The National Testing Agency (NTA) has officially commenced the CUET PG 2026 registration process for admission to postgraduate programmes across participating universities in India. Along with the application launch, the agency has introduced significant changes to exam city allocation, reducing the total number of available test locations and revising city preference rules for candidates. As per the notification, the total number of CUET PG 2026 exam cities has been reduced to two hundred ninety-two, compared to three hundred twelve cities last year. Of these, two hundred seventy-six cities are located within India, while sixteen international cities are available for overseas candidates.
CUET PG 2026 Exam City Selection: What Has Changed
In a major shift from previous years, candidates can now select only two preferred exam cities during the application process. Earlier, applicants were allowed to choose up to four cities. The selection of exam cities will be based on the current and permanent address provided in the application form. The NTA clarified that while efforts will be made to allot an examination centre from the selected cities, final allotment may vary due to administrative requirements. The agency retains the authority to assign a centre in a city other than the candidate’s preferred options if necessary.
CUET PG 2026 Exam Pattern Remains Unchanged
Despite the reduction in exam cities, the CUET PG 2026 examination structure remains the same. The entrance test will continue to be conducted in computer-based test (CBT) mode. Key exam highlights include:
- Total subject papers: One hundred fifty-seven
- Duration per paper: Ninety minutes
- Mode of examination: Online (CBT)
The examination will assess candidates across a wide range of postgraduate disciplines, as notified earlier by the NTA.
CUET PG 2026 Application Fee Details
The application fee structure for CUET PG 2026 varies based on category and number of subject papers selected. The fee details are outlined below:
- General category: ₹ seven hundred for one paper
- OBC-NCL, SC, ST categories: ₹ six hundred for one paper
- Two papers: Double the applicable fee
- Candidates outside India: ₹ three thousand five hundred for one paper
Candidates opting for multiple subject papers will be required to pay the corresponding additional fee at the time of application.
Important Advisory for Applicants
Applicants are advised to carefully select exam cities while filling out the CUET PG 2026 application form, considering the limited options available this year. The NTA has reiterated that exam centre allotment is subject to logistical feasibility, even within the restricted city list. The CUET PG 2026 registration window is now open, and eligible candidates can apply through the official NTA CUET PG portal. Further updates regarding exam dates, admit cards, and city intimation slips will be released in due course through official channels only.
