CUET ADMISSIONS | APRIL 2026
Last Updated: April 2026 | Complete CUET University List with Cutoff Data
Total Participating Universities: 280+ (and growing every year)
Central Universities: 47 | State Universities: 42 | Deemed: 35 | Private: 171+
Key Fact: All 47 Central Universities MUST use CUET scores for UG admission — it is mandatory by UGC directive
The CUET university list for 2027 includes over 280 universities across India that accept Common University Entrance Test scores for undergraduate admission. With 14.92 lakh students competing for roughly 3 lakh UG seats, knowing which universities participate — and their cutoff ranges — is critical for strategic application planning.
This is the most comprehensive and up-to-date list of universities accepting CUET UG scores, categorized by type (Central, State, Deemed, Private) with cutoff data for the top 20 most sought-after institutions. Whether you are targeting Delhi University, BHU, JNU, or private options like LPU and Amity, this guide covers them all.
Central Universities Accepting CUET — Complete List (47)
All 47 Central Universities are mandated by the UGC to use CUET scores for undergraduate admissions. These are the most prestigious government-funded institutions in India:
Tier 1 — Most Competitive Central Universities
| University | Location | NIRF Rank | Popular Courses | Approx. Cutoff (Gen) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Delhi (DU) | New Delhi | Top 5 | B.Com, BA Eco, B.Sc, BA English | 700-725/750 |
| Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) | New Delhi | Top 5 | BA Languages, Social Sciences | 680-710/750 |
| Banaras Hindu University (BHU) | Varanasi | Top 10 | B.Sc, BA, B.Com, BBA | 680-720/750 |
| Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI) | New Delhi | Top 10 | BA, B.Sc, B.Com, BBA | 670-700/750 |
| Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) | Aligarh | Top 15 | BA, B.Sc, B.Com, B.Tech | 650-690/750 |
| University of Hyderabad | Hyderabad | Top 15 | Integrated MA, M.Sc programs | 650-680/750 |
Tier 2 — Strong Central Universities
- University of Allahabad (Prayagraj) — One of India’s oldest universities, strong in Arts and Sciences
- Visva-Bharati University (Shantiniketan) — Founded by Rabindranath Tagore, excellent for Arts and Humanities
- Pondicherry University — Strong research programs, beautiful campus
- TISS Mumbai (Deemed University) — India’s top institution for Social Sciences and Public Policy
- North-Eastern Hill University (Shillong) — Best in Northeast India
- Tezpur University (Assam) — Strong in Sciences and Engineering
- Dr. Harisingh Gour Vishwavidyalaya (Sagar, MP) — Good for Sciences
- Hemvati Nandan Bahuguna Garhwal University (Uttarakhand) — Scenic campus, diverse courses
Tier 3 — Regional Central Universities (All States)
- Central University of Rajasthan (Ajmer)
- Central University of Punjab (Bathinda)
- Central University of Haryana (Mahendragarh)
- Central University of Gujarat (Gandhinagar)
- Central University of Karnataka (Kalaburagi)
- Central University of Kerala (Kasaragod)
- Central University of Tamil Nadu (Thiruvarur)
- Central University of Jharkhand (Ranchi)
- Central University of Jammu
- Central University of Kashmir (Srinagar)
- Central University of Himachal Pradesh (Dharamshala)
- Central University of Odisha (Koraput)
- Central University of Andhra Pradesh (Anantapur)
- Central University of South Bihar (Gaya)
- Mahatma Gandhi Central University (Motihari, Bihar)
- Indira Gandhi National Tribal University (Amarkantak, MP)
- Guru Ghasidas Vishwavidyalaya (Bilaspur, CG)
- Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University (Lucknow)
- Maulana Azad National Urdu University (Hyderabad)
- Mahatma Gandhi Antarrashtriya Hindi Vishwavidyalaya (Wardha)
- The English & Foreign Languages University (Hyderabad)
- Central Sanskrit University (Delhi)
- Manipur University
- Mizoram University
- Nagaland University
- Tripura University
- Assam University (Silchar)
- Rajiv Gandhi University (Arunachal Pradesh)
- Sikkim University
- National Forensic Sciences University (Gandhinagar)
- Sammakka Sarakka Central Tribal University (Telangana — newly added)
State Universities Accepting CUET (42+)
Several State Universities have voluntarily adopted CUET scores for some or all of their UG programs. Notable ones include:
- Delhi Technological University (DTU) — Uses CUET for select programs
- Dr. B.R. Ambedkar University Delhi — All UG programs through CUET
- Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University (GGSIPU) — Select programs
- Patna University — Select courses
- And 38+ more state universities across India
Deemed Universities Accepting CUET (35+)
Deemed-to-be-Universities with CUET-based admissions include:
- Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), Mumbai — India’s premier Social Sciences institution
- Jamia Hamdard (New Delhi)
- Deccan College Post-Graduate and Research Institute
- Gandhigram Rural Institute
- And 30+ more deemed universities
Private Universities Accepting CUET (171+)
A growing number of private universities now accept CUET scores, often alongside their own entrance tests or direct admission. Key private universities include:
| University | Location | Known For | CUET Usage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lovely Professional University (LPU) | Punjab | 200+ programs, large campus | CUET + LPUNEST |
| Chandigarh University | Punjab | Engineering, Management | CUET + CUCET |
| Amity University | Noida, Multiple | Multiple campuses, diverse programs | CUET accepted |
| Bennett University | Greater Noida | Times Group, Media, Engineering | CUET accepted |
| Sharda University | Greater Noida | Medical, Engineering, Arts | CUET accepted |
| Chitkara University | Punjab, HP | Engineering, Business | CUET accepted |
| SRM University | Chennai, Multiple | Engineering, Medical | CUET accepted for select programs |
Plus 160+ more private universities across India. The number grows every year as more institutions recognize CUET as a standardized, reliable admission criterion.
