PG 2026 online application form, here is a detailed step-by-step procedure to guide you through the process on the official NTA website. Following these steps carefully will ensure a successful submission of your registration for CUET PG 2026.
Step 1: New Registration on Official Website
First, candidates must visit the official NTA CUET PG 2026 website: exams.nta.nic.in/cuet-pg/. On the homepage, locate the link for "New Registration" for CUET PG 2026. Click on this link to start the registration process. You will be asked to read the instructions carefully, including the fee details and eligibility requirements. Once you accept the terms, you proceed to fill in your personal details, including name, date of birth, contact information, and create a strong password. Upon successful registration, a unique application number will be generated. It is crucial to note down this application number and password for future logins.
Step 2: Fill Personal and Academic Details
After completing the initial registration, log in using the generated application number and password. Here, you will proceed to fill in the main part of the CUET PG 2026 application form. This section requires detailed information about your educational qualifications (Graduation status, marks/CGPA, university details), personal background (category, communication address), and selection of exam centers. Pay close attention to filling in your academic details accurately, as discrepancies could lead to issues during the verification process at the time of admission.
Step 3: Upload Required Documents
The next vital step is to upload scanned copies of necessary documents. Candidates are typically required to upload a passport-size photograph and their signature. The specific format and size requirements (usually JPEG format, within certain dimensions) for these documents will be mentioned in the official instructions on the NTA website. Ensure that the photograph is clear and recent, and the signature is legible. Failure to upload documents according to specifications may result in the rejection of the CUET PG 2026 application form.
Step 4: Selection of University and Course Preferences
This is one of the most important steps in the CUET PG 2026 registration process. Candidates must select the universities and specific programs they wish to apply for. The NTA provides a list of participating universities and their offered courses. Carefully review the eligibility criteria for each course at your chosen universities before making selections. You can select multiple universities and courses based on your preferences and eligibility. This step determines which universities will consider your CUET PG score for admission.
Step 5: Payment of Application Fee
Once all details are filled and documents uploaded, proceed to the fee payment section. The CUET PG 2026 application fee varies based on the candidate's category and the number of subjects selected. Payment can be made online using various options like credit card, debit card, or net banking. Ensure that the transaction is successful and save the payment receipt for future reference. Without successful fee payment, the CUET PG 2026 application form remains incomplete.
Step 6: Final Submission and Confirmation Page Printout
After completing all previous steps and making the payment, review the entire CUET PG 2026 application form once more for any potential errors. Once satisfied, click on the final submission button. You must then download and print the confirmation page. This page serves as proof that you have successfully registered and applied for the examination. Keep multiple copies of the confirmation page safe until the admission process is concluded.
Eligibility Criteria for CUET PG 2026
To be eligible to appear for CUET PG 2026, candidates must meet specific academic requirements set by NTA and participating universities. The general CUET PG 2026 eligibility criteria are outlined below, though specific university/program requirements may vary.
Educational Qualification: Candidates must possess a bachelor's degree from a recognized university or institution. The minimum required marks or equivalent CGPA generally ranges between 50% and 55% for the general category. Reserved category candidates (SC/ST/PwD) often have a relaxation in the minimum marks requirement, typically around 45% to 50% depending on the specific program and university.
Appearing Candidates: Candidates who are in the final year of their bachelor's degree program and awaiting results are also eligible to apply for CUET PG 2026. However, such candidates must present proof of passing the degree examination and meet the minimum eligibility criteria at the time of admission or counseling. Failure to do so will result in disqualification even if they pass the CUET PG exam.
Specific Program Eligibility: It is critical for candidates to carefully check the specific eligibility requirements for the desired program at each university. For example, a candidate applying for an MA in English may need a certain minimum percentage in English as a subject during graduation, even if they meet the general pass percentage. The official information bulletin for CUET PG 2026 provides comprehensive details on these program-specific requirements.
Age Limit: There is generally no specific upper age limit prescribed by the NTA for appearing in CUET PG 2026. However, individual universities may have their own age restrictions for certain courses. Candidates should verify this with the specific university they are targeting for admission.
CUET PG 2026 Application Fee Structure
The CUET PG 2026 application fee structure is determined by the candidate's category and the number of subjects they select during registration. The fee increases with the selection of additional subjects. Candidates should make sure to choose subjects carefully during the CUET PG online form filling process to avoid unnecessary costs. The fee must be paid online, as there is no provision for offline payment.
| Candidate Category | Fee for up to 3 Subjects | Fee for each Additional Subject |
|---|---|---|
| General | Rs. 1,200/- | Rs. 500/- |
| OBC-NCL / EWS | Rs. 1,000/- | Rs. 400/- |
| SC / ST / Third Gender | Rs. 900/- | Rs. 400/- |
| PwBD | Rs. 800/- | Rs. 400/- |
Please note that the above fee structure is for candidates in India. Separate fee structures apply to candidates applying from outside India, which are typically higher. Candidates must verify the exact fee amount on the official notification for CUET PG 2026 before making payment. The CUET PG application fee is non-refundable.
