CUET UG 2026 Registration Window Closes Tonight: What Aspirants Must Know Before the Deadline

The clock is ticking for thousands of undergraduate aspirants across India. The re-opened application window for the Common University Entrance Test (CUET-UG) 2026 will close today, 26 February 2026, at 11:50 PM, as confirmed by the National Testing Agency (NTA). Candidates who have not yet completed their application process must act with urgency, as officials have categorically stated that no further extension will be granted.

The reopening of the portal represents a final and exceptional opportunity, one born out of repeated representations from students who faced technical disruptions, internet connectivity constraints, or personal limitations during earlier phases. For many, this is not merely a formality; it is the gateway to higher education at some of India’s most prestigious universities.

A Timeline Marked by Extensions and Appeals

The CUET-UG 2026 registration process originally commenced on 3 January 2026, with the initial application deadline set for 30 January 2026. The last date for fee payment was fixed at 31 January 2026 (11:50 PM).

Responding to early appeals from students and stakeholders, the NTA extended:

• The application deadline to 4 February 2026
• The fee payment deadline to 7 February 2026

Despite these extensions, a significant number of candidates reported difficulties ranging from server congestion to localised connectivity challenges. Following renewed representations, the NTA reopened the application and payment portal on 23 February 2026 (afternoon), clearly emphasising that this would be a short-duration, special window.

Today marks the final closure of that opportunity.

CUET-UG 2026: Examination Schedule and Format

The CUET-UG 2026 examination will be conducted in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode across multiple centres in India and select international locations. The tentative examination window has been scheduled between 11 May and 31 May 2026.

Introduced to streamline undergraduate admissions, CUET has emerged as a national-level entrance examination that centralises admission processes for:

• Central universities
• Participating state universities
• Deemed universities
• Other recognised institutions

By adopting a CBT format, the examination ensures:

• Greater standardisation in evaluation
• Faster processing of results
• Enhanced transparency
• Reduction in administrative disparities across institutions

The system reflects a broader shift in Indian higher education towards uniformity, meritocracy, and digital governance.

Why CUET Matters in 2026

Since its inception, CUET has significantly altered the undergraduate admissions landscape. Instead of relying solely on varied board examination marks, often marked by differences in assessment standards, universities now use a common metric to assess candidates.

For students, this means:

• A single examination for multiple universities
• Reduced duplication of application processes
• A level playing field across educational boards
• Greater clarity in admission criteria

In an increasingly competitive academic environment, missing the registration deadline could result in the loss of an entire academic year. The stakes, therefore, are considerable.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Complete the CUET-UG 2026 Application

Candidates who have yet to complete their application must proceed immediately to the official portal: cuet.nta.nic.in.

Below is a structured guide to ensure a seamless submission process:

Step 1: Access the Official Portal

Visit the official CUET website hosted by the NTA.

Step 2: Select the CUET-UG 2026 Application Link

Click on the designated application link available on the homepage.

Step 3: Register and Generate Credentials

Complete the registration by entering essential personal details such as:

• Full name
• Date of birth
• Valid email ID
• Active mobile number

Upon submission, login credentials will be generated.

Step 4: Fill in Academic and Personal Information

Carefully enter:

• Academic qualifications
• Board details
• Subject preferences
• Examination centre preferences
• Category information (if applicable)

Accuracy is paramount. Any discrepancy may lead to complications during verification.

Step 5: Upload Required Documents

Upload scanned copies of:

• Recent passport-sized photograph
• Signature

Ensure that the files adhere strictly to the prescribed format and size specifications mentioned in the information bulletin.

Step 6: Pay the Application Fee

Proceed to pay the application fee using available online modes such as:

• Net banking
• Debit/credit cards
• UPI

Candidates are advised to verify successful payment before exiting the portal.

Step 7: Submit and Download Confirmation Page

After final submission, download and retain the confirmation page for future reference. This document may be required during counselling or admission formalities.

Last-Minute Checklist for Applicants

Before clicking ‘Submit’, candidates should carefully verify:

• Correct spelling of name (as per official documents)
• Accurate date of birth
• Valid subject selection
• Preferred examination city
• Properly uploaded photograph and signature
• Successful fee transaction

In high-traffic hours, websites may respond slowly. Candidates should avoid waiting until the final minutes before midnight to complete their application.

The Broader Context: Digital Access and Educational Equity

The reopening of the registration window underscores a persistent reality in India’s educational ecosystem, i.e - digital access is uneven. While urban candidates often navigate online procedures with relative ease, those in semi-urban and rural regions may face:

• Unstable internet connectivity
• Power disruptions
• Limited access to digital devices
• Inadequate technical guidance

The NTA’s decision to reopen the portal reflects an attempt to address such structural disparities. However, by declaring this extension final, authorities are also signalling the necessity for procedural discipline in national-level examinations.

What Happens After Registration?

Once the registration process concludes:

1. Admit Cards will be issued ahead of the examination window.
2. The examination will be conducted in multiple shifts if necessary.
3. Provisional answer keys may be released for challenge.
4. Results will be declared following evaluation.
5. Universities will initiate their respective counselling and admission processes based on CUET scores.

Candidates must regularly monitor the official portal for notifications, updates, and schedule announcements.

A Defining Moment for Aspirants

For lakhs of students across the country, CUET-UG is not merely an entrance examination, it is a defining juncture in their academic trajectory. The uniform testing system symbolises a move towards merit-based inclusivity, reducing institutional subjectivity in admissions.

Yet, opportunity demands vigilance. Missing the deadline due to oversight would be an avoidable setback.

The final hours before closure are often marked by a surge in applications, which may strain the portal’s responsiveness. Aspirants are therefore strongly advised to complete their submissions well before 11:50 PM tonight.

Conclusion

The reopening of the CUET-UG 2026 registration portal was granted as a special concession. With its closure tonight, the window for undergraduate aspirants narrows decisively. Candidates who have yet to apply must treat this as the final call. Visit the official portal, complete the process meticulously, verify all details, and secure confirmation of submission. In the landscape of contemporary higher education, preparedness is as critical as performance. The door remains open, but only until midnight.