Nupur
Nupur Jain
Senior Executive - Editorial
Updated on Feb 23, 2026 15:03 IST
As per the CUET reservation policy released by NTA, 10% of seats are reserved for General Economically Weaker Sections while 27% of seats are reserved for Other Backward Classes. Read the CUET Reservation Criteria/Policy 2026 and reservation policy for Kashmiri Migrant and Persons with Disabilities (PwD) in detail.

As per the CUET reservation policy released by NTA, 10% of seats are reserved for General Economically Weaker Sections, while 27% of seats are reserved for Other Backward Classes. Read the CUET Reservation Criteria/Policy 2026 and reservation policy for Kashmiri Migrants and Persons with Disabilities (PwD) in detail.

CUET Reservation Criteria

CUET Reservation Criteria

CUET Reservation Criteria/Policy 2026: The National Testing Agency (NTA) will hold the CUET UG 2026 exams from May 11 to May 31, 2026 in CBT mode. NTA has released the official brochure for CUET 2026 on January 03, 2026. The official brochure of the CUET 2026 includes the CUET 2026 Reservation Criteria/Policy. The students will be offered seats in the CUET Participating Institutes based on reservation criteria. Before completing the CUET registrations 2026, the candidates must check the CUET Reservation Criteria 2026. The reservation policy prescribed by the NTA is crucial in providing equal opportunities to students from different backgrounds.

NTA conducts the CUET exam as a centralised admission test for granting admission to various UG-level and PG-level programs in participating universities in India. CUET aims to streamline the admission process in India and reduce the burden on students. It also aims to conduct a fair admission process through the CUET exam. Students who belong to any of the reservation categories, such as EWS, SC, S.T., OBC-NCL, and PwD must be well aware of the CUET reservation policy 2026. On this page, we have provided detailed information on the CUET Reservation Criteria 2026 and its significance in shaping higher education in India.

LATEST UPDATE: CUET UG 2026 Registrations Re-Opened at cuet.nta.nic.in; Apply till February 26

Table of contents
  • CUET Reservation Criteria/Policy 2026 for Central Universities
  • CUET Reservation Criteria 2026 for Kashmiri Migrant Candidates
  • CUET Reservation Criteria 2026 for Persons with Disabilities (PwD)
  • CUET Reservation Policy 2026: Provisions for Persons with Disability (PwD)
  • CUET Reservation Criteria 2026: Application Fee for UG/PG Programmes

CUET Reservation Criteria/Policy 2026 for Central Universities

As per the policy reservation prescribed by the board for CUET 2026, the seats in Central Universities are reserved as follows:

Categories

Seat Reservation (In Percentage)

General Economically Weaker Sections (GEN-EWS)

10%

Other Backward Classes (Non creamy layer)

27%

Scheduled Castes (SC)

15%

Scheduled Tribes (ST)

7.5%

Persons with Disabilities

5% in each category

Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   How do I select the domain subjects for CUET UG?
A: 

Go on the official website of university/organaisation. Check the courses offered and eligibility test that they should appear in for admission to desired course. The choice of language/domain subject and General test will depend upon the course and university. Candidates will be able to opt for one or more tests as per the requirement of the course and university from the following sections:

  • Section I - 13 Languages
  • Section II - 23 Domain Specific Subjects
  • Section III - General Test
Q:   How many subjects can I choose for the CUET exam?
A: 

From CUET UG 2026 onwards, candidates can now choose for five CUET subjects. Earlier, the subject choices were six. With the rediuction in number of CUET subjects, the choices have been reduced. Candidates can opt for five subjects from 23 domain subjects of any stream irrespective of subjects studied in class 12th. 

Q:   When to apply for CUET exam 2026?
A: 

Candidates could re-apply for CUET exam 2026. NTA reopned the CUET application form 2026 online window. Candidates must have registered for CUET exam and selected appropriate CUET subjects to be eligible for admissions. CUET UG application form 2026 window has been closed.

