The National Testing Agency (NTA) will release the official notification for the Common University Entrance Test for Postgraduate (CUET PG) 2026 in the first week of December 2025. This examination provides a single, standardized admission route for postgraduate programs across India. Over 190 central, state, and private universities will utilize CUET PG scores for their 2026-27 admissions.
CUET PG has become one of India’s largest entrance tests for master’s degree admissions. It provides access to prominent institutions like Delhi University (DU), Banaras Hindu University (BHU), and Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU). Select Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) also accept CUET PG scores for specific postgraduate courses, along with numerous other state and private universities nationwide.
Approximately 4.6 lakh students appeared for the CUET PG exam in 2025. The NTA anticipates a similar examination and application schedule for 2026. This consistency helps both prospective students and participating academic institutions plan the upcoming academic year.
CUET PG 2026: Tentative Examination Schedule
The application window for CUET PG 2026 is projected to open in January 2026. Candidates will have roughly one month to complete their applications. The entrance examination is tentatively scheduled from March 13 to April 1, 2026. This period accommodates over 157 subjects.
| Event | Tentative Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | First week of December 2025 |
| Application Form Opens | January 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | End of January / Early February 2026 |
| Correction Window Opens | February 2026 |
| Admit Card Release | 3–4 days before the exam |
| Exam Dates | March 13 – April 1, 2026 |
| Result Announcement | Late April / Early May 2026 |
| University Counselling Begins | May 2026 |
CUET PG Exam Pattern and Features
The CUET PG paper contains 75 multiple-choice questions (MCQs). Test takers must answer 60 questions within a 90-minute time limit. The examination is bilingual, available in both English and Hindi. This does not apply to specific language papers, which are conducted in their respective languages.
The scoring system awards four marks for each correctly answered question. One mark is deducted for every incorrect response. There is no penalty for unanswered questions. This system encourages accuracy.
The NTA will publish the official syllabus for CUET PG 2026. This syllabus will be structured around undergraduate-level NCERT topics. Candidates can select from more than 157 distinct subjects.
Eligibility Criteria and Application Fees
Applicants must possess a bachelor’s degree from a recognized university. General category candidates need a minimum of 50% marks in their degree. Reserved categories (SC, ST, OBC, PwD) require at least 45% marks. No upper age limit applies to CUET PG.
Each candidate can choose up to four subjects for their examination. The application fee for general candidates is anticipated to be around ₹2,000 per subject. Fee concessions will apply for SC, ST, OBC, and Persons with Disabilities (PwD) categories.
Expanded Exam Centres and Past Student Feedback
The NTA is considering increasing the number of examination centres for the 2026 cycle. In 2025, CUET PG was administered across 312 locations, including international centres. This expansion aims to enhance accessibility for a broader base of students.
Following the 2025 exam, students raised concerns via social media. Issues highlighted included result normalization, regional language options, and technical challenges in smaller towns. The NTA is expected to review and address this feedback for the 2026 examination.
Prospective students should regularly visit the official NTA website for the precise notification, application link, and detailed guidelines. Timely checks will ensure access to the most accurate information regarding CUET PG 2026 applications and procedures.