2nd February, 2026

CUET JNU UG Eligibility Criteria 2026: Complete Admission Requirements Explained

Are you going to apply for admission to Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) for UG courses in 2026? It is very important to understand the CUET JNU UG Eligibility Criteria 2026 to plan your preparation and application process effectively. With the Common University Entrance Test (CUET-UG) now being the entry point for central universities such as JNU, it is important to have proper eligibility information to ensure that you fulfill all the requirements before applying. In this blog, we will discuss all the details that you need to know about CUET JNU-UG eligibility criteria 2026, the documents required, the important age and academic milestones, and how to prepare your application.

What is CUET &Whyit Matters for JNU UG Admissions 2026?

The Common University Entrance Test Undergraduate (CUET-UG) is a national-level entrance exam, which is standardized and organized by the National Testing Agency (NTA). In 2026, CUET UG will be the major criterion for admission to different undergraduate courses offered by central universities, including Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), along with other universities in India. It is mandatory for students seeking admission to JNU’s UG courses in 2026-27 to qualify for this entrance exam.

Core CUET JNU UG Eligibility Criteria 2026

Eligibility criteria for undergraduate admission at JNU through CUET 2026: In order to be eligible for undergraduate admission at JNU through CUET 2026, the candidates need to fulfill certain criteria. These criteria are non-negotiable and are the basic requirements for eligibility of CUET UG at JNU:

1. Academic Qualifications

Candidates must have:

Passed Class 12 (10+2) or an equivalent examination from a recognised board or university.
Those appearing in the final year of Class 12 exams in 2026 can also apply and appear in CUET UG.

For certain programs like Certificate of Proficiency (COP) courses, additional criteria may apply depending on the nature of the course. These are outlined by JNU in its official e-Prospectus.

2. Minimum Mark Requirements

General Category Students:

Minimum 45% aggregate marks in Class 12 or equivalent.

OBC-NCL Candidates:

Eligible for 10% relaxation, which lowers the minimum aggregate requirement relative to the general category.

SC/ST/PwD Candidates:

Are eligible to appear in CUET irrespective of minimum marks, provided they passed the qualifying examination.

3. Age Limit

There is no upper age limit for seeking admission into UG programs at JNU.
Candidates must be at least 17 years old as of 1st October 2026.

4. CUET Subject & Test Requirements

Meeting the academic thresholds isn’t sufficient by itself. To satisfy the CUET 2026 JNU Eligibility, applicants must also register and appear for the specified CUET papers:

Mandatory Papers for JNU UG Admission:

Section IA - English Test (Paper Code 101): Required for almost all UG and COP programs at JNU.
Section III - General Aptitude Test (GAT) (Paper Code 501): Compulsory for eligibility for most JNU UG courses.

Failing to sit for both the English and the General Test can make applicants ineligible, regardless of their 10+2 scores.

Subject Requirements & Course Mapping

Different programs at JNU require specific subject combinations in the CUET UG exam:

1. BA (Hons) Foreign Language Courses:

English + General Test are core papers.

2. B.Sc-M.Sc Integrated Program in Ayurveda Biology:

Candidates must choose relevant science subject papers along with compulsory tests.

3. Certificate of Proficiency (COP) Courses:

English + General Test, with variations in subject prerequisites depending on the language or skill certification.

Additional JNU UG Admission Criteria 2026 Components

Beyond eligibility, here’s what else shapes the JNU 2026 UG admission process:

1. Reservation & Relaxation

JNU follows the reservation rules as per Government of India policies, allocating seats for OBC-NCL, SC, ST, EWS, and PwD categories.

2. Result Weightage & Deprivation Points\

JNU admission isn’t only about CUET scores deprivation points earned by eligible candidates are also factored into final selection.
Deprivation points account for socio-economic or educational disadvantage factors.

3. Seat Allocation and Counselling

After results are announced:

Shortlisted candidates receive provisional offers from JNU.
Candidates must confirm their seats by submitting required documents and paying fees within deadlines specified in their offer letter.
Separate counselling or seat confirmation portals may be involved post-CUET results.

Documents Required for JNU UG Admission 2026

Before your final admission confirmation, prepare these documents:

CUET 2026 Score Card
Class 10 and Class 12 Certificates
Migration & Transfer Certificates
Recent Passport Photos
Identity Proof (Aadhaar/PAN)
Category/Reservation Certificates (if applicable)
(These are general requirements based on official JNU prospectus guidelines.)

Key Deadlines & Important Dates (CUET UG 2026)

While JNU itself doesn’t set the CUET application deadlines, staying updated with the CUET exam timeline is essential because missing them can make you ineligible for JNU’s UG admission 2026.

CUET UG Registration: Early January to January 30-February 4, 2026 (extended).
Exam Dates: Between May 11 and May 31, 2026.

Always confirm final dates via the official CUET NTA portal.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)-

1. Is CUET compulsory for JNU UG admission in 2026?

Yes. The CUET UG 2026 examination is compulsory for admission to all undergraduate and Certificate of Proficiency (COP) courses offered by Jawaharlal Nehru University. Candidates without a valid CUET score will not be considered for the JNU UG Admission Criteria 2026.

2. Can students from any board apply for JNU UG through CUET 2026?

Yes. Students who have completed Class 12 or equivalent from any recognized board (CBSE, ISC, State Boards, NIOS, or international boards recognized by Indian authorities) are eligible for CUET UG Eligibility for JNU, subject to minimum marks and subjects.

3. What if I choose wrong subjects in CUET for JNU?

If a candidate does not choose the compulsory CUET papers (English and General Test) required by JNU, their application may be cancelled during counselling, even if they have performed well in the CUET exam. Choosing subjects is an important aspect of CUET 2026 JNU Eligibility.

4. Does JNU take into account Class 12 marks for UG admission in 2026?

No. Class 12 marks are not taken into account for merit-based selection. However, candidates must have secured a minimum qualifying mark in Class 12 to fulfill the JNU UG Eligibility Criteria 2026.

5. Are there any domicile requirements for JNU UG admission?

No. There are no domicile or state-wise eligibility restrictions for JNU UG admissions. Candidates from any state or union territory of India are eligible for admission under the CUET JNU UG Eligibility Criteria 2026.

6. Can I apply for multiple UG courses at JNU through CUET in 2026?

Yes. Candidates can apply for multiple UG courses at JNU, subject to the fulfillment of eligibility criteria and having appeared for the requisite CUET subject combinations for the courses.

7. Is there any interview or written test conducted by JNU after CUET?

No. There is no separate entrance test or interview for UG admissions at JNU. Selection is made purely on the basis of CUET UG performance, deprivation points (if applicable), reservation policies, and seat availability as per the JNU UG Admission Criteria 2026.

Conclusion

The CUET JNU UG Eligibility Criteria 2026 is formulated in such a way that only those candidates who are capable and ready for the examination will be eligible to take admission in one of the most prestigious universities in India. Whether it is the educational requirements and the necessary papers to be attempted in CUET or the minimum marks and age criteria, every aspect is of utmost importance.It is only when you understand and fulfill the eligibility criteria at the right time that you will be able to successfully go through the JNU UG Admission Criteria 2026.