CUET-UG 2026: NTA allows religious threads, woolen clothes in latest exam-day guidelines; exam begins May 11

The national-level entrance exam will be conducted across multiple days starting from May 11 to May 31, 2026.

The National Testing Agency has released an advisory detailing the dress code and permissible items for candidates appearing in the Common University Entrance Test - Undergraduate (CUET-UG) 2026.

The advisory comes ahead of the commencement of the exams, which will be conducted in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode from May 11 to May 31, 2026, across centres in India and in 15 cities outside the country.

This year, over 15.68 lakh candidates have registered for the undergraduate entrance examination, making it one of the largest university entrance tests in the country.

The agency said the guidelines are aimed at ensuring smooth frisking, maintaining exam security, and avoiding confusion at examination centres.

What can candidates carry to the exam centre?

According to the advisory, candidates will be allowed to carry:

• Transparent water bottles

• Religious threads such as kalava; articles of faith such as turbans, hijab

• Woollen clothing if required due to weather conditions

However, NTA has clarified that candidates wearing articles or objects of faith should report to the examination centre well in advance to allow sufficient time for frisking and verification.

The agency specifically noted that religious threads such as kalava will be permitted.

The advisory comes a week after the exam conducting body received backlash for forcing candidates to remove religious objects like tulsi mala during the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test - Undergraduate (NEET-UG) 2026 on May 3.

Dress code guidelines

NTA has advised students to wear simple and comfortable clothing for the examination.

According to the advisory:

• White or light-coloured clothing is preferred

• Candidates may wear woollens if needed

• Normal shoes, slippers, and low heels are the preferred footwear

The instructions are similar to the frisking-based guidelines followed in several other national-level entrance examinations conducted by NTA.

Students are generally advised to avoid heavy jewellery, metallic accessories, thick-soled footwear, large buttons or elaborate clothing as these may lead to delays during security checks.

This year’s CUET-UG is being conducted on a massive scale, with NTA earlier describing it as “among the largest computer-based examinations conducted globally.”

Ahead of the exam, NTA has advised students to:

• Reach the examination centre well before reporting time

• Cooperate with frisking and verification procedures

• Carefully check exam city, centre, date, and shift details

• Follow all instructions issued by examination staff

The agency has also provided helpline support for candidates facing issues or requiring clarification related to CUET-UG 2026.

For queries, students can contact NTA help desk at 011-40759000 or email at [e-mail].

The agency has urged all candidates to strictly follow the advisory to ensure smooth conduct of the examination.