CUET UG 2026: NTA Reopens Application Portal After Student Requests

If you missed the CUET UG 2026 application deadline, you just got a second chance. The National Testing Agency (NTA) has reopened the online application portal until February 26, 2026. This decision came after the agency received numerous requests from students across the country asking for more time.

The application window was first open from January 3 to January 30, 2026. The NTA had already extended it once to February 4, with fee payment allowed until February 7. But that still wasn't enough for many students who faced difficulties completing their applications on time.

What Changed This Time

On February 23, 2026, the NTA issued a public notice announcing the reopening of the submission portal. The portal went live from the afternoon of February 23 itself. Students can now submit their forms and pay application fees until February 26, 2026.

However, there's a catch you need to know about. The NTA has made it clear that no correction facility will be available after you submit your form. This means you need to triple-check every single detail before clicking that submit button. Your personal information, course selection, and examination city preferences must all be correct the first time around.

How to Fill Your CUET UG 2026 Application

The process is straightforward if you follow these steps:

First, visit the official website at cuet.nta.nic.in. Look for the CUET UG 2026 registration link on the homepage. Click on it to begin your registration.

Next, fill in your personal details in the online form. Take your time here. One small mistake could cause problems later. After personal details, move on to your qualification details. Enter information about your previous education accurately.

You'll need to upload scanned images of your photograph and signature. Make sure these are in the format specified by NTA. Poor quality or incorrect format images often lead to rejection.

Once everything is filled in, proceed to fee payment. The NTA accepts online payment modes. After successful payment, download your application form. Keep multiple copies saved on different devices and in your email.

About the CUET UG 2026 Exam

The exam will be conducted in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode from May 11 to May 31, 2026. These are tentative dates, so keep checking the official website for confirmation.

The test will be available in 13 languages. This makes it accessible to students from different states and linguistic backgrounds. The exam will be held at centres across India and in select cities abroad.

CUET UG 2026 is the gateway to undergraduate programmes in 47 central universities and over 300 colleges nationwide. This makes it one of the most important entrance exams for students planning to pursue higher education in India.

Learning from Previous Years

In 2025, CUET UG was held between May 13 and June 4 over 19 days in 35 total shifts. The 2024 edition took place between May 15 and 29. In 2023, the exam was conducted in phases from May 21 to June 23.

The pattern shows that NTA typically schedules the exam in May and June. Knowing this helps you plan your preparation better.

What You Should Do Right Now

If you haven't applied yet, don't waste this opportunity. Start your application process today. Gather all required documents, including your photograph, signature, and educational certificates.

Double-check your details before submission. Remember, there's no correction window this time. A simple spelling mistake in your name or wrong course selection cannot be fixed later.

Keep your payment gateway ready. Sometimes payment issues arise at the last minute. Having multiple payment options available helps.

Where to Get Help

The NTA has set up a help desk for students who face issues during the application process. You can call them at 011-40759000. If you prefer email, write to cuet-ug@nta.ac.in with your query.

For the latest updates, regularly check the official websites at nta.ac.in and cuet.nta.nic.in. The NTA posts all important announcements on these platforms first.

This extension is your chance to get into the university of your dreams. Make the most of it. Fill your form carefully, pay your fees on time, and prepare well for the exam. The path to your undergraduate education starts here.