BHU CUET PG Counselling 2026: Registration, Fees, and Seat Allotment Process

BHU CUET PG Counselling 2026 is the mandatory process for securing admission to Banaras Hindu University through the Combined Allotment Program (CAP PG). Eligible candidates must register on the BHU Samarth portal, pay the requisite fees, and fill their program preferences to participate in the automated seat allotment rounds based on NTA scores.

Understanding the BHU CUET PG Counselling 2026 Framework

BHU CUET PG Counselling 2026 operates under the Combined Allotment Program (CAP PG), a centralized digital system designed to manage admissions across various postgraduate departments. The university uses this platform to evaluate normalized NTA scores and allocate seats based on the merit-cum-preference of the applicants.

For the 2026 academic year, BHU has integrated its admission system strictly with the Common University Entrance Test (CUET PG) results. The university does not conduct a separate entrance exam but requires a distinct registration on its official portal to validate candidate data. This process ensures that only those who explicitly choose BHU and meet the undergraduate eligibility criteria are considered. The counselling is structured in multiple rounds, starting with regular seats and moving to paid seats and spot admissions if vacancies persist.

Successful navigation of BHU CUET PG Counselling 2026 involves more than just a high entrance score; it requires precise administrative compliance. Candidates must ensure that the subject codes they appeared for in the CUET exam align with the specific requirements of the BHU program they are applying to. Failure to match these domain subjects leads to immediate disqualification during the initial portal screening.

Procedural Steps for CUET PG Registration 2026

CUET PG Registration 2026 at BHU is a two-step requirement: candidates must have registered with the NTA for the entrance exam and subsequently register on the BHU CAP portal. This university-specific registration is the gateway through which candidates submit their preferences and academic credentials for verification.

The registration portal typically opens shortly after the NTA results are announced. Applicants must use their CUET application number as the login credential to begin the process on the Samarth-based BHU portal. During CUET PG Registration, candidates are required to upload their scorecards, graduation marksheets, and relevant category certificates. Accuracy is paramount here, as any mismatch between the NTA data and the university registration can result in a rejected application.

A critical part of this phase is the “Preference Entry.” Candidates can select multiple programs if they meet the eligibility, but they must rank them in order of priority. The system follows this hierarchy during the CUET PG Registration and allotment rounds. Once the window closes, these preferences are locked and cannot be altered, making it essential to research department reputations and seat availability beforehand.

Breakdown of CUET PG Fee Structure for BHU

CUET PG Fee for BHU includes the non-refundable counselling registration charge and the subsequent academic fees upon seat acceptance. The registration fee varies by category, typically ranging from ₹300 for reserved categories to ₹700 for general candidates, while academic fees depend on the specific faculty and course type.

The financial commitment begins at the portal registration stage. Without the payment of the CUET PG Fee, the candidate’s preferences will not be processed by the allotment engine. Once a seat is offered, the candidate must pay the “Seat Acceptance Fee” or a portion of the first-semester tuition fee within a strict 48 to 72-hour window. This payment confirms the candidate’s intent to join and prevents the seat from being marked as vacant for the next round.

For students opting for “Paid Seats,” the CUET PG Fee involves a significantly higher annual surcharge in addition to the regular tuition costs. These seats are offered to candidates with slightly lower ranks but who are willing to pay the premium. It is important to note that hostel fees and laboratory charges are usually billed separately from the central academic fee.

Mechanics of the CUET PG Seat Allotment Process

CUET PG Seat Allotment Process at BHU is an automated, merit-based system that releases multiple rounds of selection lists. Seats are distributed according to the candidate’s rank, selected preferences, and the reservation policies of the Government of India as adopted by the university.

The process begins with the “Provisional Admission List.” If a candidate is allotted their first preference, they must pay the fee and confirm the seat. If they are allotted a lower preference, they have two choices: “Freeze” the seat to stop further upgrades or “Float” to remain in contention for a higher-ranked preference in the next round of the CUET PG Seat Allotment Process. This dynamic ensures that top-ranked candidates move into their most desired programs, while vacant spots are filled by those lower on the merit list.

In the final stages, BHU conducts “Mop-up” or “Spot Admission” rounds. These rounds are for candidates who were not allotted any seat in previous lists or who missed the initial registration. The CUET PG Seat Allotment Process for spot rounds often requires candidates to be physically present at the university for on-the-spot verification and fee payment. This stage is fast-paced and is the final opportunity for aspirants to secure a spot at the university.

The “Freeze vs. Upgrade” Dilemma: A Strategic View

A common misunderstanding among students is that “Floating” a seat carries the risk of losing it. In reality, the BHU CUET PG Counselling 2026 system guarantees that your current seat is held until you are successfully upgraded to a higher preference. However, the system fails if a student ignores the payment deadline for their initial allotment. To stay in the upgrade cycle, you must pay the admission fee for the current seat.

Failure to pay the fee for an allotted seat, even if it is your last preference, will result in immediate removal from the CUET PG Seat Allotment Process. You cannot skip a round and wait for an upgrade. To mitigate this risk, candidates should only list programs they are genuinely willing to join and ensure they have the funds ready for the immediate “Seat Acceptance” payment. This strategy ensures you remain eligible for the most desirable departments throughout the counselling cycle.

Practical Application: Navigating Document Verification

Consider a scenario where a student from a different state is allotted a seat in M.Sc. Physics. Once the CUET PG Seat Allotment Process confirms the admission online and the fee is paid, the student must travel to Varanasi for physical reporting.

The success of the final BHU CUET PG Counselling 2026 stage depends on the “Document Dossier.” Students must carry:

1. CUET PG 2026 Scorecard and Admit Card.
2. Transfer/Migration Certificate from their previous university.
3. Category Certificate (OBC-NCL/EWS) specifically in the Central Government format.
4. Graduation Marksheets for all six semesters.

In this practical case, if the OBC certificate is in a State-specific format or is outdated, the university will convert the seat to “General” category. If the candidate’s score is lower than the General cut-off, the admission will be cancelled on the spot. Preparing these documents months in advance is the most critical learning for any 2026 aspirant.

Essential Checklist for 2026 Aspirants

To ensure a smooth journey through the BHU CUET PG Counselling 2026, candidates should adhere to this final checklist:

• Verify Eligibility: Ensure your undergraduate degree matches the BHU Information Bulletin requirements.
• Portal Monitoring: Check the BHU Samarth portal daily after the results are announced for CUET PG Registration updates.
• Fee Readiness: Keep the estimated CUET PG Fee ready in a digital-payment-enabled account.
• Preference Strategy: Order your choices based on your genuine academic interest, not just high-cut-off trends.

Securing a seat at Banaras Hindu University is as much about administrative diligence as it is about academic excellence. By mastering the CUET PG Seat Allotment Process and remaining proactive during the registration phase, students can successfully join one of India’s most prestigious heritage institutions. 

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