NTA CUET UG 2026 exam begins May 11. Check shift-wise schedule, exam centers, mandatory documents, dress code, and crucial exam day instructions for candidates.
The National Testing Agency (NTA) has released a Press Briefing Note regarding the commencement of the Common University Entrance Test (Undergraduate) – CUET (UG) 2026. This significant national-level examination is set to begin tomorrow, 11 May 2026, and will continue until 31 May 2026. Conducted in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode, the CUET (UG) 2026 is one of the largest examinations globally, with over 15.68 lakh candidates registered across India and 14 international cities.
This comprehensive guide provides all essential details about the CUET UG 2026 examination, including key dates, examination schedule, important instructions, and what candidates need to carry on exam day to ensure a smooth testing experience.
Exam Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | National Testing Agency (NTA) |
| Exam Name | Common University Entrance Test (Undergraduate) – CUET (UG) 2026 |
| Exam Dates | 11 May 2026 to 31 May 2026 |
| Exam Mode | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| Total Registered Candidates | 15,68,866 |
| Examination Window | 21 Days, 35 Shifts |
| Examination Cities | Across India and 14 International Cities (13 Countries) |
| Official Websites | https://nta.ac.in, https://cuet.nta.nic.in |
Exam Schedule (Day 1: 11 May 2026)
The opening day of the examination, 11 May 2026, will be conducted in two shifts across various examination centres:
| Particulars | Shift I | Shift II | Total (Day 1) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Examination Centres | 314 | 281 | — |
| Candidates Registered | 63,247 | 60,773 | 1,24,020 |
| Subjects Scheduled | 8 | 8 | — |
Subjects Scheduled on Day 1:
- Shift I: English; Accountancy / Book Keeping; Business Studies; Chemistry; Economics / Business Economics; Geography / Geology; History; Political Science.
- Shift II: English; Accountancy / Book Keeping; Business Studies; Computer Science / Informatics Practices; Economics / Business Economics; History; Political Science; Sociology.
Examination City Allocation
The NTA had previously announced that 96.6% of candidates were allotted one of their preferred cities, with 79% receiving their first choice. A re-allocation window was provided for the remaining 3.4% of candidates whose preferences could not be accommodated due to capacity constraints. Revised admit cards reflecting the final allocation have already been released.
Approximately 43% of the total 6,74,352 registrations originate from three states: Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Delhi.
Most Opted Subjects:
- English (12.64 lakh registrations)
- Chemistry (9.51 lakh registrations)
- Physics (9.14 lakh registrations)
- General Aptitude Test (9.12 lakh registrations)
- Mathematics / Applied Mathematics (5.81 lakh registrations)
- Biology / Biotechnology (5.56 lakh registrations)
Exam Pattern
The detailed exam pattern for CUET (UG) 2026, including the number of questions, marks per subject, and duration for each section, is typically provided in the official Information Bulletin. This press note highlights the subjects scheduled for Day 1 and the CBT mode of examination. Candidates are advised to refer to the official CUET (UG) 2026 Information Bulletin (Chapter 8) on the NTA website for a comprehensive understanding of the exam structure and marking scheme.
Admit Card Verification
Candidates should have already downloaded their revised Admit Cards. It is crucial to carefully verify all details mentioned on the admit card, including:
- Candidate’s Name, Roll Number
- Exam Date, Shift, and Reporting Time
- Examination Centre Name and Address
- Photograph and Signature
- Subjects opted for
If there are any discrepancies, candidates should immediately contact the NTA Help Desk.
Documents Required on Exam Day
Candidates must carry the following mandatory documents to the examination centre:
- Printed Admit Card: With Self Declaration (Undertaking) duly filled in.
- Photographs: Two recent passport-size photographs (same as uploaded in the online Application Form) for affixing on the attendance sheet.
- Original Photo ID Proof: An original, valid Photo ID proof that was uploaded during the online application process. Acceptable IDs include School Identity Card, PAN Card, Passport, Aadhaar Card (with photograph), e-Aadhaar with photograph, Class 12 Board Admit Card with photograph, or Bank Passbook with photograph. The ID must match the one uploaded.
- Transparent Ball-Point Pen: For rough work.
- Transparent Water Bottle: Only transparent bottles are allowed.
- Diabetic-related Eatables: Sugar tablets, banana, apple, or orange (only for diabetic candidates).
