🏛️ NTA | National Level | PG Admissions
CUET PG 2026 – The Complete Guide for Postgraduate Admissions
Everything you need to know about CUET PG 2026 – Eligibility, Exam Pattern, Syllabus, Application Process, Cutoffs, and Preparation Strategy for admission to 200+ top universities in India.
1. What is CUET PG?
CUET PG stands for Common University Entrance Test – Postgraduate. It is a national-level entrance examination conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) on behalf of the Ministry of Education, Government of India. CUET PG serves as a single-window admission gateway for students seeking admission to postgraduate (master’s) programmes across central, state, deemed, and private universities in India.
Before CUET PG was introduced, students had to appear for multiple separate entrance examinations for different universities – a stressful and expensive process. CUET PG solves this by providing one exam, one scorecard, admission to 200+ universities. Candidates can apply to multiple universities using their single CUET PG score, significantly reducing the burden of preparation and travel.
Why is CUET PG important? Every Central University in India mandates CUET PG for admissions to MA, MSc, MCom, MBA, MTech, BEd, LLM, and other PG courses. Institutions like Delhi University (DU), Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), Banaras Hindu University (BHU), and University of Hyderabad offer thousands of seats through this single test.
2. CUET PG 2026 – Key Highlights at a Glance
157
Subjects Offered
200+
Participating Universities
292
Exam Cities (incl. 16 abroad)
75
Questions Per Paper
90
Minutes Duration
300
Total Marks
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | Common University Entrance Test – Postgraduate (CUET PG) |
| Conducting Body | National Testing Agency (NTA) |
| Exam Level | National Level |
| Exam Frequency | Once a year |
| Mode of Exam | Computer-Based Test (CBT) only |
| Exam Duration | 90 minutes per paper |
| Total Questions | 75 MCQs |
| Total Marks | 300 marks |
| Subjects Available | 157 subjects across 6 domains |
| Max QP Codes | Up to 4 test paper codes |
| Participating Universities | 203+ (Central, State, Deemed, Private) |
| Exam Cities | 292 cities (including 16 outside India) |
| Official Website | https://exams.nta.nic.in/cuet-pg/ |
| Helpline | 011-40759000 | helpdesk-cuetpg@nta.ac.in |
3. CUET PG 2026 – Important Dates
⚠️ Note for 2026 aspirants: The CUET PG 2026 exam is currently underway (March 6–27, 2026). Registration for this cycle is now closed. The information below is based on the official 2026 notification and is useful for understanding the process for the next cycle (CUET PG 2027) and for those appearing in the current cycle.
| Event | Date (2026) | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Official Notification Release | 14 December 2025 | ✅ Confirmed |
| Online Registration Opens | 14 December 2025 | ✅ Confirmed |
| Last Date to Apply | 23 January 2026 | ✅ Confirmed |
| Application Correction Window | 28–30 January 2026 | ✅ Confirmed |
| Subject-wise Schedule (Timetable) Released | 14 February 2026 | ✅ Confirmed |
| City Intimation Slip | 26 February 2026 onwards | ✅ Confirmed |
| Admit Card Release | Released in phases from early March 2026 | ✅ Confirmed |
| Exam Dates | 6 March – 27 March 2026 | 🔵 Ongoing |
| Provisional Answer Key | April 2026 (Tentative) | ⏳ Expected |
| Answer Key Challenge Window | After Provisional Key Release | ⏳ Expected |
| Result Declaration | April–May 2026 (Tentative) | ⏳ Expected |
| University-level Counselling Begins | June 2026 (Tentative) | ⏳ Expected |
*Dates labelled “Expected” are based on previous year trends. Always verify on https://exams.nta.nic.in/cuet-pg/.
4. Eligibility Criteria for CUET PG 2026
Before applying, every candidate must meet the eligibility conditions laid down by NTA. Note that while NTA sets the basic eligibility for appearing in the exam, each participating university has its own additional course-wise eligibility requirements for final admission.
