CUET UG 2026 Eligibility Criteria: Check Details and Steps to Apply Here

What is CUET UG 2026?

The Common University Entrance Test (UG) is a national-level examination introduced to standardise undergraduate admissions in India. Earlier, universities conducted their own entrance tests or relied on Class 12 marks. CUET UG has simplified the admission process by allowing candidates to apply to multiple universities using a single exam score.

Through CUET UG 2026, students can seek admission to courses such as:

• BA, BSc, BCom

• BBA, BCA

• Integrated UG programmes

• Honours and specialised degree courses

CUET UG 2026: Key Highlights

CUET UG 2026 Eligibility Criteria: Overview

The eligibility criteria for CUET UG 2026 are divided into the following components:

1. Educational Qualification

2. Age Limit

3. Nationality

4. Subject-Specific Eligibility

5. University-Specific Requirements

Candidates must carefully check all conditions before applying.

Educational Qualification for CUET UG 2026

Basic Qualification

• Candidates must have passed Class 12 or equivalent examination from a recognised board.

• Students appearing in Class 12 in 2026 are also eligible to apply.

Recognised Boards

• CBSE

• ICSE

• State Boards

• NIOS

• Any board recognised by the Government of India

There is no minimum percentage requirement prescribed by NTA for CUET UG. However, individual universities may have their own minimum marks criteria.

CUET UG 2026 Age Limit

One of the most student-friendly aspects of CUET UG is that:

• There is no upper age limit to apply for CUET UG 2026.

Candidates of any age group can appear for the exam, subject to fulfilling the eligibility conditions of the respective university and course.

Nationality Criteria

Candidates eligible to apply for CUET UG 2026 include:

• Indian Nationals

• NRIs (Non-Resident Indians)

• OCI (Overseas Citizens of India)

• Foreign Nationals (as per university norms)

Admission of foreign and NRI candidates is governed by the policies of the participating universities.

Subject-Wise Eligibility for CUET UG 2026

While CUET UG provides a common platform, subject requirements vary by course and university.

Examples

• BSc (Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics):
  Candidates must have studied PCM in Class 12.

• BCom / BBA:
  Mathematics may be mandatory in some universities.

• BA Courses:
  Subject requirements are generally flexible.

• Professional Courses:
  Specific domain subjects may be required.

Candidates must carefully match their Class 12 subjects with the domain subjects selected in CUET UG.

University-Specific Eligibility Rules

Each participating university releases its own admission brochure. These may include:

• Minimum Class 12 marks

• Mandatory subjects

• Age restrictions (in rare cases)

• Reservation policies

Meeting CUET eligibility alone does not guarantee admission unless university-specific conditions are also satisfied.

Reservation Policy in CUET UG 2026

CUET UG follows the Government of India reservation rules for central universities:

Candidates claiming reservation must upload valid certificates during application and counselling.

CUET UG 2026 Eligibility for Domain Subjects

Candidates can choose:

• Up to 6 domain subjects

• 1–2 language subjects

• General Test (optional)

Eligibility to choose a domain subject depends on whether the candidate studied that subject in Class 12.

Incorrect subject selection may lead to cancellation of candidature during counselling.

Steps to Apply for CUET UG 2026

Eligible candidates can follow these steps to apply online:

Step 1: Visit Official Website

Go to cuet.nta.nic.in

Step 2: New Registration

Click on CUET UG 2026 Registration and create an account using:

• Name

• Date of Birth

• Mobile number

• Email ID

Step 3: Fill Application Form

Enter:

• Personal details

• Academic details

• Course and university preferences

• Exam city choices

Step 4: Upload Documents

• Passport-size photograph

• Signature

• Category certificate (if applicable)

Step 5: Pay Application Fee

Pay the fee online using:

• Debit card

• Credit card

• Net banking

• UPI

Step 6: Submit Form

Review all details carefully and submit the form. Download the confirmation page.

CUET UG 2026 Application Fee (Expected)

Additional charges apply for extra subjects.

Common Mistakes to Avoid While Applying

• Selecting subjects not studied in Class 12

• Uploading unclear documents

• Entering incorrect personal details

• Missing the application deadline

• Ignoring university-specific eligibility rules

Double-checking the form before submission is highly recommended.

What Happens After CUET UG 2026 Application?

After successful registration:

1. NTA releases exam city intimation slip

2. CUET UG 2026 admit card is issued

3. Examination is conducted

4. Results and scorecards are declared

5. Universities begin counselling and admission process

NTA does not conduct centralised counselling; candidates must apply separately to universities.

Why Understanding Eligibility is Crucial

Incorrect understanding of eligibility can result in:

• Application rejection

• Disqualification during counselling

• Loss of admission opportunity

Hence, candidates should read both CUET information bulletin and university admission brochures carefully.

Conclusion

The CUET UG 2026 eligibility criteria are designed to be inclusive, flexible, and student-friendly, allowing candidates from all education boards and backgrounds to compete on a common platform. With no age limit, wide subject options, and acceptance by hundreds of universities, CUET UG has transformed undergraduate admissions in India.