The Directorate of Higher Education (DHE), Assam, has announced revised timelines for Common University Entrance Test (CUET) admissions for undergraduate programmes in Assam State Universities for the academic session 2026-27, with the registration process for CUET-based applications concluding on July 13, 2026. The updated schedule also outlines the final mop-up round for both CUET and non-CUET applicants, aiming to streamline the admission process across the state.

This revision impacts thousands of aspirants seeking admission to various undergraduate courses in state universities and affiliated colleges, with the DHE Assam emphasising adherence to the new schedule to ensure a smooth transition into the upcoming academic year. The move underscores the state’s commitment to standardising higher education admissions through the Assam SAMARTH Admission Portal.

What was announced

The Directorate of Higher Education, Assam, officially released the revised admission schedule for Undergraduate (UG) programmes under the Assam SAMARTH Admission Portal for the academic session 2026-27. According to the latest notification, the registration and programme selection process for CUET-based admissions, which was initially slated to begin on July 5, 2026, commenced on July 8, 2026, and concluded on July 13, 2026. The DHE Assam notification further detailed the schedule for subsequent admission activities.

The revised timeline includes a correction window for applicants from July 14 to July 15, 2026, allowing candidates to rectify any errors in their submitted forms. Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) will scrutinise these corrected applications between July 16 and July 18, 2026. The first CUET merit list is scheduled for publication on July 19, 2026, with admissions against this list taking place on July 21 and July 22, 2026. A second merit list will be published on July 23, 2026, followed by admissions on July 25 and July 26, 2026. A spot admission round for CUET applicants is slated for July 28, 2026. Additionally, the final registration-cum-spot admission for non-CUET applicants will be conducted from July 29 to July 31, 2026. The first semester classes for the academic session 2026-27 are set to commence on August 1, 2026.

Why it matters

The revised schedule is crucial for thousands of students across Assam vying for undergraduate seats in various state universities and colleges. The implementation of the Common University Entrance Test (CUET) aims to provide a standardised and equitable platform for admissions, reducing the burden on students who previously had to appear for multiple university-specific entrance examinations. By centralising the admission process through the Assam SAMARTH Admission Portal, the DHE Assam seeks to enhance transparency and efficiency. This unified approach is expected to benefit students from diverse backgrounds, including those from rural and remote areas, by offering equal opportunities for admission to quality higher education institutions. The timely announcement and adherence to the revised timelines are vital to ensure that the academic session begins as scheduled, preventing delays that could impact students’ educational trajectories.

Background

The Common University Entrance Test (CUET) was introduced by the University Grants Commission (UGC) to address disparities in marks allocated by different examination boards and to provide a “level playing field” for students nationwide. In Assam, the adoption of CUET for state university admissions has been a phased process, not without its challenges. Initially, in the academic year 2024-25, a majority of general degree colleges in Assam did not consider CUET scores as mandatory for undergraduate admissions, citing a lack of clear directives from the state government or universities. Instead, many colleges relied on Class XII board examination marks for admissions.

However, the state higher education department has progressively moved towards integrating CUET into the admission framework. The Assam State Higher Education Admission Portal (SAMARTH) was introduced to provision all UG admissions in the state, serving as a unified digital platform. Despite this, concerns about awareness, especially in rural areas, and the potential for students to miss out if CUET was made strictly mandatory, were raised by officials familiar with the matter. Cotton University and Arya Vidyapeeth College (Autonomous) were among the institutions that prioritised CUET scores, filling a percentage of their seats based on the entrance test.

The state government has since urged state universities to participate in CUET for both undergraduate and postgraduate courses, aiming for a more uniform admission standard. This push aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP) and seeks to streamline admissions, although universities initially showed reluctance due to concerns over uniform mapping of seats and subject matrices. Technical glitches and logistical issues during CUET examinations have also been reported in the Northeastern region, including Assam and Meghalaya, leading to calls for more examination centres and better preparedness from authorities. For the 2026-27 session, the DHE Assam has clearly outlined the revised schedule, indicating a more structured approach to CUET admissions.

Key details

The revised admission schedule for CUET UG 2026 in Assam, as announced by the Directorate of Higher Education, mandates all eligible candidates to complete their processes through the Assam SAMARTH Admission Portal.

The key dates for the admission process are as follows:

  • Registration and programme selection by applicants (CUET-based) along with simultaneous scrutiny by Higher Education Institutions (HEIs): July 8 – 13, 2026 (registration closed).
  • Correction Window: July 14 – 15, 2026.
  • Scrutiny of corrected CUET applications by HEIs: July 16 – 18, 2026.
  • Preparation and Publication of 1st CUET Merit List: July 19, 2026.
  • Admissions of Applicants in 1st CUET Merit List: July 21 – 22, 2026.
  • Preparation and Publication of 2nd CUET Merit List: July 23, 2026.
  • Admissions of Applicants in 2nd CUET Merit List: July 25 – 26, 2026.
  • Spot Admission for CUET Applicants: July 28, 2026.
  • Final Registration-cum-Spot Admission for Non-CUET Applicants: July 29 – 31, 2026.
  • Commencement of 1st Semester classes: August 1, 2026.

Candidates seeking admission through the CUET score-based admission cycle are required to register afresh on the admission portal using their valid CUET Application Number and CUET Roll Number. Registrations previously created under the non-CUET admission process are not valid for logging into the portal or submitting applications under the CUET score-based admission cycle, according to instructions from the Assam State Higher Education Admission Portal.

Reactions

Assam’s Minister of School Education, Higher Education, Tribal Affairs (plain) and IT, Ranoj Pegu, has urged students to carefully follow the revised timeline and complete the admission process within the stipulated dates. His statement underscored the importance of adhering to the new schedule for a smooth admission cycle.

What’s next

Following the closure of the registration window on July 13, 2026, the next critical steps for applicants involve the correction window from July 14 to July 15, 2026, and the subsequent scrutiny of corrected applications by HEIs. The publication of the first CUET merit list on July 19, 2026, will be a significant milestone, determining initial admissions. Students who do not secure a seat in the initial rounds will have further opportunities during the second merit list admissions and the CUET spot admission round. The final registration-cum-spot admission for non-CUET applicants will provide a last chance for those seeking entry. All admitted students are expected to commence their first semester classes on August 1, 2026. Applicants are advised to regularly check the Assam SAMARTH Admission Portal for any further updates or announcements.

Quick FAQs

When did the registration for CUET-based admissions close?

The registration and programme selection process for CUET-based UG admission closed on July 13, 2026.

What is the purpose of the correction window?

The correction window, open from July 14 to July 15, 2026, allows applicants to rectify any errors in their previously submitted application forms.

When will the first CUET merit list be published?

The first CUET merit list is scheduled for publication on July 19, 2026.

Is there an option for non-CUET applicants?

Yes, a final registration-cum-spot admission round for non-CUET applicants will be conducted from July 29 to July 31, 2026.

When are the first semester classes expected to begin?

The first semester classes for the academic session 2026-27 are scheduled to commence on August 1, 2026.

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