Updated By Aarushi Jain on 15 Jan, 2026 16:59
For CUET PG 2026 admission, candidates need a bachelor's degree from a recognised university with at least 50% marks overall, though reserved categories receive a 5% relaxation per UGC norms. No upper age limit applies, Indian citizenship or specific refugee status is required, and reservations include 15% for SC, 7.5% for ST, 27% for OBC, and 10% for EWS.
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Meeting the CUET PG 2026 eligibility criteria stands as a key requirement for candidates seeking entry into postgraduate programs for the 2026-2027 academic year. Hold a bachelor's degree or equivalent from a recognised university, typically with at least 50% aggregate marks, though specific universities may set their own standards. Failure to comply risks disqualification during counselling or later revocation of admission. The National Testing Agency plans to hold the CUET PG 2026 exam in March 2026, with the schedule likely announced by February 2026 on exams.nta.ac.in/CUET-PG. No upper age limit applies, but verify individual university rules and reservation benefits, such as 15% for SC and 27% for OBC, before registering. Read on to find out everything about CUET PG 2026 eligibility criteria on this page.
There is no age restriction for the CUET PG exam in 2026. Candidates from any age group may apply, provided a recognised Bachelor’s degree is completed or the final year is ongoing. Current data shows most participating universities follow this rule, though individual institutions may set program-specific age or eligibility conditions that must be reviewed carefully before applying.
Candidates preparing for CUET PG 2026 are not subject to any age restrictions by the NTA. Universities typically require at least 50% marks in your bachelor's degree for the general category (45% for reserved categories) along with relevant subject backgrounds. Always review specific admission brochures. Final-year students qualify if they complete their degree before counselling, where universities apply their own standards and government reservation rules.
NTA sets CUET PG 2026 criteria to select only deserving candidates. So, we suggest that you check the link on this page to get an understanding of the course-specific CUET PG Eligibility requirements PDF.
Candidates seeking admission through CUET PG 2026 must meet specific requirements based on educational background, marks, and university policies. These criteria ensure fairness while accommodating diverse applicants across India. Recent updates confirm no major changes from prior years, with over 200 universities participating as of early 2026.
You face no upper or lower age restriction for appearing in the CUET PG 2026 exam. The National Testing Agency sets no such barrier, allowing graduates of any age to apply. However, certain universities may impose their own limits for specific programs, so verify details on their official sites before proceeding.
A bachelor's degree from a recognised university forms the core requirement. You need relevant compulsory subjects matching your chosen postgraduate course. Submit mark sheets from Class 10 and 12 as part of the process. General category candidates require at least 50% aggregate marks in graduation, while reserved categories like SC/ST need 45%. Final-year students appearing in 2026 qualify provisionally, but specific courses demand university-set qualifications beyond these basics.
Secure the stated minimums to stay eligible; universities enforce these strictly during admissions. Reservation policies follow government norms: 15% for SC, 7.5% for ST, 27% for OBC-NCL, and 10% for EWS, plus provisions for PwD. Relaxations apply only to qualifying marks, not degree completion.
Indian nationals hold primary eligibility, though NRIs and foreign candidates should check the university rules. You enjoy unlimited attempts, enabling multiple applications over time, as long as the criteria hold each year.
Before filling out the CUET PG 2026 application form, ensure you meet the eligibility criteria to avoid rejection. Here are the key points:
Indian citizenship forms the core requirement for CUET PG 2026 eligibility, ensuring compliance with NTA guidelines issued in December 2025.
The weaker CUET PG applicant groups benefit from reservation relaxation, which includes significantly reduced application costs, cutoff scores, and course/admission fees. According to the regulations set forth by the Indian government, Indian nationals who fall into specific categories are accepted under the seats designated for them. Students should be aware that their receipt of the reservation advantage is contingent upon their documentation being verified. Students who are found to have utilised a false, fake, or incorrect document or who have provided false, inaccurate, or incomplete information to receive the benefit of reservation will be disqualified from all admissions processes. If admission has already been granted to such an applicant, it will be revoked.
Check the table below to check for CUET PG 2026 category-wise reservation for CUET 2026 eligibility criteria:
Category | Reservation percentage |
|---|---|
General-EWS(Economically Weaker Section) | 10% |
SC | 15% |
ST | 7.5% |
PwD | 5% in each category |
Other Backward Classes | 27% |
Note:
Want to know more about CUET PG
You qualify for CUET PG 2026 if you hold a bachelor's degree or equivalent with at least 50% from a recognised university. Final-year students appearing in 2026 also meet the criteria. There is no age limit, though specific programmes may require relevant subjects, and reserved categories receive a 5% relaxation.
For most subjects, CUET PG 2026 feels moderate, not impossible. The paper is objective and time-bound, so speed and accuracy matter as much as knowledge. Recent exam reviews and student reactions show mixed difficulty across subjects, with many calling papers doable but competitive. Expect tougher cut-offs in high-demand courses, so regular PYQ practice and mock tests make the biggest difference.
You cannot apply for CUET 2026 as a postgraduate student. This exam targets undergraduate admissions primarily, though some universities use it for integrated programs. Graduates pursuing second postgraduate degrees must check specific university rules, as NTA focuses eligibility on Class 12 qualifiers or final-year undergraduates.
Yes. Under CUET PG 2026, you submit only one application form, but you may select up to four test papers, paying extra fees for additional papers. Your scores can then be used to apply for multiple courses and universities, as long as each programme’s subject mapping and eligibility match what the university asks for. Final admission still depends on each university’s separate counselling or portal rules.
You take CUET PG once a year. The National Testing Agency conducts it annually in computer-based mode, typically around March, as confirmed by past trends from 2022 to 2026 and official patterns. Plan your preparation accordingly for this single opportunity to secure postgraduate admissions in central universities.
You get up to two attempts for the CUET PG exam. The National Testing Agency allows you one chance each year, with a maximum of two lifetime tries.
You need CUET PG scores for admission to postgraduate courses at most central universities like Delhi University, JNU, and Hyderabad University, as per NTA guidelines and past trends. Some state or private institutions may use their own exams or merit lists, so check specific websites.
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