15 December 2025
NTA Releases CUET PG 2026 Registration Notification: Complete Guide to Application, Eligibility, and Exam Pattern
The National Testing Agency (NTA) has officially released the notification for the Common University Entrance Test Postgraduate (CUET PG) 2026. This announcement marks the beginning of the application process for admission to various postgraduate programs offered by participating central, state, and other universities across India for the academic session 2026-27.
Prospective candidates seeking admission to master's degrees (M.A., M.Sc., M.Com., L.L.M., M.Tech., etc.) in prestigious institutions must register for the CUET PG 2026 examination within the specified timeline. The examination serves as a single window opportunity for students to secure seats in a diverse range of programs. This comprehensive article provides detailed information on the CUET PG 2026 registration process, eligibility criteria, application fees, exam structure, and key dates. Candidates are strongly advised to read the official notification carefully before initiating the application process.
CUET PG 2026 Overview: Key Highlights
The CUET PG exam has gained significant importance in recent years as a standardized test for university admissions. The NTA, responsible for conducting the examination, aims to streamline the admission process by offering a single test platform for multiple universities. The CUET PG 2026 application process is entirely online. Below is a summary of key details for candidates planning to apply for the examination.
- Exam Name: Common University Entrance Test (Postgraduate) - CUET PG 2026
- Organizing Body: National Testing Agency (NTA)
- Application Mode: Online (Through the official CUET PG portal)
- Purpose: Admission to Postgraduate Programs (MA, MSc, MCom, LLM, etc.)
- Total Posts/Vacancies: Not Applicable (Admission test)
- Participating Universities: Central Universities, State Universities, Deemed Universities, and Private Institutions
- Official Website: pgcuet.samarth.ac.in
For detailed updates regarding the CUET PG 2026 registration and results, candidates can regularly check the official portal and reliable education news websites like Sarkari Result All.
CUET PG 2026 Important Dates: Registration and Examination Schedule
According to the NTA CUET PG 2026 notification, the application window will be open for a specific duration. Candidates must ensure they complete the online application process before the last date. The NTA has released a tentative schedule for the registration, correction window, admit card release, and examination dates.
| Event | Dates |
|---|---|
| CUET PG 2026 Online Registration Start Date | 15 December 2025 |
| Last Date for Online Registration | 12 January 2026 |
| Last Date for Fee Payment | 13 January 2026 |
| Correction Window Open Date | 15 January 2026 |
| Correction Window Last Date | 17 January 2026 |
| Admit Card Release Date | Notified in February 2026 |
| CUET PG 2026 Examination Date | March 2026 (Tentative Dates: 11 March 2026 - 28 March 2026) |
| Result Declaration Date | April 2026 |
Candidates are advised to adhere strictly to the schedule to avoid last-minute rush or technical difficulties during the registration process. Any changes to the timeline will be promptly updated by the NTA on the official website.
CUET PG 2026 Eligibility Criteria: Check Requirements Before Applying
The eligibility criteria for CUET PG 2026 are fundamental for every candidate. The requirements primarily concern educational qualifications and, in some cases, age limits. While the general eligibility requires a bachelor's degree, specific requirements can vary significantly depending on the university and the particular postgraduate program chosen. Candidates must carefully review the university-specific eligibility criteria provided in the information bulletin.
General Eligibility Criteria:
- Educational Qualification: Candidates must possess a bachelor's degree from a recognized university. The minimum duration required for the bachelor's degree is typically three years.
- Minimum Marks: The minimum percentage required in the bachelor's degree varies from university to university and program to program. Generally, a minimum of 50% marks (or equivalent grade) for General Category candidates and 45% marks (or equivalent grade) for Reserved Category candidates (SC/ST/OBC-NCL/PwBD) is required. However, some universities may set higher cutoffs.
- Appearing Candidates: Candidates who are in the final year/semester of their bachelor's degree and awaiting their results are generally eligible to apply for CUET PG 2026. However, their admission will be provisional and subject to a minimum percentage requirement at the time of final admission.
- No Age Limit: Unlike some other entrance examinations, there is generally no upper age limit prescribed by the NTA for appearing in CUET PG 2026. However, candidates should check if the individual university has any age restrictions for specific programs.
Specific Program Eligibility:
For certain specialized programs, candidates must have studied specific subjects at the undergraduate level. For example, for M.Sc. programs in Physics, Chemistry, or Mathematics, a bachelor's degree with that specific subject as a major or part of the curriculum may be mandatory. Similarly, for M.Ed. programs, candidates must possess a B.Ed. degree. Candidates are highly encouraged to review the program-specific eligibility requirements in the information bulletin available on the official website. Failure to meet the specific criteria may lead to rejection during the counselling process, even if the candidate qualifies in the exam.
