Why should you take CUET: One of the most crucial entrance tests for undergraduate course admission is the Common University Entrance Test (CUET). The exam for admission to undergraduate programs provided by more than 240 CUET-participating institutions is administered by the National Testing Agency (NTA).
This article will help you decide whether or not to take the CUET 2026 exam if you are balancing the preparation for several entrance exams. It outlines 10 benefits of taking CUET 2026. We have also included a breakdown of the advantages and disadvantages (limitations) of taking the test to help you make your decision. So continue reading!
What is CUET 2026?
The National Testing Agency (NTA) will administer the Common University Entrance Exam (CUET 2026), also known as CUET UG exam, as a uniform exam for admission to undergraduate programs provided by over 240 institutions. The test was first offered by NTA in 2022. Delhi University, Banaras Hindu University, Jamia Millia Islamia, Aligarh Muslim University, and Jawaharlal Nehru University are a few of the most well-known universities that accept the CUET UG exam.
Over a million applicants take the test each year. NTA administers CUET PG for admission to postgraduate programs. The first week of March 2026 is probably when CUET 2026 registration opens on the official CUET website, cuet.nta.nic.in. To learn the most crucial information regarding the test, look at the table below:
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Features
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Details
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Exam Name
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CUET UG, CUET 2026 Exam
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Full Form
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Common University Entrance Test
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Exam Organizing Institute
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NTA, National Testing Agency
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Exam Level
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Undergraduate Level
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Exam Purpose
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Single platform to provide admissions to the UG programmes at central, state, private and deemed universities.
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Courses Offered
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BA, BA Hons, BSc, B.Com, BFA, BDes, BCA, BBA and other courses.
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Eligibility
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Class 12 appearing or passout students
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Exam Mode
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Online/Computer-Based Test
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Exam Frequency
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Once in a year
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CUET UG Shift Details(Subject to Change)
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Shift 1: 9 AM to 11 AM
Shift 2: 12.30 PM to 2 PM
Shift 3: 4 PM to 5.30 PM
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Registration Fee(Subject to Change)
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INR 1000 (General)
INR 900 (OBC-NCL, EWS)
INR 800 (SC, ST, PwD and Transgender)
INR 4500 (International centres)
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Type of Question
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MCQ (Multiple Choice Questions)
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CUET UG Negative Marking Scheme
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+5 Marks for correct answer-1 Marks for incorrect answer
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Official Website
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https://cuet.nta.nic.in/
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10 Reasons in Favour of CUET 2026 UG
In this article, we have included 10 reasons to take CUET 2026. These ideas will assist you in appreciating the significance of the CUET UG exam:
CUET UG is One Test to Get into Several Universities
As previously stated, CUET scores are accepted by over 240 institutions. Candidates can gain admission to several universities by taking a single exam. Students should be aware, too, that students must fulfil the requirements of the institution for their chosen course to be admitted through the CUET UG exam.
To secure admission to the university of their choosing, it is advised that all candidates thoroughly review both the CUET eligibility requirements and the course admission requirements before completing the application form.
Fairness in the Admission Procedure
Before the CUET UG exam, the majority of institutions made admissions decisions based on applicants' board test results (merit-based admissions). Due to the extremely high cut-offs, many students found it challenging to gain admission under that scenario.
To solve this problem, NTA established CUET UG exam, which bases admissions on the same criterion—that is, candidates' exam results. As a result, CUET guarantees an equitable admissions procedure.
Lessen the Stress of Preparation
It might be stressful for applicants to take several entrance examinations for undergraduate admissions. By enabling students to apply to several universities with a single exam, the CUET UG exam addresses this issue. It consequently lessens the tension associated with preparing.
Economical
Because applicants must pay an application fee for each exam, filling out documents for various entrance exams can be costly. However, since consumers have to pay one application fee to apply for several courses, CUET UG is a more affordable option.
Additionally, a lot of universities that recognize CUET charge very little. As a result, the test serves as a gateway to affordable universities.
Equal Prospects
To get admitted to any State, Central, or Private college in the nation, candidates from all parts of India are welcome to apply for CUET UG 2026. As a result, candidates from every state in the nation have equal access to the exam.