CUET Reservation Criteria 2026 for Kashmiri Migrant Candidates

As per the released CUET reservation policy 2026, Kashmiri Migrant candidates are benefited from the following:

  • If the applicants meet the basic requirement as prescribed by the board, up to 10% of the cutoff percentage may be relaxed.
  • Kashmiri Migrant Candidates may get an extension of the entrance date by nearly 30 days.
  • Increase in course-wise intake capacity of up to 5%.
  • A minimum of one seat is reserved for Kashmiri Migrant candidates under a merit quota in technical or professional Colleges/Universities.
  • Kashmiri Migrant candidates are also exempted from the domicile requirement.
Staying updated about the latest educational events is just a click away
Enter Mobile Number

CUET Reservation Criteria 2026 for Persons with Disabilities (PwD)

NTA has also a reservation policy for Persons with Disabilities (PwD). If you are a student with a defined disability that is greater than 40%, as confirmed by the appropriate authority, you will fall within the PwD category. Such students can apply for admission under the PwD category and can also benefit in payment of the application fee. Candidates who have any of the following conditions will be regarded to fall under the Persons with Disabilities (PwD) category.

  • If the candidate is deaf or has hearing problems.
  • Whether the candidate is completely blind or has impaired eyesight.
  • Candidates with intellectual disabilities, learning disabilities, mental illnesses, or Autism also fall within the PwD category.
  • If the candidates have problems with their bones, muscles, or joints significantly that restricts their ability to move their limbs. It includes applicants who have had leprosy treatment or have cerebral palsy or muscular dystrophy, are acid attack survivors, or are dwarfs.
Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   Is Mathematics compulsory for CUET UG?
A: 

No, Mathematics is not a compulsory subject to appear for CUET UG exam. NTA conducts CUET UG exam for 13 languages, 23 domain subjects and general test. Candidates can choose any five subjects based on the course and college criteria. CUET Mathematics can be opted if the course criteria suggests.

Q:   How many subjects do I have to take to appear for CUET UG?
A: 

Candidates can select upto five CUET subjects to appear for CUET UG exam. CUET UG subject selection criteria depends upon the course and college candidate desire to take admission in. Candidates must follow the course criteria to select the CUET subjects and align with the subjects studied in class 12th.

Q:   How many students have applied for CUET UG 2026?
A: 

For CUET UG 2026 it is expected that more than 14 Lacs candidates have applied for the exam. The official notification from NTA is yet to be issued. Recently, NTA reopened the CUET UG 2026 registration window. NTA is expected to announce the total unique registrations with the release of CUET datesheet 2026.

Explore colleges based on CUET

Varanasi
Popular Specialisation
Agriculture,Nursing,B.Sc. (Hons.) Computer Science,Biology,B.Sc. (Hons.) Psychology,B.Sc. (Hons.) Zoology,Nursing,Mathematics,B.Sc. (Hons.) Statistics,B.Sc. (Hons.) Physics,B.Sc. (Hons.) Chemistry,Computer Science,B Sc (Hons) Agriculture,Earth Science,B.Sc. (Hons.) Geology,B.Sc. (Hons.) Botany,B.Sc. (Hons.) Geography,Biology,B.Sc. (Hons.) Mathematics,Psychology
₹600.00
Delhi
Popular Specialisation
Biotechnology,Bioscience,Aeronautics (Avionics),Life Sciences with Computer Applications,Chemistry,Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.),Physics,Mathematics,Applied Mathematics,Aeronautics (Mechanical),Geography
₹41.90 K
Aligarh
Popular Specialisation
Nursing,Medical Radiology & Imaging Technology,Physiotherapy,Agriculture,Computer Applications,Optometry,Statistics,Medical Laboratory Sciences,Zoology,Biochemistry,Operation Theater Technology,Community Science,Mathematics,Geology,Chemistry,Physics,Computer Science,Geography,Industrial Chemistry,Dialysis Therapy Technology
NA
Noida
Popular Specialisation
Biotechnology,Clinical Psychology,Agriculture,Forensic Science,Medical Imaging Technology (Honours / Research),Artificial Intelligence & Data Science with Research,Neuroscience,Information Technology,Agriculture (Honours / Research),Biotechnology (Dual Degree),Marine Science,Special Education,Actuarial Science,Microbiology,Medical Physiology,Clinical Psychology (Honours / Research),Biotechnology + MBA,Nutrition and Dietetics (Honours /Research),Physics,Anthropology
₹2.40 L

Want better recommendations?

