CUET Preparation Tips 2026: Study Plan, Strategy, Time Table & Best Books for CUET UG

Common University Entrance Test 2026 ( CUET )

Shruti Garg
Updated on May 19, 2026 15:49 IST

By Shruti Garg, Assistant Manager- Editorial

Overview

CUET UG 2026 preparation requires a smart strategy, consistent practice, and a complete understanding of the latest exam pattern and syllabus. With more than 10 lakh students expected to appear for the exam, candidates must prepare early to secure admission to top universities like Delhi University, BHU, JNU, and other central universities. CUET UG 2026 is ongoing. Students preparing for Class 12 board exams can simultaneously prepare for CUET because the syllabus is largely based on NCERT Class 12 topics.

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Table of contents
  • CUET UG 206 Preparation: Overview
  • How to prepare for CUET 2026?
  • CUET UG Question Paper PDF Download
  • How to Prepare for CUET UG Through Mock Test?
  • FAQs Regarding CUET Preparation
CUET Logo

CUET UG 206 Preparation: Overview

CUET UG 2026 is one of India’s biggest undergraduate entrance exams conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA). The exam is conducted for admission to central, state, deemed, and private universities across India. Students aiming for high percentile scores must focus on:

  • Understanding the latest CUET exam pattern
  • Completing the NCERT syllabus thoroughly
  • Practising mock tests regularly
  • Solving previous year question papers
  • Improving speed and accuracy
Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   What is the best strategy to score high in CUET?
A: 

The best strategy includes:

  • Completing NCERT thoroughly
  • Revising regularly
  • Solving previous year papers
  • Attempting mock tests consistently
  • Improving speed and accuracy
Q:   Is NCERT enough for CUET preparation?
A: 

For most domain subjects, NCERT books are the primary preparation source for CUET UG. However, mock tests and question banks are also important for practice.

Q:   How should I start preparing for CUET UG?
A: 

Students should begin with understanding the syllabus and exam pattern. Start studying NCERT Class 12 topics and gradually move towards mock tests and previous year papers.

CUET Logo

How to prepare for CUET 2026?

Candidates preparing for CUET UG 2026 exam can follow the below section-wise strategy to score well in exam:

CUET Language Section Preparation

To score well in the language section:

  • Practice reading comprehension daily
  • Improve vocabulary and grammar
  • Solve previous year's English question papers
  • Focus on passage-based questions
  • Focus on Important Topics
    • Reading Comprehension
    • Vocabulary
    • Synonyms & Antonyms
    • Para Jumbles
    • Grammar Rules

CUET Domain Subject Preparation

CUET domain subjects are completely based on the NCERT Class 12 syllabus. Students should prioritise NCERT textbooks before referring to additional preparation books. Some of the preparation tips for domain subjects are:

  • Make chapter-wise notes
  • Identify high-weightage topics
  • Revise formulas, definitions, and concepts regularly
  • Solve chapter-wise MCQs
  • Complete difficult topics first
  • Practice numerical and application-based questions
  • Focus on conceptual clarity

CUET General Test Preparation

The General Test section checks aptitude and reasoning ability. Candidates preparing for CUET UG 2026 GAT must ensure to follow below preparation strategy:

  • Focus on important topics like
    • Current Affairs
    • General Knowledge
    • Quantitative Aptitude
    • Logical Reasoning
    • Analytical Reasoning
  • Read current affairs daily
  • Practice reasoning questions regularly
  • Learn shortcuts for quantitative aptitude
  • Attempt timed quizzes

Also Read:

CUET 2025 Question Paper

CUET 2024 Question Paper

CUET 2023 Question Paper

CUET 2022 Question Paper

CUET UG Commerce Previous Year Question Papers

CUET UG Science Previous Year Question Papers

 

Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   Is CUET 2026 exam online for offline?
A: 

CUET UG 2026 exam will be held a Computer Based Test. In this mode of examination, candidates will have to report at the alloted CUET exam centre. Applicants will have to take exam on computer screens only. The screen will display the questions and candidates can select the correct option and save changes.

