CUET PG 2026 Exam Pattern: Negative Marking, Time Duration, Shift Timings & Total Marks
Central University Entrance Test Postgraduate 2026 ( CUET-PG )
CUET PG exam pattern 2026 has been released by NTA on the official portal. The exam pattern of CUET PG 2026 has remained the same as last year. As per the CUET PG 2026 exam pattern, there will be 75 MCQs that the exam authority will ask from the mentioned CUET PG syllabus 2026. The CUET PG 2026 exam will be conducted online. The exam duration is 90 minutes. The question paper medium of the exam will be bilingual across all the streams, i.e., Science, Humanities, Acharya, Languages, MTech, etc. Also, the CUET question paper for the subjects under the Acharya domain will be in Sanskrit. Candidates can check out the complete details on the CUET PG exam pattern 2026 on this page.
- CUET PG 2026 Exam Pattern Highlights
- CUET PG 2026 Exam Structure
- CUET PG Exam Pattern 2026: Marking Scheme and Negative Marking
- CUET PG 2026 Exam Duration
- CUET PG 2026 Exam Pattern Important Instructions
- New Changes Introduced in CUET PG Exam
- CUET PG 2026 Shift Timings
- FAQs Regarding CUET PG 2026 Exam Pattern
CUET PG 2026 Exam Pattern Highlights
The table below brings the expected CUET PG 2026 exam pattern highlights.
| Particulars |
Details |
|---|---|
| Mode of the examination |
Computer-based test (CBT)/Lan-based/Online |
| Medium/ Language |
English and Hindi |
| Duration of the examination |
90 minutes |
| Frequency of exam in a year |
Once a year |
| Type of questions |
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) asked from CUET PG syllabus |
| Total number of Questions |
75 |
| Total Marks |
300 |
| Negative marking |
Yes |
| Marking Scheme |
+4 for correct answer| -1 for an incorrect answer |
| Total sections in the question paper |
1 |
| Name of the section and number of questions asked from it |
Section A: Scrapped Section B: Domain Specific Questions |
Candidates can go through the video below to learn about the changes in the CUET PG 2024 exam:
Also Read:
CUET PG 2026 Exam Structure
The following table presents the exam structure of the CUET PG 2026 question paper.
| Part |
Sections/Subjects |
Number of Questions |
|---|---|---|
| A |
Domain knowledge Question from CUET PG syllabus 2026 |
75 |
CUET PG 2026 Detailed Exam Structure
Below is the table mentioned for the detailed CUET PG 2026 detailed examination structure for all the subjects for which the examination will be conducted. Aspirants preparing for CUET PG 2026 exam can take the below table for reference:
| Exam Pattern And Important Topics | Examination Subjects |
|---|---|
| No. of questions 75 (MCQs): 75 Domain Knowledge Questions comprising of:
|
Common: BEd, BEd-MEd Integrated, BEd (HI),B Ed (ID),B Ed (VI), Lifelong Learning & Extension etc. |
| No. of questions 75 (MCQs): 75 Domain Knowledge (Science Stream) questions | Science; Agricultural Science- Agricultural Economics; Agronomy; Entomology; Agricultural Extension & Communication; Genetics & Plant Breeding; Horticulture, Plant Pathology, Plant Physiology; Soil Science & Agricultural Chemistry,Agriculture Technology (Informatics), Agro forestry, Microbiology/Applied Microbiology, Architecture and Planning,Sustainable Architecture,Architecture and Design,Urban & Regional Planning, Architecture and Planning,Sustainable Architecture,Architecture and Design,Urban & Regional Planning, Biochemistry,Anatomy,Pharmacology,Bio Science, Bioinformatics,Food Science and Nutrition,Bio Science - Bioinformatics,
|
| No. of questions 75 (MCQs): 75 Domain Knowledge (Humanities Stream) questions | Humanities Ancient Indian History, Culture & Arch, Archaeology Heritage Management, Conservation Preservation and Heritage Management etc. Anthropology, Applied Arts, Art and Aesthetics, Dance - Kathak/Bharat Natyam, Kuchipudi, Manipuri, Bharatanatyam, Kathakali, Theatre Arts,
|
| No. of questions 75 (MCQs): 75 Domain Knowledge (MTeach/Higher Sciences) questions | MTech/ Higher Sciences Chemical Thermal & Polymer Engineering,Thermal Engineering, Civil, Structural & Transport Engg. Dairy Technology, Data Science, Artifical Intelligence, Cyber Security & Computer Science,Computer Sciences &
|
No. of questions 75 (MCQs): 75 Domain Knowledge (Literature Stream) questions |
Literature: English,Comparative Literature,English & Cultural Studies,English, Modern European,English(Cafeteria) |
|
Note: Acharya Papers would be in Sanskrit except Hindu Studies, Indian Knowledge System and Baudha Darshan. |
Acharya: Agama, Baudha Darshan / Buddhist Studies (Bilingual - Hindi/English), Dharma Shastra, Vastu, Paurohitya and Veda Dharma Vijnan, Dharmashastra (BHU), Hindu Studies (Bilingual - Hindi/English)), Indian Knowledge System, Jain Darshan (BHU), Jyotish -Falit (BHU), Jyotish -Ganit (BHU), Krishna Yajurveda (BHU), Nyaya Vaisheshika, Phalita and Siddantha Jyotisha, Puranetihas, Rigveda, Sahitya (BHU), Sahitya (Alankara and Kavya varga), Samveda, Shukla Yajurveda (BHU), Veda |
| 75 Domain Knowledge questions Note: Acharya Papers would be in Sanskrit except Hindu Studies, Indian Knowledge System and Baudha Darshan. |
Acharya: Shiksha Shastri BEd, Shiksha Acharya MEd |
| 75 MCQ Questions Comprising:
|
Common: General MBA, Marketing & Finance Management,Tourism, Travel & Hotel Management, Business Analytics, Sales & Marketing etc. |
| 75 MCQ Questions Comprising
|
Common: General, LLB,Bachelor of Library & Information Science(One Year),Defence and Strategic Studies, Jammu & Kashmir Studies , Hindu Studies, Women Studies, Anthropology, Digital Society,Finance & Taxation,Physical Education,Textile Design, Hospitality and Tourism Management,Gender Studies etc. |
| 75 Domain Knowledge questions |
Common: Agri-Business Management, Applied Geography, Geoinformatics and Geographic Information Systems, Applied Geography, Geoinformatics and Geographic Information Systems, BEd Languages, BEd Science, BEd Mathematics, Commerce,Business Finance, Accounting & Taxation, Economic Administration and Financial Management etc, Disaster Studies, Economics,Financial Economics,Business Economics,Rural Economics etc, Library and Information Science, LLM, MEd, MA Education, Mass commumnication and Journalism, Physical Education, Public Health, Sports, Yoga, Hospital Management.
|
Note
- Languages papers will be in concerned language except Linguistic which would be in English.
- M.Tech/Higher Sciences would be in English only.
- Acharya Papers would be in Sanskrit except Hindu Studies, Indian Knowledge System and Baudha Darshan.
- Humanities, Sciences and Common papers would be bilingual (English & Hindi).
- Examination would be conducted in three shifts.
- The English version of the questions in the question papers except languages and Acharya, will be taken as final.
Also Read:
CUET PG Exam Pattern 2026: Marking Scheme and Negative Marking
CUET PG 2026 marking scheme is the same as last year. However, due to the removal of Section A of the CUET PG exam, the total number of questions that will be asked in the examination has been reduced, which ultimately decreases the total or maximum marks of the CUET PG question paper. Below mentioned is the CUET PG marking scheme for the academic session 2026-2027.
| Specifics | Marks Awarded |
|---|---|
| Each question carry | Four marks |
| Total number of questions- 75 | 300- Total/ Maximum Marks |
| For correct response | 4 marks awarded |
| For incorrect response | 1 mark will be deducted |
| Unanswered/un-attempted answers | 0 marks awarded |
Also Read:
- CUET PG: Check Predicted Question Paper And Analysis Here
- CUET PG Best Books: Check Subject Wise Books for Preparation
- How to Crack CUET PG in One Month; Know Strategy and Important Tips
CUET PG 2026 Exam Duration
Earlier, a student had 105 minutes to complete the CUET PG. However, last year onwards, the duration has been reduced to 90 minutes, or 1 hour and 30 minutes by the exam officials.
Shifts with a new format with the Common University Entrance Test (CUET) have raised concerns with the pacing of PG examinations, mainly with the new time allotments. This has raised concerns with possible consequences and has led to numerous discussions among students and faculty. So let’s analyse the new structure and see what changes came with the CUET PG exam timing.
Also Read:
CUET PG 2026 Exam Pattern Important Instructions
NTA states that to answer a question, candidates must choose one option as the correct answer. However, after the process of Challenges of the Answer Key, in case there are multiple correct options or changes in the key, only those candidates who have attempted it correctly as per the revised Answer key will be awarded marks. In case a question is dropped due to some technical error, full marks shall be given to all the candidates, irrespective of whether they have attempted it or not.
All calculations/writing work is to be done only in the Rough Sheet provided at the Test Centre in the Examination Room/Hall and on completion of the test, candidates must hand over the Rough Sheets to the Invigilator on duty in the Room/Hall
CUET PG 2026 Syllabus
NTA has released the CUET PG syllabus for each subject code or test paper. The level of the syllabus is similar to that of the bachelor’s course syllabus. Students have to download the CUET PG 2026 syllabus to prepare for the subject-wise papers.
| CUET PG Subject Course | CUET PG Syllabus PDF |
|---|---|
| Zoology | CUET PG Zoology Syllabus PDF |
| Biochemistry | CUET PG Biochemistry Syllabus PDF |
| Chemistry | CUET PG Chemistry Syllabus PDF |
| Life Sciences | CUET PG Life Science Syllabus PDF |
| Mathematics | CUET PG Mathematics Syllabus PDF |
| Data Science | CUET PG Data Science Syllabus PDF |
| Food Technology | CUET PG Food Technology Syllabus PDF |
| Plant Biotechnology | CUET PG Plant Biotechnology Syllabus PDF |
| Physics | CUET PG Physics Syllabus PDF |
| Botany | CUET PG Botany Syllabus PDF |
| Environmental Science | CUET PG Environmental Science Syllabus |
| Horticulture | CUET PG Horticulture Syllabus PDF |
| MA Social Work | CUET PG MSW Syllabus PDF |
| MBA | CUET PG MBA Syllabus PDF |
| MA | CUET PG MA Syllabus PDF |
| MTech | CUET PG MTech Syllabus PDF |
| MCA | CUET PG MCA Syllabus PDF |
New Changes Introduced in CUET PG Exam
The National Testing Agency, in accordance with the University Grants Commission, announced recommendations for the CUET PG examination.
