Quick Overview Table
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | Common University Entrance Test — Undergraduate (CUET UG 2026) |
| Conducting Body | National Testing Agency (NTA) |
| Official Website | cuet.nta.nic.in |
| Registration Re-Opened | February 23, 2026 |
| Registration Closes TONIGHT | February 26, 2026 — 11:50 PM (Final Deadline) |
| Fee Payment Deadline | February 26, 2026 — 11:50 PM |
| Correction Window | February 27–28, 2026 |
| Exam Mode | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| Exam Dates (Tentative) | May 11–31, 2026 |
| Admit Card | May 2026 (Expected) |
| Result Date | Late July 2026 (Expected) |
| Total Participating Universities | 240+ (Central, State, Private, Deemed) |
| Expected Applicants | 14–17 Lakh Students |
| Maximum Subjects Allowed | 5 (Languages + Domain + General Test) |
| Application Fee (General) | ₹1,000 |
| Application Fee (OBC-NCL / EWS) | ₹900 |
| Application Fee (SC / ST / PwD) | ₹800 |
| Fee for Overseas Centres | ₹4,500 |
| Age Limit | No Age Restriction |
| Eligibility | Class 12 Pass or Appearing in 2026 |
CUET UG 2026 Registration: Aaj Raat Band Ho Raha Hai — Act Now or Miss Out for a Full Year
This is an urgent, time-sensitive alert for every student who dreams of studying at Delhi University, Banaras Hindu University, JNU, AMU, or any of India’s top central and participating universities. The National Testing Agency (NTA) will close the re-opened application window for Common University Entrance Test (CUET UG) 2026 today, February 26 at 11:50 PM. Candidates who have not yet completed their registration must apply immediately through the official website — cuet.nta.nic.in. This is the final opportunity provided by the NTA after multiple deadline extensions.
There is absolutely no room for delay. Applying early helps avoid last-minute technical glitches, server issues, or payment failures. The CUET online application window 2026 will close on February 26 at 11:50 PM, so applicants should complete the process in advance. If you miss tonight’s deadline, you will not be eligible to appear for CUET UG 2026 under any circumstances — and you will have to wait an entire year before the next opportunity arises. Every hour you delay increases the risk of being locked out by server congestion or payment failures in the final rush.
If you are aiming for admissions in top central universities like DU, BHU, JNU, or AMU, completing this registration is mandatory. Statistics suggest that around 15 to 17 lakh students are competing this year, making the competition very high. Among those millions of applicants, every single one who registers tonight has a shot at securing admission to their dream course and university. The ones who do not register simply disappear from the race entirely.
Why Was Registration Re-Opened? The Full Timeline
Understanding the timeline of this registration process helps you appreciate exactly why tonight is genuinely your last chance. Originally, the CUET UG 2026 registration process was open from January 3 to February 4, 2026. Applicants were able to edit their applications during the CUET correction window 2026 from February 9 to 11. Following multiple representations from students and parents who missed the revised timeline, the NTA reopened the application and fee payment window on February 23 as a special measure. This extended window will close tonight, February 26.
The CUET 2026 registration process was re-opened on February 23. Students must fill the CUET application form 2026 without any mistakes as there is no correction window facility for candidates applying now. This last point is critically important and cannot be overstated. If you register tonight, you will not get a correction window for this new registration. Whatever details you enter — your name, date of birth, category, subject choices, exam centre preference — those details will be final. There is absolutely no scope for errors. Double-check every single field before you click submit.
CUET UG 2026 Application Fees: Category-Wise Breakdown
| Category | Base Fee | Additional Subject Fee | Overseas Centre Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| General (UR) | ₹1,000 | ₹400 per extra subject | ₹4,500 |
| OBC-NCL / EWS | ₹900 | ₹375 per extra subject | ₹4,500 |
| SC / ST / PwD / Third Gender | ₹800 | ₹350 per extra subject | ₹4,500 |
For CUET UG 2026, the application fee is ₹1,000 for General, ₹900 for OBC-NCL and EWS, and ₹800 for SC, ST, PwD, and third gender candidates. For exam centres outside India, the fee is ₹4,500. Candidates will be required to pay an extra fee for each additional subject — ₹400 for General, ₹375 for OBC-NCL and EWS, ₹350 for SC, ST, PwD, and third gender candidates, and ₹1,800 for centres outside India.
Fee payment is not a separate step you can complete tomorrow — the fee payment window will also close on the same day, February 26 at 11:50 PM. An application without completed fee payment is treated as incomplete and will be rejected outright. Do not assume that filling the form without paying the fee will be accepted under any circumstances.
CUET UG 2026 Exam Pattern: Structure, Sections & Marking Scheme
The test allows candidates to select a maximum of five subjects out of 37 papers in languages, subject-related subjects, and a general aptitude test. These 37 papers are divided across three clearly defined sections. Section I covers Language Papers, where candidates choose from 13 available languages including English, Hindi, and several regional languages. Section II covers Domain-Specific Subjects — 23 subjects aligned directly with Class 12 NCERT curriculum — from which you select papers relevant to your target course and university. Section III is the General Test, which covers General Knowledge, Current Affairs, Numerical Ability, Quantitative Aptitude, Logical and Analytical Reasoning, and General Science.
