NTA Announces Final Registration Window for CUET-UG 2026
In a significant development for aspiring university students across India, the National Testing Agency (NTA) has reopened the application window for the Common University Entrance Test for Undergraduate programs (CUET-UG) 2026. This marks a special final opportunity for candidates who missed earlier deadlines to secure their chance at admission to central universities and participating institutions nationwide.
Extended Registration Period and Exam Schedule
The reopened registration window will remain active from February 23, 2026 (afternoon) until February 26, 2026 (11:50 PM). This limited period represents a final extension following numerous requests from candidates who were unable to complete their applications during previous windows. The NTA has explicitly stated that no further extensions will be announced beyond this deadline.
The CUET-UG 2026 examination itself is scheduled to be conducted in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode from May 11 to May 31, 2026, on a tentative basis. The test will be administered across numerous centers throughout India as well as in select international cities, ensuring accessibility for candidates both within the country and abroad.
Background of Application Timeline
The CUET-UG 2026 application process originally commenced on January 3, 2026, with the initial deadline set for January 30, 2026. The payment window for application fees remained open until January 31, 2026 (11:50 PM). Following the initial closure, the NTA extended the registration deadline to February 4, 2026, with fee payment allowed until February 7, 2026.
After receiving substantial feedback and requests from candidates seeking additional time, the testing agency decided to implement this special reopening of both form submission and fee payment facilities. This decision underscores the NTA's commitment to providing equitable opportunities for all eligible candidates while maintaining the integrity of the examination schedule.
Step-by-Step Application Process
Candidates seeking to utilize this final registration window should follow these essential steps to complete their application successfully:
- Visit the official NTA CUET website at cuet.nta.nic.in
- Click on the designated CUET-UG 2026 application link
- Complete initial registration using basic personal details to create secure login credentials
- Fill out the comprehensive application form with accurate personal, academic, and contact information
- Upload all required documents in specified formats, including recent photograph and signature
- Proceed to pay the application fee through available online payment methods
- Submit the completed form and download the confirmation page for future reference
Prospective applicants are strongly advised to complete the entire process well before the February 26 deadline to avoid last-minute technical issues or server congestion that commonly occurs as deadlines approach.
Critical Considerations for Applicants
The NTA has issued a crucial warning regarding this special extended registration period: there will be no correction facility available after form submission. This means candidates must exercise extreme caution and diligence when entering all details during the application process.
Before final submission, applicants should thoroughly verify:
- All personal identification details
- Academic information and qualifications
- Subject choices and preferences
- Uploaded document quality and specifications
- Payment confirmation and status
Once the application form is submitted, no changes will be permitted under any circumstances, making careful review essential to avoid disqualification or processing issues.
This final registration window represents the last opportunity for candidates to participate in CUET-UG 2026, which serves as a critical gateway to undergraduate programs across India's central university system. With the computer-based test scheduled for late spring 2026, successful applicants will need to begin preparation immediately following registration confirmation.