🎓 Educational Qualification
- Candidates who have passed a Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) from a recognised university are eligible.
- Candidates currently in their final year of Bachelor’s degree/equivalent examination in 2026 are also eligible to apply.
- No minimum percentage is prescribed by NTA for appearing in CUET PG. However, individual universities may require a minimum percentage (typically 50–55%) for final admission.
📅 Age Limit
| Category | Age Limit |
|---|---|
| All Categories | No age limit prescribed by NTA for appearing in CUET PG 2026 |
| University-specific | Some universities may have their own age requirements. Candidates should verify before applying to the university. |
🌏 Nationality
- Indian Nationals
- Non-Resident Indians (NRI)
- Overseas Citizens of India (OCI)
- Persons of Indian Origin (PIO)
- Foreign Nationals (as per university policies)
Always double-check the course-wise eligibility on the official websites of individual participating universities before applying. Appearing in CUET PG does not guarantee admission if you don’t meet the university’s specific eligibility norms.
5. Reservations & Relaxations
CUET PG follows the Government of India’s reservation policy for Central Educational Institutions. The seats are distributed as per the following norms:
| Category | Reservation % | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|
| SC (Scheduled Caste) | 15% | As per Central Govt. norms |
| ST (Scheduled Tribe) | 7.5% | As per Central Govt. norms |
| OBC-NCL (Other Backward Classes – Non-Creamy Layer) | 27% | Central List OBC only; verify on www.ncbc.nic.in |
| EWS (Economically Weaker Section) | 10% | As per OM dated 17 Jan 2019, MoE |
| PwBD (Persons with Benchmark Disability) | 5% horizontal reservation | Across all categories |
| Ex-Servicemen | As per university policy | Varies by institution |
📋 Fee Relaxation
Candidates from reserved categories (SC/ST/PwBD/Third Gender) are eligible for a reduced application fee. Additionally, some universities may waive or reduce course admission fees for certain categories. Check with individual universities for details.
Important: OBC candidates must belong to the Central List OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) to avail reservation benefits. State-list OBC candidates who are not on the central list cannot claim OBC-NCL reservation in Central Universities.
6. Application Process & Fee
💻 How to Apply – Step-by-Step
1
Visit the Official Portal: Go to https://exams.nta.nic.in/cuet-pg/ and click on “Registration.”
2
Register: Create an account using your active email ID and mobile number. A unique Application Number will be generated — save it for future reference.
3
Fill the Application Form: Enter personal details, academic qualifications, select subject/course codes (up to 4 QP codes), and choose up to 4 preferred exam cities.
4
Upload Documents: Upload scanned photograph (colour/B&W, 80% face visible), signature, and PwBD certificate (if applicable) in JPEG/JPG format as per specified size.
5
Pay Application Fee: Pay online via Net Banking / Credit Card / Debit Card / UPI. Additional GST and processing charges apply.
6
Download Confirmation Page: Your application is complete only after the Confirmation Page is generated. Save and print it for future reference.
💰 Application Fee Structure (CUET PG 2026)
| Category | Up to 2 Test Papers | Each Additional Paper |
|---|---|---|
| General / UR | ₹1,400 | ₹700 per paper |
| OBC-NCL / EWS | ₹1,200 | Applicable extra fee |
| SC / ST / PwBD / Third Gender | ₹1,100 | Applicable extra fee |
| Outside India (All Categories) | ₹7,000 | ₹3,500 per paper |
*Bank processing charges and GST are charged over and above the exam fee by the payment gateway.
📄 Documents Required
- Scanned Photograph (JPEG, 10–200 KB)
- Scanned Signature (JPEG, 4–30 KB)
- PwBD / UDID Certificate (if applicable)
- Aadhaar Card (for identity verification)
- Category Certificate (SC/ST/OBC-NCL/EWS)
- Graduation Marksheets / Certificate
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid:
- Submitting more than one application form (leads to cancellation)
- Uploading blurred or unclear photograph/signature
- Choosing wrong subject/QP code — check the university course code list carefully
- Not saving the Confirmation Page after fee payment
- Failing to use the correction window for rectifying errors
7. CUET PG 2026 – Exam Pattern
CUET PG 2026 has a streamlined, single-stage exam pattern. There is no separate prelims or mains – candidates appear for their chosen subject papers directly.
