CUET UG 2026 underway: 1.3 million+ candidates, exams till May 31

New Delhi, May 11. The National Testing Agency (NTA) began CUET UG 2026 on May 11 in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode. The exam runs through May 31.

1.3 million+ candidates

About 1.3 million candidates are taking CUET UG 2026 this year — the largest ever. It is India's most important entrance exam for university admissions after Class 12.

Exam schedule

The exam runs in two shifts daily: 9 am-12 pm and 3 pm-6 pm. Each shift is three hours, during which students attempt their registered subjects.

321 centres, 13 languages

The exam is available at 321 centres in 13 mediums — Hindi, English, Assamese, Bengali, Gujarati, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, Odia, Punjabi, Tamil, Telugu, and Urdu.

14 international cities

CUET UG 2026 is also being conducted at 14 international cities across 13 countries, including Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman, Singapore, Bangkok, London, Toronto, and Sydney.

Admit cards and city intimation

The city intimation slip link was activated on April 29. Candidates can verify their exam schedule on the admit card. Admit cards are downloadable at cuet.samarth.ac.in.

Results in July

Results are expected by end of July. More than 280 universities accept CUET scores — including Delhi University, JNU, BHU, Hyderabad University, and, for the first time this year, IIT Kharagpur (for its humanities programme).

Preparation trends

EdTech firms say AI-powered mock tests and personalised learning tools played a key role in preparation this year. BYJU'S, Unacademy, and Physics Wallah launched dedicated CUET programmes.