There is a 90% more chance of getting best college recommendations by sharing preferences.
Hyderabad
Popular Specialisation
Physics,Health Psychology,Chemistry,History,Nursing,Chemistry
₹14.90 K
BilasPur
Popular Specialisation
Biotechnology,Forensic Science,Forestry,Zoology,Mathematics,Computer Science,Chemistry,Physics,Rural Technology,Botany,Electronics,Anthropology
₹38.25 K
Jalandhar
Popular Specialisation
Agriculture,Biotechnology,Forensic Sciences,Hotel and Hospitality Management,B.Sc. B.Ed. (Secondary Stage) - Four Year Integrated Teacher Education Programme (ITEP),Nutrition and Dietetics,Information Technology,Biotechnology,Computer Science,Microbiology,Economics,Fashion Design,Agriculture,Physics,Bachelor of Anaesthesia and Operation Theatre Technology,Zoology,Food Technology,Zoology,Airlines, Tourism and Hospitality,Computer Science (Cyber Security) in tie up with Comptia
₹4.80 L
Lucknow
Popular Specialisation
Life Sciences (Zoology, Botany, Biotechnology),Basic Sciences
₹1.20 L
Srinagar
Popular Specialisation
Nursing,Integrated B.Sc.M.Sc. In Biotechnology,Integrated B.Sc.M.Sc. In Zoology,Biotechnology,Physics,Physics,Integrated B.Sc.M.Sc. In Mathematics,Zoology,Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.),Mathematics,Medical Laboratoy Technology (Part -Time),Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.),Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.),Zoology,Home Science,Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.),Medical Science,Information Technology,Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.),Computer Application
NA
Patna
Popular Specialisation
Computer Science and Data Analytics,Economics + MBA (IIM Bodh Gaya)
₹2.40 L
Confused about which college or exam to opt for?assitentRcpRhsImage
  • Chat with our counselor
  • Get your personalised list of colleges & exams matching your preferences
View allCollections

CUET Reservation Policy 2026: Provisions for Persons with Disability (PwD)

There are guidelines for conducting written examinations for Persons with Benchmark Disabilities above 40%. Written Examination for Persons with Benchmark Disabilities who are also holding a Disability Certificate will be completed with the service of a Scribe. It is to be noted that the Scribe service will be provided by the National Testing Agency if requested. PwBD candidates who desire to avail the services of a scribe need to opt for a scribe during the online registration of CUET 2026.

Rules for a Service of Scribe:

The facility of a Scribe is provided to the candidates who have physical limitations. The PwD candidates who are visually impaired OR have a disability in the upper limbs OR have lost fingers/hands thereby preventing them from properly operating the computer-based test platform may avail the services of a scribe (amanuensis). The scribe will help the Candidate in reading the questions and/or keying in the answers as per the directions of the Candidate. A scribe will neither explain the questions nor suggest any solutions.

Explore more Science exams with upcoming dates

NEST 2026 Application Process

5 Jan '26 - 6 Apr '26

IISER Aptitude Test 2026 Regis...

5 Mar '26 - 13 Apr '26

Last date to apply for May Attempt

17 Apr '26

ISI Admssion Test 2026 Admit Card

3 May '26

YCMOU 2026 Admit Card

29 May '26

MAKAUT CET Registration

30 Apr '26 - 18 Jun '26

RUASAT 2026 Application Proces...

1 Dec '25 - 5 Apr '26

PU CET (UG) 2026 Application Form

14 Nov '25 - 22 Apr '26

OUAT Entrance Exam 2026 Form A...