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Mode | Computer-Based Test (CBT) only |
| Type of Questions | Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs) – 4 options, 1 correct answer |
| Total Questions | 75 MCQs per paper |
| Total Marks | 300 marks (75 × 4) |
| Duration | 90 minutes (1 hour 30 minutes) per paper |
| Daily Shifts | Up to 3 shifts per day |
| Max QP Codes per Candidate | 4 test paper codes |
| Medium | Bilingual (English & Hindi) for most papers; English-only for M.Tech/Higher Sciences; Respective language for Language papers; Sanskrit for Acharya papers |
📊 Marking Scheme
| Response Type | Marks |
|---|---|
| ✅ Correct Answer | +4 Marks |
| ❌ Wrong Answer | −1 Mark (Negative Marking) |
| ⬜ Unattempted / Skipped | 0 Marks |
| 🔄 Question Dropped / All Options Correct | +4 Marks to all who attempted |
Due to negative marking, accuracy is more important than attempting all questions. Attempt a question only when you’re at least 70% confident about the answer. Skipping is better than guessing randomly.
8. CUET PG 2026 – Syllabus & Domains
The CUET PG 2026 syllabus consists of 157 subjects distributed across 6 major domains. The complete subject-wise syllabus is available at https://exams.nta.nic.in/cuet-pg/syllabus/. NTA advises candidates to always refer to the current official syllabus link for the most updated version.
🗂️ The 6 Domains
🔬
Science
30 subjects – MSc programmes in Physics, Chemistry, Maths, Botany, Zoology, Biotechnology, etc.
⚙️
M.Tech / Higher Sciences
12 subjects – Engineering disciplines; papers in English only
📚
Languages
41 subjects – MA in Hindi, English, Sanskrit, Urdu, Tamil, Telugu, Bengali, and 30+ more
🏛️
Humanities
26 subjects – MA in History, Political Science, Economics, Sociology, Psychology, Geography, etc.
📋
Common Subjects
22 subjects – MBA, MCom, BEd, MSW, MCA, LLM, and other cross-stream courses
🕉️
Acharya
26 subjects – Sanskrit-based classical studies; papers in Sanskrit (except Baudha Darshan, Hindu Studies, IKS which are bilingual)
📝 Nature of Questions – What to Expect
The CUET PG exam tests domain-specific knowledge at the undergraduate level. Questions are primarily concept-based and application-oriented, drawn from standard undergraduate textbooks and syllabi of Central Universities. There are no optional questions – all 75 questions are compulsory.
| Domain | Question Language | Focus Area |
|---|---|---|
| Science | English & Hindi | Undergraduate Science concepts, theories, numericals |
| M.Tech / Higher Sciences | English only | Engineering mathematics, core branch topics |
| Languages | Respective language | Literature, grammar, comprehension (Linguistics: English) |
| Humanities | English & Hindi | Social science theories, history, policy, case studies |
| Common Subjects | English & Hindi | Management, law, education, social work basics |
| Acharya | Sanskrit (mostly) | Classical Sanskrit texts, Vedic studies, philosophy |
9. Previous Year Cutoff Marks
CUET PG does not release a single centralised cutoff. Each participating university independently releases its own cutoff after results are declared. The figures below are based on previous year data and expert analysis and should be used for reference only.
⚠️ Disclaimer: Exact cutoffs vary every year based on exam difficulty, total applicants, and seat availability. These are indicative ranges to help you plan your preparation target. Always check the official university website for exact cutoffs.
