UP CNET Exam 2026

The Uttar Pradesh Common Nursing Entrance Test (UP CNET) is the primary gateway for students seeking admission into various nursing programs across the state of Uttar Pradesh. Managed by Atal Bihari Vajpayee Medical University (ABVMU), Lucknow, here are the key highlights for the 2026 cycle:

• Exam Name: UP CNET UG 2026
• Conducting Body: Atal Bihari Vajpayee Medical University (ABVMU), Lucknow
• Exam Level: State Level
• Frequency: Once a year
• Courses Offered: B.Sc. Nursing (4 years)
• Mode of Exam: Offline (Pen and Paper based)
• Language: English
• Official Website: abvmuup.edu.in

Candidates should keep a close watch on the following tentative schedule for the UP CNET 2026 examination:

• Release of Official Notification: Last week of April 2026
• Online Application Starts: First week of May 2026
• Last Date to Apply: Last week of May 2026
• Admit Card Release: Second week of June 2026
• UP CNET 2026 Exam Date: Third week of June 2026
• Declaration of Result: First week of July 2026
• Commencement of Counselling: Mid-July 2026

UP CNET is a centralized entrance examination conducted for admission to B.Sc. Nursing, Post Basic B.Sc. Nursing, and M.Sc. Nursing courses in all government and private nursing colleges affiliated with ABVMU, KGMU, and SGPGIMS. It ensures a transparent and merit-based admission process for nursing aspirants in Uttar Pradesh.

The full form of UP CNET is the Uttar Pradesh Common Nursing Entrance Test. It was introduced to replace multiple individual entrance exams conducted by various universities in the state, bringing them under a single umbrella for the convenience of students.

Over the years, the UP CNET has evolved from a university-specific test to a unified state-level entrance exam. Previously, institutions like King George's Medical University (KGMU) and Sanjay Gandhi Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences (SGPGIMS) held separate tests. Since 2023, ABVMU has taken the lead in conducting a common test to standardize the quality of nursing education across Uttar Pradesh.

To be eligible for UP CNET UG 2026, candidates must fulfill the following criteria:

• Age: Minimum 17 years as of December 31, 2026.
• Nationality: Indian Nationals. Candidates from Uttar Pradesh are eligible for reservation benefits.
• Educational Qualification: Must have passed 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (PCB) and English from a recognized board (CBSE/ICSE/UP Board).
• Minimum Marks: At least 45% aggregate marks in PCB (40% for SC/ST/OBC candidates).
• Fitness: Candidates must be medically fit.

The application process for UP CNET 2026 is entirely online. Follow these steps:

1. Visit the official ABVMU website.
2. Click on the 'CNET 2026' registration link.
3. Provide basic details like name, email, and mobile number to generate login credentials.
4. Fill out the application form with academic and personal details.
5. Upload scanned documents including a recent photograph, signature, and thumb impression.
6. Pay the application fee (approx. ₹3000 for General/OBC and ₹2000 for SC/ST) via online mode.
7. Download and print the final confirmation page.

The UP CNET UG question paper is divided into five sections, each testing different competencies relevant to nursing:

• Nursing Aptitude: 20% weightage
• Physics: 20% weightage
• Chemistry: 20% weightage
• Biology: 20% weightage
• English and General Knowledge: 20% weightage

The syllabus for UP CNET UG 2026 is based on the Intermediate (10+2) Standard. Key topics include:

• Biology: Genetics, Ecology, Human Physiology, Plant Physiology, Reproduction.
• Physics: Optics, Thermodynamics, Electrostatics, Nuclei and Atoms, Laws of Motion.
• Chemistry: Organic Chemistry, Biomolecules, Chemical Kinetics, Coordination Compounds.
• Nursing Aptitude: Basics of health care, history of nursing in India, duties of a nurse.
• English: Grammar, Synonyms, Antonyms, Comprehension.

Understanding the exam pattern is crucial for preparation:

• Mode: OMR-based (Offline)
• Duration: 180 minutes (3 hours)
• Total Questions: 200 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
• Marking Scheme: 1 mark for each correct answer.
• Negative Marking: No negative marking.
• Medium: English.

The admission process follows these sequential steps:

1. Registration: Applying for the exam online.
2. Entrance Test: Appearing for the UP CNET 2026.
3. Result Declaration: Checking the merit list and scorecards.
4. Counselling: Registering for choice filling based on rank.
5. Seat Allotment: Getting a college based on merit and preferences.
6. Reporting: Document verification and fee payment at the allotted college.

Several prestigious institutions in UP accept CNET scores, including:

• Atal Bihari Vajpayee Medical University (ABVMU)
• King George's Medical University (KGMU)
• Sanjay Gandhi Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences (SGPGIMS)
• Dr. RML Institute of Medical Sciences (RMLIMS)
• Uttar Pradesh University of Medical Sciences (UPUMS), Saifai
• Various Government and Private Nursing Colleges across Uttar Pradesh.

The results for UP CNET 2026 will be published on the official ABVMU portal in the form of a scorecard. Candidates can log in using their registration ID and password to download their results. A merit list will also be released showing the ranks of all qualified candidates.

Once the results are declared, successful candidates must participate in the Online Counselling Process. It is essential to keep all original documents ready for verification and to monitor the official website for the counselling schedule and seat matrix.

The counselling process involves:

• Registration: Paying a non-refundable counselling fee and a refundable security deposit.
• Choice Filling: Selecting preferred nursing colleges in order of priority.
• Allotment: Seats are allotted based on CNET rank, category, and availability.
• Confirmation: Accepting the seat and reporting to the college for physical verification of documents.

The cut-off is the minimum marks required to qualify for counselling. While it varies every year, the general expectations are:

• General Category: 50th Percentile
• General-PwD: 45th Percentile
• SC/ST/OBC: 40th Percentile

Note: While NTA manages many exams, UP CNET is primarily managed by ABVMU.

Address: Atal Bihari Vajpayee Medical University, UP, 9th Floor, Academic Block, Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Institute of Medical Sciences, Vibhuti Khand, Gomti Nagar, Lucknow - 226010.

Email: cnetabvmuup2026@gmail.com

Helpline: Refer to the official website for updated contact numbers.