After packing your hall pass, setting your alarm, and going over the curriculum one last time in your head, your phone buzzes with a notification that completely alters your plans. You are not the only one who feels unprepared if you were supposed to show up for CUET UG 2026 on May 28, 2026. Thousands of students in India are currently looking for answers after the National Testing Agency (NTA) formally postponed the exam for that date.
The CUET UG 2026 exam has been rescheduled by the National Testing Agency (NTA) to take place on May 28, 2026, for both shifts. Due to Id-ul-Zuha (Eid al-Adha), the date has been altered. Students who have an exam on May 28 will need to wait for additional information about the exam date and other specifics from NTA. The computer-based test style is being used for the CUET UG 2026 exams. The CUET 2026 exam is planned to conclude on May 31, 2026.
Is the 2026 CUET UG Postponed?
Indeed. Both shifts of CUET UG 2026 have been officially rescheduled by NTA on May 28, 2026. The Government of India changed the public holiday for Id-ul-Zuha (Bakrid) to May 28, 2026 (via a DoPT notification dated May 22, 2026), which led to the decision. The official NTA website will soon release the updated exam dates for all impacted applicants. Students are not currently obligated to take any action.
Here’s What NTA Announced
The National Testing Agency confirmed that the CUET (UG) 2026 exams, which were supposed to take place on May 28 in both both mornings and afternoons, had been postponed on May 24, 2026, by posting an official announcement on its social media accounts and sending out a public notification.
Official NTA Statement
“The examinations scheduled for 28 May 2026 (both shifts) stand postponed in view of the change in the date of the Id-ul-Zuha (Bakrid) holiday as per the Government of India notification. Revised exam dates for affected candidates will be announced shortly.”
The Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) Office Memorandum dated May 22, 2026, which changed the Bakrid public holiday to May 28, meaning it was impossible to hold a national-level test on that date, was mentioned by the agency.
Why Was the May 28 CUET Exam Postponed?
The explanation is simple: the Bakrid (Id-ul-Zuha) holiday date was changed at the last minute by the Central Government. NTA is subject to central government gazette notices on public holidays because CUET UG 2026 is a national-level, government-regulated exam.
It was just not possible to administer the test with thousands of students, testing center employees, and city coordinators when Bakrid was formally moved to May 28, 2026. Candidates were informed well in advance of the planned day by NTA, which moved swiftly and openly.
CUET UG 2026 Important Dates
Applicants can review the anticipated schedule for forthcoming events below:
| Events | Dates |
| CUET UG 2026 exam | Ongoing |
| Release of CUET 2026 provisional answer key | Second week of June 2026 |
| Release of CUET final answer key 2026 | First week of July 2026 |
| CUET UG 2026 result announcement | First week of July 2026 |
What Should Students Do Right Now?
This is the crucial portion. A postponement is simply more time given to you; it’s not a setback. Here’s how to utilize it sensibly.
Suggested Action Plan
- Only use the official channels to stay informed: bookmark cuet.nta.nic.in and nta.ac.in. Steer clear of unreliable sources and WhatsApp forwards as they create needless anxiety.
- Update high-priority subjects: Make use of the extra days to improve your performance in areas where you have been falling short, such as domain-specific subjects, general tests, or numeric ability.
- Take full-length practice exams: Practice on exam day is crucial. Before the new date, complete at least two timed, full-length exams.
- Complete your shortlist of colleges: Investigate universities now, not after the results. Recognize placement records, program guidelines, and cut-offs. Later on, it saves valuable weeks.
- Maintain your mental well-being: Anxiety is real but controllable. Remind yourself that CUET is not the only option, stick to your sleep pattern, and communicate with friends and family.
Revised CUET UG 2026 Dates Update
NTA has not yet disclosed a precise new date for the May 28 exam. According to the agency, the updated schedule will be made public soon. Postponed slots have often been rescheduled by NTA in one to two weeks. Candidates who are impacted won’t have to re-register because their hall pass will still be valid.
It is recommended that candidates continue to monitor their registered email addresses and the official NTA portal for any updates. The updated date is anticipated to be revealed in a few days, according to NTA’s recent behaviour with CUET UG.
Maximise This Time to Prepare and Discover Your Best-Fit Career Path
If you have also applied for the CUET UG 2026 and have all prepared to appear for the exam on 28th May 2026, then you should know that the NTA has postponed the date because of Eid al-Fitr. However, you are not alone, and you can maximise this time to prepare well for the exam. Also, you can discover the best-fit career path based on your knowledge, skills, area of interest, and eligibility.
Start Your CUET 2026 & 12th Board Prep Now!