The National Testing Agency (NTA) has issued a crucial reminder for postgraduate aspirants across India. The registration window for the Common University Entrance Test for Postgraduate programmes (CUET PG) 2026 will close on January 14, 2026, at 11:50 PM. All candidates must complete their application process on the official portal, exams.nta.nic.in/cuet-pg, before the deadline.
Key Dates and Application Process for CUET PG 2026
Prospective students aiming for postgraduate courses in central and other participating universities must act swiftly. The NTA has clarified that the application process is only considered complete upon successful payment of the prescribed examination fee. Candidates are strongly advised to download and save the confirmation page for all future correspondence and reference.
A critical point emphasized by the agency is the need for careful review before final submission. No changes will be allowed in the application particulars after the fee payment is made. Therefore, aspirants must double-check all personal, academic, and contact details entered in the form to avoid any discrepancies.
Step-by-Step Guide to Apply Online
For those yet to apply, here is a simplified guide to navigate the CUET PG 2026 registration:
- Visit the official website: exams.nta.nic.in/cuet-pg or nta.ac.in.
- Click on the CUET PG 2026 registration link and complete the initial registration using basic details to generate an Application Number and password.
- Log in using these credentials to access the main application form.
- Fill in all required personal, academic, and contact information accurately.
- Select up to four preferred examination city choices from the options available within your state of permanent or current residence.
- Upload scanned copies of necessary documents (photograph, signature, etc.) in the specified format and size.
- Proceed to pay the application fee using any of the available online payment modes.
- Finally, submit the form and download the confirmation page. Keep it safe.
Enhanced Flexibility in Exam Centre Selection
In a significant update, the NTA has provided applicants with more flexibility in choosing their examination location. Candidates can now select up to four city preferences for their test centre. This choice must be confined to cities within the state of their permanent or current residential address.
Furthermore, the agency has announced a correction window for those who have already submitted their forms. Candidates will get an opportunity to modify or add their exam city choices from January 18 to January 20, 2026. This facility will be subject to the availability of seats in the desired examination centres.
This move follows the NTA's earlier revision of the exam city list. The total number of centres has been adjusted from 312 to 292. The CUET PG 2026 will be conducted across 272 cities in India and 16 cities overseas.
Exam Pattern and Structure Remain Unchanged
Despite the changes in the number and allocation of centres, the NTA has confirmed that the core examination structure will remain consistent with previous years. CUET PG 2026 will be conducted for 157 subjects, with each paper having a duration of 90 minutes. The format and pattern of the question papers have not been revised, providing continuity for aspirants preparing based on past trends.
The entrance test is scheduled to be held in the month of March 2026. With the January 14 deadline fast approaching, aspirants are urged to complete their registration process without any last-minute rush to ensure a smooth and error-free application.