18 Mar '26 - 24 Apr '26

CCSHAU 2026 Application form

10 May '26 - 31 May '26

CUET Reservation Criteria 2026: Application Fee for UG/PG Programmes

While filling out the CUET 2026 application form, the students need to pay the application fee as per the fee criteria mentioned below:

Category

Application Fee

General

Rs. 650

SC/ ST / PwD

Rs. 550

OBC/ EWS

Rs. 600

Also Read: CUET Eligibility Criteria 2026

Videos you may like
About the Author
author-image
Nupur Jain
Senior Executive - Editorial

Nupur Jain started with a passion for educational content writing, which soon grew into a meaningful journey of helping students through reliable guidance. A commerce graduate from Delhi University, she has spent ov

Read Full Bio
Download Important Dates for Science Exams

News & Updates

Latest NewsPopular News

Explore Other Exams

5 Jan '26 -

6 Apr '26

NEST 2026 Application Process

5 Jan '26 -

12 Apr '26

NEST 2026 Application Process

5 Mar '26 -

13 Apr '26

IISER Aptitude Test 2026 Regis...

16 Apr '26 -

18 Apr '26

IISER Aptitude Test 2026 Corre...

Jul '25

ITM NEST 2025 Result Date

Jun '25

ITM NEST 2025 Exam date

Mar '26

OUAT Entrance Exam 2026 Form A...

Apr '26

OUAT Entrance Exam 2026 Form A...

Dec '24

TISSNET 2024 Mock Test

Jun '24

TISS Online Assessment 2024

The list of exams are recommended based on what other exams do the students in your area show interest in
qna

Student Forum

chatAnything you would want to ask experts?
Write here...

Answered Yesterday

Presidency University admissions are mainly granted on the basis of PUMDET or PUBDET scores only. The university may consider CUET scores in selective cases. Students must check and confirm the same with the university before applying.

P

Pallavi Karan

Contributor-Level 10

Answered Yesterday

Yes, students can get admission in City Academy Law College without CUET. The college accepts both CUET and Lucknow University Exam scores to shortlist students. In case, a valid CUET score is not available, students have the option of submitting Lucknow University exam scores instead.

U

Upasana Harsha

Contributor-Level 10

Answered Yesterday

Yes, CUET is necessary for admission in certain courses at City College of Management. The final selection is done on the basis of scores in entrance exams. The accepted entrance exams are CUET/ Lucknow University/ UP B.Ed entrance exam, etc.

G

Gaurika Chhabra

Contributor-Level 10

Answered Yesterday

Most of the courses in City Group of College is offered on the basis of CUET scores. However, it is NIT compulsory. The college also accepts Lucknow University entrance exam, AKTU exam etc. socres to admit students into different UG and PG programmes. 

R

Raj Priya

Contributor-Level 10

Answered Yesterday

No, students can not get into Hindu College, University of Delhi Without giving CUET exam. CUET score is necessary to get admisisons in Hindu College. After the results of CUET, the cut off is released. The seats are allocated through Common Seat Allocation System  (CSAS) of Delhi University.

 

P

Puhup Kumari

Contributor-Level 10

Answered Yesterday

Yes, GD Goenka University does consider CUET 2026 scores for awarding scholarships to BSc applicants. Students who achieve a high percentile, such as 95.1 and above, can even qualify for a 100% tuition fee waiver for their first year. Even those scoring between 80 and 95 percentile can receive a sub

...Read more

R

Rashmi Karan

Contributor-Level 9

Answered 2 days ago

No, the CUET-UG registrations for Apeejay Stya University BA (hons) admissions have been closed. CUET-UG 2026 registrations closed on Feb 26th. Candidates who failed to appear for the aforementioned entrance exam can still apply through their Class 12 board exam results.

For BA (hons) in Journalism a

...Read more

S

Saurabh Khanduri

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 days ago

No, CUET-UG is not a compulsory entrance exam for BA (hons) admissions at Apeejay Stya University. Selection of candidates is based mostly on merit in Class 12 board exams. However, BA (hons) in Journalism and Mass Communication admissions are based on the written test conducted by Apeejay Stya Univ

...Read more

S

Saurabh Khanduri

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 days ago

No, CUET is not compulsory to take admission in Rajkiya Kanya Mahavidyalaya. Candidates who wish to take admission in this college, have to go to the official website of college and fill the application form for their preffered course. Final seats are allocated based on merit in last qualifying exam

...Read more

R

Raj Priya

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 days ago

Yes, students can get admission in Maharaja Surajmal Institute BBA without CUET. The main exam for shortlisting is IPUCET. Students have to score well in CET and then participate in online counselling to get selected.

M

Manashjyoti Srivastava

Contributor-Level 10