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/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
- 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 |
Commonly asked questions
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
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.
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.
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.
Commonly asked questions
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.
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.
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
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.
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

News & Updates
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... |
Jul '22 | DAVV CET 2022 Registration |
Dec '24 | TISSNET 2024 Mock Test |
Jun '24 | TISS Online Assessment 2024 |
Student Forum
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
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
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
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
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
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
R
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
S
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
S
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
R
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
Contributor-Level 10
Exam On - To be notified
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