The Directorate of Higher Education (DHE), Assam, has announced a revised timeline for admissions into the Four Year Undergraduate Program (FYUGP) for the Academic Session 2026-27, encompassing both CUET and non-CUET pathways, with classes now set to commence on August 11, 2026. This adjustment follows earlier revisions and aims to accommodate students impacted by the recent flood situation across the state.
The updated schedule, issued through a public notice on the Assam State Higher Education Admission Portal (SAMARTH), affects thousands of aspiring undergraduate students across government, provincialised, and private higher educational institutions in Assam. The move underscores the state’s commitment to ensuring an equitable and accessible admission process, particularly for those facing unforeseen challenges.
What was announced
The Directorate of Higher Education, Assam, officially released the revised admission schedule for the FYUGP for the 2026-27 academic session. This announcement, made public on July 26, 2026, superseded an earlier revised timeline from July 10, 2026. The DHE communicated these changes through public notices available on the Assam State Higher Education Admission Portal, assamadmission.samarth.ac.in.
The initial revision in early July was primarily attributed to the ongoing CUET result API integration process within the SAMARTH Admission Portal. However, the subsequent revision on July 26, 2026, was specifically enacted in consideration of the prevailing flood situation across Assam, as directed by the Higher Education Department, Government of Assam. This was done to provide students affected by the natural calamity sufficient time to complete their admission formalities.
Why it matters
This revised timeline is critical for a vast number of students seeking to pursue undergraduate education in Assam. It provides much-needed clarity and an extended window for completing admission procedures, especially for those in flood-affected regions who may have faced difficulties accessing the internet or necessary documents. The DHE’s decision reflects a proactive approach to mitigate the impact of natural disasters on the academic calendar and student welfare.
The uniform admission process through the SAMARTH portal, a common platform for all state universities and government-aided higher education institutions, is designed to offer equal opportunities to candidates statewide, particularly benefiting those from rural and remote areas. The portal streamlines applications, reducing the logistical burden on students and preventing the issue of multiple seat blockages. Education Minister Ranoj Pegu has consistently urged students to meticulously follow the revised timelines and complete the admission process within the stipulated dates.
Background
The implementation of the Four Year Undergraduate Program (FYUGP) in Assam is a key component of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. Assam is recognised as one of the pioneering states to adopt the FYUGP framework across a significant portion of its higher education system. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma officially launched NEP 2020 for higher educational institutions in Assam on June 3, 2023, hailing it as a historic reform aimed at making education more flexible, student-focused, and skill-driven.
The Assam State Higher Education Admission Portal (SAMARTH) was launched by Education Minister Ranoj Pegu on December 18, 2023. This portal was established to centralise and streamline the admission process for all undergraduate programmes in state universities and government-aided colleges. Prior to the SAMARTH portal, students often faced challenges with multiple applications and seat blockages, which the unified platform aims to resolve. The portal enables students to apply for up to six programme options across various Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs).
The transition to FYUGP under NEP 2020 aims to provide students with greater academic flexibility, multiple entry and exit options, and an emphasis on research and skill development. On June 19, 2026, Minister Pegu also unveiled the guidelines for the operationalisation of the fourth year of the FYUGP for colleges affiliated with Gauhati University, along with an NEP Ready Reckoner and an FAQ booklet to clarify the new academic structure.
Key details
The latest revised admission schedule for the Four Year Undergraduate Program (FYUGP) for the Academic Session 2026-27, as announced by the Directorate of Higher Education, Assam, is as follows:
| Activity | Revised Date |
|---|---|
| Admission through Second CUET Merit List | July 25–30, 2026 |
| Spot Admission for CUET Candidates | July 31, 2026 |
| Final Registration & Spot Admission (Non-CUET) | August 4–7, 2026 |
| Orientation Programme | August 10, 2026 |
| Commencement of Classes | August 11, 2026 |
This updated timeline extends several crucial deadlines, including the final spot admission rounds for both CUET and non-CUET applicants, pushing back the commencement of first-semester classes by ten days from the previously scheduled August 1, 2026. The entire admission process is to be conducted exclusively through the Assam SAMARTH Admission Portal.
What’s next
All Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs) conducting admissions and applicants seeking admission through both CUET and non-CUET pathways are advised to take careful note of the revised timeline and ensure all necessary processes are completed within the stipulated dates. Students are encouraged to regularly check the official Assam State Higher Education Admission Portal for any further updates or announcements. The orientation programme for new students is scheduled for August 10, 2026, with classes officially commencing on August 11, 2026.