LATEST UPDATE

BHU UET The Banaras Hindu University Undergraduate Entrance Test (UET) for admissions is conducted through the Common University Entrance Test (CUET-UG) 2026, managed by the National Testing Agency (NTA). The notification for CUET-UG 2026 was released on January 3, 2026. The application process started on January 3, 2026, with the last date to apply being January 31, 2026 (up to 11:50 PM). The correction window is expected in the 4th week of March 2026. Admit cards are anticipated to be released in the 2nd week of May 2026. The exam dates are scheduled for the 3rd to 4th week of May 2026. The result date is not yet specified but typically follows within a month after the exam. Counselling dates for BHU UG admissions are expected to begin in July 2026, with no specific end date announced.

BHU PET The Banaras Hindu University Postgraduate Entrance Test (PET) for 2026 admissions is conducted through the Common University Entrance Test (CUET-PG) 2026, managed by the National Testing Agency (NTA). The notification for CUET-PG 2026 was released on December 14, 2025. The application process started on December 14, 2025, and the last date to apply was extended to January 14, 2026 (or possibly January 20, 2026, based on varying reports). A correction window was available shortly after the close date. Admit cards are expected in early March 2026. The exam is scheduled for March 2026 (exact dates not yet detailed). The result is anticipated in April or May 2026. Counselling registration for BHU PG admissions starts in May 2026, with the last date in June 2026; the first merit list is expected in June 2026, and seat acceptance must occur within 48 hours.

BHU RET The Banaras Hindu University Research Entrance Test (RET) for PhD admissions in the 2025-26 academic session does not involve a separate written exam this year; admissions are based on eligibility criteria such as UGC-NET/JRF or equivalent, followed by interviews. The notification was released on December 3, 2025. The application process started on December 3, 2025 (or December 6, 2025, per some updates), and closed on December 16, 2025. The correction window was on December 17, 2025. Call letters for interviews were issued between December 20 and 24, 2025. Interview and physical document verification dates vary by faculty but range from January 5 to January 16, 2026. Results, offer letters, and fee submission links are scheduled for January 24 to February 5, 2026. A second admission cycle, if needed, begins from February 12, 2026. Reporting to departments is set for February 10, 2026, with the end of the first admission round on February 5, 2026.

IMPORTANT DATES

For BHU UET (now integrated with CUET-UG 2026), the notification was released in early January 2026, with the application process starting on January 3, 2026, and the last date for submission being January 30, 2026 (fee payment by January 31, 2026). The exam is scheduled from May 11 to May 31, 2026, in CBT mode, followed by admit card release (expected in late April or early May 2026), results in June/July 2026, and BHU UG counselling registration commencing in July 2026, leading to seat allotment rounds thereafter.

For BHU PET (now through CUET-PG 2026), the notification came out on December 14, 2025, with applications opening on the same date and closing on January 14, 2026 (extended in some reports). The exam is set for March 2026, with results likely in April/May 2026. BHU PG counselling registration begins in May 2026, followed by merit lists, seat allotment, and choice locking in May-June 2026, with final admissions completing by July/August 2026.

For BHU RET (PhD admissions 2025-26 session, which overlaps into 2026 activities), the notification was issued around early December 2025, with online registration starting in early December 2025 and closing on December 16, 2025 (correction on December 17, 2025). Interviews and document verification occurred in early January 2026 (around January 5-16, 2026), with results, offer letters, and fee submission from late January to early February 2026. A second cycle, if required, starts from mid-February 2026, with department reporting around February 10, 2026. Note that many PhD admissions are now based on UGC-NET/JRF exemptions rather than a separate RET written test in recent cycles.

LATEST UPDATE

BHU UET The Banaras Hindu University Undergraduate Entrance Test (UET) for admissions is conducted through the Common University Entrance Test (CUET-UG) 2026, managed by the National Testing Agency (NTA). The notification for CUET-UG 2026 was released on January 3, 2026. The application process started on January 3, 2026, with the last date to apply being January 31, 2026 (up to 11:50 PM). The correction window is expected in the 4th week of March 2026. Admit cards are anticipated to be released in the 2nd week of May 2026. The exam dates are scheduled for the 3rd to 4th week of May 2026. The result date is not yet specified but typically follows within a month after the exam. Counselling dates for BHU UG admissions are expected to begin in July 2026, with no specific end date announced.

