The Common Entrance Exam 2026 refers to admission tests that act as a single gateway to multiple courses, streams or institutes in India. Typically, these exams are conducted by central agencies such as the National Testing Agency (NTA), by state CET cells, or by universities for their own affiliated colleges. Moreover, the most prominent national-level common test is the Common University Entrance Test (CUET), which now governs UG and PG admission across central universities. Furthermore, almost every state runs its own CET for engineering, pharmacy, MCA, MBA or general degree admission. This page lists every major common admission test in India along with eligibility, exam pattern, important details and preparation tips — see the full list of entrance exams in other streams too.
- Conducted by the NTA, state CET cells, and universities to streamline admission across multiple programmes.
- Cover admission to UG, PG, integrated, professional and doctoral courses in arts, science, commerce, engineering, management, MCA, law and more.
- Generally test language proficiency, domain knowledge, general awareness and aptitude.
- Most exams are conducted in online Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode with multiple-choice questions.
- Importantly, common entrance exams reduce duplication of effort — one test, multiple colleges.
Quick Highlights – Common Entrance Admission
| Exams Listed | 80+ | Levels | National • State • University |
| Course Levels | UG / PG / Integrated / PhD | Apex Body | NTA (national tests) |
| Mode | Online CBT (mostly) | Streams Covered | Arts, Science, Commerce, Engg, Law, MCA, MBA |
What is Common Entrance Exam 2026?
A common admission test is a competitive examination that grants entry to multiple courses or institutes through a single score. Generally, common entrance exams fall into three broad categories. First, national-level tests such as CUET and CUET PG govern admission across central universities and many state and private institutions. Second, state-level CETs such as KCET, EAPCET, TANCET, OJEE and BCECE conduct joint admission for engineering, pharmacy, MCA, MBA and general courses within their respective states. Third, university-level CETs such as BHU UET, LPU NEST, KIITEE and Manipal MET admit candidates to single-university programmes. Furthermore, sectoral common tests such as IMU CET for maritime studies and AIMA UGAT for management UG programmes serve specific career paths.
Common Entrance Exam 2026 – Complete List
The complete list of common admission exams in India, grouped by level, is given below. In particular, click any exam name to see its full details — dates, application form, syllabus, admit card, answer key, result and counselling.
National Level Common Entrance Exam 2026
| Name of Exam | Full Form | Conducting Body |
|---|---|---|
| CUET | Common University Entrance Test (UG) | NTA |
| CUET PG | Common University Entrance Test (PG) | NTA |
| IMU CET | Indian Maritime University Common Entrance Test | Indian Maritime University |
| AIMA UGAT | All India Management Association Under Graduate Aptitude Test | AIMA |
State Level Common Entrance Exams
Almost every Indian state runs at least one common entrance test for UG and PG admission. The full list is given below.
| State | Name of Exam | Full Form |
|---|---|---|
| Andhra Pradesh | EAPCET | Engineering, Agriculture & Pharmacy Common Entrance Test |
| ICET | AP Integrated Common Entrance Test | |
| APRDC CET | APR Degree College Common Entrance Test | |
| Assam | CPGEE | Cotton Post Graduate Entrance Examination |
| Bihar | BCECE | Bihar Combined Entrance Competitive Examination |
| BCECE LE | BCECE Lateral Entry | |
| Chandigarh | PU CET UG | Panjab University Common Entrance Test |
| PU CET PG | Panjab University CET — Post Graduate | |
| PU PhD | Panjab University PhD Entrance Test | |
| Himachal Pradesh | HPCET | Himachal Pradesh Common Entrance Test |
| Karnataka | KCET | Karnataka Common Entrance Test |
| Karnataka PGCET | Karnataka PG Common Entrance Test | |
| Maharashtra | MAH BCA BBA BMS BBM CET | Maharashtra UG Management & CA CET |
| PERA CET | Preeminent Education & Research Association CET | |
| Odisha | OJEE | Odisha Joint Entrance Examination |
| Odisha CPET | Odisha Common Post Graduate Entrance Test | |
| Nagaland | NSEE | Nagaland State Entrance Examination |
| Tamil Nadu | TANCET | Tamil Nadu Common Entrance Test |
| TNSF Consortium CET | Tamil Nadu Self-Financing Consortium CET | |
| Telangana | CPGET | Common Post Graduate Entrance Test |
| MJPTBCWREIS | MJP Telangana BCW Residential Degree Colleges | |
| TGUGCET | Telangana Gurukulam UG CET | |
| Tripura | TBJEE | Tripura Board of Joint Entrance Examination |
| Uttarakhand | UKSEE | Uttarakhand State Entrance Exam |
University Level Common Entrance Exams
In addition to national and state tests, several universities run their own common entrance exam for admission to multiple programmes on their campuses. The full list, grouped by state, is given below.
