BHU MA English Cutoff 2026: CUET PG Score, Previous Year Trends

BHU MA English 2026 cutoff is expected to fall between 205 and 230 marks out of 300 in CUET PG for General category students, based on 2024 admission trends.

Banaras Hindu University (BHU) admits students to its MA English programme entirely on the basis of normalised CUET PG scores. With seats limited to approximately 45 to 60 and competition growing each year, knowing the score threshold for your category is essential before CUET PG 2026 results are declared. This article covers expected category-wise cutoffs, previous year trends, and what score to target to secure a seat.

• CUET PG 2026 carries a total of 300 marks — 75 multiple choice questions, 4 marks each, with -1 negative marking per wrong answer.
• BHU prepares the MA English merit list using NTA normalised scores, not raw marks.
• Based on 2024 trends, the General category cutoff was approximately 210 to 225 marks out of 300.
• OBC-NCL students needed around 190 to 205 marks and SC students around 160 to 175 marks in 2024.
• The BHU MA English 2026 merit list and cutoff will be published at bhucuetpg.samarth.edu.in after CUET PG 2026 results.

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BHU MA English 2026 Expected Cutoff

The BHU MA English cutoff is the lowest normalised CUET PG score at which the last student was admitted within a given reservation category. Since CUET PG 2026 results are not yet declared, the figures below are expected based on 2024 admission data. General category students targeting BHU MA English should aim for a normalised score of 215 or above out of 300.

All figures above are expected cutoffs based on 2024 trends. BHU has not released official 2026 cutoffs yet.

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Previous Year BHU MA English Cutoff Trends

BHU has admitted MA English students through CUET PG since the 2022-23 academic session. The General category cutoff has risen by roughly 10 to 15 marks each year, driven by a growing number of CUET PG applicants. The 2024-25 General category cutoff for BHU MA English was approximately 210 to 225 marks out of 300, up from around 198 to 215 in the previous year.

Figures are approximate based on available trend data. All scores are out of 300 (CUET PG total marks).

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BHU MA English Category-wise Cutoff Analysis

BHU follows UGC-mandated reservation norms for MA English admissions. The relaxation in cutoff marks for reserved categories reflects the proportion of seats reserved and the size of the applicant pool in each category. OBC-NCL students typically need 15 to 25 marks fewer than General category students, while SC students receive a relaxation of approximately 45 to 55 marks.

Students claiming reservation benefits must submit valid category certificates at the time of BHU document verification. An invalid or absent certificate results in reclassification under the General category, which may exclude the student from the merit list.

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Factors Affecting BHU MA English Cutoff 2026

The 2026 cutoff may differ from the 2024 benchmarks depending on several variables. Knowing these factors helps you decide whether to target the expected cutoff or aim higher for a safety margin.

• Total number of CUET PG applicants: A larger pool of English Literature test-takers means more high-scoring students competing for the same seats, which pushes the cutoff up.
• Paper difficulty in 2026: An easier question set results in more students scoring above 200, raising the cutoff. A tougher paper may bring it down slightly across categories.
• Number of exam shifts: More shifts mean wider normalisation variance. The effective cutoff can vary based on how NTA normalises scores across different question sets.
• Changes in BHU seat intake: Any increase in MA English seats for 2026 lowers the cutoff; a reduction raises it. BHU confirms intake in its official prospectus.
• Proportion of droppers and repeat takers: Students retaking CUET PG with better preparation tend to score higher on average, gradually lifting the cutoff each cycle.

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How to Estimate Your Chances of Getting Into BHU MA English

Once CUET PG 2026 results are declared, follow these steps to check your standing against BHU’s expected MA English cutoff.

1. Note your normalised NTA score: CUET PG result pages display both the raw score and the final normalised score. Always use the normalised score for cutoff comparisons — BHU’s merit list is built on this figure.
2. Identify your applicable category: Match your normalised score to the category-wise expected cutoff table above. If you belong to a reserved category, use the relaxed cutoff row.
3. Check the BHU official merit list: BHU publishes category-wise merit lists on bhucuetpg.samarth.edu.in after results. Your position on this list determines eligibility.
4. Track multiple merit list rounds: BHU may release a second or third list as seats become vacant. Keep checking the portal regularly even after the first list.
5. Complete document verification on time: Students on the merit list must submit documents and pay the admission fee within BHU’s stated deadline. Missing the window forfeits the seat.

Based on 2024 trends, a normalised CUET PG score of 220 or above out of 300 is a strong target for General category students applying to BHU MA English. OBC-NCL students should target 200 or above for a safe margin.