The Common University Entrance Test (CUET UG) 2026 is now in its final phase. The National Testing Agency is conducting the remaining exam sessions on May 31, June 6, and June 7, 2026 after the earlier sessions scheduled for May 28 were postponed due to the central government’s last-minute change of the Bakrid holiday to that date.
The main exam cycle, which started on May 11, 2026, has covered over 15.68 lakh registered candidates at 321 exam centres in India and at select international locations. The examination is being held in 13 languages across 23 domain subjects and one general test paper. NTA released fresh admit cards for the May 31 exam on May 27 at cuet.nta.nic.in.
What Comes Next After the Exam
Once all sessions are completed, the following timeline is expected:
- Provisional Answer Key: Second week of June 2026 at cuet.nta.nic.in
- Answer Key Challenge Window: Candidates can challenge answers at Rs 200 per question
- Final Answer Key: Third or fourth week of June 2026
- CUET UG 2026 Result: First week of July 2026
- University Admission Process: Begins after result declaration
Which Universities Accept CUET Scores
More than 280 universities use CUET scores for admissions, including all central universities like Delhi University, JNU, BHU, AMU, Jamia Millia Islamia, and Hyderabad Central University. Several state and private universities also participate. The CUET scorecard will carry NTA score, percentile, and raw marks for each subject. The scorecard is valid only for the 2026-27 academic year.
What Students Should Do Now
Candidates who have finished their exams should start checking the official NTA website regularly for the answer key. Once the key is out, they should calculate their expected scores and begin shortlisting colleges based on course-wise expected cutoffs.
Students should also check the specific admission portals of their target universities. Delhi University, for example, runs its own CSAS portal for admissions and will release separate cut-off lists after the CUET result. Students should keep their Class 12 mark sheets, category certificates, and identity documents ready for the online admission process.
