CUET Registration 2026: Step-by-Step Guide to Apply Online

Introduction

If you’re a Class 12 student planning to get into a good central or state university, chances are CUET registration is already on your radar — or it should be. The Common University Entrance Test, conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA), has become the single most important gateway to undergraduate admissions across hundreds of universities in India. Whether you’re eyeing Delhi University, BHU, JNU, or any other participating institution, your CUET score is what’s going to open those doors for you.

The CUET registration process is completely online and more straightforward than it looks. But here’s the thing — a lot of students mess it up, not because they’re careless, but because they didn’t know what to expect. This guide is going to walk you through every single step of the CUET online registration process, right from checking your eligibility to hitting that final submit button, so you don’t have to figure it out on your own.

What is CUET and Why Does It Matter in 2026?

Think of CUET as the common entrance exam that replaced the old system where every university had its own admission cutoff. Now, instead of scrambling to apply to 10 different colleges with 10 different processes, you take one exam and use that score across multiple universities.

The NTA CUET score is accepted for admission into UG programmes across all central universities and participating universities — including state, deemed, and private institutions — across the country. That’s a massive advantage for students from smaller cities or towns who earlier had to navigate dozens of separate processes. 

The CUET UG 2026 exam is scheduled to be conducted between 11 May and 31 May 2026 in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode. You can stay updated on any changes directly on the official CUET NTA website.  In short — one registration, one exam, multiple universities. 

Check the Eligibility Criteria Before You Apply

Before you even open the registration portal, make sure you actually qualify. Filling the form and then realising mid-way that you’re ineligible is a waste of everyone’s time.

1. Academic Eligibility

You need to have passed or be appearing in Class 12 (or equivalent) from a recognised board. There’s no minimum percentage requirement set by NTA for appearing in CUET — but individual universities may have their own cutoffs. So while NTA lets you sit for the exam, the university you’re applying to might ask for at least 50% or 60% in Class 12. Always check the specific university’s requirements separately.

2. Age Criteria

There is no upper age limit set by NTA for CUET UG 2026. However, some universities may have their own age restrictions for certain courses.Check the participating universities list on the official portal.

3. Subject Requirements

You’ll need to pick subjects in CUET that align with the course you want to pursue. The CUET subject list gives clear choices — you pick subjects based on your Class 12 study and the course you’re aiming for, with up to 5 subjects allowed from languages, domain subjects, and the general test. You can check the full CUET UG 2026 Syllabus on the official website to understand what each subject covers.

Have Any Doubts? 

Get in Touch with a Counsellor

Prerequisites Checklist: Keep These Ready Before You Begin

One of the most common reasons students get stuck mid-registration is that they don’t have everything ready. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Aadhaar Card (or any valid government-issued ID)
• Class 10 and Class 12 mark sheets / certificates
• Passport-size photograph — recent, clear background, in JPG format (between 10 KB and 200 KB)
• Scanned signature — on a white background, in JPG format (between 4 KB and 30 KB)
• Category certificate (if applicable — SC/ST/OBC-NCL/EWS/PwBD)
• Active email ID and mobile number — these will receive your OTPs and all future communication
• Net banking, debit card, credit card, or UPI — for fee payment

Pro tip: Scan all your documents in advance and save them in a folder on your phone or laptop. You don’t want to be scrambling at the last minute.

How to Complete CUET Registration: Step-by-Step

Here’s the complete CUET exam registration process:

Step 1: Visit the Official CUET Portal

Open your browser and go to the official CUET UG portal: https://cuet.nta.nic.in/

Do not use any other website for registration. Only the official NTA portal is valid. You’ll notice a “Registration” or “Apply Online” link on the homepage — that’s where you begin.

Step 2: Create Your Account (New Registration)

If you’re a first-time user, click on “New Registration.” You’ll need to:

1. Enter your name, date of birth, and email ID
2. Set a password
3. Verify your mobile number and email via OTP

Once done, you’ll receive your Application Number. Write it down somewhere safe — you’ll need it for every future login.

Step 3: Fill in the Application Form

This is the most detailed part of the CUET application form, so take your time. The form is divided into multiple sections:

• Personal details — name, gender, date of birth, nationality, state of eligibility
• Contact information — address, phone number, email
• Academic details — board, year of passing, subjects studied
• Course and university preferences — this is where you select the universities and courses you’re applying to
• Subject selection — choose your CUET subjects based on the courses you want. Refer to the official syllabus page if you’re unsure.
• Exam city preferences — pick up to 4 exam cities in order of preference

Double-check every field before moving on. Spelling errors in your name or a wrong date of birth can create problems at the admit card and verification stage.

