What Is CUET Exam? Complete Guide for 2026 Aspirants

The CUET Exam has become the most important entrance test for university admissions in India. Introduced to bring uniformity, fairness, and transparency, CUET is now the single gateway to more than 250 universities across the country.

If you are planning for college admission after Class 12, one question is essential:

What is CUET Exam and how should you prepare for CUET UG 2026?

This complete guide explains everything about the CUET Exam 2026, including key dates, eligibility, exam pattern, syllabus, official website, and admission process.

What Is CUET Exam?

CUET stands for Common University Entrance Test.
It is a national-level entrance examination conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) for admission to:

• Central Universities

• State Universities

• Deemed and Private Universities

Through one single CUET Exam, students can apply to multiple universities and multiple courses.

There are two main types:

• CUET UG – For Undergraduate admissions

• CUET PG – For Postgraduate admissions

This guide focuses on CUET UG 2026.

Why Was CUET Introduced?

Before CUET, admissions were mainly based on:

• Board exam marks

• Different cut-off systems

• Different eligibility rules

This created inequality among students from different boards.

The CUET Exam was introduced to:

• Standardize the admission process

• Reduce board bias

• Provide equal opportunity

• Increase transparency

• Simplify college admissions

Today, the CUET Exam is mandatory for most central universities in India.

Who Conducts the CUET Exam?

The National Testing Agency (NTA) conducts the CUET Exam every year.

NTA also conducts:

• NEET

• JEE Main

• UGC NET

This ensures a fair, computer-based, and transparent examination system.

Key Details for CUET UG 2026

Here are the important confirmed/expected details for CUET UG 2026:

Students must regularly check the official website for updates on the CUET Exam date, admit card, and result.

Official Website of CUET Exam 2026

All authentic information about the CUET Exam is available only on the official NTA portal.

From this website, students can:

• Fill the CUET UG application form

• Check CUET Exam date and notifications

• Download admit card

• View answer key and results

• Get official counselling updates

Students should avoid unofficial websites and rely only on the CUET official website.

CUET UG Eligibility Criteria 2026

To appear for the CUET UG 2026, a candidate must fulfil the following eligibility conditions:

Basic Eligibility

• Must have passed or be appearing in Class 12 from a recognised board

• Must meet the subject requirements of the chosen course

• Must satisfy the university-specific eligibility rules

Age Limit

• No age limit is fixed by NTA for CUET

• However, some universities may have their own age criteria

Subject Eligibility

• Students must choose domain subjects related to their Class 12 subjects

• Example:

  • Science students → Physics, Chemistry, Maths, Biology

  • Commerce students → Accountancy, Economics, Business Studies

  • Arts students → History, Political Science, Geography, etc.

Eligibility may vary from course to course and university to university.

CUET Exam Pattern 2026

The CUET Exam is conducted in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode.

Sections in CUET UG

1. Language Test

2. Domain Subject Tests

3. General Test (for selected courses)

• Question Type: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

• Marking Scheme:

  • +5 for correct answer

  • -1 for wrong answer

Comparison Table: CUET vs Old Admission System

This shows how the CUET Exam has simplified and standardised admissions.

CUET Syllabus 2026 (Overview)

The CUET syllabus is mainly based on the Class 12 NCERT syllabus.

It includes:

• Language comprehension

• Domain subject knowledge

• General awareness and reasoning

Students are advised to prepare primarily from NCERT textbooks.

How Does CUET Admission Process Work?

After the CUET Result 2026:

1. Universities release cut-offs / merit lists

2. Students apply on individual university portals

3. Seats are allotted based on:

   • CUET score

   • Category

   • Course preference

There is no central counselling for all universities.

Why CUET Exam Is Important for Students?

The CUET Exam is important because:

• One exam opens doors to multiple top universities

• Reduces board exam pressure

• Provides equal opportunity

• Increases transparency

• Saves time and cost

For 2026 aspirants, CUET UG is the key to India’s best universities.

Also Read : Complete List of UGC Approved Online Universities in India 

Final Conclusion

In simple terms, the CUET Exam 2026 is:

• A national-level entrance test

• Conducted by NTA

• For UG admissions

• Based on Class 12 syllabus

• Mandatory for central universities

If you aim for admission to top universities in 2026, CUET UG preparation is essential.

FAQs

Q1. What is CUET Exam?

The CUET Exam is a national-level entrance test for admission to undergraduate courses in central and participating universities.

Q2. What is the CUET Exam date 2026?

The CUET Exam 2026 will be conducted from 11 May to 31 May 2026.

Q3. What is the registration date for CUET UG 2026?

The CUET UG registration window is expected from 03 January to 30 January 2026.

Q4. What is the official website of CUET?

The official website of CUET is: cuet.nta.nic.in

Q5. Is CUET compulsory for college admission?

Yes, CUET is compulsory for most central universities and many state universities.