CUET UG Exam

Common Universities Entrance Test UG Eligibility Criteria 2026 specifies the academic qualifications and other conditions that candidates must satisfy before applying for the Common University Entrance Test (CUET UG). Candidates should check the official NTA eligibility requirements as well as the admission rules of their preferred university and course because university-wise eligibility, subject combinations, minimum marks, reservation, and other requirements may differ.

Before completing the Common Universities Entrance Test UG 2026 application form, candidates should verify their Class 12 qualification, required subjects, and any course-specific conditions. Meeting the Common Universities Entrance Test eligibility criteria only makes a candidate eligible to appear for the entrance exam; it does not guarantee admission.

Candidates generally need to have passed Class 12 or an equivalent examination from a recognised board to appear for Common Universities Entrance Test UG. Students who are appearing for their Class 12 examination can also apply, provided they meet the admission requirements of the university and course at the time of admission.

The important eligibility parameters are:

1. Educational Qualification

Candidates should have passed Class 12 or an equivalent examination from a recognised board. The required stream and subjects depend on the undergraduate programme selected.

For example:

• Arts and humanities programmes may accept candidates from different Class 12 streams.

• Science programmes may require Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics or Biology.

• Commerce programmes may require Commerce, Mathematics, Accountancy, Economics or other specified subjects.

• Professional or specialised programmes may prescribe particular Class 12 subjects.

2. Minimum Percentage

NTA does not necessarily prescribe one common minimum Class 12 percentage for admission to every Common Universities Entrance Test participating university.

Instead, individual universities and programmes can prescribe their own minimum marks. Candidates should therefore check the eligibility conditions for every course they want to select.

3. Age Limit

There is no common upper or lower age limit for Common Universities Entrance Test UG under the general NTA eligibility framework. However, a participating university may prescribe an age requirement for a particular programme.

4. Students Appearing for Class 12

Students appearing for their Class 12 or equivalent examination can generally apply for Common Universities Entrance Test UG. However, they must obtain the required qualification and satisfy the university's admission conditions within the prescribed timeline.

Reservation benefits are governed by the applicable government regulations and the policies of the respective participating university. Candidates claiming reservation must provide valid and applicable category certificates wherever required.

The eligibility requirements can vary significantly by programme. Candidates should check the university-specific programme eligibility before selecting CUET subjects.

Yes, Class 12 marks can be important for admission, but there is no single percentage requirement applicable to all Common Universities Entrance Test programmes.

Candidates must distinguish between:

1. Eligibility to appear for Common Universities Entrance Test, and

2. Eligibility for admission to a particular university or course.

A university may require a particular Class 12 percentage, subject combination, or other academic qualification even when NTA allows the candidate to appear for Common Universities Entrance Test.

For this reason, candidates should check the programme-wise eligibility criteria before choosing their Common Universities Entrance Test subjects and university preferences.

Candidates can appear in CUET in different years as long as they satisfy the eligibility requirements applicable to that year's examination and the admission rules of their preferred university.

Candidates taking a gap year may also apply if they meet the relevant academic and programme-specific requirements.

Gap-year candidates can apply for CUET UG, provided they meet the applicable eligibility conditions.

A gap year after Class 12 does not automatically make a candidate ineligible. However, candidates should check whether their preferred university or programme has any specific conditions concerning the year of passing Class 12, age, or other admission requirements.

Yes. Students appearing for their Class 12 examination can apply for Common Universities Entrance Test UG 2026.

However, candidates must fulfil the qualifying requirements of the university and programme at the time of admission. They may also need to submit their Class 12 marksheet or other required documents within the university's prescribed timeline.

• Check the latest Common Universities Entrance Test notification and information bulletin before applying.

• Verify the eligibility criteria of every university and course you want to choose.

• Check the required Class 12 subjects carefully.

• Do not assume that the same percentage requirement applies to every university.

• Check whether your selected Common Universities Entrance Test subjects match the programme's admission requirements.

• Candidates claiming reservation should keep their valid category documents ready.

• Students awaiting Class 12 results should follow the university's rules for provisional admission.

• Appearing for Common Universities Entrance Test does not automatically guarantee admission.

• Meeting the NTA eligibility criteria does not override a university's programme-specific requirements.

• Check the official university admission portal for the final eligibility and counselling rules.

Different Common Universities Entrance Test participating universities may prescribe different requirements for their undergraduate programmes. Therefore, instead of using one generic eligibility rule for all institutions, candidates should verify the course-wise eligibility published by each university.

University of Delhi (DU)

DU programmes may specify particular Class 12 subjects, minimum marks, and Common Universities Entrance Test subject combinations. Candidates should check the latest DU undergraduate admission bulletin for the exact programme requirements.

Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU)

JNU has programme-specific eligibility requirements for its Common Universities Entrance Test-based undergraduate admissions. Candidates should check the latest JNU admission information for the required Class 12 qualification, subjects and marks.

Banaras Hindu University (BHU)

BHU prescribes programme-wise academic requirements. Science, commerce, humanities and professional programmes can have different Class 12 subject and percentage requirements.

University of Calcutta

Candidates seeking admission through Common Universities Entrance Test should check the latest programme-wise requirements specified by the university, including Class 12 subjects and minimum marks wherever applicable.

Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI)

JMI's Common Universities Entrance Test-linked programmes can have individual eligibility requirements. Candidates should verify the latest admission notification and programme details before applying.

What is the minimum qualification for Common Universities Entrance Test UG 2026?

Candidates generally need to have passed Class 12 or an equivalent examination from a recognised board. The exact eligibility for admission depends on the selected university and programme.

Is there an age limit for Common Universities Entrance Test UG 2026?

There is no common upper or lower age limit prescribed for Common Universities Entrance Test UG. However, individual universities or programmes may impose their own age conditions.

Can Class 12 students appearing for board exams apply for Common Universities Entrance Test?

Yes. Candidates appearing for Class 12 can apply, subject to meeting the qualifying requirements of the university and programme at the time of admission.

Is there a fixed 50% minimum percentage for Common Universities Entrance Test?

No single 50% minimum percentage applies universally to every Common Universities Entrance Test participating university and course. Individual institutions can prescribe their own minimum marks.

Can gap-year students appear for Common Universities Entrance Test?

Yes. Gap-year candidates can appear if they satisfy the applicable Common Universities Entrance Test and university-specific eligibility requirements.

How many times can I appear for Common Universities Entrance Test?

There is no general limit on the number of Common Universities Entrance Test attempts. Candidates must satisfy the eligibility requirements applicable to the examination year.

Are Common Universities Entrance Test eligibility criteria the same for all universities?

No. Common Universities Entrance Test provides a common entrance platform, but participating universities can have different course-wise eligibility requirements, subject combinations, minimum marks, and reservation policies.

Where should I check the final Common Universities Entrance Test eligibility criteria?

Candidates should check the latest NTA Common Universities Entrance Test UG information bulletin and the official admission website of the university and programme they wish to join.