CUET PG 2026 EWS cutoff is expected to range between 140 and 215 marks out of 300, depending on the central university and programme, based on 2025 trends.
The Economically Weaker Section (EWS) category cutoff for CUET PG 2026 will be published by individual central universities after NTA declares the result. EWS cutoffs typically fall 5–15 marks below General (UR) cutoffs and 20–40 marks above SC/ST cutoffs. With CUET PG 2026 scheduled in June 2026, students can use expected cutoffs based on past trends to estimate their admission chances early and plan their preparation accordingly.
- CUET PG 2026 is conducted for a maximum of 300 marks (75 questions × 4 marks each, with –1 for each wrong answer).
- EWS students need to score at least 140–160 marks to be competitive at most central universities.
- Top universities such as JNU and BHU have EWS cutoffs of 178–212 marks for high-demand programmes.
- EWS reservation accounts for 10% of total seats at all participating central universities under the 103rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 2019.
- All cutoff figures here are expected estimates based on 2025 CUET PG trends and will change once official data is released.
| Direct Link to CUET PG 2026 Official Portal | pgcuet.samarth.ac.in |
CUET PG 2026 EWS Cutoff Overview
The EWS reservation of 10% applies to all central universities participating in CUET PG 2026. Each university prepares its own programme-wise merit list, and the EWS cutoff is set based on the number of available seats and the scores of EWS students who applied. The table below gives you a category-wise snapshot of expected CUET PG 2026 cutoff ranges across central universities.
| Category | Expected CUET PG 2026 Cutoff Range (Out of 300) |
|---|---|
| General (UR) | 155–225 |
| EWS | 140–215 |
| OBC-NCL | 130–205 |
| SC | 105–180 |
| ST | 85–160 |
Central University-Wise EWS Expected Cutoff for CUET PG 2026
The table below shows expected CUET PG 2026 EWS cutoff marks for popular postgraduate programmes at major central universities, based on 2025 admission trends. Actual cutoffs will be notified by individual universities after the CUET PG 2026 result is declared.
| University | Programme | Expected EWS Cutoff 2026 (Out of 300) |
|---|---|---|
| Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) | MA Economics | 200–212 |
| Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) | MA English | 192–205 |
| Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) | MA Political Science | 188–198 |
| Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) | MA History | 178–190 |
| Banaras Hindu University (BHU) | MA Economics | 182–196 |
| Banaras Hindu University (BHU) | MBA | 178–192 |
| Banaras Hindu University (BHU) | MA English | 162–176 |
| University of Delhi (DU) | MA English | 162–178 |
| University of Delhi (DU) | MA Political Science | 158–172 |
| University of Delhi (DU) | MA Hindi | 148–162 |
| University of Hyderabad (UoH) | MA Economics | 172–188 |
| University of Hyderabad (UoH) | MA English | 165–180 |
| University of Hyderabad (UoH) | MA Political Science | 155–170 |
| Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI) | MA English | 155–170 |
| Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI) | MA Political Science | 150–165 |
| University of Allahabad | MA English | 150–165 |
| University of Allahabad | MA Hindi | 142–158 |
| Central University of Rajasthan | MA Economics | 152–168 |
| Central University of Rajasthan | MA English | 145–160 |
| Pondicherry University | MA Economics | 148–164 |
| Pondicherry University | MA English | 142–158 |
| Central University of Gujarat | MA Economics | 145–162 |
| Central University of Gujarat | MA English | 140–155 |
All figures are expected estimates based on 2025 CUET PG trends. Actual cutoffs will be determined by individual universities after the 2026 result is declared.