Each test paper usually contains 50 questions, out of which students need to attempt 40 questions. The duration of each test is 60 minutes. The marking scheme applies +5 marks for every correct answer and -1 mark for every incorrect response, making accuracy as important as speed. Blank answers carry no penalty, so strategic leaving of uncertain questions is a valid approach. The entire examination is conducted in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode at designated NTA centres across India.
CUET UG 2026 Eligibility Criteria: Who Can Apply?
One of the most student-friendly aspects of CUET UG 2026 is its genuinely open eligibility framework. As per the eligibility criteria, candidates who have completed Class 12 or an equivalent exam, or who are appearing in the board exams in 2026, are eligible to fill the CUET UG 2026 application form. Also, there is no age limit to apply for the CUET UG exam 2026. This means drop-year students, students who completed Class 12 in previous years, and students currently appearing in their 2026 board exams are all equally eligible.
Minimum marks requirement is 45% for General category and 40% for SC/ST/OBC candidates. However, it is important to note that these are baseline eligibility criteria for the examination itself. Individual universities may impose higher or additional eligibility requirements for specific courses and programs. Before finalising your subject choices, always cross-check the specific admission requirements of every university and course you intend to apply to.
CUET UG 2026 Syllabus: What You Need to Study
The CUET UG 2026 syllabus is the same as the syllabus used last year. The NTA will hold the CUET UG exam for a total of 37 subjects. The entire CUET syllabus is based on the Class 12th NCERT curriculum. Therefore, students preparing for the exam should focus on thoroughly studying their Class 12th textbooks and notes to score well in the entrance examination.
The General Test section covers General Knowledge, Current Affairs, Numerical Ability, Quantitative Aptitude covering simple application of basic mathematical concepts including Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Mensuration, and Statistics, as well as Logical and Analytical Reasoning, General Science and Environment Literacy. For Language papers, the test is conducted through Reading Comprehension based on different types of passages — Factual, Literary and Narrative — along with Literary Aptitude and Vocabulary. Some domain subjects including Entrepreneurship, Teaching Aptitude, Fashion Studies, Tourism, Legal Studies, and Engineering Graphics have been discontinued. For these programs, admissions are now based on performance in the General Aptitude Test.
Participating Universities: 240+ Institutions Accept Your CUET Score
There are 240 CUET UG 2026 participating universities, including Central, State, Deemed, Government, and Private institutions across India. These universities will accept CUET UG 2026 scores for admission to various undergraduate programmes. Among the most sought-after institutions are Delhi University (DU), Banaras Hindu University (BHU), Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), Hyderabad University, Jamia Millia Islamia, and dozens of other prestigious institutions spread across every state of India.
CUET 2026 is the second biggest UG entrance exam in the country in terms of test takers. Approximately 14 lakh students are expected to register and appear in CUET 2026 for merely 3 lakh UG seats, combining all the participating universities. The NTA will conduct CUET 2026 across 400+ centres across India and abroad and in 13 different languages. This ratio of approximately 14 lakh applicants competing for 3 lakh seats means the competition is intense — and every mark you score in the exam will matter significantly when university-specific merit lists are prepared.
How to Apply for CUET UG 2026 Tonight: Complete Step-by-Step Guide
Completing your CUET UG 2026 application tonight is straightforward if you follow these steps carefully. The first step is to open your browser — preferably on a desktop or laptop computer, not a mobile phone, as NTA strongly advises against filling forms on mobile devices — and navigate to the official portal at cuet.nta.nic.in.
The second step is to click on the “New Registration” button if you are a first-time applicant. Enter your full name exactly as it appears on your Class 10 certificate, along with your mobile number, email address, and date of birth. You will receive a login ID and password on your registered email and phone number — note these down carefully.
The third step is to log in with those credentials and fill out the full application form. Enter your personal details, parent information, communication address, category details, and academic qualification information with full accuracy. Remember — since there is no correction window for tonight’s registrations, every detail must be perfect on the first attempt.
The fourth step is to carefully select your subjects. While filling the CUET UG 2026 application form, candidates must carefully select subject combinations according to the eligibility requirements of their desired course and university. The complete list of CUET participating universities, along with available undergraduate programmes, can be accessed through the official NTA CUET 2026 portal. Choose a maximum of 5 subjects that align with your target courses across all universities you plan to apply to.
The fifth step is to upload all required documents. The following documents are needed: a recent photo in colour or black and white with 80% of the face visible against a white background, in JPG or JPEG format between 10 and 200 KB; a scanned signature in JPG or JPEG format between 10 and 50 KB; and scanned copies of category certificates (SC, ST, OBC, EWS) in PDF format between 50 and 300 KB if applicable. Also keep your APAAR ID (Automated Permanent Academic Account Registry) ready, as NTA now requires this for registration.
