CUET-UG 2026: 96.6% of Candidates Allotted Preferred City; Re-allocation Window Opens for Remaining Candidates

The National Testing Agency (NTA) has officially released an important press update dated 05 May 2026 regarding the Common University Entrance Test for Undergraduate Programmes (CUET-UG) 2026. This year's exam stands out as one of the largest computer-based examinations administered globally, with an overwhelming 15,68,866 registered candidates. NTA has announced a highly successful initial allocation process, with 96.6% of candidates allotted one of their preferred cities and 79% of candidates successfully allotted their first-choice city.

To accommodate the remaining 3.4% of candidates who could not be accommodated in their preferred locations due to extreme capacity bottlenecks in high-demand cities, NTA has initiated a dedicated re-allocation window. This window allows affected candidates to log in and select from vacant slots in alternative cities on a first-come, first-serve basis via the official portal at https://cuet.nta.nic.in.

Successfully managing an examination of this magnitude requires overcoming severe logistical constraints. Over 43% of total candidates (approximately 6,74,352 registrations) originate from just three regions: Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Delhi, generating a massive volume of 29,93,554 effective test instances across 9,922 subject combinations in these states alone. NTA's allocation system dynamically resolves three critical parameters simultaneously: the candidate's preferred city, their unique combination of subjects, and the specific shift schedule across 35 shifts nationwide.

Key Examination Statistics & Data Points

• Release Date of Notice: 05 May 2026
• Total Registered Candidates: 15,68,866
• First Choice City Allotment Success Rate: 79%
• Preferred City Allotment Success Rate (Overall): 96.6%
• Candidates Allotted Centres Outside Selected Preferences: 3.4%
• Total Aggregate Test Instances: Approximately 67,56,321
• Average Number of Subjects Opted Per Candidate: 4.31
• Total Distinct Subject Combinations Recorded: 12,906
• Total Examination Shifts (Nationwide): 35

Candidate Distribution by Number of Opted Subjects

• 1 Subject: 11,140 candidates
• 2 Subjects: 31,011 candidates
• 3 Subjects: 2,93,660 candidates
• 4 Subjects: 3,63,096 candidates
• 5 Subjects: 8,69,959 candidates

Annexure-I: State-wise Distribution of Candidates & Subject Combinations

Annexure-II: Subject-wise Breakdown of Candidates

1. Log in to the Portal: Visit the official NTA CUET website at https://cuet.nta.nic.in immediately.
2. Check Your Allotment: Thoroughly verify your currently allotted examination city, center address, date, and shift timings as displayed on your admit card.
3. Access Re-allocation Window (For Eligible Candidates): If you are part of the 3.4% of candidates who did not get a preferred city, log in to access the active re-allocation dashboard.
4. Select From Vacant Slots: Browse and select from the newly listed vacant slots in alternate cities. Remember, these slots are offered strictly on a first-come, first-serve basis, so prompt action is recommended.
5. Confirm and Secure Your Selection: Save your choice to update your registration records and print the updated allotment confirmation.
6. Make Travel Arrangements: Organize your travel, transit, and accommodation needs well in advance based on the confirmed location.
7. Plan Your Exam Day Logistics: Ensure you arrive at the designated test venue well in advance of the scheduled reporting time to facilitate smooth security checks and identity verification.
8. Reach Out to Support if Needed: In case of queries or technical difficulties, contact the NTA Helpdesk at 011-40759000 or drop an email to cuet-ug@nta.ac.in.