Who is Eligible for CUET 2026?
Who is Eligible for CUET 2026?
Comprehensive Guide to Age Limit, Qualifications & Reservations
Class 12 Passed/Appearing No Exam Age Limit Open for DroppersThe Basics: NTA vs. University Eligibility
Crucial Concept: Understanding CUET eligibility requires knowing there are two levels:
- NTA Level (Exam Eligibility): Very relaxed. Almost anyone can take the test.
- University Level (Admission Eligibility): Strict. Each college (DU, BHU, JNU) has its own rules about age, subjects, and minimum marks.
You might be eligible to sit for the exam, but ineligible for a specific college if you don’t check their rules!
Common Criteria for ALL Candidates:
- Qualification: Passed Class 12 or appearing in Board Exams in 2026.
- Stream: Arts, Commerce, Science – all are eligible.
- Gap Years: Droppers (Gap year students) are 100% eligible.
Detailed Eligibility Parameters
| Parameter | NTA Rule (For Taking Exam) | University Rule (For Admission) |
|---|---|---|
| Age Limit | No Age Limit (Candidates of any age can sit for CUET) | Varies (e.g., BHU has age caps for some courses; JNU has min. age 17) |
| Minimum Marks | None (Even passing marks allow you to test) | Usually 50% (Gen) / 45% (SC/ST) in Class 12 |
| Subject Mapping | Choose any up to 5 subjects | Strict Mapping. (e.g., DU requires you to take subjects you studied in Class 12) |
Top University Eligibility Breakdown
Every major university has a unique “twist” to their eligibility. Here are the most popular ones:
🏛️ Delhi University (DU)
The “Class 12” Rule: You MUST appear in CUET for the same subjects you studied in Class 12.
Min Marks: Just pass in Class 12 is often enough, but specific courses need 30% in Language.
Age: No Age Bar.
🎓 Banaras Hindu University (BHU)
Age Cap: Generally, you must not be older than 22 years (as of July 1st of admission year).
Min Marks: 50% aggregate in Class 12 is mandatory for most courses.
Mandatory: General Test is required for many courses.
🏫 JNU (Jawaharlal Nehru Univ)
Minimum Age: Candidate must be at least 17 years old.
Qualification: 10+2 with minimum 45% marks.
Focus: Mostly offers Language courses & specialized B.Sc. programs.
🏰 Jamia Millia Islamia
Specifics: Eligibility varies strictly by course. Check their brochure for “Subject Mapping” as they don’t accept General Test for all courses.
Min Marks: Usually 50% in best 5 papers.
Reservation & Relaxation Policy (2026)
The reservation policy follows the Government of India norms for Central Universities. Candidates must have valid certificates issued on or after 1st April 2026 (typically) for EWS/OBC-NCL.
Certificate Warning: Your category certificate (SC/ST/OBC/EWS) must be in the Central Government Format. State formats are often rejected during counseling.
❌ Eligibility Mistakes to Avoid
- Changing Streams Incorrectly: If you are Science stream in 12th but want Arts in DU, DO NOT take History/Pol Sci in CUET. Take Physics/Chem/Maths in CUET -> DU will convert your score for Arts admission.
- Ignoring Language: Almost 90% of universities require English/Hindi. Do not skip the Language section.
- Dropper Doubt: If you passed 12th in 2024 or 2025, you ARE eligible for 2026.
🔗 Useful Links & Resources
Are You Eligible? Start Preparing Now!
If you meet the criteria, the next step is mastering the syllabus. Don’t wait for the last month.
