CUET PG 2026 expected cutoff for ST (Scheduled Tribe) category students ranges from 70 to 170 marks out of 300, based on 2025 trends — top universities like JNU and DU expect ST cutoffs of 145–170 while northeastern universities may be as low as 70–110.
CUET PG 2026 is conducted by NTA for admission to postgraduate programmes at central universities across India. The result was declared on April 24, 2026. Individual universities are now publishing their own ST category cutoffs, expected from mid-June 2026 onwards. ST students receive 7.5% reserved seats in all central universities under Government of India norms.
- CUET PG 2026 carries 300 marks total — 75 questions × 4 marks, with ?1 for wrong answers.
- ST students receive 7.5% of seats in every central university under reservation norms.
- Based on 2025 trends, scoring 140+ marks gives ST students a strong chance at most major central universities.
- Expected ST cutoffs range from 70 marks at Assam University to 170 marks at JNU and DU.
- There is no single NTA cutoff — each university releases its own ST merit list separately.
- University-wise ST cutoffs are expected to be released from mid-June 2026 onwards.
| Direct Link to CUET PG 2026 Official Portal (Active) — pgcuet.samarth.ac.in |
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Table of Contents |
CUET PG 2026 Exam Overview and Marking Scheme
Understanding the exam structure helps you interpret what a cutoff score means in practice.
| Parameter | Detail |
|---|---|
| Conducting Body | National Testing Agency (NTA) |
| Full Name | Common University Entrance Test – Post Graduate (CUET PG) |
| Mode | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| Total Questions per Paper | 75 |
| Total Marks per Paper | 300 |
| Marks per Correct Answer | +4 |
| Negative Marking | ?1 per wrong answer |
| ST Seat Reservation | 7.5% of total seats in each central university |
| Cutoff Set By | Each university individually (not NTA) |
| 2026 Result Declared | April 24, 2026 |
Since the paper carries negative marking, accuracy matters more than total attempts. An ST student who answers 60 correctly and gets 15 wrong scores 225 marks out of 300.
Expected CUET PG 2026 Cutoff for ST Category — Subject-Wise
Based on 2025 trends, expected CUET PG 2026 ST cutoffs range from 100–125 for Geography to 145–170 for Computer Science, all out of 300 marks. These are expected ranges and will vary by university.
| Subject / Paper | Expected ST Cutoff 2026 (out of 300) | General Category Reference (Expected) |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Science | 145 – 170 | 175 – 210 |
| Commerce / Management | 140 – 165 | 170 – 195 |
| Mathematics | 135 – 160 | 165 – 195 |
| Economics | 130 – 155 | 160 – 185 |
| Psychology | 130 – 155 | 160 – 185 |
| English | 125 – 150 | 155 – 180 |
| Political Science | 120 – 145 | 150 – 175 |
| History | 110 – 135 | 140 – 165 |
| Sociology | 105 – 130 | 130 – 160 |
| Geography | 100 – 125 | 125 – 155 |
Computer Science and Commerce/Management carry the highest expected ST cutoffs. Geography and Sociology are most accessible. The ST–General gap is typically 30–45 marks across subjects, based on 2025 trends.
CUET PG 2025 Cutoff for ST Category — Previous Year Reference
The 2025 ST cutoffs are the most reliable planning benchmark for 2026. Figures are based on university merit lists and widely reported admission data.
| University | Programme | Approx. ST Cutoff 2025 (out of 300) |
|---|---|---|
| University of Delhi (DU) | MA Economics | 152 |
| JNU | MA Political Science | 148 |
| Jamia Millia Islamia | MBA | 142 |
| Pondicherry University | MSc Computer Science | 140 |
| Hyderabad Central University (HCU) | MA English | 130 |
| BHU | MA History | 118 |
| AMU | MA Sociology | 108 |
DU had the highest ST cutoff at 152 in 2025, with AMU Sociology at 108 at the lower end. The 44-mark spread shows how much university and programme choice shapes your required score.