CUET PG 2026 Exam Pattern and Structure
Understanding the examination pattern is essential for effective preparation for CUET PG 2026. The NTA conducts the test in a Computer Based Test (CBT) mode across various cities in India and abroad. The exam structure generally consists of a total of 100 questions divided into two parts: Part A and Part B.
Exam Mode: Computer Based Test (CBT)
Duration: 120 minutes (2 hours)
Question Type: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
Marking Scheme: Each correct answer carries +4 marks. Each incorrect answer results in a deduction of -1 mark. No marks are deducted for unattempted questions.
Part A: General Section (25 Questions)
This section evaluates the general awareness and aptitude of the candidate. It covers topics such as Language Comprehension (English or Hindi), General Knowledge/Awareness, Mathematical/Quantitative Ability, and Analytical Skills. This part is common for all courses and participating universities under CUET PG 2026.
Part B: Domain Specific Section (75 Questions)
This section assesses the candidate's knowledge in the specific domain subject selected during the application process. The syllabus for this part aligns with the topics studied at the undergraduate level in a specific field. Candidates applying for different programs will take different domain-specific papers, depending on their chosen course and university requirements. A candidate's performance in both parts determines their overall CUET PG score.
Tips for CUET PG 2026 Preparation
As the CUET PG 2026 exam date approaches, effective preparation becomes paramount. Here are some key strategies to enhance your performance:
1. Review the Syllabus: Start by thoroughly understanding the official CUET PG 2026 syllabus provided by NTA. Focus on both Part A (General Aptitude) and Part B (Domain Specific). For Part B, ensure you cover all topics relevant to your chosen subject as per the specific university requirements.
2. Create a Study Plan: Develop a structured study schedule that allocates sufficient time for each section of the exam. Prioritize subjects where you feel less confident and dedicate more time to strengthening those areas. Consistent study over the coming months will be crucial.
3. Practice with Mock Tests: The best way to prepare for the CBT format of CUET PG 2026 is through mock tests. NTA usually provides official mock tests on its website. Utilize previous years' papers and online mock test series to familiarize yourself with the exam pattern, question types, and time constraints. This helps improve speed and accuracy, essential for maximizing your CUET PG score.
4. Focus on Part A: Many candidates focus entirely on Part B (Domain Specific) but neglect Part A (General Section). Since Part A carries significant weight (25 questions), a strong performance here can significantly boost your overall rank. Practice quantitative aptitude, reasoning, and general knowledge questions regularly.
CUET PG 2026: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Here are answers to common questions regarding the CUET PG 2026 online form and examination process.
1. What is CUET PG 2026?
CUET PG stands for Central Universities Entrance Test (Postgraduate). It is a nationwide entrance examination conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) for admission to various postgraduate courses offered by participating central and state universities across India for the academic session 2026-27.
2. When did the NTA CUET PG 2026 application process start?
The CUET PG 2026 application form submission started on 14 December 2025. Candidates have exactly one month to complete the registration and application process online.
3. Can I apply for CUET PG if I am in the final year of my graduation?
Yes, candidates in their final year/semester of graduation are eligible to apply for CUET PG 2026. However, they must be able to produce proof of passing the degree and meet the minimum eligibility criteria at the time of admission to their chosen university.
4. What is the last date to fill the CUET PG 2026 online form?
The CUET PG 2026 last date for registration and application submission is 14 January 2026. Candidates must ensure that they complete all steps, including fee payment, before this deadline.
5. Is there an age limit for CUET PG 2026?
No, NTA has not prescribed any upper age limit for CUET PG 2026. However, certain participating universities may have their own specific age criteria for admission to specific programs. Candidates must check individual university rules.
6. Can I make corrections to the CUET PG application form after final submission?
Yes, NTA typically provides a correction window after the close of the initial registration period. Candidates can correct specific details (like category, exam city, or academic details) during this window. However, critical details like a candidate's name or date of birth might not be editable after initial registration. It is best to fill the CUET PG 2026 online form carefully during the first attempt.
7. How many universities can I apply for through CUET PG 2026?
There is no limit to the number of universities you can select during the CUET PG 2026 online application form process. You can select multiple universities and corresponding courses as long as you meet their specific eligibility requirements. The examination fee increases with the selection of additional subjects, which are often tied to specific courses.
8. What is the marking scheme for CUET PG 2026?
The marking scheme for CUET PG 2026 involves +4 marks for every correct answer and -1 mark for every incorrect answer. There is no penalty for unattempted questions.
9. Where can I find the official syllabus for CUET PG 2026?
The detailed syllabus for both Part A and Part B of the CUET PG 2026 examination can be downloaded from the official NTA website: exams.nta.nic.in/cuet-pg/. Candidates should refer to the official information bulletin for comprehensive details.
10. When will the CUET PG 2026 Admit Card be released?
The release date for the CUET PG 2026 Admit Card has not been officially announced yet. Based on previous years' schedules, it is expected to be released approximately one to two weeks before the start of the examination dates, which are expected in March 2026.