CUET UG 2026 exam from May 11; NTA releases advisory on dress code, footwear

Ahead of the Common University Entrance Test Undergraduate (CUET UG) 2026 examination, the National Testing Agency (NTA) has issued an advisory regarding the dress code and permissible items. The entrance exam will be conducted in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode between May 11 and May 31, 2026. It will be conducted across centres in India and 15 cities abroad.

CUET UG 2026 admit cards are out, and candidates must carry its printout to exam hall. Along with hall tickets, they should also carry a valid ID proof. Later, an allocation window was opened after candidates complained about distant exam centres. Over 15.68 lakh students registered for the exam, with 79% receiving their first-choice city and 96.6% allotted one of their preferred cities.

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What's allowed and what's not

• As per the advisory, candidates will be allowed to carry transparent water bottles inside the examination centre.
• Wearing articles or objects of faith will be permitted, provided candidates report to the centre well in advance for proper frisking
• Religious threads such as kalava will also be allowed.

Dress-code guidelines

• Candidates should preferably wear light-coloured clothes.
• Woollen clothing will be permitted if required, subject to early reporting at the examination centre for security checks.
• Normal shoes, slippers, and low heels are the preferred footwear for the examination.

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Steps to download CUET hall ticket

Here's the detailed guide to download CUET admit card

• Visit the official website, cuet.nta.nic.in
• On the homepage, look for the link that reads, "CUET admit card 2026"
• In the next step, download the CUET admit card using application number and date of birth
• CUET admit card will appear on screen
• Go through the same and download it
• Take its printout and carry the same to exam hall

NTA has urged all CUET candidates to follow the prescribed guidelines and cooperate with examination staff to ensure smooth conduct of the examination.