Every year, thousands of students fill the CUET application form without reading the eligibility criteria carefully. Some realize too late that their board is not recognized. Others find out after results that they don’t meet the minimum marks requirement of their dream college.

CUET 2026 eligibility depends on more than just appearing for the exam. While there is no age limit set by NTA, admission eligibility varies by college and course. Class 12 qualification, subject combination, minimum marks, reservation category, and university-specific rules must be checked carefully before applying.

The CUET exam itself has broad eligibility. But admission to specific universities and programs has additional rules. A student eligible for the exam may not be eligible for every college or course.

This creates confusion. Students waste money on application fees. Parents feel helpless when admissions are denied despite good scores.

This guide will help you understand every aspect of CUET UG 2026 eligibility. We will cover age limits, board requirements, reservation policies, and university-specific rules. By the end, you will have a clear checklist to verify before applying.

What is CUET UG and Who Conducts It

CUET stands for Common University Entrance Test. The UG version is for undergraduate admissions.

The National Testing Agency (NTA) conducts CUET UG on behalf of the University Grants Commission (UGC). NTA is the same body that conducts JEE Main and NEET.

CUET UG was introduced in 2022. Before this, central universities had their own entrance exams. Now, one exam serves as the gateway to over 250 universities across India.

These include central universities like Delhi University, Jawaharlal Nehru University, and Banaras Hindu University. Many state and private universities have also joined the CUET system.

The exam tests students in languages, domain subjects, and general knowledge. Based on CUET scores, universities prepare merit lists for admission to BA, BCom, BSc, BBA, and other undergraduate programs.

Age Limit Rules: Is There an Upper Age Limit?

This is the first question most students ask. The good news is simple.

There is no upper age limit for CUET UG 2026.

A 17-year-old class 12 student can appear. So can a 25-year-old who wants to pursue a second degree. Even a 40-year-old parent wanting to restart education can take the exam.

NTA does not restrict age for appearing in CUET. This makes the exam accessible to everyone.

However, there is a lower age consideration. You must have completed class 12 or be appearing for class 12 in 2026. In practice, this means most candidates are 17 years or older.

What About University-Specific Age Rules?

Here is where it gets tricky. While CUET has no age limit, some universities and programs do.

For example, certain professional courses like BBA or integrated law programs may have age restrictions. Some universities set a maximum age of 22 or 25 years for specific programs.

Important: Always check the admission bulletin of the university you are targeting. The CUET eligibility is one thing. University admission eligibility is another.

Eligibility for Class 12 Appearing Students

Yes, students appearing for class 12 board exams in 2026 are fully eligible for CUET UG 2026.

You do not need to wait for your class 12 results to apply. You can fill the form, appear for CUET, and even participate in counseling.

The Important Condition

Your admission will be provisional until you submit your class 12 marksheet. If you fail to pass class 12, your CUET score becomes invalid for admission that year.

Similarly, if you pass class 12 but do not meet the minimum percentage required by a university, you cannot take admission there. We will talk more about this later.

What If Results Are Delayed?

Sometimes boards delay results due to re-evaluation or compartment exams. Universities usually give a deadline for submitting documents. If your result is genuinely delayed, you can submit a result awaited certificate and request an extension.

But do not assume extensions will be granted. Follow up actively with the university admission cell.

List of Qualifying Examinations Accepted by CUET

CUET accepts students from various education boards. But not all boards are automatically eligible. Here is the approved list.

Recognized Indian Boards

• Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE)
• Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE)
• All state boards (Maharashtra, UP, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, etc.)
• National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS)
• State Open Schools recognized by respective state governments

International Boards

Students from international boards can also apply. These include:

• Cambridge International Examinations (CIE)
• International Baccalaureate (IB)
• Edexcel/Pearson
• Any board recognized by Association of Indian Universities (AIU)

Students Educated Abroad

If you completed class 12 from a foreign board, you need an equivalence certificate from AIU. This certificate confirms that your qualification is equivalent to Indian class 12.

You must obtain this before the admission process begins. Without it, universities will not accept your application.

What About Diploma Holders?

Some students complete a diploma after class 10 instead of doing class 11 and 12. Can they apply for CUET?

It depends on the university. Some universities accept three-year diplomas as equivalent to class 12 for specific programs. But this is not universal.

If you have a diploma, check the specific university bulletin. Many universities only accept diploma holders for lateral entry, not for first-year admissions through CUET.

Eligibility Differences Across Universities

This is the most misunderstood part of CUET. Students think clearing CUET guarantees admission. It does not.

CUET is an entrance exam. Admission depends on university-specific rules.

Why Do Rules Differ?

Each university has autonomy in setting admission criteria. They decide:

• Minimum marks required in class 12
• Subject combinations needed for specific courses
• Weightage given to CUET scores vs board marks
• Reservation policy implementation
• Additional entrance tests or interviews

Examples of Differences

Let me give you real examples to make this clear.