CUET PG 2026 Application Fee Structure
The application fee for CUET PG 2026 varies based on the candidate's category and the number of subjects selected for the examination. Candidates are allowed to choose up to a certain number of subjects/programs during the initial application. The fee structure is non-refundable and must be paid online through various payment gateways (Debit Card, Credit Card, Net Banking, UPI).
| Category | Fee for up to 3 Test Papers | Additional Fee per Test Paper (per subject) |
|---|---|---|
| General Category | ₹1200/- | ₹500/- |
| OBC-NCL / General-EWS Category | ₹1000/- | ₹400/- |
| SC / ST / Third Gender Category | ₹900/- | ₹400/- |
| PwBD Category (Person with Benchmark Disability) | ₹800/- | ₹400/- |
Note: The fee structure is subject to change as per NTA's official notification. International candidates generally have a different fee structure which will be specified in the information bulletin.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Apply for CUET PG 2026 Online Registration
The CUET PG 2026 registration process involves several distinct steps. Candidates must ensure they follow these instructions precisely to avoid any errors in their application form.
Step 1: New Registration on the Official Portal
Navigate to the official NTA CUET PG website (pgcuet.samarth.ac.in). Click on the "Register" or "New Candidate Registration" link. Provide basic personal details such as name, date of birth, mobile number, and email address. This step will generate a unique application number and password. Candidates must note down these credentials for future logins and to track the application status.
Step 2: Fill in the Application Form
Log in using the application number and password obtained in Step 1. The application form requires detailed information, including personal information, address details, educational qualifications (details of bachelor's degree, 12th standard, etc.), and choices for exam centers. Candidates must carefully select their preferred universities and programs from the extensive list available in the application form. Selection of programs should be made carefully as per the specific eligibility criteria of each university.
Step 3: Upload Documents (Photo, Signature, and Certificates)
Candidates need to upload scanned copies of recent passport-size photographs, signatures, and relevant category certificates (if applicable). Ensure that the documents are clear and adhere to the size and format guidelines specified in the official notification. For example, the photograph should be in JPG format, and the signature should be clear on white paper. The quality of these uploads is critical, as incorrect uploads can lead to application rejection.
Step 4: Selection of Test Papers/Subjects
Candidates must carefully choose the test papers they wish to appear for based on the requirements of their selected university programs. The NTA provides a comprehensive list of test papers (e.g., General Studies, specific subject codes like SCQP01, COQP11, etc.). Selecting the correct test paper code is essential to match the program requirements of the desired university. Candidates can choose up to a specified maximum number of subjects as per the fee structure.
Step 5: Payment of Application Fee
After completing all sections of the application form and verifying the details, proceed to the payment gateway. Pay the required application fee based on your category and the number of subjects selected. Payment can be made using various online methods. The application form will only be considered complete after successful payment of the fee.
Step 6: Final Submission and Printout
Review the entire application form one last time for any discrepancies or errors. Once satisfied, click on the "Final Submit" button. Download and print the confirmation page for future reference. This document serves as proof that the application process has been successfully completed.
CUET PG 2026 Exam Pattern and Structure
Understanding the CUET PG 2026 exam pattern is vital for successful preparation. The examination will be conducted in a Computer Based Test (CBT) mode across various cities in India. The duration of the examination will be 105 minutes (1 hour 45 minutes).
Examination Structure:
The CUET PG 2026 exam paper is divided into two parts: Part A and Part B. However, for some programs, only a domain-specific paper (Part B) might be applicable, and Part A might be excluded. Candidates must confirm the specific paper structure for their chosen program.
- Part A: General Knowledge and Language (25 Questions)
This section typically includes questions on General Awareness, Mathematical Ability, Logical Reasoning, and Language Comprehension (English or Hindi). - Part B: Domain Knowledge (75 Questions)
This section focuses on specific subject knowledge required for the chosen postgraduate program. The content of Part B is based on the syllabus provided by NTA for that particular domain.
Marking Scheme:
- Each question carries 4 marks.
- For every correct answer, 4 marks are awarded.
- For every incorrect answer, 1 mark is deducted (negative marking).
- No marks are deducted for unanswered questions.
The total number of questions in the exam paper will be 100 (25 from Part A and 75 from Part B), unless specified otherwise for specific programs. The total marks will be 400. Candidates should utilize the negative marking system effectively during the examination by avoiding random guesses.
