The CUET PG exam 2026 stands as India's most significant postgraduate entrance examination, opening doors to master's degree programmes across 190+ participating universities. With 654,019 candidates registered for CUET PG 2025 and the overall pass percentage reaching 79.97%, this examination has become increasingly competitive for aspiring postgraduate students.
Following the successful conclusion of CUET PG 2025, which witnessed remarkable participation and results, the National Testing Agency (NTA) is now preparing for CUET PG 2026. This comprehensive guide provides complete information about the upcoming examination whilst analysing the valuable insights from the 2025 edition.
By the end of this blog, you will know
- CUET PG 2026 registration begins in January 2026 with the official notification release.
- Examination dates are scheduled for March 2026, held in multiple shifts in offline mode.
- Application fees range from ₹650 to ₹3,250 based on category and number of subjects.
- CUET PG 2025 saw 6.54 lakh registrations with 5.23 lakh appearing, marking the highest attendance rate since inception.
- 157 subjects are offered across disciplines; category-wise data shows General (2.6 lakh), OBC (2.14 lakh), SC (73K), ST (57K), and EWS (48K) registrations.
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CUET PG 2026 Exam Overview
The CUET PG 2026 is expected to kick off in January with the release of the official notification and registration window. With exams likely scheduled for March and results by May, aspirants have a clear roadmap for planning their preparation. Timely updates like the admit card release and answer key in March-April make it crucial to stay alert throughout the cycle.
Event |
Tentative Dates 2026 |
Official Notification Release |
January 2026 |
Registration Commencement |
January 2026 |
Last Date for Registration |
February 2026 |
Application Form Correction Window |
February 2026 |
Admit Card Release |
March 2026 |
Examination Dates |
March 2026 |
Answer Key Release |
March-April 2026 |
Result Declaration |
April-May 2026 |
Exam Structure and Pattern
The 2-hour computer-based test features 100 MCQs with a challenging +4/-1 marking scheme across 157 subjects, conducted in multiple shifts to accommodate over 6 lakh aspirants. This offline CBT format ensures uniform assessment standards while the negative marking system rewards accuracy over guesswork.
Component |
Details |
Mode of Examination |
Computer Based Test (CBT) - Offline |
Duration |
120 minutes (2 hours) |
Number of Questions |
100 questions |
Question Types |
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) |
Marking Scheme |
+4 for correct answer, -1 for incorrect answer |
Languages Available |
English and Hindi |
Number of Shifts |
Multiple shifts across examination days |
Total Subjects Offered |
157 subjects |
CUET PG 2025 Results Analysis: Category-Wise Statistics
The CUET PG 2025 results highlight strong participation with 79.97% attendance out of 6.54 lakh registrations, led by the General and OBC categories. Female candidates slightly outnumbered males, reflecting a positive gender trend. Rising success rates and a 35% growth since 2022 show increasing competitiveness and credibility.
Registration and Attendance Data
CUET PG 2025 achieved a record with 5.23 lakh candidates appearing out of 6.54 lakh registrations, while the General category dominated with 2.6 lakh registrations followed by OBC's 2.14 lakh. The consistent attendance rates across all categories (78.5-79.4%) demonstrate the examination's credibility and student commitment.
The CUET PG 2025 examination showcased unprecedented participation levels with significant insights:
Category |
Registered Candidates |
Appeared Candidates |
Attendance Rate |
General |
2,60,012 |
2,04,626 |
78.7% |
OBC |
2,14,000 |
1,68,000 |
78.5% |
SC |
73,000 |
58,000 |
79.4% |
ST |
57,000 |
45,000 |
78.9% |
EWS |
48,000 |
38,000 |
79.2% |
Total |
6,54,019 |
5,23,032 |
79.97% |
Gender-Wise Participation Analysis
The demographic distribution in CUET PG 2025 revealed encouraging trends in gender participation, reflecting the evolving landscape of higher education in India.
The number of female candidates exceeded male candidates in CUET PG 2025, indicating growing participation of women in higher education:
- Female candidates: Approximately 3,45,000 (52.8%)
- Male candidates: Approximately 3,09,000 (47.2%)
- This represents a positive trend towards gender inclusivity in postgraduate education
Year-on-Year Performance Comparison
CUET PG registrations have surged from 4.85 lakh in 2022 to 6.54 lakh in 2025, with pass percentages climbing from 72.4% to 79.97% over the same period. This 35% growth in participation coupled with 7.5 percentage point improvement in success rates reflects both rising popularity and enhanced preparation standards.
