NTA CUET PG 2026: Subject-Wise Exam Dates, Schedule, and Pattern

The National Testing Agency (NTA) has officially released the schedule for the Common University Entrance Test for Postgraduates (CUET PG) 2026. This examination is the gateway for admission into various Master's programs across Central, State, Deemed, and Private Universities in India.

With over 4.5 lakh candidates expected to appear across 80+ subjects, understanding the subject-wise schedule and shift timings is crucial for effective preparation. This guide provides a detailed breakdown of the March 2026 examination window.

1. Important Dates & Official Timeline

The CUET PG 2026 cycle is progressing rapidly. Below are the key dates every aspirant must note:

2. Exam Shift Timings & Duration

NTA will conduct the examination in Computer Based Test (CBT) mode across three shifts daily. The duration for each paper is 105 minutes (1 hour 45 minutes).

3. Subject-Wise Exam Schedule (Major Subject Groups)

The subjects are divided into five broad categories: Humanities, Sciences, Languages, Common/General, and Professional courses (MBA/B.Ed).

Week 1: March 11 – March 17, 2026

• Languages: English, Hindi, Sanskrit, French, German, Arabic, and Regional languages (Shift 1 & 2).

• Common Papers: General Paper, General MBA, and Tourism (Shift 3).

• Professional: B.Ed, B.Ed (Special Education), and Physical Education.

Week 2: March 18 – March 23, 2026

• Humanities & Social Sciences: History, Political Science, Geography, Economics, Sociology, Psychology, and Philosophy.

• Fine Arts: Music, Dance, Theatre, and Applied Arts.

• Life Sciences: Botany, Zoology, Biochemistry, and Microbiology.

Week 3: March 24 – March 28, 2026

• Physical Sciences: Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics.

• Tech & Computer Science: MCA, M.Tech (Computer Science), and Information Technology.

• Other Sciences: Environmental Science, Forensic Science, and Food Science.

4. CUET PG 2026 Exam Pattern

Based on the latest notification, NTA has continued with the updated pattern where the General Part (Part A) has been removed from most papers.

• Total Questions: 75 (Domain Specific Only).

• Total Marks: 300.

• Marking Scheme:

  • +4 for every correct answer.

  • -1 for every incorrect answer.

  • 0 for unattempted questions.

• Medium: Bilingual (English and Hindi), except for Language and Sahitya papers.

5. Top Participating Universities

Successful candidates can apply for admissions to prestigious institutions including:

• Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), New Delhi

• Banaras Hindu University (BHU), Varanasi

• University of Delhi (DU), Delhi

• Hyderabad Central University (HCU)

• Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI)

• Various TISS and Central University campuses.

6. Syllabus Overview (Subject-Specific)

The syllabus for CUET PG 2026 is strictly based on the undergraduate curriculum (Honours level) of the respective subject.

Science Stream

• Physics: Mathematical Physics, Mechanics, Waves and Oscillations, Thermodynamics, Electricity, and Magnetism.

• Mathematics: Real Analysis, Algebra, Differential Equations, and Complex Analysis.

• Chemistry: Atomic Structure, Chemical Bonding, Thermodynamics, Organic Reaction Mechanisms, and Periodic Table.

Humanities Stream

• History: Ancient, Medieval, and Modern Indian History, World History, and Historiography.

• Economics: Microeconomics, Macroeconomics, Statistical Methods, and the Indian Economy.

• Political Science: Political Theory, Comparative Politics, International Relations, and Indian Government.

7. How to Download the CUET PG 2026 Admit Card

1. Visit the official NTA CUET PG website: pgcuet.samarth.ac.in.

2. Click on the "Download Admit Card" link on the public notices or candidate activity board.

3. Enter your Application Number and Date of Birth.

4. Security Pin: Enter the captcha shown on the screen.

5. Submit to view your hall ticket.

6. Self-Declaration: Ensure you fill out the undertaking regarding COVID-19/Health status on the first page of the admit card.

8. Preparation Strategy & Last-Minute Tips

• Solve PYQs: Since Part A is removed, your command over the core subject (Domain Knowledge) is the only factor for your rank. Solve previous year papers from 2023, 2024, and 2025.

• Concept Clarity: Focus on the core theories as the difficulty level has increased in the recent cycles.

• Time Management: 105 minutes for 75 questions means you have 1.4 minutes per question. Avoid getting stuck on complex numericals.

• Mock Tests: Take at least 5 computer-based mock tests to get used to the interface.

Official Helpdesk: 011-40759000 / 011-69227700

Email: cuet-pg@nta.ac.in

Website: nta.ac.in