Overcomes Language Barriers in Education
English, Hindi, Assamese, Bengali, Gujarati, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, Odia, Punjabi, Tamil, Telugu, and Urdu are among the 13 languages in which CUET UG is offered. This eliminates the language barrier and makes it possible for speakers of 12 Indian languages, in addition to English, to sit for the UG admissions exam.
Availability of Prestigious Institutions
Candidates can apply through CUET UG 2026 to the top Indian universities, including DU, BHU, JNU, AMU, and JMI. This implies that they can gain entry to the high-quality education provided by the nation's esteemed universities with just one exam.
Acknowledged Nationally
Based on the results of the CUET UG exam, more than 240 Central, Private, and State universities in India grant admission to undergraduate programs. As a result, the exam is a nationally recognized method of admission. Candidates can opt to study anywhere in the nation through CUET 2026.
Gives Students Choice in Courses
Candidates may choose up to five (5) subjects, including languages and general aptitude, while applying to CUET UG 2026. This facilitates their application for admission to several courses.
Advantageous for Foreigners, NRIs, and Indians
In addition to 15 overseas test locations in Bahrain, Indonesia, Kuwait, Malaysia, Germany, Nepal, Nigeria, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, the United Arab Emirates, and the United States of America, CUET UG 2026 will be administered in 285 test locations throughout India. The test is easily accessible to candidates from all parts of India as well as NRIs and foreign citizens residing in the aforementioned nations.
Pros of Taking the CUET UG 2026
Taking the CUET UG exam has certain benefits. The following is a list of them:
• With CUET, students can apply to several universities at once without having to travel across states to take separate entrance tests.
• Because evaluation is based on a single universal standard, the exam gives students from lesser-known boards an equal opportunity.
• Students have choices in selecting both location and institution because CUET UG results are eligible for a variety of universities.
• CUET UG assists students in directly aligning their skills with their chosen professional path by emphasizing subject-specific knowledge.
Cons of Taking the CUET
Taking CUET 2026 has certain restrictions, but no drawbacks. These restrictions are listed below:
• The exam is extremely competitive because lakhs of applicants take it each year.
• Alongside their board examinations, students study for CUET, which adds to the stress of preparation.
• For CUET 2026 Preparation, many candidates choose to hire a coach, which raises the cost of preparation.
• Only the top exam scores are chosen for admission to prestigious universities through CUET, so not all applicants are accepted. As a result, many applicants are forced to accept the college selections available to them.
How to Use CUET 2026 Scores for Admission?
In the third week of July 2026, NTA is anticipated to release the CUET 2026 exam results. When completing the CUET application form 2026, candidates wishing to be admitted to a CUET participating university must make sure to include their preferred courses and additional colleges. The results will be distributed to the colleges and universities that have applied, and the merit list or CUET cut-off will be made public based on the candidates' scores.
The CUET percentile is computed by dividing the total number of candidates who took the test by the number of candidates who scored at or below a given level. It shows other CUET applicants how well a student is performing.
How Much Time Is Needed for CUET 2026 Preparation?
The amount of time needed to prepare for the Common University Entrance Test (CUET) might vary based on a number of factors, such as the applicants' current level of knowledge, their study habits, and the areas they are concentrating on. Students typically set aside three to six months for thorough CUET 2026 preparation. Understand the Beginning Point
Self-Evaluation
• Candidates should first consider their strengths and areas for improvement. This will assist them in determining how much time they require.
Create a Study Schedule
• Structured Schedule: Applicants should make a schedule that covers every subject they must learn. Maintaining a balance of time between various disciplines is crucial.
• Establish goals: It can be beneficial to divide the study plan into more manageable objectives. For instance, setting a goal to complete one subject every week.
Everyday Study Time
• Study Time: Applicants should make an effort to study for four to six hours every day. They can start with less and progressively raise it as they become accustomed to studying regularly, if that seems excessive.
Practice Frequently
• Mock Exams: Candidates can familiarize themselves with the format and scheduling of the exam by taking practice exams and solving papers from prior years.
• Review Mistakes: Following each exam, applicants should examine their mistakes and concentrate on those areas of their studies.