| State | Name of Exam | University / Institute |
|---|---|---|
| Andhra Pradesh | GITAM GAT | Gandhi Institute of Technology & Management |
| Vignan VSAT | Vignan University | |
| Arunachal Pradesh | RGUCET | Rajiv Gandhi University |
| Assam | DUPGET | Dibrugarh University PG Entrance Test |
| Gauhati University PGET | Gauhati University PG Entrance Test | |
| TUEE | Tezpur University Entrance Exam | |
| Bihar | Patna University Entrance Exam | Patna University |
| Patna Women’s College Entrance Exam | Patna Women’s College | |
| Delhi | DUET | Delhi University Entrance Test |
| JMI Entrance Exam | Jamia Millia Islamia | |
| JNUEE | Jawaharlal Nehru University Entrance Exam | |
| Goa | GU-ART | Goa University Admissions Ranking Test |
| Himachal Pradesh | HPCET | Himachal Pradesh Common Entrance Test |
| HPU Entrance Exam | Himachal Pradesh University | |
| Jammu & Kashmir | JUET | Jammu University |
| Kashmir University Entrance Test | Kashmir University | |
| Karnataka | Azim Premji University NET | Azim Premji University |
| DSAT | Dayananda Sagar University | |
| Manipal MET | MAHE — Manipal University | |
| Mysore University PG Entrance | University of Mysore | |
| PESSAT | PES University | |
| REVA CET | REVA University | |
| Kerala | CUCAT | Calicut University Common Admission Test |
| CUSAT CAT | Cochin University of Science & Technology | |
| CIFNET | Central Institute of Fisheries, Nautical & Engineering Training | |
| Kerala University PG Entrance Exam | Kerala University | |
| Maharashtra | BVP CET | Bharati Vidyapeeth Common Entrance Test |
| Symbiosis SET | Symbiosis International (Deemed) University | |
| TISSNET | Tata Institute of Social Sciences | |
| NMIMS NPAT | NMIMS Deemed-to-be University | |
| SPPU OEE | Savitribai Phule Pune University | |
| Odisha | KIITEE | KIIT University |
| SAAT | SOA University | |
| CGET | CV Raman Global University Entrance Test | |
| Punjab | CUCET | Chandigarh University |
| LPU NEST | Lovely Professional University | |
| SLIET SET | Sant Longowal Institute of Engineering & Technology | |
| Rajasthan | Banasthali Vidyapith Aptitude Test | Banasthali University |
| RUHS CUET | Rajasthan University of Health Sciences | |
| URATPG | University of Rajasthan Admission Test for PG | |
| Tamil Nadu | IMU CET | Indian Maritime University |
| SAEEE | Sathyabama Institute of Science & Technology | |
| Uttar Pradesh | Allahabad University PGAT | University of Allahabad |
| BHU Entrance Exam | Banaras Hindu University | |
| DDU Entrance Exam | Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Gorakhpur University | |
| Lucknow University Entrance Exam | Lucknow University | |
| RMLAU Entrance Exam | Ram Manohar Lohia Avadh University | |
| PRSU CET | Prof. Rajendra Singh University | |
| SHUATS Entrance Exam | SHUATS, Allahabad | |
| West Bengal | AUAT | Aliah University Admission Test |
| IEMJEE | University of Engineering & Management | |
| ISI Admission Test | Indian Statistical Institute | |
| MAKAUT CET | Maulana Abul Kalam Azad University of Technology | |
| PUBDET | Presidency University UG | |
| PUMDET | Presidency University PG |
Top Exams for Common Admission in 2026
Of the exams listed above, the following are typically the most widely accepted and competitive options for aspirants in 2026.
| Exam | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| CUET (UG) | NTA-conducted gateway to UG admission at 45+ central universities, plus state and private universities. The default route into Delhi University, BHU, JNU and others. |
| CUET PG | National-level PG admission test accepted by central universities and many other institutions. |
| KCET | Karnataka’s single gateway to engineering, pharmacy, agriculture, veterinary and other professional courses. |
| EAPCET | Andhra Pradesh state-level CET for engineering, agriculture and pharmacy admission. |
| OJEE | Odisha joint entrance for B.Tech (LE), MCA, MBA, M.Tech and pharmacy admission. |
| Manipal MET | Premier private-university test for B.Tech, allied health, hotel management and other UG courses at MAHE. |
Courses Offered Through These Exams
Common entrance exams open doors to virtually every UG, PG and integrated programme offered in India.