Delhi University: For BA English, you need to have studied English in class 12. Your CUET score in English will matter. DU also considers your best of four percentage from class 12 for some programs.

Jawaharlal Nehru University: JNU focuses heavily on the CUET score. Class 12 marks matter less. But you must meet the minimum eligibility percentage.

Banaras Hindu University: BHU may conduct additional tests or interviews for certain programs even after CUET.

Jamia Millia Islamia: Jamia has specific subject requirements. For BSc Physics, you must have studied Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics in class 12.

Subject Combination Requirements

This is critical. For science programs, you need science subjects in class 12. For commerce programs, you typically need commerce subjects.

But what about BA programs? Can a science student apply for BA Economics? Usually yes, but check the specific university rules. Some universities allow it, others do not.

Minimum Percentage Requirements

Most universities require at least 50% in class 12 for general category students. For SC/ST students, this is usually 45%.

But some competitive programs have higher cutoffs. You might need 60% or even 75% in class 12 to be eligible, regardless of your CUET score.

Why You Must Read University Bulletins

Every university releases an information bulletin or prospectus. This document contains detailed eligibility criteria for every program.

Do not rely only on CUET eligibility. Download and read the bulletin of every university you are interested in. Make a spreadsheet if needed. Note down specific requirements.

Many students skip this step and face rejection during document verification despite having good CUET scores.

Common Eligibility Mistakes Students Make

After helping many students over the years, I have noticed recurring mistakes. Let me list them so you can avoid these errors.

Mistake 1: Not Checking Subject Requirements

A commerce student applies for BSc. A humanities student applies for BBA without mathematics. These applications get rejected.

Always verify that your class 12 subject combination matches the program requirement.

Mistake 2: Ignoring Minimum Percentage

Students focus only on CUET preparation. They neglect class 12 board exams. Later they realize they do not meet the minimum percentage.

Your class 12 marks matter. Do not ignore board exams while preparing for CUET.

Mistake 3: Wrong Category Selection

Students belonging to OBC category select general by mistake. Or they select OBC but do not have the certificate ready.

Choose your category carefully. Arrange all necessary certificates before applying.

Mistake 4: Not Getting Equivalence Certificate

Students from foreign boards skip this. They think CUET eligibility is enough. During admission, universities ask for AIU equivalence certificate.

If you are from an international board, get this certificate as early as possible.

Mistake 5: Applying to Universities Without Checking

Some students apply to 20 universities without reading their eligibility criteria. Later they find they are not eligible for half of them.

This wastes money and creates unnecessary confusion. Research before applying.

Mistake 6: Incorrect Documents

Students upload wrong documents. Class 10 marksheet instead of class 12. Blurred photographs. Signatures that do not match.

Keep all documents ready in proper format. Double-check before uploading.

What Happens If Eligibility Is Not Met After Exam

Let us say you appeared for CUET 2026. You even scored well. But what if you do not meet eligibility conditions later?

If You Fail Class 12

Your CUET score becomes invalid for that year. You cannot take admission to any university.

However, you can appear for CUET again in 2027 after passing class 12. There is no limit on the number of attempts.

If You Do Not Meet Minimum Percentage

Suppose a university needs 50% and you scored 48% in class 12. You cannot get admission to that university, even with a high CUET score.

But you can apply to other universities with lower percentage requirements. Different universities have different cutoffs.

If Your Category Certificate Is Invalid

Many students face this. Their caste certificate is from the wrong authority. Or it has expired. Or the format is not accepted.

Universities are strict about this. If your certificate is not valid, you will be considered under general category. This drastically changes your chances.

Get your certificates verified by the issuing authority before the admission process. Ensure they are in the format specified by the government.

If You Provided Wrong Information

If the university finds that you provided false information in your application, your admission can be cancelled. This can happen even after you have taken admission.

Be honest in your application. Do not fake documents or information. The consequences are serious.

Clear Eligibility Checklist for Parents and Students

Here is a simple checklist. Go through this before applying for CUET 2026.