BHU PET The Banaras Hindu University Postgraduate Entrance Test (PET) for 2026 admissions is conducted through the Common University Entrance Test (CUET-PG) 2026, managed by the National Testing Agency (NTA). The notification for CUET-PG 2026 was released on December 14, 2025. The application process started on December 14, 2025, and the last date to apply was extended to January 14, 2026 (or possibly January 20, 2026, based on varying reports). A correction window was available shortly after the close date. Admit cards are expected in early March 2026. The exam is scheduled for March 2026 (exact dates not yet detailed). The result is anticipated in April or May 2026. Counselling registration for BHU PG admissions starts in May 2026, with the last date in June 2026; the first merit list is expected in June 2026, and seat acceptance must occur within 48 hours.

BHU RET The Banaras Hindu University Research Entrance Test (RET) for PhD admissions in the 2025-26 academic session does not involve a separate written exam this year; admissions are based on eligibility criteria such as UGC-NET/JRF or equivalent, followed by interviews. The notification was released on December 3, 2025. The application process started on December 3, 2025 (or December 6, 2025, per some updates), and closed on December 16, 2025. The correction window was on December 17, 2025. Call letters for interviews were issued between December 20 and 24, 2025. Interview and physical document verification dates vary by faculty but range from January 5 to January 16, 2026. Results, offer letters, and fee submission links are scheduled for January 24 to February 5, 2026. A second admission cycle, if needed, begins from February 12, 2026. Reporting to departments is set for February 10, 2026, with the end of the first admission round on February 5, 2026.

IMPORTANT DATES

For BHU UET (now integrated with CUET-UG 2026), the notification was released in early January 2026, with the application process starting on January 3, 2026, and the last date for submission being January 30, 2026 (fee payment by January 31, 2026). The exam is scheduled from May 11 to May 31, 2026, in CBT mode, followed by admit card release (expected in late April or early May 2026), results in June/July 2026, and BHU UG counselling registration commencing in July 2026, leading to seat allotment rounds thereafter.

For BHU PET (now through CUET-PG 2026), the notification came out on December 14, 2025, with applications opening on the same date and closing on January 14, 2026 (extended in some reports). The exam is set for March 2026, with results likely in April/May 2026. BHU PG counselling registration begins in May 2026, followed by merit lists, seat allotment, and choice locking in May-June 2026, with final admissions completing by July/August 2026.

For BHU RET (PhD admissions 2025-26 session, which overlaps into 2026 activities), the notification was issued around early December 2025, with online registration starting in early December 2025 and closing on December 16, 2025 (correction on December 17, 2025). Interviews and document verification occurred in early January 2026 (around January 5-16, 2026), with results, offer letters, and fee submission from late January to early February 2026. A second cycle, if required, starts from mid-February 2026, with department reporting around February 10, 2026. Note that many PhD admissions are now based on UGC-NET/JRF exemptions rather than a separate RET written test in recent cycles.

PROGRAMS OFFERED

BHU UET (Undergraduate Programs through CUET-UG) Banaras Hindu University offers admission to a wide range of undergraduate programs through CUET-UG, including popular courses such as BA (Hons) Social Sciences, BA (Hons) Arts, B.Sc (Hons) Mathematics/Biology/Agriculture, B.Com (Hons), B.Sc (Hons) in various subjects, B.Voc programs (around 12 specializations), BA LLB (Hons), BFA, BPA, and others. In total, BHU provides approximately 23 major undergraduate courses across its faculties and affiliated institutions, with around 325 program variations when considering combinations and specializations. These programs are offered at the main campus and constituent/affiliated colleges.

BHU PET (Postgraduate Programs through CUET-PG) BHU offers numerous postgraduate programs through CUET-PG, covering disciplines such as MA (in various subjects like Economics, English, History, Political Science, etc.), M.Sc (in Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Biotechnology, etc.), M.Com, LLM, MCA, MFA, MPA, and specialized courses in fields like Ayurveda, Management, and Education. The university provides a broad spectrum of PG programs across Arts, Sciences, Commerce, Law, and other faculties, with admissions based on CUET-PG scores followed by centralized counselling.