Q:   What type of questions are asked in the CUET exam?
A: 

The CUET questions are objective in nature and carries four options also known as MCQs. Candidates will have to choose the correct answer option and click on it with the help of mouse. Since CUET UG 2026 exam will be conducted in a CBT mode, test-takers will be able to mark only one answer option. In case it is the correct option, students will get +5 marks and in case of wrong answer, negative marking scheme will be applied. Hence, candidates must ensure the accuracy of the answer before selecting the answer. 

Q:   How do I prepare for CUET UG and Board examinations?
A: 

To prepare well for the CUET UG and board examinations, candidates must:

  • Start their preparations for CUET UG along with class 12th board examination. This will help students to cover the maximum syllabus for CUET.
  • Candidates must make sure to be familiar with the CUET exam pattern and syllabus for the subjects they are planning to opt for.
  • Candidates must know weak and strong topics by solving CUET mock tests or previous year question papers.
  • Students must make sure to download the CUET question papers and analyse difficulty level of the exam
  • Aspirants must select the best books for CUET UG preparation.
CUET Logo

CUET UG Question Paper PDF Download

Candidates preparing for CUET UG 2026 exam must download the previous year question papers to become familar with the difficulty level of exam. Check the table below to download the CUET previous year question paper PDFs

CUET Subjects PYQ PDF Download
CUET Accountancy Question Paper 2025 Download Here
CUET Biology Question Paper 2025 Download Here
CUET Business Studies Question Paper 2025 Download Here
CUET Chemistry Question Paper 2025 Download Here
CUET Computer Science and Informatic Practices Question Paper 2025 Download Here
CUET Economics Question Paper 2025 Download Here
CUET English Question Paper 2025 Download Here

For more, CUET previous year question paper PDFs, candidates can click on the links provided below"

CUET 2025 Question Papers CUET 2024 Question Papers
CUET 2023 Question Papers CUET 2022 Question Papers

 

Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   From where can I download CUET sample papers?
A: 

Common University Entrance Test (CUET) sample papers are released by the conducting body, National Testing Agency (NTA). To download the CUET question papers follow the steps below:

  1. Go to- CUET Question Paper
  2. Select CUET subject to download the question paper for
  3. Click on the tab download
  4. Create the login details for new registrations
  5. Link to download the CUET question paper will be sent on the registered email ID
  6. Click on the link provided and save the PDF.
Q:   What is the total score in CUET UG?
A: 

CUET UG total marks is 250 Marks for each subject. Candidates can choose up to five CUET subjects. Each subject paper has 50 questions which will total to 250 marks for each subject. For every correct answer, candidate will get 5 marks. The CUET total marks will be uniform for all 37 subjects. The Total CUET subjects marks can vary depending on the number of subjects chosen by candidates.

  • If three CUET subjects chosen: 750 total marks
  • If four CUET subjects chosen: 1000 total marks
  • If five CUET subjects chosen: 1250 total marks
CUET Logo

How to Prepare for CUET UG Through Mock Test?

CUET UG mock test is important tool for preparation. Candidates appearing for exam must take the mock test and analyse their preparation level. Below are the tips to prepare through mock test:

  • Take one full-length mock test and analyse the strong and weak areas
  • Practice mocks chapter-wise and strengthen the understanding of important concepts
  • Gradually move to two mock tests per week
Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   What is the total score in CUET UG?
A: 

CUET UG total marks is 250 Marks for each subject. Candidates can choose up to five CUET subjects. Each subject paper has 50 questions which will total to 250 marks for each subject. For every correct answer, candidate will get 5 marks. The CUET total marks will be uniform for all 37 subjects. The Total CUET subjects marks can vary depending on the number of subjects chosen by candidates.

