CUET PG 2026 is now underway, running from 6 to 27 March 2026, and the cutoff question has become urgent for every aspirant. With 300 marks at stake across 75 domain-specific MCQs and a -1 negative marking penalty, the gap between qualifying and actually getting a seat at DU, JNU, or BHU can be 40 to 60 marks in competitive subjects.

• NTA does not release a common cutoff; each university publishes its own course-wise and category-wise list after counselling.

• DU cutoffs in competitive courses like MA Applied Psychology are projected to touch 280-295 for the General category in 2026.
• JNU scores are likely to be around 300 for most humanities programs; the MA Hindi CUET PG cutoff at JNU is expected to cross 100 this year, up from 99 in 2025.
• DU and BHU alumni get a relaxation of 10-15 marks when seeking admission in the same university, a significant advantage that changes the effective target.

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• CUET PG Marks vs Percentile 2026
• CUET PG 2026 Expected Cutoff for Delhi University

CUET PG 2026 Expected Cutoff: Delhi University (DU)

DU is the most sought-after destination. Its cutoffs reflect that. North Campus programs consistently demand higher scores than South Campus equivalents in the same subject.

Note: DU alumni applying for the same university receive a relaxation of 10-15 marks. The effective target for own-university candidates is therefore 10-15 marks lower than the figures above.

Also Check:

• Detailed CUET PG Cutoff 2026

CUET PG 2026 Expected Cutoff: Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU)

JNU scores differently from DU. Most JNU programs scale marks to 300, and Section A (general aptitude) marks are excluded from the merit list calculation only domain knowledge questions count. JNU also applies deprivation points, which can add extra marks for candidates from disadvantaged backgrounds, lowering the effective score required.

JNU releases multiple cutoff rounds. Candidates who miss Round 1 should not withdraw from Round 2 and Round 3; often admit candidates with scores 10 to 20 marks below Round 1 closing marks.

Read More:

• CUET PG 2026 Counselling Process

CUET PG 2026 Expected Cutoff: Banaras Hindu University (BHU)

BHU is the third pillar of CUET PG aspirations. Its cutoffs sit slightly below DU for most courses, but competition is stiff given the large applicant base and limited seat count in postgraduate programs.

BHU alumni applying for the same university benefit from the same 10-15 mark relaxation as DU. BHU also releases multiple cutoff lists; the first round cutoff is always the highest. Candidates should aim for the upper end of the range, not the minimum.

CUET PG 2026 Cutoff Trends: Multi-Year View

How cutoffs have moved in three major subjects across the top three universities gives the clearest picture of what 2026 is likely to demand.

Sudha, a mentor at CUET PG Career Adda, points out that cutoffs fluctuate based on exam difficulty year-on-year, and candidates should aim for the higher end of the expected range as minimum cutoffs do not guarantee admission, especially in competitive subjects.

Check the detailed cutoff discussion here

CUET PG 2026 Safe Score Targets by University and Category

These are targets to aim for not just minimum qualifying marks. Clearing the cutoff is not the same as securing admission.

CUET PG 2026 Expected Cutoff: Quick Reference

Also Check:

• CUET PG 2026 Result

CUET PG 2026 Expected Cutoff FAQs

Ques. What is a safe score in CUET PG 2026 for Delhi University?

Ques. How much relaxation do DU and BHU own-university students get?

Ques. Is it possible to get admission to a central university with under 200 marks in CUET PG 2026?

Ques. When will the cutoff for CUET PG 2026 be declared?