CUET UG 2026 Exams to Begin From May 11 as NTA Releases Key Guidelines

Candidates Advised to Follow Dress Code and Exam Centre Rules

The Common University Entrance Test for undergraduate admissions is scheduled to begin from May 11, with the National Testing Agency issuing detailed guidelines for candidates appearing across examination centres in India.

The entrance examination has become one of the country’s largest university admission tests, serving as the gateway for undergraduate programmes at central universities and several participating institutions.

Officials have advised candidates to carefully follow reporting schedules, identification requirements, and dress code instructions ahead of the examinations. Students have also been instructed to avoid carrying restricted items including electronic devices, study material, calculators, and smart accessories into examination centres.

The NTA has recommended that candidates reach their centres well in advance to avoid delays caused by security checks and verification procedures. Admit cards and valid identification documents will remain mandatory for entry into examination halls.

Education experts say the growing importance of CUET has significantly reshaped undergraduate admissions in India over the past few years by creating a more standardised evaluation system for students from different school boards and regions.

Universities and Students Prepare for Competitive Admission Season

Universities across the country are expected to closely monitor CUET performance trends as undergraduate admission activity intensifies for the 2026 academic cycle.

Students appearing for the examination are also balancing board result announcements and entrance preparation simultaneously, contributing to increased academic pressure during the ongoing admission season.

Counsellors have advised candidates to maintain proper rest schedules, avoid misinformation circulating on social media, and focus on official instructions issued by the NTA.

Several universities are expected to release additional admission guidelines and counselling schedules after the completion of the entrance examination process later this month.

The examination remains central to admissions at institutions including the University of Delhi, Banaras Hindu University, and Jawaharlal Nehru University.