The CUET PG 2026 Physics Exam is a national-level entrance test conducted by the NTA for admission to M.Sc. Physics programs across 190+ participating universities. Aspiring candidates must register online by January 2026, meet university-specific eligibility criteria (typically 50% in B.Sc. Physics), and qualify through a 75-question Computer-Based Test (CBT) focused on core domain knowledge.
Comprehensive Overview of the CUET PG 2026 Physics Exam
The CUET PG 2026 Physics Exam serves as the primary gateway for students seeking postgraduate education in Physics at central, state, and private universities in India. Managed by the National Testing Agency (NTA), this examination streamlines the admission process by providing a single-window platform. Instead of appearing for multiple institutional tests, students can apply to various high-tier universities like Delhi University (DU), Banaras Hindu University (BHU), and Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) using a single score.
For the 2026 session, the examination maintains its focus on specialized domain knowledge. The transition to a “domain-only” pattern, where the paper consists of 75 subject-specific questions, ensures that the Selection Process for CUET PG is strictly based on the candidate’s proficiency in Physics. This shift demands a deeper understanding of undergraduate topics ranging from Classical Mechanics to Modern Physics.
Detailed Eligibility of CUET PG Exam for Physics Aspirants
To qualify for the CUET PG 2026 Physics Exam, candidates must hold a Bachelor’s degree in Physics or a related science stream from a recognized university, generally requiring a minimum of 50% aggregate marks for General category students and 45% for reserved categories.
The Eligibility of CUET PG Exam for Physics is multifaceted, as it involves both the NTA’s basic requirements and the specific mandates of individual participating universities. While the NTA does not impose an upper age limit for appearing in the test, certain universities may have their own age restrictions for specific postgraduate programs.
Academic Qualifications and Percentage Requirements
Most participating institutions require a B.Sc. (Hons) in Physics or a B.Sc. General degree with Physics and Mathematics as core subjects. Engineering graduates (B.E./B.Tech) are also frequently eligible, provided they have completed a sufficient number of Physics credits as per the target university’s norms.
Final Year Appearing Candidates
A crucial aspect of the Eligibility of CUET PG Exam is that students currently in the final year of their undergraduate degree (appearing in 2026) are eligible to apply. However, such candidates must produce their final mark sheets and passing certificates during the document verification stage of the Selection Process for CUET PG.
Step-by-Step Guide to CUET PG Registration 2026
CUET PG Registration is a completely online process conducted on the official NTA portal, requiring candidates to complete a four-step sequence: online registration, application form filling, document upload, and fee payment.
The CUET PG Registration window for the 2026 cycle is expected to open in December 2025 and conclude by late January 2026. Candidates must ensure they have a valid email ID and mobile number, as these are used for all official communications, including the release of admit cards and results.
Online Application Procedure
- Registration: Visit the official NTA website (exams.nta.ac.in/CUET-PG) and create a unique Application Number and Password.
- Form Filling: Enter personal details, academic history, and select “Physics” (Code: SCQP24) as your test paper. You can select multiple universities and programs at this stage.
- Uploading Documents: Provide a scanned photograph (white background) and signature. If applicable, upload category or PwBD certificates in PDF format.
- Fee Payment: Complete the process by paying the prescribed fee via Net Banking, UPI, or Credit/Debit card.
Fee Structure for 2026
The CUET PG Registration fee is categorized by student status. General category candidates typically pay ₹1,400 for up to two test papers, with an additional ₹700 for each subsequent paper. Fees for OBC-NCL/EWS stand at ₹1,200, while SC/ST/Third Gender candidates pay ₹1,100.
Selection Process for CUET PG 2026: From Exam to Admission
The Selection Process for CUET PG 2026 involves a merit-based system where NTA scores are shared with participating universities, which then conduct independent counseling rounds based on their specific cutoff marks.
Unlike undergraduate admissions, the Selection Process for CUET PG is decentralized after the result declaration. The NTA is responsible only for conducting the entrance test and providing the scorecard. The actual seat allotment is managed by the respective universities (like BHU or DU) through their own admission portals.
The Computer-Based Test (CBT) Structure
The exam consists of 75 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) to be solved within 90 minutes. The marking scheme follows a $+4/-1$ pattern: four marks for every correct answer and a one-mark deduction for every incorrect response. There is no penalty for unanswered questions.
Merit List and Counseling
Once the NTA releases the results, each university will publish its own merit list. Candidates must track the official websites of their chosen universities and register for the counseling process. Selection is based on the CUET score, academic eligibility, and the fulfillment of reservation criteria.
CUET PG 2026 Physics Syllabus and Exam Pattern
The Physics syllabus for 2026 is comprehensive, covering the standard undergraduate curriculum. To excel in the CUET PG 2026 Physics Exam, candidates must focus on the following key modules:
- Mathematical Methods: Vector calculus, differential equations, and complex analysis.
- Mechanics and General Properties of Matter: Newton’s laws, Lagrangian and Hamiltonian mechanics, and rigid body dynamics.
- Oscillations, Waves, and Optics: Simple harmonic motion, interference, and diffraction.
- Electricity and Magnetism: Coulomb’s law, Maxwell’s equations, and electromagnetic waves.
- Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics: Laws of thermodynamics, kinetic theory, and Bose-Einstein/Fermi-Dirac distributions.
- Modern Physics: Special relativity, quantum mechanics (Schrödinger equation), and nuclear physics.
- Solid State Physics and Electronics: Crystal structure, semiconductors, and operational amplifiers.
Successful candidates often prioritize high-weightage topics like Mechanics and Electromagnetic Theory while practicing numerical-based questions to improve speed and accuracy for the 90-minute format.
Critical Analysis: The Challenge of University-Specific Mismatch
A common pitfall in the CUET PG 2026 Physics Exam journey is the discrepancy between NTA eligibility and individual university requirements. While the NTA allows any student with a Bachelor’s degree to appear for the test, a candidate might be disqualified during the Selection Process for CUET PG if they do not meet a specific university’s criteria (e.g., having Mathematics as a compulsory subject in B.Sc.).
To mitigate this risk, applicants must perform “Subject Mapping” before finishing their CUET PG Registration. You should verify the “Information Bulletin” of each target university to ensure your undergraduate subjects align with their M.Sc. Physics prerequisites. Relying solely on the NTA’s general eligibility is a high-risk strategy that can lead to a waste of an exam score.
Practical Application: Calculating Your Potential Score
Understanding the marking scheme is vital for strategic attempting. In the CUET PG 2026 Physics Exam, accuracy is more important than the number of attempts.
Scenario:
- Total Questions: 75
- Questions Attempted: 60
- Correct Answers: 50
- Incorrect Answers: 10
Calculation:
- Positive Marks: 50 \times 4 = 200
- Negative Marks: 10 \times 1 = 10
- Final Score: 200 – 10 = 190
A score above 180–200 is generally considered “good” for securing a seat in a top-tier Central University, though cutoffs vary annually based on the difficulty level of the paper.
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