CUET is mandatory for UG & PG admissions to Indian colleges? Yes, but there are some exceptions, because CUET has not been mandated for every single university/college in India.
All forty-seven (47) Central Universities will be using CUET for Undergraduate Admissions in 2026 – that includes Delhi University; Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU); Banaras Hindu University (BHU), etc. On the other hand, thousands of State; Deemed and Private Institutions use CUET on an opt-in basis. Hundreds of these institutions accept CUET scores as part of an additional entry option along with their own Merit-Based or Entrance-Based Entry Options.
The eligibility criteria for CUET Postgraduate Admissions are same but subject to changes. At present, the CUET Postgraduate Admission is made mandatory for Postgraduate Admissions from 2026-27. However, at the State level, it has become mandatory for students in the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh.
Table of Content
• Is CUET Compulsory for PG Admissions?
• CUET vs University Entrance Exam
• Is CUET Compulsory for Every Course?
• Which Colleges Accept Students Without CUET?
• Conclusion
• Frequently Asked Questions
Is CUET Mandatory for UG Admissions?
Is CUET necessary for admission to UG courses? Yes. All of India’s Central Universities are now mandated with CUET-UG as a result of Ministry of Education Notification. In addition, CUET is being used in over 300 additional institutions across India.
• 47 Central Universities (mandatory)
• 40+ State Universities (mostly optional, some mandatory)
• 30+ Deemed Universities (mostly optional)
• 200+ Private Universities (mostly optional)
Furthermore, at institutions like Shri Ram College of Commerce under Delhi University, CUET is strictly mandatory — there is no admission route without it. However, at universities like SGT University, CUET is accepted but not compulsory; students can gain admission through qualifying exam scores or entrance tests like JEE Main for BTech programmes instead.
UG and PG Admissions processes therefore split into two categories: institutions where CUET is the only door in, and institutions where it is one of several accepted pathways.
Is CUET Compulsory for PG Admissions?
This is where the rules are changing fastest.
The State-Level Shift
Beginning with the 2026-27 academic year, no student may pursue a graduate program at either a state or private institution in the State of Madhya Pradesh without achieving a satisfactory score on the CUET-PG exam; however, while several other states as well as numerous single higher education institutions across this country still utilize qualifying exams (entrance exams) to establish eligibility for graduate studies, Madhya Pradesh has made it so that from the start of the 2026-27 academic year onward, all public higher education institutions (state universities), as well as participating private higher education institutions (i.e., city-based institutions such as Bhopal, Indore, Gwalior, and Jabalpur) require that CUET-PG be used as a mandatory entrance requirement.
CUET vs University Entrance Exam
CUET vs university entrance exam is a distinction every applicant should understand before deciding where to apply.
| Factor | CUET | University-Specific Entrance |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage | 300+ universities nationally | Single institution |
| Application effort | One test, multiple applications | Separate test per university |
| Subjects | Choose up to 5 (UG) or 4 papers (PG) | Institution-defined |
| Recognition | UGC-backed, NEP 2020 framework | Varies by institution |
| Examples not accepting CUET | IITs (use JEE Advanced) | — |
Furthermore, CUET UG scores are of no use in IITs, as the admissions are solely done on the basis of JEE Main and JEE Advanced. Thus, if you are appearing for CUET, you must not go for IITs.
Is CUET Compulsory for Every Course?
No — course-specific and institution-specific exceptions are common.
CUET for Engineering Admissions
The number of students who take C.U.E.T. for Engineering admission is low. Although a few colleges have an option in their application process to be considered for B Tech programmes using C.U.E.T. scores; most serious engineering aspirants continue to rely on JEE Main, JEE Advanced or State level Engineering Entrance examinations. The C.U.E.T. U.G. has domain specific papers that are relevant to engineering subjects, however as stated earlier, I.I.T.s and many of India’s leading technical institutes do not consider C.U.E.T.
CUET for Arts, Science and Commerce Courses
CUET for Arts, Science & Commerce Courses is the area in which CUET has the broadest and most uniform use. All central universities are required to take CUET results for all BA, BSC & BCOM programs. In addition to this many State and Private Universities using these same disciplines have adopted CUET as an acceptable mode of entry into their institutions.
A Class 12 Pass (with a candidate either having passed or appearing) is required to be eligible for CUET UG. A minimum of 50% is required by General Category candidates and 45% is required by Scheduled Caste/Scheduled Tribe Candidates. An aggregate of at least 45% (General Category) and 40% (Reserved Categories) is required for BTech Programs
Which Colleges Accept Students Without CUET?
