Introduction
Planning to appear in the Common University Entrance Test (CUET) 2026? The first and most important step in your CUET journey is completing the online registration process correctly and on time. Conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA), CUET UG 2026 is the single gateway to undergraduate admissions in over 270+ central, state, private, and deemed universities across India — including top institutions like Delhi University, JNU, BHU, and Allahabad University.
Whether you are a first-time applicant or re-appearing for CUET, this detailed guide on how to apply for CUET 2026 walks you through every step — from pre-registration preparation to downloading the Confirmation Page. Read carefully and register without errors.
CUET 2026 – Quick Overview
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | Common University Entrance Test – UG (CUET UG 2026) |
| Conducting Body | National Testing Agency (NTA) |
| Official Website | cuet.nta.nic.in |
| Registration Start Date | January 3, 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | February 26, 2026 (Extended) |
| Mode of Application | Online Only |
| Exam Mode | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| Exam Dates | May 11–31, 2026 (Tentative) |
| Maximum Subjects Allowed | 5 Subjects |
| Official Portal | cuet.nta.nic.in |
Who Can Apply for CUET 2026? – Eligibility at a Glance
Before beginning the registration process, confirm that you meet the basic CUET UG 2026 eligibility requirements:
- Candidates must have passed or be appearing in Class 12 (or equivalent) from a recognised board.
- A minimum aggregate of 50% marks in Class 12 is generally required (5% relaxation for reserved categories).
- No specific age limit is prescribed by NTA for CUET UG 2026. However, individual universities may have their own age requirements.
- Candidates must be Indian citizens or eligible as per the university’s admission policy.
- There is no attempt limit for CUET UG 2026 prescribed by NTA.
Note: Always verify the eligibility criteria of the specific university and course you are applying to, as requirements may vary across institutions.
What’s New in CUET UG 2026 Registration?
NTA has introduced a few important changes in the CUET UG 2026 application process that every candidate must know before applying:
- Mandatory Live Photo Capture: Candidates are now required to capture a live photograph during the application process using a webcam or phone camera instead of uploading a pre-taken photograph.
- Reduced Subject Choices: The maximum number of subjects a candidate can select has been reduced from 6 to 5 for CUET UG 2026.
- Aadhaar Update Requirement: NTA has advised candidates to update their Aadhaar details before applying.
- UDID Verification: Clearer guidelines have been introduced for PwBD candidates regarding UDID and disability certificate verification.
- Six Subjects Removed: The subjects Entrepreneurship, Teaching Aptitude, Fashion Studies, Tourism, Legal Studies, and Engineering Graphics have been removed from the CUET 2026 subject list due to low registrations.
Documents Required for CUET 2026 Registration
Keep the following documents ready before you begin the application process. All documents must be in the prescribed file format and size:
| Document | Format | Size |
|---|---|---|
| Document | Format | Size |
| Scanned Photograph (or Live Capture) | JPG/JPEG | As per NTA guidelines |
| Scanned Signature | JPG/JPEG | As per NTA guidelines |
| Class 10 Mark Sheet / Certificate | For reference | – |
| Class 12 Mark Sheet (if passed) OR Class 12 Roll No. & School details (if appearing) | For reference | – |
| Category Certificate – SC/ST/OBC-NCL/EWS (if applicable) | 50 KB – 300 KB | |
| PwBD Certificate in NTA prescribed format (if applicable) | 50 KB – 300 KB | |
| Aadhaar Card / Valid Govt. ID | For reference | – |
| Valid Email ID & Active Mobile Number | – | – |
Important: A domicile certificate or income certificate is not required for CUET UG 2026 registration.
How to Apply for CUET 2026 – Complete Step-by-Step Process
Follow these steps carefully to complete your CUET UG 2026 application without errors:
Step 1 – Visit the Official CUET Portal
Go to the official NTA CUET website: cuet.nta.nic.in
Look for the notification or button that reads “Registration for CUET (UG) – 2026 is Live” and click on it. You will be redirected to the CUET UG 2026 registration page.
Step 2 – New Registration
Click on “New Registration” under the CUET (UG) – 2026 section.