University-Wise Expected CUET PG 2026 Cutoff for ST Students
Each central university publishes its own ST cutoff from the CUET PG merit list. The same score may earn admission at one university but fall short at another. All ranges below are expected, based on 2025 trends.
| University | Expected ST Cutoff Range 2026 (out of 300) | Selectivity |
|---|---|---|
| JNU (Jawaharlal Nehru University) | 145 – 170 | High |
| University of Delhi (DU) | 145 – 165 | High |
| Jamia Millia Islamia | 130 – 155 | Moderate |
| HCU (Hyderabad Central University) | 120 – 150 | Moderate – High |
| BHU (Banaras Hindu University) | 115 – 145 | Moderate – High |
| Pondicherry University | 100 – 130 | Moderate |
| NEHU (North-Eastern Hill University) | 75 – 110 | Low – Moderate |
| Tezpur University | 80 – 115 | Low – Moderate |
| Assam University | 70 – 105 | Low |
JNU and DU stay at the top with ST cutoffs from 145 upwards. Northeastern universities — NEHU, Tezpur, and Assam University — are significantly more accessible, with expected ST cutoffs between 70 and 115.
Factors Affecting CUET PG 2026 Cutoff for ST Category
The ST cutoff at each university depends on multiple variables. Knowing these helps you set a realistic score target before results arrive.
- Total ST seats available: More reserved seats generally lowers competition and the effective cutoff.
- Number of ST applicants: A larger ST applicant pool competing for the same seats pushes the cutoff upward.
- Paper difficulty: A harder exam lowers raw scores, pulling cutoffs down by 5–15 marks across all categories.
- Programme popularity: Computer Science, Economics, and MBA consistently have higher ST cutoffs than less popular subjects.
- University tier: JNU and DU attract the strongest applicant pool, so their ST cutoffs sit 20–40 marks above those of smaller central universities.
- Year-on-year registration growth: CUET PG participation has grown each cycle since 2022, putting upward pressure on cutoffs at top institutions.
- Round 2 and later rounds: If ST seats go unfilled in Round 1, universities often lower the effective cutoff in subsequent rounds.
What Score Should ST Students Target in CUET PG 2026?
ST students aiming for top central universities should target 140 or above out of 300, based on 2025 trends. For less competitive universities and subjects, 80–120 marks may be sufficient.
| Score Range (out of 300) | Expected Admission Chances for ST Students |
|---|---|
| 170 and above | Very High — strong chance at JNU, DU, and most top central universities across popular subjects |
| 140 – 169 | High — good chance at JNU, HCU, BHU, Jamia, and Pondicherry for most programmes |
| 110 – 139 | Moderate — likely at BHU, Pondicherry, and Jamia for several programmes; may miss JNU and DU |
| 80 – 109 | Low to Moderate — accessible at northeastern and less competitive central universities |
| Below 80 | Low — limited options; mainly niche PG programmes at lower-competition institutions |
Scoring above 140 gives you a realistic shot at six or more well-known central universities. If your score is in the 80–110 range, northeastern universities like NEHU, Tezpur, and Assam University offer quality PG programmes with significantly lower expected ST cutoffs.
CUET PG 2026 ST Cutoff FAQs
Ques. What is the minimum score for an ST student to get admission through CUET PG 2026?
Ans. There is no single minimum score — each university sets its own ST cutoff. Based on 2025 trends, scores of 70–105 can secure admission at northeastern universities like Assam University. For JNU or DU, ST students need 145 or above.
Ques. How much lower is the CUET PG ST cutoff compared to the general category?
Ans. Based on 2025 trends, the ST cutoff is typically 30–45 marks lower than the general category cutoff for the same programme and university. The exact gap varies by subject and institution.
Ques. How many seats are reserved for ST students in central universities under CUET PG?
Ans. ST students receive 7.5% of total seats in every central university, as per the Government of India reservation policy. The exact number of seats varies by university and programme based on total intake.
Ques. When will the CUET PG 2026 ST cutoff be released?
Ans. Based on 2025 timelines, most universities are expected to release their ST category cutoffs from mid-June 2026 onwards. Some universities may continue into July–August 2026 for subsequent rounds. Check official university admission portals directly.
Ques. Can an ST student get admission with a score of 120 out of 300?
Ans. Yes. A score of 120 is in the moderate range for ST students. Based on 2025 trends, BHU for MA History and Pondicherry University for several programmes had ST cutoffs at or below 120. Applying to multiple universities improves your chances.
Ques. Does NTA publish a separate CUET PG cutoff for ST category?
Ans. No. NTA releases only the result and scorecard. Each participating university publishes its own ST category merit list and cutoff on its official admissions portal. There is no single NTA-released ST cutoff covering all universities.
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