  • If three CUET subjects chosen: 750 total marks
  • If four CUET subjects chosen: 1000 total marks
  • If five CUET subjects chosen: 1250 total marks
Q:   What is the latest pattern for CUET UG exam?
A: 

Candidates can see the table showing the latest CUET UG exam pattern 2026 below -

Section

Number of Questions

Duration

Language

50

 60 Minutes

Domain Specific

50

General Test

50

Note: The exam pattern is taken from official website of the conducting body and can be changed if instructed by it.

Hope this helps your query! All the best!

CUET Logo

FAQs Regarding CUET Preparation

Check frequently asked questions on CUET preparation below:

Q:   From where can I download CUET sample papers?
A: 

Common University Entrance Test (CUET) sample papers are released by the conducting body, National Testing Agency (NTA). To download the CUET question papers follow the steps below:

  1. Go to- CUET Question Paper
  2. Select CUET subject to download the question paper for
  3. Click on the tab download
  4. Create the login details for new registrations
  5. Link to download the CUET question paper will be sent on the registered email ID
  6. Click on the link provided and save the PDF.
Q:   Is 700 a good score in CUET?
A: 

Yes, 700 is a good score in CUET. This score can help candidates place in top colleges of Delhi University, banaras Hindu University and Allahabad University. 700 score is considered to a CUET good score creating a percentile of 95+.

Q:   What is the medium of CUET UG?
A: 

Common University Entrance Test (CUET) UG is conducted Assamese, Bengali,  English, Gujarati, Hindi, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi,  Punjabi, Odia, Tamil, Telugu, and Urdu languages. Candidates must note that the selection of medium will be restricted to state/UTs. Refer the table below to know the mediums restricte to respective state/UTs:

LanguageExamination Centres
EnglishAll examination centres
English and HindiAll examination centres
English and AssameseExamination centres in Assam
English and BengaliExamination centres in West Bengal, Tripura, and Andaman and Nicobar Islands 
English and GujaratiExamination centres in Gujarat, Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu
English and KannadaExamination centres in Karnataka
English and MalayalamExamination centres in Kerala and Lakshadweep
English and MarathiExamination centres in Maharashtra
English and OdiaExamination centres in Odisha
English and PunjabiExamination centres in Punjab, Chandigarh and Delhi/New Delhi (Including Faridabad, Gurugram, Ghaziabad, Meerut, Noida/Greater Noida)
English and TamilExamination centres in Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Andaman and Nicobar Islands
English and TeluguExamination centres in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana
English and UrduAll examination centres in India
Q:   Which CUET subjects should I select for B.Sc. (Hons.) Computer Science?
A: 

Science students willing to pursue B.Sc. (Hons.) Computer Science must select the below CUET subjects:

Combination I: Any one Language + Mathematics/ Applied Mathematics + Any two subjects from Domain Subjects

OR

Combination II: Any two Languages + Mathematics/ Applied Mathematics + Any one subject from Domain Subjects

Q:   What are the important topics for English Language section in CUET UG?
A: 

CUET English question paper focuses on reading comprehension, gramar and vocabulary. Based on previous year question paper analysis of CUET English, candidates can check the list of top 10 important topics for English language section in CUET UG:

  1. Reading Comprehension
  2. Synonyms and Antonyms
  3. Idioms & Phrases
  4. One Word Substitution
  5. Para Jumbles
  6. Active and Passive Voice
  7. Direct and Indirect Speech
  8. Phrasal Verbs
  9. Figure of Speech
  10. Error spotting
Q:   Which CUET subjects should I select for B.Sc. (Hons.) Botany?
A: 

For admission to B.Sc. (Hons.) in Botany, candidates must select below CUET UG 2026 subjects:

Combination I: Any one Language from List A + Mathematics/ Applied Mathematics + Any two subjects from List B 

OR

Combination II: Any two Languages from List A + Mathematics/ Applied Mathematics + Any one subject from List B

Q:   What is the difficulty level of the CUET exam?
A: 

The difficulty level of the CUET exam varies between moderate and tough. Since the CUET UG exam is held for multiple subjects and slots, the difficulty level of the exam varies from subject to subject. Sometimes, the difficulty level may also vary for different slots. While for the well-prepared candidates, the difficulty level will be low, for the underprepared students, the level of difficulty will be on the higher side.  