Step 4: Upload Your Documents

Once the form is filled, you’ll be asked to upload:

• Your photograph (JPG, 10 KB – 200 KB)
• Your signature (JPG, 4 KB – 30 KB)
• Category certificate (if applicable)

Make sure your photo is recent and clearly shows your face. NTA has flagged photo mismatch with identity proof as one of the reasons for application complications — so don’t use an old school ID photo and call it a day. 

Step 5: Pay the Registration Fee

After uploading documents, you’ll be redirected to the payment page. Pay using net banking, debit/credit card, or UPI. Once payment is successful, you’ll get a payment confirmation — save or screenshot this immediately.

If your payment fails but the amount is debited, don’t panic. Wait for 48 to 72 hours. Failed transactions are typically reversed automatically.

Step 6: Submit and Save Your Confirmation Page

After successful payment, a confirmation page will be generated with your application number, subject choices, and other details. Download it and take a printout. This is your proof of CUET registration — keep it until the entire admissions process is over.

You can always log back in to the portal with your application number and password to check your CUET application status.

CUET Registration Fees: How Much Will You Pay?

The registration fee varies based on your category and the number of subjects you choose. Here’s a general breakdown:

Note: These are indicative figures based on previous CUET cycles. Always verify the exact fee from the official Information Bulletin on the NTA website before paying.

The fee is non-refundable, so make sure you’re fully ready before proceeding to payment.

Common Mistakes to Avoid During CUET Registration

Every year, hundreds of students lose their chance not because of poor exam performance, but because of avoidable errors during registration. Here are the most frequent mistakes to watch out for:

• Wrong name spelling — Your name in the form must match your Aadhaar and Class 10 certificate exactly. Even an extra space or abbreviated middle name can cause issues.
• Uploading the wrong photo format — Only JPG is accepted. Screenshots and PDFs are not valid.
• Choosing the wrong subjects — Select subjects that match the courses you’re applying to. Once submitted, changes may not be allowed.
• Not saving the confirmation page — Many students assume the email confirmation is enough. Always download the PDF confirmation page.
• Missing the payment deadline — A filled form with an incomplete payment is treated as an incomplete application.
• Using a third-party portal — Only register through cuet.nta.nic.in. Any other site claiming to register you is either incorrect or fraudulent.
• Not reading the Information Bulletin — This document has all the rules. Download it from the official NTA portal and read it once before starting.

How Career Plan B Helps

Career Plan B supports students in navigating the full CUET journey with structured, end-to-end guidance:

• Personalized Career Counselling: Helps students choose the right universities, subjects, and direction based on their strengths and goals.
• Career Assessment Tests (Psycheintel): Provides clarity on aptitude to guide informed academic and career decisions.
• Academic Profile Building: Assists in strengthening applications for better admission outcomes.
• Career Roadmapping: Offers a complete plan from CUET preparation to long-term career direction—so you never have to navigate the process alone.

Get In Touch With Us

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the official website for CUET registration 2026? The only official portal for CUET UG registration is cuet.nta.nic.in. Do not register through any other website.
2. Can I edit my CUET application form after submission?
   A correction window is typically opened by NTA after the initial submission period, during which candidates can edit certain details in their form. However, not all fields can be edited. Keep an eye on the official website for the correction window dates.
3. How many universities can I apply to through CUET?
   There is no fixed limit on the number of universities you can apply to through CUET. However, you need to select your subject choices in a way that covers the requirements of each university and course you’re targeting. You can browse all participating institutions on the universities page.
4. Is the General Test compulsory in CUET 2026?
   No, the CUET General Test is not compulsory for all courses — it is required only if the university or course you’re applying to asks for it. Check the specific course requirements of each university before selecting your subjects.
5. What happens if my fee payment fails?
   If your payment fails but the amount is deducted, do not attempt to pay again immediately. Wait for 48 to 72 hours for the amount to be reversed. If it isn’t, contact the NTA Helpdesk through the official helpdesk page with your transaction details.

Conclusion

The CUET registration process is not complicated once you know what to expect. All it takes is a bit of preparation — having your documents ready, reading the official bulletin, and moving step by step without rushing. The students who face trouble are almost always the ones who left things for the last minute or relied on unofficial sources for information.

Your college journey starts with getting this one step right. Take it seriously, but don’t stress about it. Thousands of students complete the CUET exam registration process every year without a hitch, and with this guide, you’re already better prepared than most.