How to Get into the University of Cambridge from India?

Getting a seat in one of the top 10 universities in the world is a dream of many international students and that includes students from India as well. However, it’s the fright of not getting selected at the university that stresses students out. Little do they know that with a strong application and a few tips, they may get a seat in these highly-coveted colleges. Read here to learn how to get admission in Cambridge University. 

The University of Cambridge is ranked sixth in the QS World University Rankings 2026. The university hosts a strong multicultural and diverse student body with nearly 41% of its total students being from outside of the UK. Located in Cambridge, UK, Cambridge University is famous for its strong contribution to the field of academia in terms of research and technology. However, as much as the university seems good for students, getting a seat at Cambridge University is even more competitive. 

The important aspect of getting into the University of Cambridge from India is to fulfil its requirements for specific subjects. Hence, in this article, we have covered the general requirements of the University of Cambridge for admissions to undergraduate and postgraduate courses in detail followed by a brief explanation of how to apply to these courses. Read this article to learn how to get into the University of Cambridge from India.

Note:- Students can submit only 1 application to Cambridge University in a year, so they must make sure that they choose the right college and course. 

An Introduction to the University of Cambridge for Students  

The University of Cambridge was founded in 1209. It is one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the world. It operates on a collegiate model - meaning students belong both to an academic department and to one of its 31 independent colleges and it shapes everything from where you live to how you receive personal tutoring. 

For Indian students, the most important thing to understand is that Cambridge evaluates applicants very holistically and competitively. This is because the university receives tens of thousands of applications each year and admits only a few thousand students globally. A strong Class 12 score is a starting point, not a finish line - you'll need supplementary qualifications, strong performance on subject-specific admissions tests and often a successful interview to get into Cambridge University. The tuition fees at Cambridge University can be a lot for most students but the Cambridge Trust and college-specific bursaries do provide good funding opportunities for needy and meritorious students - given that you start researching early and apply in time.

Cambridge University Admission Requirements 2026-27

Getting admission into a university is the last step, the first step is ensuring you understand its eligibility criteria and other requirements, followed by fulfilling them. Let us learn about the basic requirements that Indian students must meet to get admitted to the University of Cambridge. 

1. Candidates must make sure that they receive the right grades in the right subjects for their chosen course. In general, one needs top grades to study at Cambridge University. Cambridge University usually requires A-levels and an International Baccalaureate (IB). The most common required grades are either an A-level i.e. A*A*A or IB Higher Levels. 
2. Certain schools require you to have knowledge of certain subjects to get admission to their prestigious courses. For example, for engineering-related courses, one must have studied Mathematics in their qualifying examination (requirements may vary as per course).  
3. If you are someone who belongs to a country where English is not majorly spoken, then you will be required to take the standardised English test. You may also check tricks to communicate well in English. 
4. While English language tests such as IELTS, TOEFL and PTE are essential for most programs, one must also check if they need to qualify for additional university tests of assessment. These exams test candidates’ specialised knowledge that is required to get into the specific field of study that the theory is applying to. Some of the courses that require assessments are Architecture, Mathematics, Music, and more. For engineering courses such as Chemical Engineering, Engineering, Natural Sciences, and Veterinary Medicine, the Engineering and Science Admissions Test (ESAT) is taken. For courses in Computer Science and Economics, the Test of Mathematics for University Admission (TMUA) is taken. 
   • For medical courses, Cambridge no longer requires applicants to complete the Biomedical Admissions Test (BMAT). The only admissions test for undergraduate medicine in the UK is now the University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT). 
5. Students under 18 years of age need to get in touch with the College Admissions Office to discuss their applications as soon as possible. Students under 16 years of age may need to fulfil additional requirements (check on the course page).

Note:- The admission requirements for your course may differ across different colleges in Cambridge University. Make sure to check the exact application and admission requirements of your chosen college at Cambridge University. 

English Language Tests Requirements

You will be required to take the English test if you are not from a majority English-speaking country. The minimum marks required for getting admission into the University of Cambridge are given below:

Other than these, a C2 Proficiency and C1 Advanced is required in Cambridge English.

