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Universities You Can Join Without Entrance Exams in 2026

Public universities use merit-based selection to admit students without CUET in 2026.
UniList Desk

Updated Jan 14, 2026 | 08:51 PM IST
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Concerns over entrance examinations such as CUET often trouble students planning for higher education. By 2026, however, several public universities across India will continue to offer admissions without making CUET compulsory for all programmes. In such cases, selection may be based on school or university grades, internal merit lists, or institution-specific criteria. This means that even without appearing for CUET, students can still access recognised public universities through alternative admission routes.
This article outlines public universities that admit students without CUET for certain courses, along with their general selection methods. Understanding these options can help students plan their next steps after completing school or graduation.

What Does “Without Entrance Exam” Mean?

Universities that admit students without CUET typically follow one or more of the following approaches:
  • Academic performance: Admission based on Class 12 or qualifying degree marks
  • Internal selection: Universities use their own merit lists or evaluation systems
  • Programme-specific criteria: Certain departments may assess additional qualifications, aptitude, or subject background
For students without CUET scores, or those dissatisfied with their results, these pathways offer viable alternatives. Not appearing for the exam does not automatically disqualify candidates, although the admission process may differ from centrally conducted tests.

Government Universities Offering Admission Without CUET in 2026

Assam University, Assam
Assam University offers undergraduate and postgraduate programmes across arts, science, commerce, education, and management. Admission criteria vary by department. Some courses rely on academic performance or internal selection methods rather than CUET.
Hemwati Nandan Bahuguna Garhwal University, Uttarakhand
The university offers a range of bachelor’s and select master’s programmes. Admission to many courses is primarily merit-based, making it suitable for students from arts, science, commerce, and management backgrounds.
Manipur University, Manipur
Manipur University provides undergraduate and postgraduate programmes such as BA, BSc, BBA, MA, and MCA. Depending on the course, admission may be based on academic merit or university-level selection processes.
Mizoram University, Mizoram
Certain programmes at Mizoram University admit students without CUET scores. The university is known for its offerings in science, arts, and social sciences.
Nagaland University, Nagaland
Admission procedures may involve merit ranking or alternative university-specific criteria. The institution attracts students from the North East as well as other regions of India.
North Eastern Hill University, Meghalaya
The university offers undergraduate, postgraduate, and research programmes. Admission to many courses is based on academic performance in qualifying examinations.
Rajiv Gandhi University, Arunachal Pradesh
Several programmes admit students based on Class 12 or qualifying degree marks. Available disciplines include arts, sciences, education, research, and management-related fields.
Sikkim University, Sikkim
Sikkim University offers programmes in arts, sciences, and social sciences, with admission to certain courses not requiring CUET scores.
Tripura University, Tripura
The university offers undergraduate and postgraduate programmes where admission may rely on academic merit rather than national-level entrance examinations.
Tezpur University, Assam
Admission processes may include academic performance along with university-specific criteria. The institution offers a broad range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes across disciplines.

How These Universities Select Students

Selection methods commonly include:
  • Merit-based ranking: Candidates are ranked according to academic scores
  • Departmental criteria: Some programmes have subject-specific requirements
  • Counselling or interviews: Offered in select courses, though not universally applied
Applicants should always consult the official university websites for updated eligibility conditions, application timelines, and required documents, as admission rules are subject to change.

Tips for Applying Without CUET

  • Check eligibility requirements early and prepare necessary certificates
  • Apply only through official university admission portals
  • Review course structures, subject combinations, and fee details carefully
  • Keep alternative options ready in case seats are filled quickly
Skipping CUET in 2026 does not close the door to higher education. Many public universities continue to admit students based on academic merit or institution-specific selection methods. Since admission policies can change, students should verify current guidelines directly with the universities before applying. Multiple pathways exist, allowing students to pursue higher education without relying solely on a single entrance examination.

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