NTA is conducting CUET UG 2026 in CBT mode across 400+ Indian cities and 15 cities abroad , with 15,68,866 registered candidates and an exam window from May 11 to May 31, 2026 , the agency confirmed. The May 11 Day 1 session recorded 1,24,020 candidates appearing in two shifts.
Pritish Samantaray: Day 1 figures and shift details
On May 11 , Shift 1 had 63,247 candidates seated at 314 centres , while Shift 2 hosted 60,773 candidates at 281 centres . Each shift on Day 1 covered up to eight subject papers per shift as scheduled by NTA.
NTA’s registration data also shows 67,56,321 total test instances generated from 12,906 unique subject combinations. Over 300 universities (including 48 Central universities plus state and private institutions) are participating in admissions using CUET UG 2026 scores.
Pritish Samantaray: Timings, admit card and exam rules candidates must note
The CUET UG 2026 admit card was released on May 5, 2026 ; NTA requires a printed hard copy of the admit card for entry — digital copies are not accepted. Reporting times are 7:00 AM for Slot 1 and 1:00 PM for Slot 2, with gates closing at 8:30 AM and 2:30 PM respectively.
Each paper lasts 60 minutes and contains 50 MCQs worth 250 marks . For 2026 every paper requires attempting all 50 questions ; the earlier option to attempt 40 of 50 has been removed. The marking scheme remains +5 for correct , –1 for incorrect , and 0 for unattempted .
Candidates may choose up to 5 subject papers (reduced from 6). With five papers, the maximum possible aggregate score is 1,250 marks. PwBD candidates receive compensatory time of +20 minutes per hour as per NTA guidelines.
NTA’s instructions require carrying a valid original photo ID (Aadhaar, PAN, Passport, Voter ID, Driving Licence or Class 12 admit card with photo) and signing the self-declaration only inside the examination hall before the invigilator. NTA also enforces a dress code (light clothes, slippers; closed shoes banned) and a strict prohibited-items list — mobile phones, smartwatches, calculators and other electronics are not allowed.
Candidates facing admit card or login issues can use NTA’s candidate helpdesk. For urgent queries NTA lists 011-40759000 as a contact number in its official communications.
These details are from NTA’s CUET UG 2026 public notices and the official information bulletin. Check your printed admit card for your exact subject schedule and centre address before travelling to the exam centre.