Students wishing to pursue postgraduate (PG) courses in Madhya Pradesh must now take the Common University Entrance Test for Post-Graduates (CUET-PG) . The state government has made this exam mandatory for all PG admissions across its universities and colleges, both government and private. This new rule means students will no longer get direct admission based on college-specific merit lists. Instead, their entry into PG programs will depend entirely on their CUET-PG scores .
A very important date for students is January 20, 2026 . This is the last day to apply online for CUET-PG 2026. Students who have not yet applied should do so quickly to avoid missing this key opportunity.
CUET-PG 2026: Key Application Dates
The National Testing Agency (NTA) manages the CUET-PG exam. The application deadline was recently extended, giving more time to candidates. Here are the important dates:
| Action | Date |
| Online Application and Fee Payment Deadline | January 20, 2026 (until 11:50 PM) |
| Application Correction Window | January 23 to January 25, 2026 |
Only applications with successfully paid fees will be accepted. Forms submitted after the deadline will not be processed. Students can make changes to certain parts of their application form during the correction window. The official website for applying is exams.nta.nic.in/cuet-pg .
Madhya Pradesh Changes PG Admission Rules
Before this decision, different universities and colleges in Madhya Pradesh might have had their own ways of admitting students to PG courses. Some might have used merit lists from their own exams or undergraduate marks. Now, the process is streamlined and standardized across the state.
This means all admissions for postgraduate programs in Madhya Pradesh will be based on the CUET-PG scores . This will ensure a fair and common system for all students applying to PG courses in the state.
What the New Rules Mean:
- Single Exam: CUET-PG becomes the only gateway for PG admissions in Madhya Pradesh.
- End to Direct Admissions: Colleges cannot offer direct admission or create their own merit lists anymore.
- Subject Link: Students must apply for PG courses that are related to their undergraduate studies. For example, a student with a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Physics cannot apply for a Master of Arts (M.A.) in History unless specific rules allow it based on program eligibility.
Why This Change?
Making CUET-PG mandatory aims to bring uniformity and fairness to the admission process for postgraduate studies. It helps in having a single, clear system for all universities and colleges in the state. This way, students from different backgrounds get an equal chance to compete for seats. It also reduces the need for students to appear in multiple entrance exams for different institutions.
Important Steps for Students
If you are planning to pursue a postgraduate degree in Madhya Pradesh, follow these steps:
- Apply Immediately: If you have not applied for CUET-PG 2026, visit the official website exams.nta.nic.in/cuet-pg and complete your application before the deadline on January 20, 2026 .
- Pay Fees: Ensure that your application fee is paid successfully before the deadline for your application to be complete.
- Check Details Carefully: Before final submission, review all information in your application form. Make sure there are no errors.
- Use Correction Window: If you find any allowed mistakes after submitting, use the correction window from January 23 to January 25, 2026 , to fix them.
- Save Confirmation: Keep a printout or digital copy of your application form and fee payment receipt for future reference.
- Prepare for Exam: Once you have applied, focus on preparing for the CUET-PG exam to achieve a good score. Your score will be crucial for admission in Madhya Pradesh universities.
This update is crucial for all students aspiring for higher education in Madhya Pradesh. Make sure to meet the application deadline and understand the new admission framework to secure your spot.