Carefully read all the instructions displayed on the screen before proceeding. Fill in your basic details to create your CUET 2026 login credentials:
- Candidate’s Name (as in Class 10 certificate)
- Date of Birth
- Gender
- Mobile Number (active)
- Email ID (active)
- Security PIN / Password
Once submitted, your Application Number and Password will be generated and sent to your registered mobile number and email ID. Save these credentials carefully — you will need them for all future logins.
Step 3 – Fill the Application Form
Log in using your Application Number and Password. Now proceed to fill the CUET UG 2026 Application Form, which is divided into the following sections:
Section 1 – Personal Details Enter your full name, parents’ names, date of birth, gender, nationality, category, and identity document details. Ensure all information matches your official documents exactly.
Section 2 – Communication Address Provide your permanent and correspondence address with PIN code, city, state, and country.
Section 3 – Academic Details Enter your Class 10 and Class 12 details — board name, roll number, year of passing, subjects studied, and percentage/marks obtained.
Section 4 – Choice of Examination Centres Select your preferred exam cities from the NTA-provided list. You can select multiple cities in order of preference. Choose cities that are easily accessible to you.
Section 5 – Choice of Subjects / Test Papers (Most Crucial Step) This is the most important section. Select your subjects carefully from the following categories:
- Language (Section IA/IB): Choose English or Hindi (or other available languages). A language paper is compulsory for most universities.
- Domain Subjects: Choose the relevant domain subjects that align with your Class 12 subjects and the course you wish to pursue.
- General Test (Section III): Required by most participating universities, including central universities like Allahabad University, BHU, and Delhi University.
You can select a maximum of 5 subjects in total.
Critical Reminder: Always verify the exact subject requirements of your target university before selecting subjects. Wrong subject selection can disqualify you from admission, even with a high score.
Step 4 – Upload Photograph (Live Capture)
For CUET UG 2026, NTA has introduced a mandatory live photo capture requirement. Candidates must capture their photograph in real time using a webcam or phone camera during the application process, rather than uploading a pre-taken image.
Also upload your scanned signature in the prescribed format and size.
Step 5 – Upload Required Documents
Upload scanned copies of the required documents — category certificate (SC/ST/OBC/EWS), PwBD certificate (if applicable) — in PDF format as specified by NTA. Ensure all uploads are clear, legible, and within the prescribed file size limits.
Step 6 – Pay the Application Fee
Proceed to the fee payment section. Select your preferred payment method:
- Debit Card (Visa, MasterCard, RuPay)
- Credit Card
- Net Banking
- UPI (Google Pay, PhonePe, BHIM, etc.)
CUET UG 2026 Application Fee (India):
| Category | Up to 3 Subjects | Each Additional Subject (4th & 5th) |
|---|---|---|
| General (UR) | ₹1,000 | ₹400 per subject |
| OBC-NCL / EWS | ₹900 | ₹375 per subject |
| SC / ST / PwBD / Third Gender | ₹800 | ₹350 per subject |
| Outside India (All categories) | ₹4,500 | ₹1,800 per subject |
Complete the payment and wait for the transaction to be confirmed.
Step 7 – Download the Confirmation Page
After successful fee payment, a Confirmation Page will be generated on the screen. This is proof of your successful CUET UG 2026 registration.
Download and save the Confirmation Page immediately. Your application is considered complete only after the Confirmation Page is generated.
Important: If the Confirmation Page is not generated after payment, the transaction is treated as cancelled. Contact your bank for a refund and initiate a fresh payment.
CUET 2026 Application Correction Window
After the registration period ends, NTA opens a Correction Window for a limited period. This allows candidates who have successfully registered and paid the fee to make changes to certain fields in their application form.
- The correction window was open from February 2–4, 2026 (original dates).
- Candidates can log in using their Application Number and Password to make corrections.
- Fields like email ID and mobile number cannot be edited once submitted.
- No changes can be made after the correction window closes, so review your form carefully.