CUET Cutoff Data — Top 20 Universities (2025 Reference)
Understanding cutoff trends helps you set realistic targets. Here are the General category cutoff ranges from CUET 2025 (out of 750 for 3 subjects):
| University | Top Course | General Cutoff | OBC Cutoff | SC/ST Cutoff |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DU — SRCC | B.Com (Hons) | 705-725 | 670-695 | 630-670 |
| DU — Top Colleges | B.Sc (Hons) | 690-715 | 660-690 | 620-660 |
| DU | BA (Hons) Economics | 680-710 | 650-680 | 610-650 |
| DU | BA Programme | 620-680 | 580-640 | 540-600 |
| BHU | B.Sc, BA (Hons) | 680-720 | 640-680 | 600-640 |
| JNU | BA (Hons) Social Sciences | 680-710 | 640-670 | 600-640 |
| JMI | BA, B.Sc | 670-700 | 630-660 | 590-630 |
| AMU | BA, B.Sc, B.Com | 650-690 | 610-650 | 570-610 |
| University of Hyderabad | Integrated programs | 650-680 | 610-650 | 570-610 |
| University of Allahabad | BA, B.Sc | 600-650 | 560-610 | 520-570 |
Score Ranges and What They Mean for Your Admission
| Raw Score (per subject, out of 250) | Percentile | Realistic University Targets |
|---|---|---|
| 200+ marks | 99th+ | DU top colleges (SRCC, Hindu, Stephens), BHU, JNU top courses |
| 175-199 marks | 95th-99th | DU mid-tier colleges, BHU most courses, JNU, JMI, AMU |
| 150-174 marks | 85th-95th | Regional Central Universities, reserved category seats at DU/BHU |
| Below 150 marks | Below 85th | State Universities, Private Universities, newer Central Universities |
D — DU, BHU, JNU (700+ cutoff — Dream tier)
A — AMU, JMI, Hyderabad (650-700 — Ambitious tier)
R — Regional Central Universities (550-650 — Realistic tier)
S — State + Private Universities (below 550 — Safe tier)
How the CUET Admission Process Works
Understanding the admission process is critical because there is no centralized counselling for CUET. Each university runs its own admission process independently. Here is the step-by-step flow:
- Register for CUET UG on cuet.nta.nic.in (January-February)
- Appear for CUET exam (May 2027)
- Download NTA Scorecard after result declaration (June 2027)
- Register on individual university portals — each university has its own application
- Universities release merit lists/cutoffs based on CUET normalized scores
- Counselling and seat allotment — typically 3-5 rounds
- Document verification at allotted institution
- Pay admission fee to confirm your seat
For Delhi University specifically, admissions go through the Common Seat Allocation System (CSAS) — a separate portal where you submit preferences and seats are allocated based on CUET scores.
Need help preparing? Explore our CUET Coaching programs or take a free mock test to see where you stand. Visit our CUET FAQ page for detailed answers to common admission questions.
Frequently Asked Questions — CUET University List
Is CUET mandatory for all university admissions in India?
CUET is mandatory for all 47 Central Universities as directed by UGC. For State, Deemed, and Private Universities, CUET participation is voluntary. Many private universities accept CUET scores alongside their own entrance tests or direct admission. As of 2027, over 280 universities accept CUET scores in some capacity.
What CUET score do I need for Delhi University?
For top DU colleges like SRCC, Hindu College, and St. Stephen’s, you need a CUET score of 700+ out of 750 (3 subjects combined) for General category. Mid-tier colleges require 650-700, while newer colleges may accept scores around 600-650. OBC and SC/ST categories have relaxed cutoffs. Practice with our free mock tests to gauge your readiness.
Can I apply to multiple universities with one CUET score?
Yes, you can apply to unlimited universities with a single CUET scorecard. There is no restriction on the number of university applications. However, each university has its own application portal and fee, so you need to register separately on each university’s website during the admission window.
Are private universities better or central universities?
Central Universities are government-funded with subsidized fees (Rs 5,000-30,000/year), strong faculty, and recognized research programs. Private Universities offer modern infrastructure, industry connections, and flexible curricula but at significantly higher fees (Rs 1-5 lakh/year). The best choice depends on your budget, career goals, and course preferences. Top Central Universities like DU and BHU have brand value that is hard to match.
With the right preparation strategy, every university on this list is within reach. Start with our free NTA CBT simulator to assess your current level, then join a structured course for guided preparation.
Practice Quiz
Test your knowledge of CUET universities with these 10 MCQs:
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