The sixth and final step is to pay your application fee using any available online payment method — net banking, UPI, credit card, or debit card. After successful payment, download and save the confirmation receipt and take a printout for your records. This receipt is your proof of registration and will be required at future stages.
CUET UG 2026 Growth Story: Year-on-Year Applicant Trends
| Year | Total Applicants | Participating Universities | Exam Mode | Exam Dates |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 (First Edition) | ~8.72 Lakh | ~90 | CBT | July 2022 |
| 2023 | ~14.90 Lakh | ~200+ | CBT | May–June 2023 |
| 2024 | ~13.48 Lakh | ~230+ | CBT | May–June 2024 |
| 2025 | ~13.50 Lakh | ~235+ | CBT | May 2025 |
| 2026 | ~14–17 Lakh (Expected) | 240+ | CBT | May 11–31, 2026 |
The growth data above tells a powerful story about CUET’s rapid rise as India’s most important undergraduate entrance examination. Since its launch in 2022, CUET has transformed from a relatively unfamiliar new exam into the second-largest UG entrance examination in the country by applicant count, surpassed only by JEE Main. The consistent growth in both applicant numbers and participating university count reflects the increasing acceptance of CUET as a fair, standardised, and meritocratic alternative to the old class 12 board marks-based admission system.
What Happens After You Register: The Full Roadmap Ahead
Once you have successfully submitted your application and paid the fee tonight, the journey is far from over — it is actually just beginning. The CUET UG 2026 examination is scheduled to be conducted in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode from May 11 to May 31, 2026 (tentative). Between now and the exam, NTA will release a City Intimation Slip that will tell you which city your exam centre is located in, followed by the Admit Card that will confirm your specific exam centre, date, and time slot.
Once the CUET UG 2026 results are announced — expected in late July 2026 — each participating university begins its independent seat allotment process. Candidates must register separately on the admission portal of each university, submitting their CUET scores, course preferences, category details, and paying any applicable counselling fees. There is no central CUET counselling system — every university manages its own admissions independently, based on the merit lists it prepares using CUET scores. This means that after the result, you must proactively apply to every university you are interested in, within their individual application deadlines.
Common Mistakes to Avoid While Filling Tonight’s Form
Given that there is absolutely no correction window for registrations submitted during this re-opened window, avoiding errors in your application is critically important. The most common mistake candidates make is selecting the wrong subjects — always cross-reference the subject requirements of every course you plan to apply for before finalising your CUET subject choices. A mismatched subject selection can make you ineligible for your target course even if you score exceptionally well in the exam.
The second most common mistake is uploading photographs that do not meet specifications — the photo must show 80% of your face including both ears, against a plain white background, without any mask, cap, or heavy accessories. The third most critical error is entering your name or date of birth incorrectly — these must match exactly with your Class 10 certificate as they will be verified at every subsequent stage of the admission process. Take the time to carefully proofread every field before making the final payment.
Conclusion: Tonight Is Your One and Only Last Chance — Apply Right Now
The NTA will close the re-opened CUET UG 2026 application window tonight, February 26 at 11:50 PM. This is the final opportunity provided by NTA after multiple deadline extensions. There will be no further extension, no special consideration, and no appeal process for candidates who miss tonight’s deadline. If your dream is to study at Delhi University, BHU, JNU, or any of India’s top 240+ universities through a single, standardised entrance examination, then the only thing standing between you and that dream right now is completing your CUET UG 2026 application before 11:50 PM tonight.
CUET 2026 will provide a level playing ground to all aspiring UG students to secure admission to their dream college. Do not let a missed deadline be the reason you lose a year of your academic journey. Open cuet.nta.nic.in right now, complete your registration carefully and accurately, pay your fee before the server rush of the final hour, and take the first decisive step toward your future. The clock is ticking. Every minute matters. Apply now.
Important Links Table
| Resource | Details |
|---|---|
| 🔗 CUET UG 2026 — Apply NOW (Official Portal) | cuet.nta.nic.in |
| 📋 New Registration Link | cuet.nta.nic.in → “New Registration” |
| 💳 Fee Payment Portal | Available inside application portal |
| 📄 Official CUET UG 2026 Notification PDF | cuet.nta.nic.in/information-bulletin |
| 📚 CUET UG 2026 Syllabus PDF | cuet.nta.nic.in/cuetug-2026-syllabus |
| 🏫 Full List of Participating Universities | cuet.nta.nic.in/participating-universities |
| 📰 Latest CUET Updates — Careers360 | university.careers360.com |
| 📱 Free Mock Tests — PW (Physics Wallah) | pw.live/cuet |
| 🎯 CUET Preparation — Career Launcher | careerlauncher.com/cuet/cuet-2026 |
| 📲 WhatsApp Channel — NTA CUET Official Updates | Search “NTA CUET 2026” on WhatsApp Channels |