NTA CUET UG 2026 exam begins today: Important centre instructions and checklist for candidates

CUET UG 2026: The National Testing Agency (NTA) will begin the Common University Entrance Test Undergraduate (CUET UG) 2026 examinations today, May 11, in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode across the country and selected international centres.

The CUET UG 2026 examinations will be conducted from May 11 to May 31 across 300 cities in India and 14 international cities spread across 13 countries, including Sharjah and Abu Dhabi (UAE), Riyadh (Saudi Arabia), Kuwait, Kathmandu (Nepal), Doha (Qatar), Muscat (Oman), Manama (Bahrain), Singapore, Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia), and Washington DC.

Candidates appearing for the examination can check updates and official notices through the official websites — NTA official website and CUET UG portal.

Over 15 lakh candidates registered

According to the NTA, a total of 15,68,866 candidates have registered for CUET UG 2026. The registrations together generated nearly 67.56 lakh test instances across 12,906 subject combinations, with candidates opting for an average of 4.31 subjects each.

The examination is being conducted in 35 shifts over a 21-day period.

The agency also stated that nearly 43 per cent of total registrations came from three states — Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Delhi.

Among all subjects, English received the highest number of registrations at 12.64 lakh, followed by Chemistry (9.51 lakh), Physics (9.14 lakh), General Aptitude Test (9.12 lakh), Mathematics or Applied Mathematics (5.81 lakh), and Biology or Biotechnology (5.56 lakh).

Examination city allocation details

The NTA said that 96.6 per cent of candidates have been allotted one of their preferred examination cities, while 79 per cent received their first-choice city.

A special re-allocation window was also opened for candidates whose preferred cities could not be allotted due to capacity constraints in high-demand locations.

CUET UG 2026 Day 1 exam schedule

The opening day of the examination will be conducted in two shifts.

Shift 1

• Time: Morning shift
• Candidates registered: 63,247
• Examination centres: 314

Subjects scheduled:

• English
• Accountancy or Book Keeping
• Business Studies
• Chemistry
• Economics or Business Economics
• Geography or Geology
• History
• Political Science

Shift 2

• Candidates registered: 60,773
• Examination centres: 281

Subjects scheduled:

• English
• Accountancy or Book Keeping
• Business Studies
• Computer Science or Informatics Practices
• Economics or Business Economics
• History
• Political Science
• Sociology

A total of 1,24,020 candidates are scheduled to appear on the first day.

Mandatory items to carry at the exam centre

Candidates must carry the following documents and items to the examination centre:

• Printed admit card with self-declaration form duly filled
• Two passport-size photographs, same as uploaded in the application form
• Original valid photo identity proof
• Transparent ball-point pen

Accepted photo identity proofs include:

• School ID card
• PAN card
• Passport
• Aadhaar card
• e-Aadhaar with photograph
• Class 12 board admit card with photograph
• Bank passbook with photograph

Candidates must carry the same ID proof that was uploaded during the online application process.

Items permitted inside the examination hall

Only limited items will be allowed inside the examination centre, including:

• Transparent water bottle
• Transparent ball-point pen

Diabetic candidates will be allowed to carry eatables such as sugar tablets, banana, apple, or orange.

Candidates claiming relaxation under the Persons with Disabilities (PwD) or Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) category must also carry the required certificate issued by the authorised medical officer.

Dress code and important guidelines

The NTA advised candidates to wear light-coloured clothing. Woollens are permitted, but candidates should report early to allow proper frisking.

Normal shoes, slippers, and low heels are preferred. Candidates wearing religious or customary attire, including articles of faith, have been advised to reach the examination centre well in advance for security checks.

Students have also been instructed not to carry prohibited items such as:

• Mobile phones
• Smart watches
• Calculators
• Wallets
• Electronic gadgets
• Geometry boxes or any unauthorised material

The NTA clarified that no facility will be available at centres to keep personal belongings safely.

Helpline for candidates
Candidates facing any issue related to the examination can contact the NTA Help Desk through the following:

• Helpline number: +91-11-40759000
• Email: cuet-ug@nta.ac.in

The agency said extensive arrangements have been made in coordination with examination centres and local authorities to ensure the smooth and fair conduct of CUET UG 2026.