- PwD/PwBD Certificate: Issued by the authorized medical officer, if claiming relaxation under the PwD/PwBD category.
Photo and Identity Verification:
- Candidates must carry the exact Photo ID proof that was uploaded during the online application process.
- If the live photograph at the examination centre does not match the photograph on their Aadhaar or registered Photo ID, candidates must carry the required original certificate duly attested by the competent authority for verification.
Exam Day Instructions & Dress Code
Important Instructions:
- Reporting Time: Candidates should reach the allotted examination centre well before the reporting time to allow for mandatory frisking and verification, especially if wearing religious/customary attire or woollens.
- Prohibited Items: Do NOT carry mobile phones, electronic devices, smart watches, calculators, wallets, geometry boxes, or any other unauthorized material. The NTA will NOT provide any facility to safe-keep such items.
- PwD/PwBD Facilitation: NTA has made arrangements for Persons with Disabilities (PwD) / Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) candidates, including scribe and compensatory time.
Dress Code and Articles of Faith:
- Clothing: White, light clothing is preferred.
- Footwear: Normal shoes, slippers, and low heels are the preferred footwear.
- Woollens: Permitted, but candidates wearing woollens are advised to report early for frisking.
- Religious/Customary Attire: Articles or objects of faith, including religious threads such as kalava, are permitted. Candidates wearing such attire are advised to report well in advance for mandatory frisking and checking.
Last-Minute Tips for CUET UG 2026
As the exam date approaches, effective last-minute preparation and a calm mindset are crucial. Here are some tips:
- Revision: Focus on quick revision of notes and key formulas. Avoid starting new topics.
- Mock Tests: If time permits, take one final full-length mock test to assess your speed and accuracy.
- Stay Calm: Ensure you get adequate sleep the night before the exam. Avoid last-minute stress.
- Read Instructions Carefully: On exam day, thoroughly read all instructions before starting the test.
- Time Management: Allocate time wisely to each section based on your strengths and the section’s weightage.
What to Expect on Exam Day
The CUET (UG) is a Computer-Based Test (CBT). Here’s what you can generally expect:
- Exam Environment: You will be seated at a computer terminal in a secure examination hall.
- Navigating the Test: The interface will allow you to move between questions, mark questions for review, and change answers before final submission.
- Rough Work: Rough sheets will be provided at the centre. Ensure you use only the transparent ball-point pen you carry.
- Biometric Attendance: Biometric attendance and photo capture are common procedures.
- Question Difficulty: Questions may range from easy to difficult. Focus on accuracy and managing your time effectively.
Important Links
| Particulars | Link |
|---|---|
| NTA Official Website | https://nta.ac.in |
| CUET (UG) Official Website | https://cuet.nta.nic.in |
| NTA Help Desk | +91-11-40759000 |
| NTA Help Desk Email | cuet-ug@nta.ac.in |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: When will the CUET UG 2026 exam begin?
A1: The CUET UG 2026 examination will commence tomorrow, 11 May 2026, and will conclude on 31 May 2026.
Q2: What is the mode of the CUET UG 2026 exam?
A2: The examination will be conducted in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode.
Q3: How many candidates have registered for CUET UG 2026?
A3: A total of 15,68,866 candidates have registered for CUET (UG) 2026.
Q4: What documents are mandatory to carry to the exam centre?
A4: You must carry a printed Admit Card with Self Declaration, two passport-size photographs, an original valid Photo ID proof (matching the one uploaded), a transparent ball-point pen, and a transparent water bottle.
Q5: Are electronic devices allowed inside the exam centre?
A5: No, electronic devices such as mobile phones, smart watches, calculators, and other unauthorized materials are strictly prohibited inside the examination centre.
Q6: What should I do if my photograph on the Aadhaar card does not match my live photograph at the centre?
A6: You must carry the required original certificate duly attested by the competent authority for verification at the centre if your live photograph does not match your Aadhaar or registered Photo ID proof.
Q7: Can I wear religious attire to the exam?
A7: Yes, articles or objects of faith, including religious threads, are permitted. However, candidates wearing such attire are advised to report well in advance for mandatory frisking and checking.
Q8: Where can I find the detailed exam pattern for CUET UG 2026?
A8: The detailed exam pattern, including subject-wise questions and marks, is available in the official CUET (UG) 2026 Information Bulletin on the NTA website (cuet.nta.nic.in).