Undergraduate (UG) Courses
- B.A. / B.Sc. / B.Com (Honours and General) — typically via CUET, DUET, BHU UET
- B.Tech / B.E. — via state CETs like KCET, EAPCET, MHT CET, WBJEE
- BBA / BCA / BMS — via IPU CET, NPAT, MAH BCA-BBA CET, AIMA UGAT
- B.Pharm — via state CETs and CUET
- Integrated Law (5-year B.A. LL.B / BBA LL.B) — university CETs
Postgraduate (PG) Courses
- M.A. / M.Sc. / M.Com — via CUET PG and university PG tests
- MCA — via state CETs (MAH MCA CET, TANCET, AP ICET, etc.)
- MBA — via state CETs and AIMA-affiliated tests
- M.Tech (Lateral) — via state CETs and university tests
Doctoral (PhD) Programmes
- Ph.D. via PU PhD, Allahabad PGAT, Mysore University PG Entrance, and university-specific PhD tests
- Ph.D. by NET / JRF route at central universities
Eligibility Criteria for Common Entrance Exam 2026
Eligibility varies sharply across exams and courses. However, the general framework followed by most agencies is summarised below.
| Level | Academic Qualification | Minimum Marks | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| UG (CUET / state CET) | 10+2 in any stream (subject combinations vary) | 50% aggregate (45% for SC/ST/PwD) | Course-specific subjects required (e.g. PCM for B.Tech) |
| UG Professional (KCET / EAPCET) | 10+2 with PCM / PCB | 45–50% aggregate | State domicile preferred for state quota |
| PG (CUET PG / state CET) | Bachelor’s degree in relevant discipline | 50% aggregate (45% for reserved) | Some CETs require specific subjects in graduation |
| Integrated 5-year | 10+2 in any stream | 45–50% aggregate | Age limits apply at some institutions |
| Doctoral (PhD) | Master’s degree in the relevant field | 55% (relaxation for reserved) | UGC NET / JRF often preferred |
Always confirm exam-specific eligibility on the official notification, since most universities additionally specify subject combinations, age and domicile rules.
Common Exam Pattern
Although the exact pattern varies, most common entrance exams share a similar structure. Generally, candidates can expect the following.
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Mode | Online Computer-Based Test (CBT); a few state exams still use OMR |
| Duration | 2 to 3 hours (typical) |
| Type of Questions | Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs); some include numerical-answer-type |
| Sections (CUET UG) | Language, Domain Subjects, General Test |
| Sections (state CETs) | Subject papers as per stream + General Aptitude |
| Approximate Marks | 100 to 400 (varies by exam) |
| Negative Marking | Yes, generally –1 per wrong MCQ in CUET and most state CETs |
| Medium | English & Hindi (mostly); regional languages available in CUET |
How to Prepare — Step-by-Step Plan
A structured 4 to 8 month plan is usually enough to crack most common admission tests, provided the basics of language, reasoning and the chosen domain are strong. Follow these steps:
- First, read the latest official syllabus for your target exam (CUET / CUET PG / KCET / EAPCET, etc.) and map every topic systematically.
- Next, build strong fundamentals from NCERT Class 11 and 12 textbooks for the relevant subjects — most national CETs draw heavily from NCERT.
- For state CETs, additionally refer to the state board syllabus and reference books prescribed by the conducting authority.
- Practise General Aptitude, Logical Reasoning and Quantitative Ability daily; importantly, build speed through timed drills.
- Solve at least 5 to 10 years of previous question papers — question patterns often repeat in state CETs.
- Furthermore, take weekly full-length mock tests on AglaSem Mock Test in CBT mode to build stamina and accuracy.
- Maintain a short revision notebook covering formulas, definitions and key concepts for the last-week sprint.
- Finally, in the last month, focus on revision and mock-test analysis rather than starting new topics.