BHU RET (PhD/Research Programs) BHU offers PhD programs across a vast array of disciplines in faculties including Arts, Sciences, Social Sciences, Commerce, Management Studies, Law, Medicine (including Ayurveda and Modern Medicine), Education, Engineering (through IIT BHU for some), Agriculture, and more. Admissions are primarily based on UGC-NET/JRF qualifications (exempting candidates from RET written test) or the BHU Research Entrance Test (RET) followed by an interview, with programs focusing on advanced research in subject-specific areas.

TOP COLLEGES & TOTAL SEATS

For UET (UG through CUET-UG) BHU's undergraduate admissions occur at the main campus and several top affiliated/constituent colleges, including DAV Post Graduate College, Arya Mahila PG College, Vasant Kanya Mahavidyalaya, Vasanta College for Women, and others. The main campus hosts the majority of premium programs, while affiliated colleges offer seats in courses like BA, B.Sc, and B.Com. The total approximate seats across all UG programs and institutions are around 13,000 (with some sources indicating over 9,000 in core offerings), varying by course, category reservations, and annual updates. Seat matrices are released during counselling on the BHU CAP UG portal.

For PET (PG through CUET-PG) Postgraduate programs are primarily offered at the main campus departments and faculties, with limited seats in some affiliated or specialized units. Top "colleges" here refer to faculty/department clusters (e.g., Faculty of Arts, Science, Commerce). The exact total seats vary by program and are detailed in the BHU PG Information Bulletin and counselling portal (CAP PG), often numbering in the thousands across all PG courses, with allocations based on CUET-PG merit, reservations, and availability during centralized allotment rounds.

For RET (PhD/Research Programs) PhD seats are department/faculty-specific rather than college-based, with vacancies announced annually (often varying from a few to dozens per department based on supervisors and funding). Admissions occur at the main campus and institutes like IIT (BHU) for engineering-related PhDs. Total PhD vacancies for a session (e.g., 2025-26) are not fixed universally but are published department-wise in the BHU PhD Information Bulletin or admission portal, typically in the range of several hundred across all disciplines, with exemptions for NET/JRF holders and reservations applied (e.g., 15% SC, 7.5% ST, 27% OBC, 10% EWS, 5% PwD). Exact numbers for 2026 are available on the official BHU admission portal during registration.

HOW TO APPLY

BHU UET (Undergraduate Programs through CUET-UG) To apply for BHU undergraduate programs (UET equivalent), candidates must first register and appear for the Common University Entrance Test (CUET-UG) conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA). The process involves two main steps:

Apply for CUET-UG: Visit the official NTA CUET website (cuet.nta.nic.in), complete the online registration, fill the application form, select BHU as one of the universities, choose the required subjects/domain papers as per BHU eligibility for your desired program, upload documents, pay the fee, and submit. The application window for CUET-UG 2026 opened in early January 2026 and closed by late January/early February 2026 (check exact dates on the NTA portal).

BHU Counselling Registration: After CUET-UG results (expected June/July 2026), register separately on the BHU Centralized Admission Portal (CAP-UG) at admission.bhu.ac.in or the Samarth portal (bhucuet.samarth.edu.in). Fill in details, upload CUET scores/documents, pay the counselling fee, lock choices for programs/colleges, and participate in merit-based seat allotment rounds, document verification, and fee payment for final admission. Ensure you meet BHU-specific subject mapping requirements during CUET application.

BHU PET (Postgraduate Programs through CUET-PG) Admissions to BHU postgraduate programs (PET equivalent) are through the Common University Entrance Test (CUET-PG) by NTA. The application process is as follows:

Apply for CUET-PG: Go to the NTA CUET-PG official website (exams.nta.ac.in/CUET-PG), register online, fill the form, select BHU as a participating university, choose the appropriate test paper/subject, upload required documents, pay the application fee, and submit. For CUET-PG 2026, applications opened in mid-December 2025 and the last date was January 14, 2026 (with possible extensions/corrections).

