The National Testing Agency (NTA) will conduct the Common University Entrance Test Undergraduate or CUET UG 2026 examinations from May 11 to May 31 in computer-based mode across multiple centres in India. Ahead of the examination, the agency has issued detailed instructions regarding dress code, reporting time, documents to be carried and items prohibited inside exam centres. Candidates have been advised to carefully follow all guidelines to avoid inconvenience or denial of entry on exam day.
Dress code guidelines for candidates
The NTA has asked candidates to wear simple and comfortable clothing while appearing for the examination. Students have been advised to avoid clothes with heavy embroidery, large metallic buttons, badges, brooches or multiple pockets, as these may lead to additional frisking during security checks. Light-coloured clothes and outfits with short or half sleeves are preferred for quicker verification at the examination centres.
Candidates have also been advised not to wear jackets, hoodies, scarves or layered garments unless required for medical reasons. Shoes, boots and thick-soled footwear should be avoided, while slippers or simple sandals are considered more suitable under the examination guidelines.
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Female candidates have been instructed to avoid heavy jewellery, metallic hairpins, bracelets, earrings and bangles. Male candidates should also avoid chains, rings and other metallic accessories. Authorities said such items could delay security checks and verification procedures at entry gates.
Documents and items allowed inside exam halls
Candidates must carry a printed copy of the CUET UG 2026 admit card along with a valid original photo identity proof. Accepted identity documents include Aadhaar card, PAN card, passport, voter ID card, school identity card or Class 12 board examination admit card carrying the candidate’s photograph.
Students are also permitted to carry one passport-size photograph, preferably the same as the one uploaded during registration. A transparent ballpoint pen and a transparent water bottle will also be allowed inside the examination hall.
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Candidates belonging to the PwD and PwBD categories who are availing of special facilities must carry supporting medical certificates and relevant documents issued by competent authorities. The guidelines further mention that diabetic candidates may carry sugar tablets, fruits such as bananas, apples or oranges, and transparent water bottles if medically required.
Items prohibited at examination centres
The NTA has banned electronic gadgets and communication devices inside examination halls. Mobile phones, smartwatches, Bluetooth devices, earphones, microphones, calculators, electronic pens and other digital accessories are strictly prohibited. Bags, wallets, books, notes, study material and written papers will also not be permitted inside the centres.
Metallic ornaments, belts, caps and any suspicious object that could be used for unfair means are also barred. Officials warned that candidates found carrying prohibited items may face strict action under examination rules. important instructions for exam day
Candidates have been advised to report at their allotted examination centres at least two hours before the reporting time mentioned on the admit card. The NTA stated that late entry may not be allowed once gates are closed. Students have also been instructed to carefully follow seating arrangements and invigilator directions during the examination process.
CUET UG 2026 is being conducted for admission to undergraduate programmes offered by central universities and several participating institutions for the 2026-27 academic session.
