Quick Facts
- NTA declared the CUET UG 2026 result on June 23, 2026, for over 240 universities.
- A total of 11,64,098 students appeared, so cutoffs at top colleges stay very high.
- Strong backup colleges accept CUET scores beyond DU, so a low score still opens doors.
In This Article
A low CUET score does not end your college journey, because strong backup colleges across India accept CUET scores far below the cutoffs at Delhi University, JNU and BHU.
The National Testing Agency (NTA) declared the Common University Entrance Test (CUET) UG 2026 result on June 23, 2026, and over 240 universities now use these scores for admission (NTA official portal). With 11,64,098 students appearing this year, top courses fill fast, but many central, state and private universities have lower cutoffs and open seats.
Key Takeaways
- A low CUET score blocks top DU colleges, but dozens of central and state universities still accept the same scorecard.
- Apply to central, state and private backup colleges in parallel, because waiting for one result wastes seats and time.
- Regional campuses and newer courses carry lower cutoffs, so target them early before counselling rounds close.
CampusFeed Take
The real lesson from CUET 2026 is that a single scorecard now unlocks more than 240 universities, yet most students still chase only five or six famous names. That mismatch creates the panic. Students with scores in the 400 to 600 band should watch central university regional campuses closely, because their cutoffs often sit 150 to 200 marks below flagship colleges for the same degree. With most university counselling windows opening through July 2026 and closing within weeks, the students who build a wide list now, rather than after the first merit list disappoints, will hold the strongest hand. By Soumya Verma.
Top 5 Backup Colleges That Accept CUET Scores
A backup college is a recognised university that accepts your CUET scorecard at a lower cutoff than your first-choice institution. The five options below all use CUET UG 2026 scores and historically admit students who miss the top Delhi University colleges.
1. Banaras Hindu University (BHU)
Banaras Hindu University admits students across arts, science and commerce through CUET, and its popular BA, BSc and BCom cutoffs sit far below SRCC or Hindu College. General category cutoffs for many BHU courses have ranged around 500 to 620 in recent cycles, per previous-year CUET cutoff data, giving mid-band scorers a real chance at a central university degree.
2. Central University of Haryana, Karnataka and South Bihar
The newer central universities, including the Central University of Haryana, Central University of Karnataka and Central University of South Bihar, accept CUET scores at noticeably lower cutoffs than older central campuses. They offer the same central-university recognition, hostel facilities and integrated programmes, but draw fewer applicants, so seats remain open in later counselling rounds.
3. State Universities (Allahabad and Punjab University)
State universities such as the University of Allahabad and Panjab University accept CUET scores and set cutoffs that have ranged around 150 to 170 marks per subject in recent years, lower than central university flagships. State universities charge modest fees and carry strong regional reputation, which makes them a practical backup for students staying close to home.
4. Jamia Millia Islamia and Aligarh Muslim University
Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI) and Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) both participate in CUET for many undergraduate courses. Their mid-range cutoffs, often around 170 to 190 marks per subject for several programmes, sit below DU’s top colleges, while their NAAC (National Assessment and Accreditation Council) grades and placement records stay strong.
5. Delhi University Regional and Lower-Demand Colleges
Within Delhi University itself, off-campus and lower-demand colleges accept CUET scores well below north-campus flagships. Choosing a less competitive course or an evening college through the CSAS (Common Seat Allocation System) portal can still secure a DU degree (DU CSAS admission portal), even when marquee colleges stay out of reach.
CUET 2026 Cutoff and Backup Score Snapshot
CUET cutoffs vary sharply between flagship colleges and backup institutions for the very same degree. The table below compares indicative general-category score bands, based on previous-year CUET cutoff trends, to show how much room backup colleges offer.
| Institution Type | Example | Indicative Cutoff Band (General) |
|---|---|---|
| Top DU college | SRCC, Hindu College | 99+ percentile, 900+ marks |
| Central university (older) | BHU, AMU | 500 to 620 (BHU UG courses) |
| Central university (newer) | CU Haryana, CU Karnataka | Lower, varies by course |
| State university | Allahabad, Panjab University | 150 to 170 per subject |
| DU lower-demand college | Off-campus, evening | From around 300 marks (low-tier) |
The gap is striking: a degree that needs 900-plus marks at a flagship DU college may need only 500 to 620 at BHU, which is exactly why a wide backup list protects your year.
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About CUET
The Common University Entrance Test (CUET) is a national entrance exam conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) under the Ministry of Education for admission to undergraduate programmes. First held in 2022, it now serves over 240 central, state, deemed and private universities. In 2026, 11,64,098 candidates appeared across 868 centres, making CUET one of India’s largest undergraduate entrance exams (NTA).
How Do You Shortlist a Backup College?
You shortlist a backup college by checking three things on each university’s official website: whether it accepts CUET scores, the minimum score needed for your course, and whether it also runs a separate merit or entrance process. Each participating university issues its own merit list, and NTA only releases the result, so you must register separately on every portal you target. The University Grants Commission (UGC) sets the broad admission framework that these universities follow (UGC official site). Move fast, because the window between results and counselling deadlines is short, and waitlist movement rewards students who apply early.
What This Means For You
If you are a student
Do not freeze if your score is lower than expected. Download your scorecard from cuet.nta.nic.in, list your courses by cutoff, and register on at least four or five university portals in parallel. Mix one ambitious choice, two realistic central or state universities, and two safe backups, so a single merit list never decides your future.
If you are a parent
Resist the urge to push a drop year on the first disappointing result. A recognised degree from a central or state university, started this year, often beats a lost year chasing one famous college. Help your child track counselling deadlines and keep documents ready, because missed dates, not low scores, sink most admissions.
If you are a school principal or teacher
Counsel outgoing students to build dream, realistic and backup lists before merit lists arrive. Share the official NTA portal and university admission pages, and explain that more than 240 universities accept CUET scores. Early, calm planning reduces the panic that follows result day every year.
What Is Next
University counselling rounds run through July 2026, and seats keep moving as students drop out after early rounds. Keep these steps in view:
- Register on each target university portal as registration opens.
- Complete choice filling within every university’s deadline.
- Track later spot rounds for vacant seats.
Which backup colleges are on your shortlist this year?
Frequently Asked Questions
Last updated: June 28, 2026 at 11:30 IST
Last verified: June 28, 2026
Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes only and is based on publicly available information at the time of publishing. Exam dates, cutoffs, fees, deadlines, eligibility criteria, and scholarship details can change without notice. Always verify the latest information from the official portal of the relevant body (NTA, UGC, or the state education department) before taking any action. CampusFeed and its authors are not responsible for decisions made based on this article. This is not legal, financial, or career advice. Please consult a qualified professional for individual guidance.
Written by Soumya Verma. Published: June 28, 2026. Updated: June 28, 2026. Have a tip or correction? Write to us at editorial@campusfeed.in.