BHU PG Counselling: Post CUET-PG results (April/May 2026), register on the BHU CAP-PG portal (bhucuetpg.samarth.edu.in or admission.bhu.ac.in). Create/login to your account, enter CUET-PG details, pay the registration fee, fill program preferences, participate in centralized counselling rounds (including merit lists, choice locking, seat allotment), complete document verification, and pay admission fees to confirm the seat. Refer to the BHU PG Information Bulletin for program-specific requirements.

BHU RET (PhD/Research Programs) The BHU Research Entrance Test (RET) process for PhD admissions (2025-26 session, with activities into 2026) is largely centralized at the BHU campus, with many candidates exempted from a written test. The application steps are:

Check Notification and Eligibility: Visit the official BHU admission portal (admission.bhu.ac.in) or bhu.ac.in for the PhD admission notification/bulletin. Many candidates qualify directly via UGC-NET/JRF, CSIR-NET, GATE, or equivalent (no RET written test needed).

Online Registration: Register and submit the application form online on the BHU PhD portal (linked via admission.bhu.ac.in or bhuonline.in). Fill personal/academic details, upload documents (marksheets, NET/JRF certificate if applicable, research proposal if required), pay the application fee, and submit. For the recent cycle, registration started in early December 2025 and closed mid-December 2025 (with corrections shortly after).

Further Process: Shortlisted candidates (based on exemptions or RET if conducted) appear for interviews/viva-voce at the BHU main campus in Varanasi (department/faculty-wise, e.g., January 2026 slots). Submit research proposal, undergo document verification, and if selected, receive offer letters and complete fee submission. A second cycle may open if seats remain vacant. Always check the latest PhD bulletin on the official portal for department-specific vacancies, supervisors, and updates, as applications may be accepted round the year in some cases.

EXAM CENTERS

BHU UET (Undergraduate Programs through CUET-UG) The BHU UET is now conducted as part of the Common University Entrance Test (CUET-UG) by the National Testing Agency (NTA). The exam is held in a large number of cities across India and abroad. For CUET-UG, exams are conducted in approximately 321 to 388 cities in India (with some sources indicating around 306-380 cities depending on updates) and about 15-24 international locations. Candidates select preferred cities during application (up to 4 options in recent patterns), and NTA allots the final centre based on availability, with details mentioned on the city intimation slip and admit card. Major cities like Lucknow, Varanasi, Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, and others are typically included. The complete state-wise and city-wise list is available on the official NTA CUET-UG website (cuet.nta.nic.in), where candidates can check for the most updated information.

BHU PET (Postgraduate Programs through CUET-PG) The BHU PET is integrated with the Common University Entrance Test (CUET-PG) conducted by NTA. For CUET-PG, the exam is held in around 292 centres across 272 cities in India and 16 international cities (reduced from previous years' numbers like 312). Candidates can select up to 4 preferred exam cities (updated from earlier limits) within their state of permanent or current residence during application, with options to modify during the correction window (e.g., January 18-20, 2026). The final allotted centre is provided on the admit card. Cities include major ones across states, and the detailed list of exam cities/codes is available in the NTA CUET-PG information bulletin and on exams.nta.nic.in/CUET-PG.

BHU RET (PhD/Research Programs) For BHU RET (Research Entrance Test) in this session (overlapping into 2026 activities), there is typically no separate nationwide written exam centres as in previous years for many candidates. Admissions rely heavily on UGC-NET/JRF/CSIR-NET/ICMR/DBT/GATE qualifications (exempting from written RET), followed by interviews. Interviews and physical document verification are conducted department/faculty-wise at the Banaras Hindu University main campus in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, or occasionally at specific faculty locations. Interview dates vary by department (e.g., January 5-16, for faculties like Arts, Sciences, Medicine, Ayurveda, etc.). No widespread external exam centres are involved; the process is centralized at BHU Varanasi. Candidates should check the BHU PhD admission portal (bhuonline.in or admission.bhu.ac.in) for department-specific interview venues and schedules.

