CUETUG 2026 – Massive Undergraduate Entrance Exam Begins Across Multiple Cities
CUETUG 2026 – The National Testing Agency has started the Common University Entrance Test for undergraduate admissions, with more than 15.68 lakh students registered to appear for the examination scheduled between May 13 and May 31 in India and overseas.
Large-Scale Examination Begins Nationwide
The Common University Entrance Test for undergraduate programmes, widely known as CUET-UG, commenced on Monday across hundreds of examination centres. According to official figures released by the National Testing Agency (NTA), the examination will be conducted over a period of 21 days through multiple computer-based test sessions.
Officials stated that this year’s examination has attracted 15,68,866 registrations, making it one of the biggest entrance assessments organised in the country. A substantial number of applications have come from Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and Bihar, which together account for nearly 43 percent of the total registrations.
Examination Scheduled Across Several Countries
Apart from centres located throughout India, the examination is also being organised in international locations. Authorities confirmed that CUET-UG will be conducted in 14 cities outside India across 13 countries, allowing overseas candidates to participate without travelling back to the country.
The agency further explained that more than 67 lakh test instances would be conducted due to the wide range of subject combinations selected by students. The examination process has been divided into 35 shifts to manage the large number of candidates appearing during the testing window.
First-Day Arrangements and Subject List
On the opening day of the examination, around 1.24 lakh candidates are scheduled to appear in two separate shifts. The morning session includes more than 63,000 students across 314 centres, while the second shift is being organised at 281 centres.
Students will take examinations in subjects such as English, Business Studies, Economics, Political Science, Chemistry, Sociology, History, Geography, Computer Science, Informatics Practices, and Accountancy among others. The test is being conducted entirely in computer-based mode.
Centre Allocation Faced Recent Criticism
The examination process had faced criticism earlier this month after several candidates raised concerns regarding examination centres being allotted in distant locations. Many students and parents expressed difficulties related to travel and accommodation after receiving centres far from their preferred cities.
Following the complaints and protests, the National Testing Agency reopened the city re-allotment process to address the issue. According to the latest update issued by the agency, nearly 96.6 percent of candidates have now received one of their preferred examination cities, while approximately 79 percent were allotted their first choice itself.
CUET Scores Accepted by Hundreds of Universities
CUET-UG has become a major gateway for undergraduate admissions across India. More than 250 universities are accepting CUET scores for admissions to various degree programmes this year.
Several leading central universities, including Jawaharlal Nehru University, University of Delhi, Banaras Hindu University, and Aligarh Muslim University, are among the institutions using CUET scores for admissions.
In addition to central universities, admissions through CUET are also being offered by state universities, private institutions, deemed universities, and several government-funded educational institutions across the country.
Education experts believe the examination continues to play an important role in creating a common admission platform for students from different education boards and regions.