UP CNET 2026: Exam Dates, Eligibility, Application Form, Exam Pattern, Admit Card, Syllabus, Result, Counselling

Latest Updates

• UP CNET 2025 counselling process is over for the academic session 2025-26. Classes for the new session started on August 1, 2025, in the participating colleges.
• UP CNET 2026 registration will start from March. The exam will be conducted in May 2026 (tentative).

The UP CNET 2025 counselling process for B.Sc. Nursing and GNM admissions in Uttar Pradesh concluded for the academic session 2025–26. Organised by Atal Bihari Vajpayee Medical University (ABVMU), the entrance test replaced the earlier KGMU B.Sc. Nursing Exam.

The nursing exam is now mandatory for admission to 380 seats at KGMU and affiliated colleges. The offline, OMR-based exam was held on May 21, 2025, and classes commenced on August 1, 2025. The UP CNET 2026 exam is tentatively scheduled for July 2026, with notification and online applications expected in May 2026 on ABVMU and KGMU portals.

UP CNET 2026: Exam Highlights

All the important facts of the UP CNET exam are described here:

UP CNET 2026 Admit Card

UP CNET admit card is released around 15 to 20 days before the date of examination. The candidates can download it from the official website using:

• Registration number
• Date of birth
• Password/Application number

The admit card includes important details such as exam center, reporting time, and important instructions.

UP CNET 2026 Admit Card: How to Download?

Candidates who applied for the UP CNET exam can download their admit cards by following these easy steps:

• Visit the Official Website: Go to the official portal of UP CNET: upmedicalcouncil.org
• Select and go to the Admit Card Section: The homepage will show the link or tab with the name "Download Admit Card" or "UP CNET Admit Card."
• Enter Required Details: Enter the profile credentials like Registration Number, DOB, and other credentials as asked on the portal
• Submit Information: Tap on the submit or the download button to view your admit card.
• Download and Print: The admit card will be uploaded on the screen. Download it, and print it out so that you can take it with you on the exam day.
• Check Details Carefully: Check all the details on the admit card (name, exam date, place, instructions, etc.) to prevent any last-minute problems.

UP CNET 2026 Application/Registration Process

The process of the UP CNET application is performed online entirely via the official site. Follow these steps:

• Official Website: Go to upmedicalcouncil.org
• Create Account: Register the valid email ID and mobile number
• Fill Application Form: Enter personal details, academics, and contact details
• Upload Documents: Upload scanned copies of documents that have to be uploaded
• Pay Application Fee: Pay the fee online using online mode
• Submit Application: Review and submit the application form
• Confirmation: Download the confirmation page for future reference

UP CNET 2026 Application Fees

All registration fees are paid online, and the prices vary depending on the category of candidates. Registration is confirmed with payment which is non-refundable.

UP CNET 2026 Eligibility Criteria

Read on to know the eligibility criteria of UP CNET 2026 for both the BSc nursing and the Post-basic nursing courses:

UP CNET 2026 Exam Pattern

The UP CNET 2026 exam will be conducted in the offline mode (pen and paper-based) for 200 minutes. In the exam, there will be multiple-choice questions with four choices each. There are 200 questions of one mark each in the state-level nursing entrance examination. UP CNET 2025 exam pattern will help the candidates to know about the time duration/mode of exam/number of questions in exam/marking scheme, and much more for both BSc nursing courses, Post Basic BSc nursing courses:

UP CNET 2026: Preparation Tips

To be successful in UP CNET, it is necessary to revise regularly, take mock tests, and have an active exam strategy. Do as many questions as one can, and keep on revising notes.

Study Strategy

• Develop a well-built and systematic plan for studying various subjects
• Concentrate more on Biology as it is given maximum weightage (75 questions).
• Solve numerical questions in Physics and Chemistry on a regular basis
• Improve English vocabulary/ grammar skills

Time Management

• Devote 2 hours towards PCB + 1 hour towards English
• First try Biology, which is a scoring subject.
• Don't answer complicated questions at the beginning.
• Keep 15-20 minutes for revision

UP CNET: Exam Day Guidelines & Dress Code

• Report to the exam centre half an hour before exam time
• Wear simple and comfortable dresses
• Do not use metallic accessories and electronic devices.
• Carry a valid ID proof and an admit card only
• Follow COVID-19 measures if applicable.