🎯 Expected Score Ranges (General Category) – Top Universities
| University | Popular Course | General | OBC-NCL | SC | ST |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Delhi University (DU) | MA English | 225–240 | 210–225 | 174–192 | 165–180 |
| Delhi University (DU) | MA Political Science | 240–250 | 220–235 | 190–210 | 180–200 |
| Delhi University (DU) | MSc Computer Science | 170–190 | 155–170 | 140–160 | 130–150 |
| Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) | MA Economics | 200+ | 185–200 | 165–185 | 155–170 |
| Banaras Hindu University (BHU) | MSc Physics / Chemistry | 200–240 | 185–220 | 170–200 | 160–190 |
| Univ. of Hyderabad (HCU) | MA Sociology / History | 200–220 | 185–205 | 165–185 | 155–175 |
| Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI) | MSW / BEd | 195–215 | 180–200 | 160–180 | 150–170 |
📊 What is a “Good Score” in CUET PG?
| Score Range (out of 300) | Assessment | Admission Prospects |
|---|---|---|
| 250–300 | Excellent | Strong chances at DU, JNU, BHU top courses |
| 220–249 | Very Good | Good chances at most Central Universities |
| 200–219 | Good | Eligible for many State and Deemed Universities |
| 160–199 | Average | Mid-range universities; depends on competition |
| Below 160 | Below Average | Limited options; consider state universities |
10. Selection Process – From Exam to Admission
1
Appear for CUET PG Exam: Write the exam on your allotted date(s) at your exam centre as per the admit card.
2
Provisional Answer Key Release: NTA releases the provisional answer key on its official website. Candidates can raise objections by paying ₹200 per question (non-refundable).
3
Final Answer Key & Result: After processing objections, NTA releases the Final Answer Key and Score Card. Scores are valid for the current academic year only (2026–27).
4
Apply to Universities: Separately register on each university’s portal using your CUET PG score and Application Number. NTA is not involved in counselling or seat allotment.
5
University Merit List / Cutoff: Each participating university prepares its own merit list based on CUET PG scores (and possibly other criteria like interview/group discussion for some programmes like MBA).
6
Counselling / Admission: Shortlisted candidates must report to the university for document verification, fee payment, and seat confirmation. Multiple rounds may be held.
Key Point: Merely appearing for or qualifying CUET PG does not guarantee admission. Admission depends on meeting the university’s eligibility criteria, the merit list, seat availability, and document verification. Always check university-specific requirements.
11. Top Participating Universities
Over 203 universities accept CUET PG 2026 scores for admission. Here are some of the most sought-after institutions:
| University | Location | Popular PG Programmes |
|---|---|---|
| University of Delhi (DU) | New Delhi | MA, MSc, MCom, MCA, MEd, MSW |
| Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) | New Delhi | MA, MSc, MCA, MBA, International Studies |
| Banaras Hindu University (BHU) | Varanasi, UP | MA, MSc, MCom, MBA, MTech, LLM, BEd |
| University of Hyderabad (HCU) | Hyderabad, TS | MA, MSc, MBA, MCom, MEd, MCA |
| Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) | Aligarh, UP | MA, MSc, MCom, LLM, MBA, MEd |
| Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI) | New Delhi | MA, MSc, MCom, MSW, BEd, LLB, LLM |
| TISS (Tata Institute of Social Sciences) | Mumbai | MA Social Work, MA HR, MA Education |
| Pondicherry University | Puducherry | MA, MSc, MCom, MBA, MTech, MEd |
| Central University of Hyderabad | Hyderabad, TS | MA, MSc, MCom, MBA, LLM |
| Visva-Bharati University | Santiniketan, WB | MA, MSc, MCom, BEd, Fine Arts |
| Manipur University | Imphal, Manipur | MA, MSc, MCom, MBA, BEd, MCA |
| Central University of Rajasthan | Ajmer, Rajasthan | MA, MSc, MCom, BEd, MBA |
*The complete list of 203+ universities is available on the NTA CUET PG official website and in the Information Bulletin PDF.
