CUET PG 2026: Complete and Detailed Guide to Common University Entrance Test for Postgraduate Admissions

The ​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌CUET PG 2026 (Common Universities Entrance Test – Post Graduate) is the test that the NTA (National Testing Agency) conducts. It is a national-level test through which a candidate can get a seat in a postgraduate course in any of the Centrally, State, Private & Deemed Universities in India. CUET PG 2026 aims to create a uniform, transparent, and fair evaluation system for students seeking higher education after their bachelor’s degree. CUET PG 2026 opens a way to take admission in a number of universities by a single student using one score only, so there will be no necessity of multiple tests accompanied by different application fees, and also, the discrepancies in the evaluation of marks by different universities will be ​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌reduced.

With CUET PG 2026, aspirants are expected to take the exam in the subject that pertains to their undergraduate level which can serve as a ladder to their ​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌education.

The table given below shows the essential details of Examination that one must know before applying : 

Candidates should go through the steps one by one very carefully so that they do not make mistakes and their applications are not rejected : 

  • Register with your email and personal details to get your login credentials.
  • Complete the application form with personal, academic, and contact information asked for the profile verification.
  • Choosing examination paper codes and test cities that suit you.
  • Uploading a scanned copy of the photograph, signature, and other documents as specified.
  • Paying the application fee by online modes of payment.
  • Submitting the application form finally and taking a printout of the confirmation page for the next ​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌reference.

Here are some points that students must be aware of regarding examination instructions : 

  • CUET​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ PG 2026 is a computer-based test.
  • The question paper comprises objective-type multiple-choice questions.
  • The exam mainly tests the candidates on core concepts of the undergraduate level.
  • One exam score can be used to apply for several programmes and universities.
  • The exam has a negative marking system that penalizes random guesses.
  • Results are only applicable for the academic session ​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌2026–27.

The officially announced timeline regarding the Examination schedule is given below : 

General eligibility criteria and instructions that should be met by students are : 

  • Candidates ‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ should have a bachelor degree from a recognized university.
  • Students in their final year of the undergraduate program may apply.
  • There is no restriction on the maximum age and hence people of any age group can take the test.
  • The minimum percentage of marks required may be different for various universities and programs.
  • Candidates must confirm that they fulfil the different eligibility requirements of institutions at the time of ​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌counselling.
  • Preparing​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ for the exam should ideally begin way before the exam day so that you are not under a lot of pressure at the last minute.
  • Before you decide on the study materials, you should know the pattern of the examination.
  •  Conceptual understanding should be given more importance rather than rote learning.
  • Preparing a daily and weekly study plan that is realistic will help organize your studies.
  • Working on the question papers from the previous years will help you know the trends of the topics.
  • Mock Tests should be regularly attempted so that the level of accuracy can be enhanced.
  • Mock Test results should be taken very seriously and analyzed thoroughly.
  • Due to negative marking, random guessing should be completely avoided.
  • It is very important to revise the most important topics again and again.
  • Short notes can be very helpful in revision and hence they should be maintained.
  • One can improve time management skills only if he/she practices within the given time regularly.
  • It is better to work on your weak areas and not to waste your time by repeatedly studying your strong topics.
  • Being consistent with your preparation will be of great help rather than studying irregularly.
  • Exam updates and official announcements should be followed carefully and without ​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌fail.
  • There ‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ isn’t a single counselling process that is centralized and conducted by NTA.
  • Every university that takes part in the process has its own counselling and admission procedure.
  • Applicants have to open accounts in the different universities’ websites individually and then register.
  • The university-wise merit lists based on CUET PG scores will be used for the allocation of seats.
  • It is compulsory to verify documents at the time of ​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌counselling.

CUET PG 2026 Answer Key, Result Declaration, and Scorecard Usage

  • The​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ provisional answer key is made available immediately after the exam.
  • Candidates can file objections against the wrong answers.
  • Once the challenge verification process is complete, the final answer key is issued.
  • The results are decided in accordance with the final answer key.
  • Universities use CUET PG scores for merit-based ​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌shortlisting.

CUET PG 2026 – FAQs 

Q1. What is CUET PG 2026?

CUET PG 2026 is a national-level entrance examination for admission to postgraduate programmes in participating Indian universities.

Q2. Who conducts the CUET PG 2026 examination?

The CUET PG 2026 examination is conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA).

Q3. What is the mode of the CUET PG 2026 exam?

CUET PG 2026 is conducted in computer-based test (CBT) mode.

Q4. How many questions are asked in CUET PG 2026?

Each CUET PG 2026 paper consists of 75 multiple-choice questions.

Q5. What is the duration of the CUET PG 2026 exam?

The duration of each CUET PG 2026 paper is 90 minutes.

Q6. What is the marking scheme of CUET PG 2026?

Each correct answer carries four marks, while one mark is deducted for each wrong answer.

Q7. Is there negative marking in CUET PG 2026?

Yes, one mark is deducted for every incorrect response in CUET PG 2026.

Q8. Who is eligible to apply for CUET PG 2026?

Candidates with a recognized bachelor’s degree or those in the final year of graduation are eligible to apply.

Q9. Is there any age limit for CUET PG 2026?

No, there is no upper age limit for appearing in CUET PG 2026.

Q10. Can a candidate apply for multiple subject papers in CUET PG 2026?

Yes, candidates can apply for multiple subject papers by paying an additional fee.