Things to Avoid During the Exam

• Don't panic in case of facing difficult questions
• Don't spend too much time on a single question
• Don't talk to other candidates about answers
• Avoid using electronic devices or other unfair means
• Don't leave the exam hall without finishing the paper

UP CNET 2026 Result

UP CNET result is declared in online mode on the official website. The result includes:

• Candidate's roll number
• Total marks obtained
• Subject-wise marks
• Overall rank/percentile
• Qualifying status

Candidates can see their results using their registration number and DOB (Date of Birth).

Steps to Check UP CNET Result

Candidates who appeared for the UP CNET exam can check their results by following the simple steps:

• Visit the Official Website: Go to the official UP CNET result portal site: upmedicalcouncil.org or to the result page for your specific result page.
• Find the Result Link: Go to the homepage or under the "Results" section and search for the link with "UP CNET Result 2026" or "Download UP CNET Scorecard."
• Enter Credentials: Fill in your Registration Number, DOB, and Captcha Code (if any) to verify your identity.
• Submit Information: Click on the "Submit" or "View Result" button to access your result.
• View and Download Result: The result or scorecard will be shown on the screen. Review all details carefully, including marks, rank, and qualifying status.
• Print the Scorecard: Download and take out a printout of the result for future reference, counselling, and admission purposes.
• Alert the Authorities When Necessary: For any discrepancies and issues, contact the UP Medical Council or examination authority immediately using the contact details provided on the official website.

Important Notes:

• Results are usually declared in 30-45 days after the date of examination.
• During counselling, keep your login credentials secure, as they will be required during counselling.

UP CNET 2026 Answer Key

The UP CNET answer key is given out in two stages:

• Provisional Answer Key: It is released in 3-4 days after the exam
• Final Answer Key: Posted after taking into consideration objections (if any)

Candidates are supposed to be able to object to the provisional answer key within the deadline for the same, with relevant fee payments.

Steps to Download the UP CNET Answer Key

The UP CNET Answer Key can be downloaded by the candidates by following the steps:

• Visit the Official Website: Visit the official website of UP CNET at upmedicalcouncil.org.
• Locate the Answer Key Link: Go to the link of "Answer Key" or "UP CNET Answer Key 2026" section, which is usually available on the homepage or under the expository section.
• Choose the Applicable Examination Session: Choose a specific exam date or exam session to download the answer key (e.g., B.Sc Nursing 2026 exam)
• Click to Download: Open the provisional answer key link to open the gait answer key in PDF Format.
• Save and Review: You can download a PDF of the answer key and save it just in case you want to cross-check your answers and get an idea of what score you will possibly get.
• Challenge/Compulsion Process (If Applicable): If differences are found, you can raise them in the form of challenges or objections within the stipulated period. Objections are normally submitted by completing a form and paying a separate fee.
• Wait for Final Answer Key: After the objections are removed, the Conducting Authority will publish the final answer sheet through the designated function.

Important Notes

• Keep visiting the official website regularly to know about the deadlines of objections and the final answer key.
• The answer key is an important tool to predict your exam result before the declaration of the outcomes.

UP CNET 2026 Counselling

UP CNET counselling process involves:

1. CNET 2025 Counselling Registration - Interested candidates need to apply for CNET 2025 counselling. The CNET counseling registration notification will be published on the official website. Candidates must fill out the form and pay the counseling application fee to become eligible to attend the CNET counseling process.
2. CNET Choice filling and option locking - Candidates will have to fill up choices according to the information provided in the CNET seat matrix. Candidates may select any number of colleges to apply to the BSc nursing programme. After filling in the choices, it is necessary to lock the options and wait for the output.
3. CNET Seat Allotment Result - Based on the selected preference and score achieved in the exam, candidates will be allocated a seat. The CNET seat allocation result will be uploaded to the admission portal. Aspirants will need to use their login credentials to check the allotment result.
4. Document Verification and Fee Payment - The last step of the CNET counselling process is reporting at the allotted institute. Candidates will be required to present themselves within the deadline after the institute is assigned to them. The candidates are also advised to carry the following documents for verification during the admission process. Confirm Seat Confirmation Charges for INR 40000/- (Rs. Only forty thousand (40,000) can be deposited through online mode/challan payment in ABVMU, UP, to confirm the allotment of seats.