Basic Eligibility

• I am appearing for class 12 in 2026 OR I have already passed class 12
• My board is recognized by NTA (CBSE, state board, NIOS, etc.)
• If from international board, I have or will obtain AIU equivalence certificate

Subject Requirements

• I have checked subject requirements for programs I want
• My class 12 subject combination matches the program requirements
• I am appearing for relevant CUET domain subjects

Marks and Percentage

• I know the minimum percentage required by target universities
• I am on track to meet or exceed this percentage in class 12
• I understand that CUET score alone is not enough

Category and Reservation

• I have selected the correct category (General/OBC/SC/ST/EWS)
• I have valid certificates for my category
• Certificates are from the correct issuing authority
• Certificates are in the specified format

University-Specific Requirements

• I have downloaded bulletins of all target universities
• I have noted down specific eligibility criteria for my programs
• I understand additional requirements like interviews or tests
• I have checked age limits if any for my programs

Documents Ready

• Class 10 marksheet
• Class 12 admit card and marksheet (when available)
• Category certificate (if applicable)
• EWS certificate (if applicable)
• PwD certificate (if applicable)
• Passport size photographs in correct format
• Signature in correct format
• Aadhaar card or other ID proof

Application Process

• I have valid email ID and mobile number
• I have made a list of universities and programs
• I have kept application fee ready
• I will review the form carefully before final submission

Frequently Asked Questions About CUET Eligibility

Q: Is there an age limit for CUET 2026?

No, there is no upper age limit set by NTA for appearing in CUET. However, some universities may have age restrictions for specific programs. Check the university bulletin for details.

Q: How many times can I attempt CUET?

There is no limit on the number of attempts. You can appear for CUET every year as long as you meet the eligibility criteria. Many students take it multiple times to improve their scores.

Q: Can I appear for CUET if I have a gap after class 12?

Yes, gap years are allowed. Whether you passed class 12 in 2025, 2024, or earlier, you can appear for CUET 2026. Universities generally accept students with gap years, though some programs may have restrictions. Check specific university policies.

Q: I am from a state board. Can I apply for CUET?

Yes, all recognized state boards are eligible. Whether you are from Maharashtra Board, UP Board, Tamil Nadu Board, or any other state board, you can apply for CUET.

Q: Can NIOS students apply for CUET?

Yes, students from National Institute of Open Schooling are eligible for CUET. NIOS is a recognized board. However, check if your target university accepts NIOS students for the specific program you want.

Q: I am from IGCSE/IB board. Am I eligible?

Yes, international boards are accepted. But you need to get an equivalence certificate from Association of Indian Universities (AIU). This confirms your qualification is equivalent to Indian class 12.

Q: Can I apply for CUET if I have a compartment in class 12?

You can appear for CUET even with a compartment. But admission will not be granted until you clear the compartment exam. If you clear it before the admission deadline, you can proceed.

Q: Do I need mathematics for all programs?

No, mathematics is required only for specific programs like BSc, BCom, BBA, etc. For BA programs in humanities, mathematics is usually not required. Check program-specific requirements.

Q: Can a science student apply for commerce or arts programs?

Generally yes, but it depends on the university. Most universities allow students to switch streams. However, some programs may have specific subject requirements. For example, you might need economics in class 12 to apply for BA Economics.

Q: What if my class 12 result is delayed?

If your board delays results, you can submit a result awaited certificate during admission. Universities usually give a deadline for submitting final marksheets. Stay in touch with the admission cell and follow their instructions.

Q: Is there reservation in CUET admissions?

Reservation depends on the university, not on CUET. Central universities follow central government reservation policy (15% SC, 7.5% ST, 27% OBC, 10% EWS). State universities follow their state policies. Check specific university guidelines.

Q: Can I change my category after form submission?

No, NTA usually does not allow category change after form submission. There may be a correction window, but it is limited. Choose your category carefully while filling the form.

Q: What happens if I do not meet the minimum percentage?

If you do not meet the minimum percentage required by a university, you cannot get admission there, even with a high CUET score. You can try other universities with lower cutoffs or appear again after improving your marks.

Q: Can I take admission without appearing in CUET?

No, if a university has adopted CUET, admission is only through CUET scores. You must appear and qualify in CUET to be considered for admission.

Q: Do all universities consider class 12 marks along with CUET?

Different universities have different policies. Some give 100% weightage to CUET scores. Others use a combination of CUET scores and class 12 marks. Check the admission policy of your target university.

Final Thoughts: Start With Clarity, Not Confusion

Eligibility seems complicated because information is scattered. Universities release bulletins late. Rules change from one program to another.

But if you approach it systematically, it becomes manageable. Start early. Make a list of universities you are interested in. Note down their requirements. Prepare both for CUET and your board exams.

Remember, CUET opens doors to many universities. But each university has its own key. Your job is to make sure you have the right key for the doors you want to open.

Do not assume anything. Read official documents. Ask questions in university admission cells if something is unclear. Use the checklist provided in this article.

Parents, guide your children but do not add pressure. Eligibility is about meeting basic requirements, not about being perfect. Support them in organizing documents and understanding rules.

Eligibility is the foundation. Get it right, and the rest of the admission process becomes smoother. Get it wrong, and no amount of CUET preparation will help.

Start your preparation with clarity. You have got this.

For More Info Also Please Check Official NTA Bulletin

If CUET form filling, subject selection, or university eligibility feels confusing, AmbitionPrep offers personalised guidance to help you make confident decisions from application to admissions counselling.