List of Participating Universities in CUET PG 2026
One of the significant advantages of CUET PG is the vast number of universities that accept its score. The list of participating universities includes many central universities, state universities, and private institutions. This provides candidates with a wide array of choices for higher education. Some of the prominent universities participating in CUET PG 2026 include:
- Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), New Delhi
- Banaras Hindu University (BHU), Varanasi
- University of Delhi (DU), New Delhi
- Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI), New Delhi
- Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), Aligarh
- University of Hyderabad, Hyderabad
- Central University of Rajasthan, Ajmer
- Pondicherry University, Pondicherry
- Assam University, Silchar
- Tezpur University, Tezpur
- Nagaland University, Kohima
- The English and Foreign Languages University (EFLU), Hyderabad
- Mahatma Gandhi Central University, Motihari
This list is illustrative and not exhaustive. The complete list of participating universities and their offered programs for CUET PG 2026 can be found in the information bulletin. Candidates must ensure they meet the specific eligibility criteria of their target university during the application process.
Preparation Tips for CUET PG 2026 Examination
With the release of the CUET PG 2026 notification, preparation for the exam should begin immediately. Candidates can follow these general tips for effective preparation:
- Analyze the Syllabus: Thoroughly study the official syllabus for both Part A and Part B (domain-specific subjects). Identify high-weightage topics and focus on them first.
- Practice with Mock Tests: Take regular mock tests available on the NTA website or other platforms. Mock tests help in improving time management, understanding the exam pattern, and building confidence for the CBT environment.
- Revise Core Concepts: Revisit key concepts from the bachelor's level curriculum, as most of Part B content is derived from these topics.
- Solve Previous Year Papers: Practice with previous years' CUET PG question papers to get a clear idea of the question types, difficulty level, and important areas of focus.
- Focus on General Knowledge: Part A requires good general awareness. Stay updated with current affairs, basic numerical ability, and logical reasoning exercises.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about CUET PG 2026
Q1: What is CUET PG, and why is it important for postgraduate admissions?
CUET PG stands for Common University Entrance Test (Postgraduate). It is a national-level entrance examination conducted by the NTA for admission to various postgraduate programs offered by participating central, state, and other universities in India. It replaces separate entrance exams for many universities, streamlining the admission process and providing a single platform for students to apply to multiple institutions.
Q2: When did the CUET PG 2026 registration process start, and what is the last date to apply?
According to the official notification, the CUET PG 2026 online registration commenced on 15 December 2025. The last date to submit the online application form and pay the application fee is 12 January 2026.
Q3: Can candidates in their final year of graduation apply for CUET PG 2026?
Yes, candidates who are appearing for the final year or final semester examination of their bachelor's degree in 2026 are generally eligible to apply for CUET PG 2026. However, their admission will be provisional and subject to them meeting the minimum eligibility criteria (e.g., specific percentage) at the time of counselling and admission.
Q4: How many subjects or test papers can I choose during the CUET PG 2026 application process?
Candidates can choose up to three test papers during the initial application for a base fee. If they wish to select additional test papers beyond the initial three, they must pay an extra fee per subject. The total number of test papers allowed and the associated fees are detailed in the official information bulletin and based on the category of the candidate.
Q5: What is the marking scheme for CUET PG 2026? Is there negative marking?
Yes, there is negative marking in the CUET PG 2026 exam. For every correct answer, 4 marks are awarded, and for every incorrect answer, 1 mark is deducted. Unanswered questions do not carry any penalty or marks.
Q6: How can I check my eligibility for a specific program at a particular university?
Candidates must check the specific eligibility criteria for each program at the respective university. While the general eligibility criteria are consistent across the exam, individual universities may have specific requirements regarding subjects studied at the bachelor's level or minimum percentage thresholds. This information is available in the detailed information bulletin published by the NTA and on the official website of the participating university.
Q7: What documents are required to complete the CUET PG 2026 online application form?
Candidates generally need to upload scanned copies of their recent passport-size photograph, signature, and category certificate (if applicable). It is recommended to keep these documents ready in the prescribed format (size and file type) before starting the CUET PG online registration process.
Q8: When will the CUET PG 2026 admit cards be released?
The CUET PG 2026 admit cards are generally released a few weeks before the scheduled examination dates. Candidates can expect the admit cards to be available for download from the official NTA website around February 2026, though the exact date will be announced by the NTA separately.
For more updates and results, visit Sarkari Result All.