12. Preparation Strategy & Recommended Books
📅 Smart Study Plan (For Future Aspirants)
| Phase | Duration | Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Phase 1 – Foundation | Months 1–3 | Cover full syllabus of chosen subjects; read standard UG textbooks; make short notes |
| Phase 2 – Practice | Months 4–5 | Solve PYQs (at least 5–8 previous year papers); chapter-wise MCQ practice; identify weak areas |
| Phase 3 – Mock Tests & Revision | Month 6 | Full-length timed mock tests (weekly); intensive revision; focus on high-weightage topics |
| Phase 4 – Final Revision | Last 2–4 Weeks | Quick revision of short notes; practice 2–3 mocks per week; improve accuracy; avoid new topics |
📚 Recommended Books by Subject Group
| Subject Group | Recommended Books & Resources |
|---|---|
| All Subjects (General) | Arihant CUET PG Solved Papers 2026 Series; Previous Year Question Papers (NTA official site) |
| Humanities (MA) | Standard UG textbooks (IGNOU study material is excellent); Arihant’s subject-wise CUET PG guides; Solved Papers |
| Science (MSc) | Relevant UG textbooks (Atkins for Chemistry, Irodov/H.C. Verma for Physics, Kreyszig for Maths); CUET PG Science Practice Sets |
| M.Tech / Higher Sciences | GATE preparation materials; standard engineering textbooks; NTA mock tests |
| Common Subjects (MBA/MCom/BEd) | CUET PG MBA/MCom Guide by Arihant; NCERTs for basics; GK and Current Affairs books |
| Languages | Standard UG literature textbooks; CUET PG Language practice papers; university-specific study material |
| Mock Tests & PYQs | NTA official mock tests (free at nta.ac.in); Testbook, Vedantu, VedPrep online platforms |
💡 Expert Preparation Tips
- Start with the official syllabus: Download the subject-specific syllabus from the NTA website and map it against your UG textbooks. Cover only what’s in the syllabus.
- One good book, not five average ones: Choose one comprehensive guide per subject instead of stacking multiple books. Depth matters more than breadth.
- PYQs are your best guide: Solve at least 5–8 years of previous question papers. Recurring topics tell you exactly what to prioritise.
- Mock tests weekly: Attempt at least 1 full-length mock test per week. After each test, analyse mistakes deeply — this is where real learning happens.
- Accuracy over speed: Due to the −1 negative marking, never guess randomly. Aim for 90%+ accuracy in the questions you attempt.
- Short notes for revision: Maintain concise notes of definitions, key theorems, formulas, and important facts for rapid revision in the final weeks.
- Target your universities early: Know which universities you are aiming for and check their course-specific cutoffs. Set a score target accordingly.
- Stay updated: Check NTA’s official website regularly for updates on answer keys, results, and counselling schedules.
🎯 Target Score Recommendation: Aim for 250+ marks out of 300 if you are targeting DU, JNU, or BHU. For State Central Universities, a score of 200–220 is usually competitive. Reserved category candidates can aim 15–25 marks lower.
13. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What is CUET PG and who conducts it?
CUET PG (Common University Entrance Test – Postgraduate) is a national-level entrance exam conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) for admission to postgraduate programmes in Central, State, Deemed, and Private universities across India. It provides a single-window platform so students don’t need to appear for multiple university exams.
Q2. Who is eligible to apply for CUET PG?
Any candidate who has passed a Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) from a recognised university, or is in the final year of graduation, is eligible to appear for CUET PG. There is no age limit prescribed by NTA. However, individual universities may have their own age and percentage requirements for admission.
Q3. How many subjects can I choose in CUET PG?
Candidates can select a maximum of 4 Question Paper (QP) codes in CUET PG. Each QP code corresponds to a specific subject/domain. You should choose your subject codes based on the PG course and university you are applying to.
Q4. Is there negative marking in CUET PG?