Programme-Wise EWS Expected Cutoff for CUET PG 2026
The programme you choose plays a significant role in determining your EWS cutoff. High-demand courses push cutoffs higher regardless of the university. The table below shows expected EWS cutoff ranges by programme across central universities for CUET PG 2026.
| Programme | Expected EWS Cutoff — Less Competitive Universities | Expected EWS Cutoff — Top Universities |
|---|---|---|
| MA Economics | 145–165 | 195–215 |
| MA English | 140–162 | 190–210 |
| MA Political Science | 145–162 | 185–200 |
| MA History | 140–158 | 175–192 |
| MA Hindi | 138–155 | 160–175 |
| MBA | 155–175 | 185–205 |
| MSc Mathematics | 150–168 | 185–200 |
| MSc Physics | 148–165 | 180–198 |
Factors Affecting CUET PG 2026 EWS Cutoff
Several variables determine where the final EWS cutoff lands for each university and programme. Understanding these helps you set a realistic score target before the exam.
- Number of EWS seats: Each central university reserves 10% of total seats for EWS students. Fewer available seats in a programme push the cutoff higher.
- Total EWS applicants: A higher number of EWS-category students applying for a programme directly increases competition and raises the cutoff bar.
- Exam difficulty in 2026: An easier paper results in higher overall scores across the board, pushing EWS cutoffs up. A tougher paper has the opposite effect.
- Programme popularity: Courses such as MA Economics at JNU or MBA at BHU attract more students and consistently record higher EWS cutoffs than less competitive subjects.
- 2025 cutoff trends: The 2025 CUET PG EWS cutoffs serve as the strongest reference point for 2026 estimates and are the primary basis for the figures in this article.
- University merit list policy: Some universities use a combined open merit list while others maintain separate lists per programme, which affects the precise cutoff value.
How to Check CUET PG 2026 EWS Cutoff
After NTA announces CUET PG 2026 results, each central university publishes its category-wise cutoff and merit list on its official website. Follow these steps to check your EWS cutoff status.
- Visit the official CUET PG portal at pgcuet.samarth.ac.in or the official website of your target university.
- Find and click the "Cutoff / Merit List 2026" or "Admission 2026" link on the homepage.
- Select EWS as your category from the filter or dropdown options provided.
- Choose your programme to view the EWS cutoff marks or rank for that course at the selected university.
- Compare your CUET PG 2026 score or rank against the published EWS cutoff to assess your admission chances.
- If your score meets or exceeds the EWS cutoff, follow the university’s counselling or seat allotment instructions to proceed with admission.
CUET PG 2026 EWS Cutoff FAQs
Ques. What is the expected CUET PG 2026 EWS cutoff?
Ans. Based on 2025 trends, the expected CUET PG 2026 EWS cutoff ranges from 140 to 215 marks out of 300, depending on the central university and programme. High-demand programmes at JNU can see EWS cutoffs as high as 200–212 marks.
Ques. Who qualifies for EWS reservation in CUET PG 2026?
Ans. Students with a family income below Rs 8 lakh per year and who do not belong to any other reserved category (SC, ST, OBC-NCL) qualify for EWS reservation. A valid EWS certificate issued by a competent authority is required at the time of admission.
Ques. Is the CUET PG EWS cutoff lower than the General category cutoff?
Ans. Yes. EWS cutoffs are generally 5–15 marks lower than General (UR) cutoffs at most central universities. EWS cutoffs are however higher than OBC-NCL, SC, and ST cutoffs.
Ques. When will the official CUET PG 2026 EWS cutoff be released?
Ans. Individual central universities will release the official EWS cutoff after NTA declares the CUET PG 2026 result. The result is expected in June–July 2026, and universities typically publish cutoffs within 2–4 weeks of the result announcement.
Ques. Does each central university set a separate EWS cutoff for CUET PG 2026?
Ans. Yes. Each central university prepares its own merit list and EWS cutoff based on its seat matrix, the number of EWS applicants, and the scores of students who applied to that university and programme. No single cutoff applies to all universities.
Ques. What is the maximum score in CUET PG 2026?
Ans. The maximum score in CUET PG 2026 is 300 marks. The exam consists of 75 questions carrying 4 marks each for a correct answer, with a penalty of –1 mark for each wrong answer.
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