Entry Requirements for Undergraduate Courses

As Cambridge University is one of the top 10 and most competitive to get into universities in the world, getting admission into it is no piece of cake. This is especially the case with its undergraduate courses. Indian students willing to get a seat in one of the most sought-after undergraduate courses at the University of Cambridge must know that merely a Class 12 school leaving certificate is not enough to make their application strong among a pool of applications received from other students worldwide. The university mentions the need for other additional exams to be taken by Indian students that can render their applications competitive. 

Below is a list of such additional qualifications that are accepted by the University of Cambridge for giving admissions to students of Indian origin.

1. College Board Advanced Placement Tests - conditional offers for all courses available at Cambridge University (except for Mathematics, Maths qualifications are assessed under the STEP exam given below) may be extended on receiving grades of 5 in five or more AP tests. 
2. IIT-JEE (Advanced) - The university may extend conditional offers for its engineering, chemical engineering, and natural sciences (Physical) courses on receiving a rank under 2000 in the IIT JEE exam.
3. STEP (Sixth Term Examination Paper): Conditional offers may be released for Mathematics, and other subjects like Computer Science, Engineering, and Economics where the attainment equivalent to A-level Mathematics or further Mathematics could not be demonstrated by any other exams/means.

Other than the above requirements, students in class 12 are required to achieve a very high level of scores in their qualifying exams. However, the expected grades vary greatly according to the educational board with which the students are studying. The general requirements of grades from students of different boards are given below:

With this, you must definitely read about - How to Get into Top Colleges for Undergraduate Courses?

Entry Requirements for Postgraduate Courses

When applying for its postgraduate courses, the University of Cambridge asks for a 2:1 (upper second class) bachelor’s degree or equivalent. However, some courses may also require a 1st class degree, check the details of your chosen course on the specific webpage. Below are the basic requirements for postgraduate courses at the University of Cambridge.

1. A minimum of 70% marks in 3/4/5 years bachelor’s degree in a relevant professional subject/field.
2. The degree must be earned from an ECCTIS-recognised institution.
3. For first-class honours degrees, the minimum required scores are 75%.

How to Apply to the University of Cambridge from India for Undergraduate Courses?

All students need to apply to Cambridge University via the UCAS portal. The UCAS deadline to apply to the Oxford and Cambridge universities was 15 October 2025 for the 2026 intake. For prospective students reading in 2026, the upcoming deadline for 2027 entry will be 15 October 2026 (6 PM UK time).

There are different elements of applying to the undergraduate courses at Cambridge University. You can submit your application in two ways - either you mention your choice of college and institution clearly in your application or you submit an open application in which you won’t be asked for your choice of college at Cambridge University during the time of interview. You will be allocated to a college that receives fewer applications than the others. Check out the points below to learn what you need to do to apply for a UG course at the University of Cambridge. 

1. Register and prepare for assessments (if any) for your chosen course. 
2. Fill out and submit your UCAS application form within due time. Attach a great and strong personal statement with it. You will be required to fill in your institution code (CAM C05) and college code while filling out the application. However, if you are submitting an open application, you will be required to fill in”9” in the college code section of your UCAS application form. 
3. Prepare and complete your My Cambridge Application.
4. Fill out the Extenuating Circumstances Form (ECF) to mention if, at any point, your studies have been disrupted. This will allow the university to understand your application better. 
5. Upon submitting both your UCAS application and My Cambridge Application, you must prepare and take your assessments. You may also check - how to fill out UCAS application form?

Note:- It is advisable that you look at the available courses and colleges list and their fees at the University of Cambridge for the upcoming academic year. 

How to Apply to the University of Cambridge from India for Postgraduate Courses?

Before applying to a postgraduate course, make sure you check its eligibility and application requirements, deadlines and fees. Now let us look at the steps to apply to a postgraduate course at the University of Cambridge. 

1. Go to your desired course’s page and click on “Apply”. You will be redirected to the registration portal. 
2. Register on the portal. Then start an application, fill your personal details and attach the required documents.
3. Submit your application before the deadline. 

Note:- Your application to Cambridge will be rendered complete if:

• All your required documents are attached.
• Your application fee is paid or an application fee waiver is granted. Students willing to apply and get considered for funding can express the same in their portal application. 
• Your chosen referees have provided references on the Referee Portal of the university. 

You may also check - Conditional vs Unconditional Offer Letter

This was all about the eligibility and application requirements and how to get into Cambridge University from India. If you wish to study abroad, then you can get assistance from Shiksha Counselling Services for free. You can also drop your queries in the comments section below.