Top Universities Admitting Through Common Entrance Exams
India has hundreds of universities admitting candidates through common entrance exam scores. Notably, the following are among the most prestigious destinations.
| University | Location | Admission Route |
|---|---|---|
| University of Delhi (DU) | Delhi | CUET (UG) |
| Banaras Hindu University (BHU) | Varanasi | CUET (UG & PG) |
| Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) | Delhi | CUET (UG & PG) |
| Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI) | Delhi | CUET / JMI Entrance Exam |
| University of Hyderabad | Hyderabad | CUET PG |
| Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) | Aligarh | CUET |
| University of Allahabad | Prayagraj | CUET / Allahabad PGAT |
| Panjab University | Chandigarh | PU CET |
| Symbiosis International University | Pune | SET |
| NMIMS Deemed-to-be University | Mumbai & campuses | NPAT |
| KIIT University | Bhubaneswar | KIITEE |
| Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) | Manipal | Manipal MET |
| Lovely Professional University (LPU) | Phagwara | LPU NEST |
| Chandigarh University | Mohali | CUCET |
Career Scope After Common Entrance Course
The career outcome from a common entrance exam depends entirely on the course pursued. Notably, the following are some broad career paths.
- Humanities & Social Sciences — Civil Services (UPSC), Journalism, Policy Research, Academia, Law, Diplomacy.
- Science & Research — R&D Scientist at CSIR/DRDO/ISRO, Academia, Healthcare, Data Science.
- Commerce & Management — Accounting, Finance, Banking, Investment, MBA, Corporate Strategy.
- Engineering & Technology — Software Engineer, Data Scientist, Product Manager, Hardware Engineer.
- Health & Pharma — Pharmacist, Pharma Researcher, Healthcare Manager, Public Health Officer.
- Higher studies & abroad — Master’s / PhD in the US, UK, EU, Australia, Singapore.
- National Testing Agency (NTA) ↗ — apex body for CUET, CUET PG and many national tests.
- University Grants Commission (UGC) ↗ — regulator for higher education in India.
- Respective state CET cell / Directorate of Technical Education websites for state-level admission.
- Official website of the individual university for university-level entrance exams.
Common Entrance Exam 2026 – FAQs
It refers to the set of national, state and university-level tests that grant admission to multiple programmes or institutes through a single score. The most prominent national-level common entrance exam is CUET (UG) and CUET PG, conducted by NTA. In addition, almost every state runs its own CET, while many universities conduct their own common admission tests.
CUET (UG) is currently the most important common entrance exam in India because it governs UG admission to 45+ central universities including Delhi University, BHU, JNU and AMU, as well as a growing list of state and private universities. CUET PG plays the equivalent role at postgraduate level.
CUET is a national-level test conducted by NTA for admission to central universities and an increasing number of state and private universities. State CETs, on the other hand, are conducted by state CET cells (such as KCET, EAPCET, MHT CET, OJEE) for admission to engineering, pharmacy, MCA, MBA and other professional courses within that particular state.
Yes, you can appear in as many common entrance exams as you are eligible for, and most candidates do so to maximise admission options. For example, a Class 12 PCM student commonly appears in JEE Main, CUET, state engineering CET and at least one private-university test in the same admission cycle.
CUET UG is meant for admission to undergraduate programmes such as B.A., B.Sc., B.Com (H), BBA, BCA at central, state and participating private universities. CUET PG, in contrast, is for admission to postgraduate programmes such as M.A., M.Sc., M.Com and many specialised PG courses. Both are conducted by NTA but their syllabi, papers and timelines are different.
Yes, most common entrance exams in India are now conducted in online Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode. This includes CUET, CUET PG, almost all state CETs, and major university tests like KIITEE, LPU NEST and Manipal MET. A few smaller exams may still use OMR-based pen-and-paper mode.
Yes. Most common entrance exams in India have negative marking, typically –1 mark for each wrong MCQ in CUET, –0.25 to –1 in state CETs and university tests. However, numerical-answer-type questions (where present) usually carry no negative marking. Always check the official information bulletin for the exact marking scheme.
The official website for both CUET (UG) and CUET PG is cuet.nta.nic.in, maintained by the National Testing Agency. All notifications, application links, admit cards, answer keys and results are released on this official portal as well as on nta.ac.in.
This page is a comprehensive reference for the common entrance exam 2026 ecosystem in India — covering national, state and university-level admission tests, course options, eligibility, exam pattern, preparation strategy and career outcomes. For real-time notifications, always cross-check with the official NTA, state CET cell or respective university websites linked above.
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