Sign in
Profile
Signout
CUET 2026 Reservation Policy is implemented by the National Examination Agency (NTA). This policy gives special benefits to candidates who come from reserved categories. The aim of this policy is to provide equal opportunities to all students and ensure social justice.
This reservation policy applies to Central Universities, State Universities, Deemed and Private Universities. However, every university completes the admission process according to its own reservation criteria.
Key highlights of CUET 2026 Reservation Policy
- CUET scores will be used by all universities in their admission process.
- Reserved category candidates get benefits like application fee waiver, course fee waiver, and cutoff relaxation.
- PwBD (Persons with Benchmark Disability) candidates get scribe facility and extra time.
CUET 2026 Application Fee – Category Wise
The table below shows the CUET 2026 application fee (based on number of subjects and category):
| Category | Upto three subjects | For each additional subject |
|---|---|---|
| General UR | INR 1000 | INR 400 each |
| OBC-NCL/EWS | INR 900 | INR 375 each |
| SC/ST/PwBD/Third Gender | INR 800 | INR 350 Each |
| Centres outside India | INR 4500 | INR 1800 each |
Documents Required for CUET 2026 Application
While filling the application, it is mandatory for the candidates to upload the documents related to their reservation:
- GEN-EWS: GEN-EWS Certificate (Annexure-IA) or Declaration Form (Annexure-IB)
- OBC-NCL: OBC-NCL Certificate (Annexure-IIA) or Declaration Form (Annexure-IIB)
- SC/ST: SC/ST Certificate (Annexure-III)
- PwBD: PwBD Certificate (Annexure-IV, V, VI)
- Dyslexic Candidates: Dyslexia Certificate (Annexure-VII, VIII)
Provisions for PwBD Candidates
Scribe Facility: Scribes will be provided by NTA for physically handicapped candidates.
Extra Time:
- 15 minutes extra in 45 minutes exam
- 20 minutes extra in 1 hour exam
Eligibility: Candidates with Dyslexic, Visually Impaired and Upper Limb Disability can avail scribe facility.
CUET 2026 Reservation Criteria – Percentage for Central Universities
| Category | Reservation Percentage |
|---|---|
| GEN-EWS (General – Economically Weaker Section) | 10% |
| SC (Scheduled Caste) | 15% |
| ST (Scheduled Tribe) | 7.5% |
| OBC (Other Backward Class – Non-Creamy Layer) | 27% |
| PwBD (Persons with Benchmark Disability) | 5% in each category |
Key Points:
- PwBD candidates must have a minimum of 40% disability to avail of reservation.
- Reservation policy may vary according to the university and course.
- Candidates must check the official website of the respective university before applying.
For Central Universities, the CUET 2026 reservation percentages are: GEN-EWS – 10%, OBC-NCL – 27%, SC – 15%, ST – 7.5%, PwBD – 5% (in each category).
NTA conducts the exam, but each university applies its own reservation rules during admissions. Reserved category candidates get seat reservation, cutoff relaxation, fee waivers, and PwBD candidates receive scribe/extra time facilities.
Candidates belonging to SC, ST, OBC-NCL, GEN-EWS, PwBD, and Third Gender categories are eligible, provided they upload valid reservation certificates in the CUET 2026 application form.
Benefits include application fee concession, relaxation in cutoff marks, reservation in seats, and additional exam support (like scribe and extra time for PwBD candidates).
You must upload the correct category certificate (as per annexures provided by NTA) at the time of application and present original documents during counselling/admission.
Yes. As per UGC guidelines: OBC-NCL – 27%, SC – 15%, ST – 7.5%, GEN-EWS – 10%, PwBD – 5% (horizontal across all categories).
You can check the official CUET 2026 Information Bulletin on NTA’s website and also visit the admission portals of individual universities for course-specific reservation policies.
No. Candidates can claim reservation under only one category. For example, you cannot apply under both SC and PwBD simultaneously for double reservation.
Yes. Reserved candidates enjoy lower application fees, relaxed cutoffs, and fee concessions. PwBD candidates also get scribe facility and extra exam time.
No. Once the application form is submitted and the deadline passes, the category cannot be changed. So, candidates must fill the category details very carefully.
Get latest Exam Updates 
