NEW DELHI — The National Testing Agency has announced the postponement of the Common University Entrance Test for undergraduate admissions (CUET UG) scheduled for 2026, with a revised examination calendar expected to be released shortly on its official portal.

The decision to defer the entrance examination affects lakhs of aspiring students seeking admission to central universities and participating institutions across the country. The testing agency is expected to announce fresh dates through its website, though no specific timeline has been provided for the revised schedule.

The CUET UG examination, introduced in 2022, serves as the common gateway for undergraduate admissions to 45 central universities and numerous other participating institutions nationwide. The test replaced individual entrance examinations conducted by various universities, aiming to standardise the admission process and reduce the burden on students appearing for multiple tests.

The postponement comes at a crucial time for students planning their academic calendar and preparation strategies. Authorities have not yet disclosed the reasons behind the deferment, leaving candidates and educational institutions awaiting clarity on the new examination dates and any potential changes to the application process.