Madhya Pradesh Mandates CUET-PG for All Postgraduate Admissions from 2026
The Madhya Pradesh higher education department has announced a significant policy change for postgraduate admissions. Starting from the 2026–27 academic session, all students seeking admission to PG courses in the state must appear for the Common University Entrance Test for Postgraduate programs, commonly known as CUET-PG.
End of Merit-Based Admissions
This decision effectively puts an end to merit-based and direct admissions for postgraduate programs across both government and private universities in Madhya Pradesh. The department has formally discontinued these traditional admission methods to implement a more standardized approach.
Department of Higher Education officials explained that this move aligns with the objectives outlined in the National Education Policy. The primary goals include bringing greater uniformity to the admission process, enhancing transparency, and promoting academic discipline throughout the state's higher education system.
New Subject-Specific Requirements
Officials have introduced a crucial new requirement for students. Under the revised system, students will only be permitted to pursue postgraduate studies in subjects that they previously studied as their major or minor during their undergraduate education.
OSD Tulsiram Dahayat clarified this aspect of the policy. "The new system ensures students build upon their foundational knowledge," he stated, emphasizing the importance of academic continuity.
Admission Criteria and Implementation
Admissions will now be granted strictly based on performance in either CUET-PG or, where applicable, a university-level entrance examination specific to the relevant subject. This standardized testing approach aims to create a level playing field for all applicants.
The department believes this shift will benefit students by providing a fair and transparent admission process. It also expects the change to improve the overall quality of postgraduate education in Madhya Pradesh by ensuring students enter programs with appropriate academic backgrounds.
Universities across the state are now preparing to implement these changes ahead of the 2026–27 academic year. The transition period allows institutions to adjust their admission procedures and inform prospective students about the new requirements.