CUET UG 2026 – Important Dates for Registration
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| CUET UG 2026 Registration Opens | January 3, 2026 |
| Original Last Date to Apply | January 30, 2026 |
| Original Last Date for Fee Payment | January 31, 2026 |
| Application Correction Window | February 2–4, 2026 |
| Re-opening of Application Portal | February 23, 2026 |
| Extended Last Date to Apply | February 26, 2026 (11:50 PM) |
| Extended Last Date for Fee Payment | February 26, 2026 (11:50 PM) |
| Admit Card Release | Second Week of May 2026 (Tentative) |
| CUET UG 2026 Exam Dates | May 11–31, 2026 (Tentative) |
| CUET Result Declaration | First Week of July 2026 (Tentative) |
Common Mistakes to Avoid During CUET 2026 Registration
Avoid these frequently made errors that can lead to application rejection or admission disqualification:
- Wrong Subject Selection: Not matching CUET subjects with the target university’s requirements is one of the most critical mistakes. Always check the official university notification.
- Incorrect Personal Details: Name, date of birth, and category must match your official documents exactly. Mismatches can cause problems during document verification.
- Uploading Poor Quality Photograph/Signature: A blurred, unclear, or incorrectly sized image can lead to form rejection.
- Paying the Fee at the Last Minute: Server load near deadlines can cause failed transactions. Always pay well in advance.
- Not Saving the Confirmation Page: Always download and keep a copy of your Confirmation Page as proof of successful registration.
- Using Someone Else’s Email or Mobile Number: Your registered email and mobile will receive all official communications from NTA. Always use your own.
- Ignoring the Correction Window: If you spot an error after submission, use the correction window promptly. No changes can be made after it closes.
How to Check CUET 2026 Application Status
After completing registration, you can check your application status by following these steps:
- Visit cuet.nta.nic.in
- Click on “Login”
- Enter your Application Number and Password
- Navigate to the Application Status section
- Your current application status will be displayed
Note: If you have filled out the form but not completed fee payment, your application status will remain incomplete and your candidature will not be accepted.
Pre-Registration Checklist – CUET 2026
Before you begin your CUET 2026 application, use this checklist to ensure you are fully prepared:
- ✅ Valid and active email ID (accessible only to you)
- ✅ Active mobile number for OTP verification
- ✅ Scanned signature ready in JPG format
- ✅ Webcam or phone camera ready for live photo capture
- ✅ Class 10 and Class 12 details handy (board, roll number, marks, year)
- ✅ Category certificate ready in PDF format (if applicable)
- ✅ PwBD certificate ready in NTA format (if applicable)
- ✅ Aadhaar details updated
- ✅ Subject combination verified as per target university requirements
- ✅ Sufficient balance in bank account / debit card / UPI for fee payment
- ✅ Stable internet connection
Conclusion
Knowing how to apply for CUET 2026 correctly is as important as preparing for the exam itself. A single error in subject selection, personal details, or document upload can cost you your admission opportunity at your dream university. Follow the step-by-step process outlined in this guide, keep your documents ready, select the right subjects for your target university, and pay the fee well before the deadline.
Stay connected with cuet-nta.com for the latest updates on CUET 2026 registration, admit card, exam dates, result, and university-wise counselling schedules. Your journey to India’s top universities starts right here!
For more CUET 2026 guides, university-wise admission details, syllabus breakdowns, and preparation tips, visit cuet-nta.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
The official website for CUET UG 2026 registration is cuet.nta.nic.in. Always use this official portal to avoid fraudulent websites.
No. The CUET UG 2026 application process is completely online. No offline mode, hard copy submission, or walk-in registration is accepted.
You can select a maximum of 5 subjects in total, which includes Language, Domain Subjects, and the General Test.
No, the CUET 2026 application fee is non-refundable. Exceptions apply only in cases of duplicate/multiple payments, where NTA refunds the extra amount post result declaration.
Yes, NTA provides a Correction Window for a limited period after the registration closes. You can edit certain fields, but email ID and mobile number cannot be changed.
If you fill out the application form but do not pay the fee, your registration will remain incomplete and invalid. You will not receive an admit card and will not be allowed to appear in the exam.
NTA re-opened the CUET UG 2026 application window from February 23 to February 26, 2026. For future reference, always check the official NTA website for any extended registration windows.
There is no limit. A single CUET UG 2026 score can be used to apply to all participating universities as per their individual admission and counselling processes.
For CUET UG 2026, NTA has made it mandatory for candidates to capture a live photograph using a webcam or phone camera during the application process, replacing the earlier method of uploading a pre-taken photo.
The CUET UG 2026 Admit Card is expected to be released in the second week of May 2026, tentatively three to four days before the exam begins.
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