The Common University Entrance Test (CUET) has become one of the most important entrance examinations for undergraduate admissions in India. Conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA), CUET provides a single-window opportunity for students to apply to central, state, deemed, and private universities across the country.

With thousands of aspirants preparing for CUET 2026, understanding the registration process clearly and accurately is crucial. Even a small mistake during the application can lead to rejection or complications during counselling. This comprehensive guide explains everything you need to know about CUET 2026 registration, including eligibility, required documents, step-by-step application process, fee structure, correction window, and important preparation tips.

What is CUET?

CUET (UG) is a national-level entrance examination introduced to standardize the admission process across universities. Instead of applying separately to multiple institutions with varying cut-offs, students can now appear for a single entrance test and use their score to apply to participating universities.

Top universities accepting CUET scores include:

University of Delhi
Banaras Hindu University
Jawaharlal Nehru University
Aligarh Muslim University

In 2026, more universities are expected to join the CUET framework, making it even more competitive.

CUET 2026 Registration – Important Overview

Although official dates will be announced by NTA, the tentative timeline for CUET 2026 registration is expected to follow this pattern:

Registration Start Date: February–March 2026
Last Date to Apply: March–April 2026
Correction Window: April 2026
Admit Card Release: May 2026
Exam Dates: May–June 2026

Candidates must regularly check the official NTA website for confirmed dates.

Eligibility Criteria for CUET 2026

Before starting the registration process, candidates must ensure they meet the eligibility criteria.

1. Educational Qualification

Must have passed or be appearing in Class 12 (10+2) from a recognized board.
There is no age limit for CUET 2026 (subject to university-specific criteria).

2. Subject Requirements

Students must select domain subjects relevant to the course they are applying for. For example:

PCM for B.Sc. Physics or Engineering-related programs.
Commerce subjects for B.Com.
Humanities subjects for BA programs.

Each university may have specific subject combinations.

Documents Required for CUET 2026 Registration

Before starting the application, keep these documents ready:

Scanned passport-size photograph (as per NTA specifications)
Scanned signature
Class 10 mark sheet (for date of birth proof)
Class 12 details (if available)
Valid email ID
Active mobile number
Category certificate (if applicable)
PwD certificate (if applicable)

Ensure that scanned documents meet size and format requirements to avoid rejection.

Step-by-Step Guide to Register for CUET 2026

Here is a complete breakdown of the application process:

Step 1: Visit the Official Website

Go to the official website of the National Testing Agency and click on “CUET (UG) 2026 Registration.”

Step 2: New Registration

Click on “New Candidate Registration.”

Read all instructions carefully.
Tick the declaration checkbox.
Click “Proceed.”

Step 3: Fill Basic Details

Enter:

Candidate’s name
Father’s and Mother’s name
Date of birth
Gender
Nationality
Identity proof details
Valid email ID
Mobile number

An OTP verification will be sent to confirm contact details.

Step 4: Create Password

Create a strong password and choose a security question for account recovery.

Once completed, you will receive:

Application number
Confirmation message

Save these details carefully.

Step 5: Complete Application Form

Fill in:

Personal details
Address details
Academic qualifications
Class 10 and 12 details
Preferred exam cities
Medium of examination
Subject selection

Subject selection is extremely important. Choose domain subjects carefully based on your intended course.

Step 6: Upload Documents

Upload scanned:

Photograph
Signature
Category certificate (if applicable)

Make sure files match size guidelines (usually in JPG/JPEG format).

Step 7: Pay Application Fee

The fee structure typically depends on:

Number of subjects selected
Candidate’s category (General/OBC/SC/ST)
Indian or foreign applicant

Payment can be made via:

Debit card
Credit card
Net banking
UPI

After successful payment, download the confirmation page.

CUET 2026 Application Fee (Expected)

Although official fees will be announced, previous patterns suggest:

General category: Base fee for up to 3 subjects
Additional fee for extra subjects
Reduced fee for SC/ST/PwD categories

Always verify fee details before making payment.

CUET 2026 Correction Window

NTA usually provides a correction window for a limited time after the registration deadline.

During this period, candidates can edit:

Personal details
Subject choices
Exam city preferences

However, some fields like name and contact details may not be editable. Hence, fill the form carefully during initial registration.

Common Mistakes to Avoid During Registration

Entering incorrect spelling of name.
Selecting wrong subjects.
Uploading unclear photographs.
Missing deadline.
Using an inactive email ID.

Double-check all details before final submission.

CUET 2026 Exam Pattern (Brief Overview)

Understanding the exam pattern helps in selecting subjects wisely.

CUET generally includes:

Section IA & IB: Language tests
Section II: Domain-specific subjects
Section III: General Test

The exam is conducted in CBT (Computer-Based Test) mode.

Each section contains multiple-choice questions with negative marking for incorrect answers.

Why CUET Registration Accuracy is Important

Unlike traditional board-based admissions, CUET centralizes the admission system. Mistakes during registration can:

Disqualify you from preferred courses
Create issues during counselling
Delay admission confirmation

Hence, accuracy is crucial.

Tips for Smooth CUET 2026 Registration

Apply early to avoid last-minute server issues.
Keep all documents scanned in advance.
Read university-specific eligibility requirements.
Note down login credentials securely.
Save the confirmation page.

What Happens After Registration?

After completing registration:

Wait for admit card release.
Download hall ticket.
Appear for the exam.
Check results.
Apply to universities based on CUET score.
Participate in counselling.

Final Thoughts

CUET 2026 is a major opportunity for students aiming to secure admission in top universities across India. The registration process, while straightforward, requires attention to detail and proper planning.

By understanding eligibility criteria, keeping documents ready, selecting subjects carefully, and following the step-by-step process correctly, students can complete their application smoothly and focus entirely on preparation.

Early registration, careful verification, and strategic subject selection will ensure you avoid unnecessary stress and maximize your chances of admission success.