CUET UG 2026 Fee Structure Explained: Category-Wise Charges, Additional Subject Fees and Payment Rules
The National Testing Agency (NTA) has officially released the CUET UG 2026 fee structure along with the Information Bulletin for the upcoming Common University Entrance Test for Undergraduate admissions. The fee structure applies to candidates seeking admission to undergraduate programmes offered by Central Universities and participating State, Deemed, and Private Universities for the academic session 2026–27.
CUET UG 2026 will be conducted in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode, and candidates are allowed to select a maximum of five subjects, including languages and the General Test. The total application fee depends on the number of subjects chosen and the candidate’s category.
CUET UG 2026 Application Fee: Key Highlights
- Fee is subject-based, not paper-based
- Candidates can apply for up to 5 subjects only
- Separate fee slabs apply for Indian centres and centres outside India
- Additional charges apply for each extra subject beyond three
- Fee must be paid online only
The NTA has clearly stated that no application will be considered complete without successful payment of the prescribed fee.
CUET UG 2026 Fee for Up to Three Subjects
For candidates selecting a maximum of three subjects, the application fee is as follows:
Category-Wise Fee (Up to 3 Subjects)
- General (UR): ₹1000
- OBC (NCL) / EWS: ₹900
- SC / ST / PwD / Third Gender: ₹800
- Candidates choosing centres outside India: ₹4500
This base fee allows candidates to appear for up to three subjects, including language papers and the General Test.
CUET UG 2026 Fee for Additional Subjects
Candidates opting for more than three subjects are required to pay an additional fee for each extra subject selected.
Additional Subject Fee (Per Subject)
- General (UR): ₹400 per subject
- OBC (NCL) / EWS: ₹375 per subject
- SC / ST / PwD / Third Gender: ₹350 per subject
- Centres outside India: ₹1800 per subject
This fee applies from the fourth subject onward, subject to a maximum of five subjects.
Illustration: How CUET UG 2026 Fee Is Calculated
To help candidates understand the fee calculation better, here are a few examples:
-
General category candidate choosing 3 subjects:
Fee = ₹1000 -
General category candidate choosing 5 subjects:
Fee = ₹1000 + (₹400 × 2) = ₹1800 -
SC candidate choosing 4 subjects:
Fee = ₹800 + ₹350 = ₹1150 -
Candidate opting for exam centre outside India (3 subjects):
Fee = ₹4500
This structured approach ensures transparency and fairness across categories.
Mode of Payment for CUET UG 2026
The CUET UG 2026 application fee must be paid only through online modes. The following payment options are available:
- Credit Card
- Debit Card
- Net Banking
- UPI
Candidates must note that bank service charges, payment gateway fees, and applicable GST may be charged separately by the bank or payment service provider.
Important Rules Related to Fee Payment
- The application form will be treated as incomplete if the fee is not paid successfully
- No offline payment (cash, demand draft, cheque) is allowed
- Fee once paid is non-refundable under any circumstances
- No fee adjustment will be allowed for incorrect subject selection
Candidates are advised to carefully select subjects before proceeding to payment.
Fee and Subject Selection Guidelines
- Candidates may choose subjects based on eligibility criteria of the universities they wish to apply to
- Selecting unnecessary subjects will increase the application cost
- Universities may have programme-specific subject requirements, which candidates must verify separately
NTA has clarified that payment of fee does not guarantee admission, as admission depends on eligibility, merit, and university-specific counselling processes.
Correction Window and Fee Implications
NTA will open a correction window from February 2 to February 4, 2026, allowing candidates to edit certain details in their application forms.
However:
- No refund will be issued if subjects are reduced
- Additional fee must be paid if subjects are added
- Fee differences must be settled during correction, if applicable
Why Understanding the CUET UG 2026 Fee Structure Is Important
Understanding the fee structure helps candidates:
- Plan finances in advance
- Avoid unnecessary subject selection
- Prevent payment errors during form submission
- Ensure compliance with NTA rules
With lakhs of students expected to apply for CUET UG 2026, clarity on fees plays a crucial role in ensuring a smooth application process.
Official Websites for Fee and Application Updates
Candidates should rely only on official portals for authentic information:
- CUET UG Website: https://cuet.nta.nic.in
- NTA Website: https://nta.ac.in
For queries related to fee payment or application issues:
- Helpline Number: 011-40759000
- Email: cuet-ug@nta.ac.in
The CUET UG 2026 fee structure introduced by the National Testing Agency is designed to be transparent, category-sensitive, and subject-based. By allowing candidates to choose up to five subjects and pay accordingly, NTA ensures flexibility while maintaining a uniform admission framework. Applicants are strongly advised to review the fee structure carefully, select subjects wisely, and complete payment well before the deadline to avoid last-minute complications.
CUET UG 2026 fee structure
CUET UG application fee 2026
CUET UG additional subject fees
NTA CUET UG fees category wise
cuet.nta.nic.in fees
Post a Comment