More than people expect particularly outside central universities.
• SGT University: CUET scores accepted but not compulsory; qualifying exam scores and JEE Main (for BTech) also accepted
• Brainware University: BA LLB admissions based on merit or the university’s own BET score — CUET not required
• Apex University: Only 50% of seats filled via CUET; the remaining 50% through the university’s own AUCET exam
• Veer Narmad South Gujarat University: Most MA programmes admit on qualifying exam merit, with CUET-PG required only for select specialised courses
Can I take admission without CUET? Yes, at many state, private, and deemed universities that maintain parallel admission routes. Furthermore, can I get direct admission without CUET is also possible at institutions offering high-percentile-based direct entry — some private universities, for instance, grant direct admission and scholarships to candidates who score above a certain CUET percentile, but that is different from requiring CUET itself.
For students and families navigating this evolving landscape — particularly with PG rules shifting state by state — verifying the exact admission route for your target institution before assuming CUET is mandatory (or unnecessary) saves significant confusion later. Aimlay supports students and professionals evaluating higher education pathways in India, helping match academic goals to the correct admission route.
Conclusion
CUET is required as of 2026 for admission into the following institutions:
CUET-UG will be mandatory for all 47 Central Universities and optional for thousands of State Universities, Deemed Universities, and Private Colleges.
CUET-PG will have a wider reach but currently, is required by 3 of India’s top universities for admission purposes: Delhi University, Jawaharlal Nehru University, and Banaras Hindu University.
In addition to the previous mentioned institutions that require CUET, it will be required for the entire state of Madhya Pradesh. The other States are anticipated to follow suit under NEP 2020.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is CUET mandatory for admission to undergraduate (UG) courses in India?
Yes, at all 47 Central Universities including DU, JNU and BHU. However, many state, deemed and private universities accept it alongside their own entrance tests or merit routes.
Is CUET mandatory for PG admission?
Is CUET mandatory for PG admission? Increasingly, yes. For 2026-27, it is mandatory at Delhi University, JNU, BHU, and statewide in Madhya Pradesh. However, several state universities still admit PG candidates through qualifying exam merit.
How do CUET exams differ from a University Entrance Exam?
CUET exams versus University Entrance Exams:
The CUET exams provide a candidate a single National Test accepted by over 300 universities allowing a candidate to apply to numerous institutions utilizing only one exam. A University Specific Test provides coverage for only that University. Also note: CUET UG exams are NOT accepted at Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs).
Do you have to take the CUET in order to attend classes for your chosen program at every university?
Must I take the CUET in order to attend my selected course of study? The answer to this question is “No”. While some colleges use CUET as an entrance exam for specific programs, many others will also allow students to pursue those same programs by completing either AUCET/BET, or they may be allowed to complete one of each. Be sure to check the admission requirements for your specific course of interest rather than checking the general policies.
Do I need to take the CUET in order to gain acceptance into engineering programs?
In terms of the number of engineering institutions that use CUET for their undergraduate admissions, CUET used for the admissions process is very limited. Most of the BTech admissions are based on scores from either the JEE Main, JEE Advanced or a state-based exam. IIT’s do not accept CUET UG. However, there are some other universities that accept CUET as a means of gaining acceptance into their BTech programs; however, CUET does not represent the main route for engineering admissions.
Does the CUET apply to courses related to arts, science and commerce?
The largest number of arts, science and commerce courses utilize CUET as part of their admission process. All Central Universities require applicants to take the CUET in order to gain acceptance into BA/BS/BCOM programs and most State and Private Universities also offer CUET as a viable method for prospective students to enter these types of programs.
Can I get admission without taking CUET?
Yes, at many state, private, and deemed universities running their own tests — such as SGT University, Brainware University, and Apex University, which fills only half its seats through CUET.
Can I get direct admission without CUET based on other criteria?
Yes, at select private universities offering direct entry based on Class 12 percentage. However, this differs from institutions using CUET percentile for scholarship-linked admission — verify which model applies.
What are the latest CUET admission rules for 2026?
CUET-UG remains mandatory at Central Universities and optional elsewhere. CUET-PG is now mandatory at DU, JNU, BHU, and statewide in Madhya Pradesh — a trend expected to expand under NEP 2020.
Navigating CUET rules or planning your higher education pathway in India? Visit aimlay.com to connect with advisors who help students and professionals choose the right admission route.