Revision:
• Last Week: Candidates should devote time to reviewing all they have learnt in the last weeks leading up to the test. They will be better able to recall the key topics as a result.
• Use notes or flashcards: Candidates can swiftly review important subjects with the use of simple aids like flashcards.
Maintain Your Motivation
• Breaks and Rewards: When candidates accomplish their study objectives, they should take breaks and treat themselves. They will remain motivated as a result.
Modify as necessary
• Flexible Planning: Candidates should modify their preparations if they discover that some topics take longer than anticipated. Modifying the study timetable to accommodate their demands is acceptable.
The Best Books for CUET 2026 Preparation
The top books for the CUET 2026 preparation must be consulted by candidates as they prepare. We provides the top books for CUET 2026 preparation, according to candidates. Candidates can review the CUET UG books by subject below.
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Book Title
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CUET (UG) Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, General Test & English (Set of 5 Books)
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CUET (UG) Physics, Chemistry & Mathematics (Set of 3 Books) Chapter-wise & Topic-wise Question Bank (2023-2024) with Complete NCERT Crux, CUET PYQs (2022-2023
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CUET UG General Test & English Combo Set of 2 books Chapter-wise & Topic-wise Question Bank (2023-2024)
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CUET (UG) Physics Chapter-wise & Topic-wise Question Bank (2023-2024) with Complete NCERT Crux, CUET PYQs (2022-2023) Past Year Questions and Mock Test I For Central Universities Entrance Test 2024-2nd edition
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CUET (UG) Computer Science/ Informative Practice 2024 Chapter-wise & Topic-wise Question Bank with Past Year Questions and Mock Test
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CUET (UG) Chemistry Chapter-wise & Topic-wise Question Bank (2023-2024) with Complete NCERT Crux, CUET PYQs (2022-2023)
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CUET (UG) General Test Chapter-wise & Topic-wise Question Bank (2023-2024) with Complete NCERT Crux, CUET PYQs (2022-2023)
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CUET (UG) Mathematics Chapter-wise & Topic-wise Question Bank (2023-2024) with Complete NCERT Crux, CUET PYQs (2022-2023)
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CUET (UG) English Chapter-wise & Topic-wise Question Bank (2023-2024) with Complete NCERT Crux, CUET PYQs (2022-2023)
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CUET (UG) Hindi Chapter-wise & Topic-wise Question Bank (2023-2024)
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CUET (UG) Economics Chapter-wise & Topic-wise Question Bank (2023-2024) with Complete NCERT Crux, CUET PYQs (2022-2023)
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CUET (UG) History Chapter-wise & Topic-wise Question Bank (2023-2024) with Complete NCERT Crux, CUET PYQs 2023 Past Year Questions
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CUET (UG) Geography Chapter-wise & Topic-wise Question Bank (2023-2024) with Complete NCERT Crux, Mock Test I For Central Universities Entrance Test 2024
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CUET (UG) Political Science Chapter-wise & Topic-wise Question Bank (2023-2024) with Complete NCERT Crux, CUET PYQs 2023 Past Year Questions
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CUET (UG) Business Studies Chapter-wise & Topic-wise Question Bank (2023-2024) with Complete NCERT Crux, CUET PYQs (2022-2023)
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CUET (UG) Accountancy Chapter-wise & Topic-wise Question Bank (2023-2024) with Complete NCERT Crux, CUET PYQs (2022-2023)
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CUET (UG) Legal Studies Chapter-wise & Topic-wise Question Bank (2023-2024) with Complete NCERT Crux, CUET PYQs (2022 & 2023 Past Year Questions) Universities Entrance Test 2024
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CUET Biology Chapter-wise & Topic-wise Question Bank (2023-2024) with Complete NCERT Crux, CUET PYQs (2022-2023)
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In conclusion
For undergraduate admissions to more than 240 esteemed Indian colleges, CUET UG provides a unified and equitable opportunity. By substituting a single exam for several entrance exams, it lessens exam anxiety. Through nationwide test centres and bilingual testing facilities, the test also expands educational access. It offers affordable ways to apply to a variety of courses. For these reasons, CUET UG 2026 is a crucial step in achieving success in higher education.