The CUET exam gives easy access to students for seeking admission in top universities through a single examination. The Common University Entrance Test (CUET) is often conducted in multiple phases, especially when the number of students is high. The NTA manages the applicants through conducting multiple exam phases. Phases 1 and 2 are commonly used for exam slots.
CUET Exam Process
The CUET exam tests the knowledge of language subjects, general aptitude, and domain-specific subjects. The first step toward the CUET journey is the application process, then the entrance exam and result; after the result, the counselling process starts for the final admission.
| Particulars | Details |
| Exam | CUET UG |
| Exam Conducting Body | National Testing Agency (NTA) |
| The CUET 2026 application process begins. | Last week of February 2026 |
| CUET 2026 last date of application Process | Last week of March |
| Application correction window open | 1st week of April |
| CUET admit card release date | 2nd week of May |
| CUET UG 2026 exam | 3rd week of may – 1st week of June |
| CUET 2026 provisional answer key release | 1st week of July |
| CUET Final answer key release | Last week of July |
| CUET 2026 result | Last week of July |
| The counselling process begins | 1st week of August |
CUET Exam Process: Phase 1 and Phase 2
When a large number of students apply for the CUET exam, NTA usually divides the exam into phase 1 and phase 2. It helps to ensure a smooth exam with a proper management and evaluation process. Phase 1 is the initial part of the CUET exam; it covers the first set of exam days conducted by NTA. Phase 2 is conducted just after phase 1. In this phase, the remaining candidates appear in the exam whose exam is not scheduled in phase 1.
CUET Exam Phases
The NTA conducts the exam of CUET in different phases due to the large number of applicants. Lakhs of students apply for the exam for a smooth and fair exam. NTA conducts the exam in two phases. Below, we share the detailed information about both phases of the CUET exam.
CUET Phase 1
- Phase 1 Exam for those subjects that receive more than 1.5 lakh applicants.
- Exam Conducted in multiple shifts
- This phase also follows the same syllabus and the same pattern and marking scheme.
- Separate admit card release for candidates who are going to appear in the phase 1 exam.
- It help to reduce the overcrowding at exam centers
CUET Phase 2
- Phase 2 of the CUET exam is conducted in the 3rd week of May.
- The difficulty level of the exam is similar to the first phase of the CUET exam.
- The new admit card is released for the second phase of the exam.
- The normalization process applies to ensure fairness.
Why is CUET Held in Phases?
The CUET is one of the largest exams in India; lakhs of students registered for this exam. To ensure a smooth and fair exam, NTA conducts the exam in multiple phases rather than conducting the exam in a single day.
- NTA receives a large number of candidates for the CUET exam; to manage the large number of applicants, NTA conducts the exam in phases.
- To maintain the exam security and reduce exam malpractices.
- NTA tries to provide more flexibility to students by providing exam centers nearby homes.
- Limited availability of centers is also a reason for conducting the exam in phases.

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