CUET Eligibility 2026: Check Education Qualification, Age Limit, & Nationality Requirements

CUET Eligibility 2026: The National Testing Agency (NTA) has mentioned the Common University Entrance Test (CUET) eligibility criteria on its official website. The CUET 2026 exam is conducted for admission to undergraduate courses at different central universities and other CUET-participating institutions. The eligibility requirements decide whether or not the aspiring student is qualified to take the exam. Candidates must make sure they meet all the eligibility requirements; failing which, they will be barred from the CUET selection process.

The list of requirements for CUET-UG eligibility revolves around the candidate's age limit and educational qualifications. It should be noted that eligibility requirements may change depending on the programmes and universities applicants are interested in attending. On the official website, the CUET 2026 application form is most likely to be published shortly. Interested individuals who meet the requirements can fill out the application with their personal and academic details.

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The CUET 2026 notification is likely to be out in March 2026 on the official website.

Last Updated 13th October 2025

The CUET UG 2026 exam will be conducted from May 11, 2026 to May 31, 2026. Following the successful conclusion of the exam, the CUET 2026 result will be tentatively released in June 2026. The selected candidates will then be called for the CUET counselling round following which the seat allocation results will be announced.

CUET Eligibility 2026

The eligibility criteria for the CUET exam are released along with the official notification. The CUET notification is released by the National Testing Agency (NTA) on its official website. Along with the notification, the CUET application forms will also be released. Students fulfilling the eligibility criteria are required to fill out an application form by paying an application fee of Rs 800.

CUET Eligibility 2026: Education Qualification

The eligibility criteria will be released along with the official notification. The official notification is yet to be released on the official website. Meanwhile, aspiring students can take a look at the previous year's eligibility criteria. Any changes in the eligibility criteria for this year will be updated here.

• Candidates must have passed the Class 10+2/equivalent examination.
• While taking the Class 12 board examination, candidates can apply for CUET. However, at the time of counselling, they would need to present the passing certificate.

CUET Eligibility 2026: List of Qualifying Examinations

The list of qualifying examinations that are accepted in order to be eligible for the CUET exam is as follows:

• Class 10 + 2
• Intermediate or two-year Pre-University
• Final examination of the two-year course of the Joint Services Wing of the National Defence Academy
• Class 10 +2 by NIOS
• Higher Secondary Certificate Vocational Examination
• Diploma recognized by AICTE or a State Board (Minimum Duration of course should be 3 years)
• General Certificate Education - Advanced (A) level
• High School Certificate Examination of the Cambridge University or International Baccalaureate Diploma of the International Baccalaureate Office, Geneva.

CUET Eligibility 2026: Nationality

• Candidate must be an Indian citizen
• A subject of Nepal, Bhutan, is also eligible for the CUET exam.
• Refugees from Tibet who arrived in India before January 1, 1962, were intending to settle permanently.
• Permanently migrated to India from Pakistan, Burma, Sri Lanka, Zambia, Malawi, Zaire, Ethiopia, Vietnam, and East African countries, Kenya, Uganda, United Republic of Tanzania.

CUET Eligibility 2026: Age Limit

There is no minimum or maximum age to take the CUET Exam 2026. To participate in the exam, candidates must meet the educational requirements. However, students must fulfil the age limit criteria (if any) of the University or Institution in which they are desirous of taking admission.

CUET Eligibility: Number of Attempts

There is no limit to the number of attempts a candidate can take. Aspirants can take the exam as many times provided they fulfil the other eligibility requirements.

CUET Eligibility: Year of Appearance in Qualifying Examination

The eligibility criteria for Class 12 or equivalent examination will be based on the year of appearance, subject to the relevant conditions of the respective Universities/Institutions. Candidates must verify their eligibility by referring to the official websites of the respective Universities/Institutions

CUET Eligibility: University-wise