CUET PG Eligibility Criteria 2026: Check Age Limit, Educational Qualification & Imp Guidelines

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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CUET PG Eligibility Criteria 2026 Overview

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.  

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Related Questions

What is the age limit to apply for the CUET PG 2026 exam?

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.

What miscellaneous information about eligibility criteria should CUET PG 2026 aspirants be aware of?

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.

CUET PG 2026 Eligibility Criteria Details

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.

Detailed CUET PG Eligibility Criteria 2026

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.​

Age Limit

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.​

Educational Qualification

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.​

Minimum Qualifying Marks and Reservation

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.​

Nationality and Attempts

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.

CUET PG 2026 Eligibility Criteria: Important Guidelines for Applicants

Before filling out the CUET PG 2026 application form, ensure you meet the eligibility criteria to avoid rejection. Here are the key points:

  • You must have a bachelor’s degree or equivalent from a recognised university. Specific eligibility may vary for different PG courses.
  • If you are in the final year of your UG program, you can still apply, but admission will be provisional until you submit your final marksheet.
  • Some universities may require specific subjects at the undergraduate level for admission to certain postgraduate programs. Check university guidelines before applying.
  • There is no age restriction for CUET PG 2026, but universities may have their own age criteria for certain courses.
  • CUET PG follows government-mandated reservation rules (SC/ST/OBC-NCL/EWS/PwD). Candidates must provide valid documents at the time of admission.
  • Qualifying for CUET PG does not guarantee admission—each university sets its own admission cutoffs and criteria.

CUET PG Nationality Eligibility Criteria 2026

Indian citizenship forms the core requirement for CUET PG 2026 eligibility, ensuring compliance with NTA guidelines issued in December 2025.

  • ​Subjects of Nepal and Bhutan qualify as eligible applicants under these updated criteria.
  • ​Tibetan refugees who arrived in India on or before January 1, 1962, and have been residing there permanently, meet the nationality standards.
  • ​Nationals from Pakistan, Myanmar (Burma), Sri Lanka, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi, Ethiopia, Vietnam, and Zaire (now DRC) who have migrated permanently to India hold eligibility upon obtaining a Government of India certificate.
  • ​Verify individual university policies alongside these NTA rules, as over 200 institutions participated in CUET PG 2026 with expanded seats projected for 2026.

CUET PG Reservation Policy 2026

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: 

  • Students are required to submit their category certificate while filling CUET PG application form. 
  • If a student wants to avail of a reservation under the PwD category, they must submit the Physical Disability certificate (Unique Disability Identification (UDID) Certificate) issued by the notified medical authority.

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FAQs about CUET PG Eligibility

Who is eligible to apply for CUET PG 2026?

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. 

Is the CUET PG 2026 exam difficult?

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.

Can postgraduate students apply for CUET 2026?

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.

Can a candidate apply for more than one course at CUET PG 2026?

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.

How many times is CUET PG held each year?

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.

How many CUET PG exam attempts are there?

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. 

Is CUET PG mandatory for PG courses?

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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