You set your alarm, packed your hall ticket, mentally rehearsed the syllabus one last time — and then your phone buzzes with a notification that changes everything. If you were scheduled to appear for CUET UG 2026 on May 28, 2026, you are not alone in feeling caught off guard. The National Testing Agency (NTA) has officially postponed the exam for that date, and right now, thousands of students across India are searching for answers.
Take a breath. This article has everything you need — what happened, why it happened, and most importantly, what you should do next.
Is CUET UG 2026 Postponed?
Yes. NTA has officially postponed CUET UG 2026 for May 28, 2026 — both shifts. The decision was made because the Government of India revised the public holiday for Id-ul-Zuha (Bakrid) to May 28, 2026 (via a DoPT notification dated May 22, 2026). The revised exam dates for all affected candidates will be announced shortly on the official NTA website. No action is required from students at this time.
What Exactly Did NTA Announce?
On May 24, 2026, the National Testing Agency posted an official update on its social media handle and issued a public notice confirming that the CUET (UG) 2026 examinations scheduled for May 28 — in both the morning and afternoon shifts — stand postponed.
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 agency cited the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) Office Memorandum dated May 22, 2026, which revised the Bakrid public holiday to fall on May 28, making it impossible to conduct a national-level exam on that date.
Why Was the May 28 CUET Exam Postponed?
The reason is straightforward: the Central Government notified a last-minute change in the Bakrid (Id-ul-Zuha) holiday date. Since CUET UG 2026 is a national-level, government-regulated exam, NTA is bound by central government gazette notifications on public holidays.
When Bakrid was officially shifted to May 28, 2026, conducting the exam — with lakhs of students, exam centre staff, and city coordinators involved — was simply not feasible. NTA acted quickly and transparently, notifying candidates well before the scheduled day.
Key Facts at a Glance
- Exam date affected: May 28, 2026
- Shifts postponed: Both shifts (morning and afternoon)
- Reason: Bakrid (Id-ul-Zuha) revised holiday — DoPT notification dated May 22, 2026
- Announced by: National Testing Agency (NTA) on May 24, 2026
- Revised date status: To be announced — check nta.ac.in
What Should Students Do Right Now?
This is the part that actually matters. A postponement is not a setback — it is extra time handed to you on a plate. Here is how to use it wisely.
Your 5-Step Action Plan
- Stay updated via official channels only. Bookmark nta.ac.in and cuet.nta.nic.in. Avoid WhatsApp forwards and unverified sources — they cause unnecessary panic.
- Revise high-weightage topics. Use the extra days to strengthen sections where you have been losing marks — quantitative aptitude, general test, or domain-specific subjects.
- Attempt full-length mock tests. Exam-day simulation is everything. Take at least two timed, full-length tests before the rescheduled date.
- Finalise your college shortlist. Research colleges now, not after results. Understand cut-offs, program structures, and placement records. It saves precious weeks later.
- Take care of your mental health. Anxiety is real, but it is manageable. Maintain sleep schedules, talk to friends and family, and remember — CUET is one path, not the only one.
When Will the Revised CUET UG 2026 Dates Be Out?
As of now, NTA has not announced a specific revised date for the May 28 exam. The agency has indicated that the new schedule will be released shortly. Historically, NTA has rescheduled postponed slots within one to two weeks. Affected candidates will not need to register again — the same hall ticket will remain valid.
Candidates are advised to keep checking the official NTA portal and their registered email IDs for further communications. Given NTA’s recent pattern with CUET UG, the revised date is expected to be announced within days.
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Further Reading
NTA Postpones CUET UG 2026 Exams Scheduled for May 28 — Revised Dates to Be Announced Soon – ANI News (aninews.in)
NTA Official Portal — Latest CUET UG 2026 Notifications & Updates nta.ac.in — Official Government Website
Careers360 — India’s Leading Education News & Exam Analysis Platform – careers360.com
FAQs
Yes, NTA officially postponed both shifts of CUET UG 2026 scheduled on May 28, 2026.
The Government of India revised the Bakrid (Id-ul-Zuha) public holiday to May 28 via a DoPT notification dated May 22, 2026.
Yes, both the morning and afternoon shifts of CUET UG 2026 on May 28 have been postponed.
NTA has stated revised dates will be announced shortly — candidates should monitor nta.ac.in regularly.
The official notice is available on NTA’s website at nta.ac.in and on NTA’s verified social media handles.
