CPET 2026 Application Deadline Extended Till March 22

Bhubaneswar: The Higher Education Department, Government of Odisha has extended the deadline for submission of applications for the Common PG Entrance Test (CPET) 2026, providing relief to students aspiring for postgraduate admissions.

As per the revised schedule, candidates can now apply till March 22, 2026 (11:45 PM) through the SAMS portal by filling out the Common Application Form (CAF). The earlier deadline was March 18.

Officials said the extension has been granted keeping in view the larger interest of students and to ensure that no eligible candidate is deprived of the opportunity to apply.

The CPET is a mandatory entrance examination for admission to postgraduate courses for the 2026–27 academic session, with selection based on marks secured in the test.

Meanwhile, the department has also set a target to commence postgraduate courses by July 10, 2026 across universities and colleges in the state. The move aims to streamline the academic calendar and ensure timely completion of courses, benefiting thousands of students across Odisha.

Authorities have urged applicants to complete the registration process well before the deadline to avoid last-minute issues.