CUET PG 2026: NTA Permits Up to Four Exam City Preferences — Correction Window from January 18–20
New Delhi, December 19, 2025 – In a major relief to lakhs of postgraduate aspirants across the country, the National Testing Agency (NTA) has issued a new clarification regarding exam centre city selections for the Common University Entrance Test for Postgraduate admissions (CUET PG 2026).
The latest public notice dated December 19, 2025 confirms that candidates can now choose up to four examination city preferences within the state of their permanent or present residence.
This decision comes at a time when students have been voicing concerns regarding long-distance travel, limited exam centres and logistical challenges.
Why This Clarification Matters for Students?
CUET PG has emerged as India’s primary centralized PG entrance test, attracting lakhs of applicants every year.
Until now, many candidates worried about receiving distant exam centres despite requesting local preferences.
The latest clarification offers major benefits:
- increases chances of getting nearer test centre
- provides flexible options within the state
- reduces travel burden and expenses
- improves fairness in exam centre allocation
- supports students from rural and remote regions
The move highlights NTA’s intention to strengthen accessibility and convenience for aspirants.
What Has NTA Announced? Key Takeaways from the Public Notice
According to the official communication:
1. Candidates Can Select Four Exam Cities
Applicants will now be able to choose up to four examination cities based on their permanent or current residential state.
2. Only State-Based Choices Allowed
The preferences must be selected within the candidate’s state, ensuring allocation feasibility and availability.
3. Exam City Allotment Depends on Availability
The NTA clarified that although candidates may choose four options, final allotment will depend on:
- number of applicants opting for a city
- availability of infrastructure
- operational feasibility and capacity
4. Correction Window Scheduled from January 18–20, 2026
Candidates who already submitted CUET PG applications can update city preferences during an online correction window between:
🗓 18 January to 20 January 2026
The correction facility will be active for only three days.
5. Terms and Guidelines Remain Unchanged
Except the clarification regarding city choices, all instructions, eligibility rules and deadlines mentioned in the Information Bulletin remain unchanged.
How to Exercise City Choice Correction?
Though detailed instructions are expected closer to the correction window date, candidates can expect the following steps:
- login to candidate portal using application number and password
- navigate to the correction window link
- modify exam city preferences
- review entries before submission
- download confirmation page
Applicants must ensure timely action, as no further correction opportunity may be provided.
Student Reaction: Positive and Welcoming
The clarification is expected to ease uncertainty among candidates.
Students preparing for CUET PG 2026 have expressed relief as multiple city options increase the probability of being assigned centres closer to home.
This autonomy in selecting preferred cities also reduces risk of long travel journeys and improves accessibility for differently-abled candidates and those from low-income backgrounds.
About CUET PG: Why The Test Matters
The CUET PG exam, conducted by NTA annually, is the gateway for admission into postgraduate programs offered by:
- Central Universities
- State Universities
- Deemed Universities
- Private and Participating Institutions
Replacing multiple separate entrance exams, CUET PG aims to:
- streamline the admission process
- ensure equal opportunity for all candidates
- reduce financial and logistical stress
- promote a common, standardized evaluation system
With wide participation from universities across India, CUET PG significantly impacts PG admission landscape every year.
Important Dates at a Glance
| Event | Schedule |
|---|---|
| Public Notice Release | December 19, 2025 |
| Correction Window Opens | January 18, 2026 |
| Correction Window Closes | January 20, 2026 |
| Exam Schedule | To be notified by NTA |
| Admit Card Release | Expected weeks before exam |
Candidates should regularly track announcements from NTA to avoid missing updates.
NTA Advisory for Applicants
The agency has advised all CUET PG 2026 applicants to:
- regularly visit the official website
- verify details entered in the application form
- update exam city preferences carefully
- avoid relying on unofficial news sources
The official notice is available on the NTA website, and updates will be communicated through official channels only.
Where to Check Official Updates?
Official information will be available at:
Candidates should monitor the Public Notices section for the latest announcements.
The NTA’s decision to allow four exam city choices for CUET PG 2026 is a welcome step towards making the examination process more student-friendly.
For the first time, candidates are being given expanded flexibility in selecting local examination cities.
With the correction window scheduled from January 18 to 20, 2026, candidates who previously submitted applications will get a chance to modify or update their preferences.
As CUET PG 2026 approaches, further notifications regarding examination timetable, admit cards and guidelines are expected soon.
Candidates are encouraged to remain vigilant and follow official communications to avoid missing critical updates.
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