The CUET PG examination has shown consistent growth since its inception:
Year |
Total Registrations |
Appeared Candidates |
Pass Percentage |
2022 |
4,85,000 |
3,89,000 |
72.4% |
2023 |
5,72,000 |
4,58,000 |
75.8% |
2024 |
6,15,000 |
4,95,000 |
77.2% |
2025 |
6,54,019 |
5,23,032 |
79.97% |
CUET PG 2026 Registration Process
The registration process for CUET PG 2026 requires careful attention to eligibility criteria like education qualifications, age limit. Early preparation and understanding of requirements ensure smooth application submission.
Eligibility Criteria
The criteria are designed to accommodate diverse academic backgrounds whilst maintaining quality standards.
- You must have a bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline from a recognised university.
- There is no minimum percentage criteria specified by the NTA.
- There’s no upper age limit for most courses (though some universities may have their own rules).
- Both Indian nationals and foreign nationals can apply.
- Reservation benefits are available as per government norms.
Step-by-Step Registration Process
The online registration process requires systematic approach and careful attention to detail. Following the correct sequence ensures error-free application submission.
Step 1: Visit Official Website
Access the official CUET PG portal at CUET PG when registration opens in January 2026.
Step 2: Create Account
Register with a valid email ID and mobile number to generate login credentials.
Step 3: Fill Application Form
Complete personal details, educational qualifications, and course preferences accurately.
Step 4: Upload Documents
Submit scanned copies of photograph, signature, and relevant certificates.
Step 5: Fee Payment
Pay application fees through online mode using debit/credit card or net banking.
Step 6: Submit and Print
Review all details, submit the form, and download confirmation page for future reference.
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CUET PG Exam Fee Structure 2026
CUET PG 2026 fees range from ₹325 for SC/ST candidates selecting one subject to ₹2,600 for General/OBC candidates choosing 7-9 subjects, with significant 50% fee concessions for reserved categories. The tiered pricing structure encourages multiple subject selection while maintaining affordability across economic backgrounds.
Category |
1 Subject |
2-3 Subjects |
4-6 Subjects |
7-9 Subjects |
General/OBC |
₹650 |
₹1,300 |
₹1,950 |
₹2,600 |
SC/ST/PwD |
₹325 |
₹650 |
₹975 |
₹1,300 |
EWS |
₹650 |
₹1,300 |
₹1,950 |
₹2,600 |
Third Gender |
₹325 |
₹650 |
₹975 |
₹1,300 |
Additional Charges
Beyond the basic examination fees, candidates should be aware of supplementary charges that may apply based on specific requirements and circumstances.
- Processing fee: ₹500 per application
- International centres: Additional ₹3,000
- Late fee (if applicable): ₹2,000
CUET PG Syllabus 2026
The comprehensive syllabus covers domain-specific subjects across science, arts, and commerce streams, allowing candidates to align PG goals with UG backgrounds. Core subjects include Physics, History, Economics, and Business Administration. All candidates must also appear for a General Test on aptitude, reasoning, and English.
Domain-Specific Subjects
The domain-specific subjects are categorised into major academic streams like science, arts and commerce, allowing candidates to demonstrate expertise in their chosen fields of study.
Science Stream:
- Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Biology
- Computer Science, Environmental Science
- Statistics, Geology, Geography
Arts and Humanities:
- English, Hindi, Sanskrit, Regional Languages
- History, Political Science, Sociology
- Psychology, Philosophy, Economics
Commerce and Management:
- Business Administration, Commerce
- Accountancy, Economics
- Hotel Management, Mass Communication
General Test Subjects
In addition to domain-specific subjects, all candidates must demonstrate competency in general aptitude areas that are essential for postgraduate studies across disciplines.
All candidates must appear for General Test covering:
- Logical Reasoning and Analytical Ability
- General Awareness and Current Affairs
- Quantitative Aptitude
- English Language Comprehension
What Students Are Discussing About CUET PG Exam?
Social media continues to reflect the confusion and unpredictability around CUET PG admissions, especially for aspirants targeting top universities like Delhi University. Below are two recent Reddit discussions that highlight key concerns:
A user on r/CUETPG asked:
“My score is 175 in CUET PG. Any chances for DU colleges north or south?”
Insights: Students face when trying to gauge their chances of admission. With no official cut-off lists released in advance and wide score variations across departments and campuses, students rely heavily on peer speculation. The lack of transparent data from universities adds to the confusion, especially for borderline scores like 175.
Another user on r/Psychology_India shared:
“I scored 265 in CUET PG ... and didn't get into DU. The predictions were far too different. As per predictions highest cut‑off was not more than 200. It went 270+ instead.”