An expert committee was formed to evaluate the exam. The committee reviewed aspects such as structure, number of papers, duration, syllabus, and logistical operations.
Key Changes Introduced by NTA are as follows:
- Format
- Frequency
- Duration
- Question Type
- Language: Bilingual
- Toughness level: Expected to be similar to last year exam
- CUET PG General Question Paper: Redesigned to assess skill-based knowledge relevant to specific professions and undergraduate programmes.
CUET PG 2026 Shift Timings
CUET PG 2026 slot timings and session schedule will be out soon official site. Candidates can check the expected exam slot timing, reporting and gate close timings from below, as per last year.
| CUET Slot |
CUET PG Timing |
Reporting & Gate Closing Timing |
|---|---|---|
| Slot 1 |
9:00 AM to 10:30 AM |
7:00 to 8:30 AM
|
| Slot 2 |
12:45 PM to 2:15 PM |
10:50 to 12:00 Noon |
| Slot 3 |
4:30 PM to 6:00 PM |
2:35 to 4:00 PM |
| University Name | Admission Process |
|---|---|
| Tata Institute of Fundamental Sciences | TIFR Admission Process |
| Delhi University | DU Admission Process |
| BHU | BHU Admission Process |
| JNU | JNU Admission Process |
| BBAU | BBAU Admission Process |
| Central University of Haryana | Central University of Haryana Admission Process |
| Central University of Gujarat | Central University of Gujarat Admission Process |
CUET PG 2026 Language/ Medium of Question Papers
The CUET PG exam pattern 2026 states that the question papers will be available in two languages, English and Hindi. Candidates had to select the medium or language of the question paper while applying for the exam. However, the medium of the questions will be different for the Language papers or Sahitya (literature) papers with codes such as PGQP06 and PGQP60. There are 32 languages which are included in this subject code of PGQP60.
Candidates can find the CUET PG Syllabus- Domain Wise from below:
| Domain | PDF Download |
|---|---|
| Acharya | Download Here |
| Common | Download Here |
| Humanities | Download Here |
| Languages | Download Here |
| MTech | Download Here |
| Science | Download Here |
FAQs Regarding CUET PG 2026 Exam Pattern
CUET PG 2026 is a national-level entrance exam for candidates who wish to pursue their Masters degree from the central universities. From the past years, many other state, private, and deemed universities is participating in the CUET PG examination. The examination will offer admission to a range of master's courses including normal and professional degree courses:
| PG Courses | Professional Degree Courses |
|---|---|
|
|
Understand the Exam Structure
Create a Study Plan
Gather Study Materials
Practice Regularly
Solve practice problems
Seek Guidance and Support
Stay Motivated and Positive
Believe in yourself
Follow these tips:
Get familiar with the format
Practice taking CBT mock tests
Understanding of computer skills
Practice taking CBT mock tests.
Total marks of the CUET PG exam is 300. The number of questions in the exam is 75. Each question carries four marks. One mark is removed for each wrong answer. There is a single section. All questions are asked from the subject or paper opted for.
Firstly, understand your strengths and weaknesses, then focus on the fundamentals, create a personalized study plan, set realistic goals, effective study techniques.
For CUET PG there is no age limit for candidates.
Candidates who have passed the UG degree or are appearing in 2026 irrespective of their age can appear in CUET (PG) 2026.
But candidates need to fulfill age criteria of the university.
Candidates care suggested to visit the website of college for more information on age limit.
Hope this helped your query! All the best!
As per the CUET PG marking scheme, four marks are awarded for each correct answer. For each wrong answer, one mark is deducted. There is no negative marking for unanswered questions.
As per the previous exam pattern of the CUET PG exam, there were 25 questions in Section A. As per the latest or the revised CUET PG pattern, there is only one section, carrying 75 questions. The Section A or the General section has been removed since CUET PG 2025.
The CUET PG counselling process is conducted separately by the participating universities. Qualifying students have to register and participate in the counselling process. There will not be a common counselling process.
The National Testing Agency has released the CUET PG 2026 response sheet on its official website. NTA has also released CUET UG provisional answer key along with the response sheet for students to calculate their estimated NTA CUET PG scores.
222 Institutes accepting CUET-PG
St. Stephen's College, University of Delhi
North Campus, Delhi • Public
- ₹ 1.40 Lakh
- 2 years
- |
- Full Time
Varanasi • Public
3.7North Campus, Delhi • Public
- ₹ 480
- 2 years
- |
- Full Time
Mehrauli, Delhi • Public
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