ADMIT CARD

BHU UET (Undergraduate Programs through CUET-UG) The admit card for BHU undergraduate admissions (UET equivalent) is the CUET-UG admit card issued by the National Testing Agency (NTA). As of January 15, 2026, the CUET-UG 2026 exam is scheduled for May 2026 (tentatively May 11-31, 2026), so the admit card is expected to be released in the second week of May 2026 (or late April/early May in some updates). An advance city intimation slip is typically released in the fourth week of April 2026. To download: Visit cuet.nta.nic.in, log in with your application number and date of birth/password, and download the e-admit card. It will include details like exam date, time, shift, centre (likely including options near Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh), roll number, and instructions. Carry a printed copy along with a valid photo ID to the exam centre. Check the official NTA portal regularly for exact release dates and updates.

BHU PET (Postgraduate Programs through CUET-PG) The admit card for BHU postgraduate admissions (PET equivalent) is the CUET-PG admit card from NTA. For CUET-PG 2026 (exam in March 2026), the admit card is expected to be released in the first week of March 2026 (or around early March, possibly 4 days before each exam date in phased releases). As applications closed in mid-January 2026, keep checking exams.nta.ac.in/CUET-PG for the download link. Download by logging in with your application number and date of birth. The hall ticket will show your exam city (from the selected preferences during application), date, time, and other essentials. It is mandatory for entry to the exam centre—no candidate will be allowed without it. In case of issues, contact NTA helpline.

BHU RET (PhD/Research Programs) For BHU PhD admissions (RET 2025-26 session), there is generally no traditional admit card for a separate written RET exam in recent cycles, as many candidates are exempted based on UGC-NET/JRF/CSIR-NET/GATE qualifications and proceed directly to interviews. Instead, shortlisted candidates receive call letters or interview intimation via email/post on the BHU portal (admission.bhu.ac.in or bhuonline.in). For the recent cycle (applications closed mid-December 2025), interviews and document verification occurred in early January 2026 (e.g., January 5-16, 2026, department-wise at the BHU main campus in Varanasi). If a written RET was required for non-exempt candidates, any hall ticket would have been available on the BHU portal before the test (but not applicable widely this year). Check your registered email/dashboard on the official BHU PhD admission portal for any call letter or updates. For any second cycle (from mid-February 2026 if seats remain), similar process applies. Always verify on admission.bhu.ac.in for department-specific details.

EXAM RESULTS

BHU UET (Undergraduate Programs through CUET-UG) The exam results for BHU undergraduate admissions (UET equivalent) are the CUET-UG results declared by the National Testing Agency (NTA). For CUET-UG 2026 (exam scheduled May 11-31, 2026), the results are expected to be announced in June 2026 on the official NTA website (cuet.nta.nic.in). Candidates can check and download their scorecard by logging in with their application number and date of birth. The result includes normalized scores (if applicable), percentiles, and subject-wise marks. After results, BHU releases merit lists and counselling schedules on the Centralized Admission Portal (CAP-UG at admission.bhu.ac.in or bhucuet.samarth.edu.in) in July/August 2026, leading to seat allotment. As of January 15, 2026, no results are out yet since the exam is months away—keep monitoring the NTA portal for the exact date and link.

BHU PET (Postgraduate Programs through CUET-PG) The results for BHU postgraduate admissions (PET equivalent) are the CUET-PG results from NTA. For CUET-PG 2026 (exam in March 2026), results are anticipated in April or May 2026 on exams.nta.ac.in/CUET-PG. Access them using your application number and date of birth; the scorecard shows subject scores and qualifying status. Following results, BHU publishes merit lists and conducts centralized counselling on the CAP-PG portal (bhucuetpg.samarth.edu.in), with rounds starting in May/June 2026. As of mid-January 2026, applications are ongoing (closed January 14/20, 2026), exam pending, so results are not yet available—check the NTA CUET-PG site regularly for updates.

BHU RET (PhD/Research Programs) For BHU PhD admissions (RET 2025-26 session), results vary by mode. Many candidates are exempted from a written RET (via UGC-NET/JRF, CSIR-NET, GATE, etc.) and proceed based on interview performance. For the recent cycle (registration closed December 16, 2025; interviews January 5-16, 2026, department-wise at BHU Varanasi campus), results, merit lists, offer letters, and fee submission links were scheduled from January 24 to February 5, 2026. Final merit is based on interview percentiles (100% for JRF mode, or combined with NET percentiles for other modes). Check your registered email, dashboard, or the BHU PhD admission portal (admission.bhu.ac.in or bhuonline.in) for individual status, merit lists, or updates. If a second cycle opens (mid-February 2026 onward), similar timelines apply. As of January 15, 2026, interviews are ongoing or recently completed—log in to your portal for personal results or notifications.

