Is CUET Compulsory for All Universities?

The Common University Entrance Test (CUET) introduced by the National Testing Agency (NTA) has now become one of the largest changes in the higher education system of India. Considering more than 250+ universities will take part in it, CUET has emerged as a centralized entrance to undergraduate admissions in central, state, deemed, and private universities. However, there is always a question that remains a common one, and that is, Is CUET mandatory in all Indian universities?

In this comprehensive blog, we will discuss the extent of CUET, which universities have adopted it to be compulsory, and what the alternatives are. We will also discuss preparation plans and efficient ways of navigating through this changing admission environment.

What is CUET UG?

The CUET UG (Undergraduate) is a national level entrance test administered by NTA to provide admissions in various undergraduate courses in the participating universities. The aim is to establish a level playing field and equal opportunity to all students in India, even in the rural and remote regions.

All the students (CBSE, ICSE, State Boards) take a common test, and the test is centrally evaluated. These are language, domain-specific (such as maths, biology, economics, and so on), and general tests (aptitude, logical reasoning, and so on).

Will CUET be Mandatory in all Universities in 2026?

No, CUET is not mandatory in all universities. Although Central Universities have to take CUET, State, Deemed, and Private Universities will be allowed to participate in the test. Nevertheless, numerous leading universities, including the private ones, are embracing CUET as a part of their admission procedure at least in part.

Let’s take a closer look.

University Types and CUET Requirement

Why Has CUET Been Made Mandatory for Central Universities?

CUET was implemented to address several long-standing issues in the Indian university admission process:

1. Every board has a different marking scheme, leading to unfair advantage in cutoff-based admissions.

2. Standardized Testing: A unified entrance reduces biases and creates a level playing field.

3. Multiple Applications: Students had to apply separately to each university. CUET merges this into one process.

As a result, all Central Universities are required to use CUET scores for undergraduate admissions. No Class 12 marks-based admission is allowed without CUET in these institutions.

Read More: How to Choose CUET Subjects Based on Your Dream College & Course?

Which Universities Have Opted Out of CUET?

While CUET is gaining popularity, several prestigious institutions have not adopted it yet:

• IITs & NITs continue with JEE Advanced and JEE Main, respectively.

• AIIMS and JIPMER use NEET for admissions to medical courses.

• BITS Pilani uses its own BITSAT exam.

• Indian Statistical Institute (ISI) and IISc Bangalore also use separate entrance criteria.

These institutes operate under different ministries and policies, so CUET is not mandatory for them.

Will CUET Become Compulsory for All Universities in the Future?

The Ministry of Education has not made any official statement on whether CUET will be made mandatory for all universities. But as the number of universities voluntarily joining the CUET platform increases every year, it is clear that this direction is being taken.

The NTA CUET UG books 2026 and CUET mock test books now include modules of preparation not only for the central universities, but also the private universities and state universities that have now adopted CUET.

Will Delhi University need CUET in 2026?

Yes, Delhi University (DU) has completely embraced CUET as the only valid admission for any undergraduate course. Admission to the students will not be done according to Class 12 marks only. Even the elite courses such as B.Com (Hons), BA (Hons) Economics, and BSc Mathematics demand CUET scores.

Students are going to CUET mock test books and well-organized materials such as nta CUET UG books 2026 to gain an advantage in preparation.

Will I be able to join college without CUET in 2026?

Yes, you can get admission without CUET- but not in Central Universities. Most of the State Universities, Private Universities, and even some Deemed Universities give admission on the basis of Class 12 marks or their entrance exams.

In case your dream college is not under CUET, visit their official site and see the other entrance requirements. However, in the case of wider choices, CUET provides you with a common platform where you can apply to several reputed institutions with a single score.

Do all private universities accept CUET 2026 scores?

Not every private university accepts CUET, no. Nonetheless, more and more private universities have been enrolled in the CUET system. Some institutions give preference to CUET applicants, and some institutions use CUET scores and their selection procedure.

In this kind of competition, the preparation of CUET with the best books can provide a better score in CUET, which can provide several admission opportunities, such as the option of private colleges.

Is CUET maths compulsory for all students?

Not at all. CUET is subject-specific, and students can choose which domain subjects they want to appear for based on the course requirements of the universities they are applying to.

For example:

• For B.Com (Hons), some colleges require Maths, others don’t.

• For BSc Physics, Maths is compulsory.

• For BA English, only the language and general tests might be enough.

If you’re opting for math-heavy courses, then go for CUET books 2026 maths to prepare effectively for the domain-specific section.

Is CUET tougher than board exams?

CUET is not tougher than board exams, but it is different. It focuses more on conceptual clarity, logical reasoning, and MCQ-based testing formats. Board exams test long answers, while CUET focuses on quick thinking and accuracy.

That’s why students who rely only on NCERT or board-style preparation often find CUET challenging. Using resources like NTA CUET UG books 2026 and CUET mock test books bridges this gap by simulating actual exam patterns.

Key Differences – CUET vs Board Exams

How to Prepare If CUET is Compulsory for Your Desired University?

In case you have a Central University or a CUET-enrolled private/state university as your target, this is what your preparation plan must be:

1. Identify Subjects: See what areas you need to take your subject of choice.

2. Know the Pattern: CUET is:

o Part I: Language

o Part II: Subjects (Domain Specific)

o Part III: General Test

3. Get the Right Resources: Access the best books to prepare for CUET 2026, topic-wise CUET books 2026 maths, and CUET mock test books to experience a similar environment to the exam.

4. Mock Tests: Doing mock tests regularly helps in accuracy and speed.

5. Time Management: Balance board exam prep and CUET-specific mock drills.

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Final Thoughts

The CUET UG is mandatory only in Central Universities by 2026, but an increasing universities are using it each year. Be it DU, BHU, or any other university that accepts CUET, intelligent preparation is the game-changer.

Although the university you have selected has not yet made CUET compulsory, sitting in the exam gives you a much larger college choice. You can be well equipped with the correct materials, such as nta CUET UG books 2026, subject-specific books, such as CUET books 2026 maths, CUET mock test books, realistic mock tests, and be ready no matter which direction you take.

With the Indian higher education system still changing, it is your most effective approach to keep yourself informed and stay in the game to make it to a top college.