The application process for the Common University Entrance Test (CUET) UG 2026 is expected to begin in the first week of March 2026 . Students who wish to join undergraduate courses in central universities across India must apply online at cuet.nta.nic.in . A key step in filling out the CUET UG application form is understanding the subject mapping rules. If students do not match their subjects correctly, they might not get admission, even if they pass the exam.
The CUET UG 2026 exam will be held in May 2026 . It will be a computer-based test (CBT). Your exam date and time will depend on the subjects you choose in your application form.
What is CUET Subject Mapping?
CUET Subject mapping means making sure there is a clear match between:
- The subjects you studied in your Class 12 board exams .
- The subjects you choose when you fill out the CUET UG application form .
- The requirements set by the universities and courses you want to apply for.
Under CUET UG 2026, students can choose up to five subjects from a long list. This list includes:
- 13 different languages .
- 23 specific subjects that relate to different study areas (called 'domain-specific' subjects).
- The General Test (which is optional for many courses).
Universities use this subject mapping to check if you meet the basic requirements for the undergraduate course you are applying to. It helps them confirm that your academic background matches the course you want to study.
Important Dates for CUET UG 2026
| Event | Date |
| Application Start Date | First week of March 2026 |
| Exam Date | May 2026 |
Subject Mapping for Science Students
If you are a Science student, you must choose the same subjects in your CUET application that you studied in Class 12. Most universities do not allow students to pick subjects that are not related to their science background. It is very important to check the specific course rules of each university, as these rules can change from one university to another.
Common Subjects for Science Stream in CUET:
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Mathematics / Applied Mathematics
- Biology / Biotechnology
- Computer Science / Informatics Practices
- Environmental Studies (if offered and studied)
Examples of Science Course Mapping:
- For B.Sc. Physics , you might need to take Physics, Mathematics, and a Language in CUET.
- For B.Sc. Chemistry , you might need to take Chemistry, one other science subject, and a Language.
- For B.Sc. Biology / Life Sciences , you might need to take Biology, Chemistry, and a Language.
- For Engineering-related courses , you will usually need Physics, Mathematics, and a Language.
Subject Mapping for Commerce Students
Commerce students also need to follow university-specific rules. Your CUET subjects should match the subjects you studied in Class 12.
Common Subjects for Commerce Stream in CUET:
- Accountancy
- Business Studies
- Economics
- Mathematics / Applied Mathematics
Examples of Commerce Course Mapping:
- For B.Com (Hons.) , you might need to take Accountancy, Economics or Mathematics, and a Language.
- For BBA / BMS courses, many universities ask for Business Studies or Economics, along with the General Test.
- For B.Sc. Economics , Mathematics is often a compulsory subject, along with a Language.
Subject Mapping for Arts Students
Arts students should choose subjects that are relevant to their Class 12 background and the specific course they wish to study in college.
Common Subjects for Arts Stream in CUET:
- History
- Political Science
- Geography
- Sociology
- Psychology
- Economics
- Philosophy
- Home Science
Examples of Arts Course Mapping:
- For BA (Hons.) Political Science , you might need to take Political Science and a Language.
- For BA Psychology , you might need to take Psychology and a Language.
- For BA History , you might need to take History and a Language.
- For BA Economics , many universities require Economics and Mathematics, plus a Language.
CUET General Test: Who Should Choose It?
The CUET General Test is an optional subject . You should check the requirements of each university you are applying to before deciding to take it. It is not mandatory for all courses. However, choosing the General Test can sometimes help you get admission into vocational or interdisciplinary courses that do not have very strict subject requirements.
Common CUET UG Subject Mapping Mistakes to Avoid
When choosing your CUET subjects, be careful to avoid these common errors:
- Picking subjects you did not study in Class 12: Universities will check if your CUET subjects match your 12th-grade subjects.
- Ignoring course-specific eligibility rules: Always read the specific requirements for the course you want to join at each university.
- Skipping Mathematics when it is compulsory: Some courses require Mathematics, even if you are not a Science student (e.g., B.Sc. Economics).
- Choosing too many unnecessary subjects: This can make the exam preparation harder and increase your burden without benefit.
- Not checking university admission criteria: Always refer to the official university guidelines for subject combinations.
By carefully mapping your subjects, you can increase your chances of getting admission to your desired college and course through CUET UG 2026.