Yes. The marking scheme for CUET PG 2026 is: +4 marks for each correct answer and −1 mark for each wrong answer. No marks are deducted for unattempted questions. Focus on accuracy to avoid losing marks to negative marking.
Q5. Is CUET PG score valid for more than one year?
No. The NTA Score of CUET (PG) – 2026 is valid only for the academic year 2026–27. It cannot be carried forward to subsequent years. Candidates must re-appear if they wish to seek admission in 2027–28.
Q6. What courses can I get admission to through CUET PG?
Through CUET PG, you can gain admission to a wide range of postgraduate programmes including MA, MSc, MCom, MBA, MTech, MCA, BEd, LLM, MSW, MFA, PG Diplomas, and more — depending on the university and their course offerings.
Q7. Does NTA conduct counselling for CUET PG?
No. NTA’s role is limited to conducting the exam, releasing answer keys, and declaring results. The counselling, merit list preparation, seat allotment, and admission process is handled independently by each participating university. Candidates must visit and register on each university’s official portal separately.
Q8. What is the medium of the CUET PG exam?
Most papers (Science, Humanities, Common Subjects) are bilingual (English and Hindi). Language papers are conducted in the respective language. M.Tech/Higher Science papers are in English only. Acharya papers are in Sanskrit (except Baudha Darshan, Hindu Studies, and IKS which are bilingual).
Q9. Can final-year graduation students apply for CUET PG?
Yes, candidates appearing in the final year of their Bachelor’s degree in 2026 are eligible to apply for CUET PG. However, their admission to a university will be subject to successfully completing their graduation and meeting the university’s minimum percentage criteria.
Q10. What is a good score in CUET PG to get into DU or JNU?
For top institutions like Delhi University (DU) and Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), General category candidates should aim for 220–250+ marks out of 300 for competitive courses. For popular courses like MA Political Science at DU, the cutoff has historically been 240–250 for General category. Reserved category candidates enjoy 15–25 marks lower cutoffs.
14. Conclusion & Your Next Steps
CUET PG is the most important entrance exam for postgraduate admissions in India, giving you access to some of the finest central universities in the country through a single, standardised test. Whether you’re aiming for MA at Delhi University, MSc at BHU, or MBA at University of Hyderabad, CUET PG is your gateway.
If you are appearing in the March 2026 exam, focus on giving your best in the remaining papers. If you are planning for CUET PG 2027 (next cycle), this is the right time to start your preparations. Begin by downloading the official syllabus, studying from standard UG textbooks, practising previous year papers, and taking regular mock tests.
✅ Your Action Checklist:
- 📌 Bookmark the official website: https://exams.nta.nic.in/cuet-pg/
- 📌 Download the subject-wise syllabus for your chosen domain
- 📌 Identify your target universities and check their course-specific eligibility
- 📌 Begin your preparation with standard UG textbooks and Arihant CUET PG guides
- 📌 Solve at least 5 previous year question papers per subject
- 📌 Practice weekly mock tests and analyse your performance
- 📌 Register on NTA’s portal for the next cycle as soon as the notification is released (expected December 2026)
For the most up-to-date information on CUET PG 2026 results, counselling, and 2027 notifications, always refer to:
🌐 Official Website: https://exams.nta.nic.in/cuet-pg/
🌐 NTA Website: https://www.nta.ac.in
📞 Helpline: 011-40759000 | ✉️ helpdesk-cuetpg@nta.ac.in
⚠️ Important Disclaimer
The information in this article is compiled from the official NTA CUET PG 2026 notification (released December 14, 2025), verified web sources, and previous year trends as of March 25, 2026. Cutoff figures for previous years are indicative and based on publicly available data from coaching portals. All dates marked “Expected/Tentative” are subject to change at NTA’s discretion.
Always verify all information from the official CUET PG portal at https://exams.nta.nic.in/cuet-pg/ before taking any admission-related decisions.
Always verify all information from the official CUET PG portal at https://exams.nta.nic.in/cuet-pg/ before taking any admission-related decisions.