COUNSELLING PROCESS & CUTOFFS

BHU UET (Undergraduate Programs through CUET-UG)

The counselling process for BHU UG admissions (UET equivalent) is centralized and online via the Combined Admission Portal (CAP-UG) at bhucuet.samarth.edu.in or admission.bhu.ac.in. After CUET-UG results, eligible candidates register on the portal (expected July 2026 for 2026 cycle), pay the counselling fee, fill program/college preferences (choice locking), and participate in multiple rounds of merit-based seat allotment. Each round includes provisional allotment, acceptance (with fee payment within a short window, e.g., 2-3 days), document verification (online/offline), and physical reporting if required. Additional rounds like spot/mop-up occur if seats remain vacant. Reservations apply as per Government norms (SC/ST/OBC/EWS/PwD).

Last year (2025 cycle): Counselling began in late July/August 2025 after CUET results in July, with multiple lists (1st-4th, spot rounds up to September 2025). Cutoffs were released round-wise on the portal.

Last year's cutoffs (2025, approximate NTA scores out of normalized total, General category examples):

BA (Hons) Arts ~290-340/350-400; BCom (Hons) ~540-612/650-700; BA LLB (Hons) ~490/550; B.Sc (Hons) varied 285-502.

Cutoffs dropped in later/spot rounds due to vacancies.

Expected cutoffs for 2026: Likely similar or slightly higher due to competition trends—aim for 550+ for competitive courses like BCom/BA LLB (General), with lower for reserved categories and arts streams (around 300-500 range). Factors include exam difficulty, applicants, and seats (~13,000 total UG). Check official portal post-results for exacts.

BHU PET (Postgraduate Programs through CUET-PG)

BHU PG counselling uses the Combined Allotment Program (CAP-PG) at bhucuetpg.samarth.edu.in. Post CUET-PG results, candidates register (using NTA application number), pay fee, fill preferences for programs, and get merit-based allotments in multiple rounds (e.g., 1st round, subsequent, spot/mop-up). Allotment requires acceptance, fee payment (within deadline), online document verification, and final admission confirmation. Merit lists and cutoffs are published round-wise; PwD verification may be physical.

Last year (2025 cycle): Counselling started around July 2025 (1st round mid-July), with spot rounds till August 2025.

Cutoffs/merit lists released on portal (e.g., round 1 on July 14, 2025).

Last year's cutoffs (2025, approximate, varies by program/subject, General category):

High-demand courses often 200-250+ normalized marks; top programs closed higher (e.g., 220+ safe for many). Cutoffs increased 20-30 marks in recent years for popular PG courses.

Expected cutoffs for 2026: Similar trends—aim above 220-250 for competitive PG programs at BHU (higher for top faculties like Arts/Sciences); reserved categories lower. Exact depends on CUET-PG performance and seats. Monitor bhucuetpg.samarth.edu.in for updates.

BHU RET (PhD/Research Programs)

BHU PhD counselling/admission is department/faculty-specific, not centralized like UG/PG. After registration and shortlisting (via exemptions like UGC-NET/JRF or RET if required), candidates attend interviews/viva-voce (often with research proposal presentation and document verification) at BHU Varanasi campus. Final merit combines interview scores (100% for exempt/JRF, or with RET/NET percentiles), academic record, and reservations. Offer letters, fee submission, and department reporting follow (e.g., merit list/offer in January-February for recent cycles).

No traditional "cutoff" marks; it's merit/performance-based with limited seats per department.

Last year (2025-26 session): Interviews in early 2026 (January slots), results/offer letters January-February 2026. No widespread cutoffs published; merit lists department-wise.

Expected for upcoming cycles: Focus on strong interview performance/research proposal; NET/JRF holders prioritized. Vacancies vary (hundreds total across disciplines), announced in BHU PhD bulletin. Check admission.bhu.ac.in for department-specific merit lists/updates.