The Common University Entrance Test (CUET–UG 2026) application process is now complete. With 14.92 lakh students applying this year for its fifth edition, CUET has seen the most registrations ever. In contrast, in 2025, 13.54 lakh (1,354,699) students applied.
Five states that came out on top are Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan, contributing about 55% of all applications. This year, many students have chosen to take four subjects. The competition in English is anticipated to be tougher because English has received the most applications. With this rise in competition, choosing the right cuet books and cuet preparation books becomes even more important for targeted practice.
1.38 Lakh More Applications Than Last Year
According to the National Testing Agency (NTA), students were provided complete information before registration and guided throughout the process, which led to a rise of 1.38 lakh applications compared to last year.
- Total registrations in 2026: 14,92,764
- Total registrations in 2025: 13,54,699
The CUET UG 2026 exam will be held between 11 and 31 May. NTA has also stated that efforts will be made to allot exam centres in the preferred cities of applicants as far as possible.
📢 CUET (UG)-2026 Applications are NOW OPEN!
National Testing Agency (NTA) has invited online applications for the Common University Entrance Test (CUET(UG)) for undergraduate admissions.
🗓️ Deadline: 30 Jan 2026 (11:50 PM)
💳 Fee Payment: By 31 Jan 2026
📝 Exam Dates: 11–31… pic.twitter.com/sCZCBujOGO— National Testing Agency (@NTA_Exams) January 3, 2026
Highest Registrations from Uttar Pradesh, Delhi Second
- Uttar Pradesh:70 lakh registrations
- Delhi:39 lakh
- Bihar:34 lakh
- Madhya Pradesh: Over 93,000
- Rajasthan: Around 89,000
Together, these five states account for 55% of total registrations. Students from 38 states and Union Territories have applied.
Other notable figures include:
- Haryana: 79,000
- West Bengal: Over 53,000
- Kerala: 52,000
- Tamil Nadu: 52,390
- Jammu & Kashmir: 45,747
Large Number of Applications for Delhi University
Students from every state across India have applied for CUET. A notable trend is the high number of applicants aiming for admission to Delhi University, regardless of region—North, South, East, or Northeast.
The number of universities accepting CUET scores is steadily increasing. So far, 236 universities have informed NTA that they will consider CUET scores, and this number is expected to rise further.
CUET Pattern Changes Since 2022
- 2022: CBT mode, option to choose 9 subjects
- 2023: Option increased to 10 subjects
- 2024: Hybrid mode introduced, choice reduced to 6 subjects
- 2025: Returned to full CBT mode, maximum 5 subjects
- 2026: Students can again choose up to 5 subjects
Most Students Opted for 4 Subjects
Sources indicate that a majority of students selected four subjects. Among those choosing five subjects, most opted for the General Test, which has received 8.84 lakh applications. This trend suggests that students are now clearer about their target courses and are choosing subjects accordingly.
English Sees Maximum Applications, Competition Likely to Increase
- English:43 lakh applications
- Chemistry:23 lakh
- Physics:86 lakh
- General Test:84 lakh
- Mathematics:69 lakh
Since many universities, including Delhi University, consider language scores during admissions, competition in English is expected to be particularly intense.
Syllabus Based on NCERT Textbooks
Students preparing for CUET are advised to follow the official syllabus released on the NTA website. Even students not enrolled in coaching institutes can score well by preparing strictly as per the syllabus. The syllabus for all subjects is NCERT-based, and NTA is also working on plans to declare results earlier this year.
