CUET UG 2026 day 1: numbers and schedule
The National Testing Agency (NTA) conducted CUET UG 2026 day 1 on May 11, 2026 , with 1,24,020 candidates appearing across two shifts. The full exam window runs from May 11 to May 31, 2026 , in CBT mode across India and 14 international cities in 13 countries, the agency confirmed.
Shift timings and reporting rules were strict. Shift 1 reporting time was 7 am with gate closing at 8:30 am ; Shift 2 reporting time was 1 pm with gate closing at 2:30 pm . Shift 1 ran at 314 centres for 63,247 candidates and Shift 2 at 281 centres for 60,773 candidates.
A total of 15,68,866 candidates registered for CUET UG 2026, producing 67,56,321 total test instances across 12,906 subject combinations. The examination is being held in 35 shifts over 21 days , according to official information.
CUET UG 2026 exam pattern, marking and subject rules
Each subject paper in CUET UG 2026 is of 60 minutes , contains 50 MCQs and carries 250 marks . The marking scheme grants +5 for correct answers and deducts -1 for incorrect responses; unattempted questions get zero.
Candidates may choose up to five subjects when registering. The papers cover language, domain-specific subjects and the general test as applicable to the course choices listed in the application.
Admit cards, city allotment and centre changes
NTA issued the original CUET admit card on May 5, 2026 , and released revised admit cards on May 9, 2026 for students who requested city or centre changes. Around 15,340 candidates received revised admit cards and about 92% of those got their preferred centre.
The City Intimation Slip was shared by NTA on April 29, 2026 . Overall, 96.6% of candidates were allotted one of their preferred cities and 79% received their first-choice city. Nearly 43% of registrations came from Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Delhi.
Documents, dress code and prohibited items
You must carry a printed CUET UG 2026 admit card, a valid government photo ID (Aadhaar, PAN, driving licence or passport), two passport-size photographs and a PwD/PwBD certificate if applicable. Follow the NTA dress code: simple, light-coloured half-sleeve clothing is advised to speed security checks.
Electronic items such as mobile phones, smartwatches, calculators, earphones, Bluetooth devices and any study material are not allowed inside the exam hall. Transparent water bottles are permitted.
For official updates, answer keys and result announcements, check the NTA CUET portal. The authority will publish further instructions and schedules on the official website.