Insights: Major issue here is the gap between unofficial predictions and actual admission outcomes. Many students base their expectations on online forecasts or previous years’ trends, which may not always be reliable. Even a high score like 265 may fall short depending on the subject's popularity and limited seat availability. This leads to frustration and indicates the need for more accurate, subject-specific cut-off insights.
What do we infer from these cases?
- Students continue to struggle with uncertainty due to the lack of official, real-time cut-off data.
- Even high CUET PG scores may not be enough, especially for popular courses and universities.
- Misinformation and over-reliance on unofficial predictions can mislead students.
- There’s a strong need for clearer post-result guidance on counselling, subject-wise cut-offs, and admission trends.
Pro Tip: Don’t rely solely on online predictions, track official university portals for subject-wise updates, and prioritise multiple backup options during counselling to stay ahead of unexpected cut-offs.
Confused about college selection? Use our CUET College Predictor 2025 to check your admission chances, explore college options, and understand cut-off requirements!
CUET PG Cut-off Trends and Score Analysis
Understanding score patterns and cut-off trends from previous years helps set realistic CUET PG 2026 targets. Safe scores are projected at 220+ for General and 170+ for ST, with a 40–50 point gap across categories. Top universities like DU and JNU demand 220+, while Tier-2 options begin around 180.
Expected Cut-off Ranges for 2026
Based on 2025 performance data and increasing competition, here are the expected cut-off ranges:
Category |
Good Score Range |
Competitive Score |
Safe Score |
General |
180-200 |
200-220 |
220+ |
OBC |
160-180 |
180-200 |
200+ |
SC |
140-160 |
160-180 |
180+ |
ST |
130-150 |
150-170 |
170+ |
EWS |
170-190 |
190-210 |
210+ |
Want to understand CUET scoring patterns better? Check out the latest CUET PG cut-offs for top colleges and courses to benchmark your preparation strategy!
Participating Universities and Courses
The extensive network of participating institutions provides unprecedented opportunities across diverse academic disciplines and geographical locations throughout India. From central universities like DU, JNU, BHU, and Jamia to state and multiple deemed universities like BITS Pilani and Manipal, CUET PG unifies varied academic strengths under one platform. It also supports regional languages and state-specific reservation policies.
Major Participating Universities
From elite central universities to over 150 state and multiple deemed institutions, the CUET PG system brings together a diverse range of academic strengths, specialisations, and regional offerings under one examination platform.
Central Universities:
- University of Delhi (DU)
- Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU)
- Banaras Hindu University (BHU)
- Jamia Millia Islamia
- University of Hyderabad
State Universities:
- Over 150 state universities across India
- Regional language programmes available
- State-specific reservation policies applicable
Deemed Universities:
- BITS Pilani (selected programmes)
- Manipal Academy of Higher Education
- Various medical and engineering institutions
Popular Course Categories
The diverse range of postgraduate programmes like Master's in Business Analytics or MSc in Computer Science available through CUET PG caters to various career aspirations and academic interests across traditional and emerging disciplines.
Management Programmes:
- MBA in various specialisations
- Master's in Business Analytics
- Hotel Management degrees
Science and Technology:
- MSc in Computer Science, Physics, Chemistry
- MCA programmes
- Environmental Science degrees
Arts and Humanities:
- MA in English, Hindi, History
- Master's in Journalism and Mass Communication
- Psychology and Social Work programmes
Interested in MBA through CUET? Discover the complete CUET MBA 2025 syllabus, exam pattern, and application deadlines for your management career goals!"
Preparation Strategy for CUET PG 2026
A well-structured preparation approach maximises performance potential whilst ensuring comprehensive coverage of all examination components. For the General Test, focus on current affairs, daily aptitude practice, and reading for comprehension. For Domain Subjects, use NCERTs, standard textbooks, and solve previous papers. Strategic planning becomes crucial given the competitive nature of the examination.
Subject-Wise Preparation Tips
Different subjects require tailored preparation approaches, with emphasis on understanding concepts rather than mere memorisation for optimal performance.
For General Test:
- Focus on current affairs from past 12 months
- Practice quantitative aptitude daily
- Improve English comprehension through reading
For Domain Subjects:
- Follow NCERT textbooks as foundation
- Refer to standard undergraduate textbooks
- Practice previous years' question papers
The CUET PG 2026 offers a key opportunity for postgraduate aspirants, with registration starting in January and exams scheduled for March. With the 2025 exam seeing a 79.97% pass rate, its rising popularity highlights CUET PG as a leading route for PG admissions in India. Early registration, focused preparation, and smart subject choices will be vital for success.
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