Top Colleges Accepting UP CNET Score

Major nursing institutions accepting UP CNET scores include:

Top Government Colleges Accepting UP CNET Score

Top Private Colleges Accepting UP CNET Score

UP CNET Exam: Course Options

The UP CNET 2026 exam will be based on the conventional schedule. The tentative dates are as follows, based on the past year's trends:

The detailed subject-wise syllabus PDFs are also available to the candidates planning to prepare and take the UP CNET 2026. The syllabus includes all the most important topics of Physics, Chemistry and Biology as well as English according to the 10+2 system.

The practice of UP CNET previous years' question papers helps in:

• Understanding exam pattern
• Identifying topics of importance
• Time management skills
• Boosting confidence

Question papers of the last 5 years can be found on the official website and other educational websites. Adda 247 has posted UP CNET previous year papers online. Students can click on the link below to directly download the Adda247 UP CNET previous year papers.

The UP CNET cutoff changes depending on things like:

• Number of applicants
• Difficulty level of the exam
• Available seats
• Category of candidate

UP CNET 2026 Expected Cutoff Trends (Category-wise)

Factors affecting UP CNET Cutoff

The cutoff for the UP CNET exam is affected by a number of important factors that determine the minimum qualifying marks required for admission. Going through these things can help the candidate with planning for preparation and being realistic about setting goals.

1. Number of Applicants: As the number of candidates appearing for UP CNET increases, competition also rises, which results in a higher cutoff.
2. Difficulty Level of Exam: The easier the question papers, the better the cutoff marks, and the difficult the exams, the lower cutoff marks.
3. Total Number of Seats: The availability of seats in nursing colleges in Uttar Pradesh has a direct effect on cutoff scores, i.e., the fewer the seats, the higher the cutoff.
4. Category-wise Reservations: Reservation policies of the categories of SC, ST, OBC, and EWS impact category-wise cut-offs with the promotion of minimum marks for reserved category candidates.
5. Performance of Candidates: The performance and distribution of scores of candidates affect the cutoff trends.
6. Previous Year Cutoff Trends: The cutoff information is a baseline that has an impact on year-to-year expectations.
7. Counselling Process: The number of rounds of counselling and the seat allocation process might result in some fluctuations in the cutoff after each round.

Frequently Asked Questions

Ques: What is the complete name of UP CNET?

Ans. UP CNET is an abbreviation used in the name of Uttar Pradesh Combined Nursing Entrance Test, which is used to gain admission to Uttar Pradesh nursing study programs.

Ques: Does UP CNET have negative marking?

Ans. No, there is no negative marking in the UP CNET exam. Candidates can have the opportunity to try any questions without any fear of losing marks.

Ques: What are the minimum qualifying marks of UP CNET?

Ans. The lowest qualifying marks are different in types - General: 50% marks, OBC: 45% marks, SC/ST: 40% marks of the total marks.

Ques: Are other states eligible to apply to UP CNET?

Ans. No, only candidates having Uttar Pradesh domicile can be members of UP CNET. A proper domicile certificate is required.

Ques: What is the frequency of the UP CNET?

Ans. UP CNET is an annual test and is usually held in May-June to get admission in the new academic session.

Ques: How valid is the UP CNET score?

Ans. The UP CNET score can only be used in the admission session in which it was administered. Applicants have to re-present themselves in later years.

Ques: Is it possible to change the exam center even after applying?

Ans. No, it is impossible to change exam centers once the applications are made. The number of centers is assigned according to preference and availability.