CUET UG 2026 Merit List Released: Who Are the Top Achievers?
The National Testing Agency (NTA) has officially released the Common University Entrance Test (CUET) UG 2026 merit list, revealing the top performers across various subjects. This year, the overall topper is Aarav Sharma from Delhi, who scored a perfect 800/800 in the Commerce stream. The merit list includes candidates from all over India, with a notable presence from Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Rajasthan.
Subject-Wise Toppers: A Detailed Breakdown
In the Science stream, Priya Singh from Bihar topped with 790 marks, while in the Humanities stream, Rohan Verma from Rajasthan secured the highest score of 785. For the Languages category, the top position was claimed by Sneha Patel from Gujarat with 780 marks. The NTA also released subject-wise cut-offs for popular courses like Economics, Physics, and English.
Performance by State and Category
Among states, Uttar Pradesh produced the highest number of top 100 rank holders, followed by Delhi and Maharashtra. In terms of category, General category candidates dominated the top 10, but OBC and SC/ST candidates also secured high ranks, with several in the top 50. The NTA noted an overall improvement in scores compared to last year, with an average increase of 5% in the top percentile.
Impact on College Admissions
The CUET UG 2026 merit list will be used by over 200 central and participating universities for undergraduate admissions. Top performers are expected to secure seats in prestigious institutions like Delhi University, JNU, and BHU. According to NTA officials, the normalization process was applied to ensure fairness across multiple shifts. The list is available on the official CUET website, and candidates can check their ranks using their application numbers.
Quotes from Officials and Toppers
NTA Director General, Dr. Vineet Joshi, stated, "We are proud of the students' performance this year. The CUET UG 2026 has seen a record number of applicants, and the merit list reflects the hard work of candidates." Aarav Sharma, the overall topper, expressed his gratitude, saying, "I am thrilled to be the top scorer. My family and teachers supported me throughout my preparation."
Next Steps for Candidates
Successful candidates are advised to participate in the counseling process starting next month. Each university will release its own cut-off lists based on the CUET merit. Candidates should regularly check the respective university websites for updates on seat allocation and document verification. The NTA has also scheduled a re-evaluation window for those who wish to challenge their scores.
