CUET PG 2026 New Guidelines; Check Details on Application, Eligibility, Exam City Selection and More

The National Testing Agency has released the CUET PG 2026 notification and application form on December 14, 2025. This article of Shiksha brings the CUET PG 2026 new guidelines in terms of application, exam city selection, eligibility, course selection and more.

CUET PG 2026 New Guidelines

The National Testing Agency has released the CUET PG 2026 notification and application form on December 14, 2025. Even though the major aspects of the exam, including CUET PG exam pattern, syllabus, courses, etc. have remained the same, there are a few changes in the exam centres and selection of the number of exam cities. This article of Shiksha brings the CUET PG 2026 new guidelines in terms of application, exam city selection, eligibility, course selection and more.

Before going through the important guidelines for CUET PG 2026, let us first know about the exam overview and exam pattern in detail. Followed by which the official guidelines for CUET PG 2026 will be explained.

CUET PG 2026 Overview

The CUET PG 2026 highlights are provided below.

CUET PG 2026 New Guidelines on Application Process

The CUET PG 2026 application process is completely online. To complete the process, candidates have to visit the exam website, followed by registration and application. The important instructions shared by NTA regarding the application process are given below.

• Candidates can apply for CUET PG 2026 through Online mode only on the website https://exams.nta.nic.in/cuet-pg/. The Application Form in any other mode will not be accepted.
• Only one application is to be submitted by a candidate. More than one application i.e. multiple Application Forms submitted by a candidate will be rejected.
• Candidates must ensure that the e-mail address and Mobile Number provided in the Online Application Form are their own or Parents/Guardians' only, as all information/communication will be sent by NTA on the registered e-mail address or the registered Mobile Number only.

The table below shows the CUET PG application fee:

• For each additional paper, candidates will have to pay the following application fees.

Also Read: How to Fill CUET PG 2026 Application Form

CUET PG 2026 New Guidelines on Exam City Choices

CUET PG 2026 exam centres will be conducted in 292 cities in total. Out of this, 286 will be located in India, and 16 will be located outside India. This year, the total number of cities has decreased. Last year, the number of exam cities was 312, out of which 285 were in India, and 17 were located abroad.

As per the new CUET PG 2026 guidelines, applicants can select four cities in preferential order. Although initially, as per the CUET PG 2026 notification, candidates could select two options. Later, on December 20, 2025, NTA decided to let them select four city choices for greater flexibility. The notification also stated that those who have already submitted the application form, can add exam city choices during the CUET PG 2026 application correction window scheduled from January 18 to January 20, 2026.

Also Read:
CUET PG 2026: NTA Allows Four Exam City Choices for Greater Flexibility

CUET PG 2026 Exam Cities: Centre Allotment, City Slip vs Admit Card Explained

CUET PG 2026 New Guidelines on Paper and University Selection

Candidates have to select up to four subjects or test papers. However, there is no cap on the number of universities that can be applied for. Candidates must note that the application to the CUET PG 2026 participating universities has to be done separately, by visiting the university website, once the CUET PG 2026 result is declared. Before applying for the universities, they should also check whether their preferred courses are offered by them and the papers are as per their course-wise eligibility criteria.

Also Read: CUET PG 2026 Course List

CUET PG 2026 Eligibility Criteria

The eligibility criteria for CUET PG 2026 are as follows:

• Candidates must have passed a Bachelor's degree or equivalent from a recognised institute
• Final year students are also eligible to apply, provided they pass the qualifying exam before the counselling process
• There is no age limit for applying for CUET PG exam. However, universities may have separate eligibility criteria regarding age limit or other factors

Note:

• For admission in Universities through CUET PG 2026, the existing policies regarding quota, category, relaxation, reservations, qualification, subject combinations, preferences, etc. of the
  respective University shall be applicable.
• As the eligibility criteria for admission may be unique for every University, the candidates are advised to visit the University website to which they are applying for their respective programs.
• Candidates are advised to satisfy themselves before applying that they possess the eligibility criteria laid down by the University they are applying.
• Mere appearance in the Entrance Test or securing pass marks at the test does not entitle a candidate to be considered for admission to the Programme unless he/she fulfil the Programme
  wise eligibility conditions of the University they are applying to.

Also Read:

CUET PG 2026 Eligibility Criteria Explained: Who Can Apply and What to Check

CUET PG Eligibility Criteria for Science Stream: Check Subject Wise Eligibility Here

The CUET PG 2026 exam pattern and syllabus have remained the same as last year. The exam will be conducted in a computer-based or CBT mode. Last year, the pattern was changed, and this year it has remained the same. The total duration of the exam will be 90 minutes or 1.5 hours. There will be 75 objective type multiple choice questions from the test paper opted for. Unlike previous years, attempting the General Paper is not mandatory.

The CUET PG 2026 exam will be conducted in March 2026 in multiple days window. As per last year’s trend, it is expected that the exam will be conducted in a maximum of three shifts.  

Read More:

CUET PG Preparation Tips for Working Professionals

CUET PG vs State-Level PG Entrance Exams: Which One Should You Choose?