Q:   What is DU CUET syllabus?
A: 

Common University Entrance Test syllabus for Delhi University consists of three sections- Language, Domain subjects and General Aptitude Test. The syllabus for CUET domain subjects is entirely based on NCERT curriculum. Candidates can check the subject-wise CUET UG syllabus at cuet.nta.nic.in. NTA has prescribed syllabus for 37 subjects. Admission to Delhi University through CUET requires appearing in subjects passed in class 12th.

Q:   Will CUET UG exam duration vary for each subject?
A: 

No, CUET UG exam duration will not vary for each subject. The exam duration will be unform for all CUET subjects that is 60 minutes. Candidates will be required to attempt 50 questions within the given time limit. The marking scheme of each question remains the same.

Q:   What CUET subjects are required for B.Sc (Hons.) Chemistry?
A: 

To take admission to B.Sc Hons. in Chemistry, candidates must select the below CUET Science subjects while filling the CUET application form 2026:

Combination I: Chemistry + Biology/ Biological Studies/ Biotechnology/ Biochemistry + Physics

OR

Combination II: Chemistry + Biology/Biological Studies/ Biotechnology/ Biochemistry + Mathematics/Applied Mathematics

Merit will be based on the best CUET scores obtained

Note: Candidates must verify University and Course requirements. As Subjects may vary from institute to institute

Q:   What is the latest pattern for CUET UG exam?
A: 

Candidates can see the table showing the latest CUET UG exam pattern 2026 below -

Section

Number of Questions

Duration

Language

50

 60 Minutes

Domain Specific

50

General Test

50

Note: The exam pattern is taken from official website of the conducting body and can be changed if instructed by it.

Hope this helps your query! All the best!

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CUET Exam

Student Forum

chatAnything you would want to ask experts?
Write here...

Answered 20 hours ago

No, CUET is not required to get admission into St. Wilfred's College of Arts, Commerce and Science. The college offers merit-based admission into UG and PG programmes.

R

Raj Priya

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 21 hours ago

No, VELS School of Mass Communication does not accept CUET or any other entrance for that matter. All courses accept merit-based admissions. Which means, only your Class 10/ 12/ UG marks will be considered depending on the programme.

A

Anangsha Aggarwal

Contributor-Level 10

Answered Yesterday

No, CUET-UG counselling is yet to begin for academic year 2026. Results for this year's exam are scheduled to release by July. Counselling rounds will begin only after results have been declared. Candidates can track counselling dates from website of TISS, Mumbai for BSc admission.

S

Saurabh Khanduri

Contributor-Level 10

Answered Yesterday

No, candidates cannot get admission into BA at Tata Institute of Social Sciences without appearing for CUET-UG. Candidates will be selected during CUET-UG counselling for which, appearing in its entrance exam is a mandatory requirement.

S

Saurabh Khanduri

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 days ago

Yes, CUET-UG is a mandatory entrance exam for admission into Tata Institute of Social Sciences BA course. No other entrance exams are accepted for admission into this course and candidates cannot apply directly.

CUET-UG registrations also affect admission schedule if TISS, Mumbai.

S

Saurabh Khanduri

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 6 days ago

With your score, you can apply in colleges like

·       Central University of Jharkhand

·       Amity University, Ranchi

·       Jharkhand Rai University

·       Sarala Birla University

These colleges offer hostel facilities.

S

Swati Pandey

Beginner-Level 5

Answered a week ago

No, CUET is not compulsory to take admission in MIT School of Business and Computer Applications, MIT-ADT University. Admission is generally merit-based.  The college also considers specific entrance exams scores such as BBA/BCA CET exam conducted by the university.

R

Raj Priya

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a week ago

No, you cannot get admission to the Indian Institute of Technology IIT Delhi with CUET scores. IIT Delhi admits students on the basis of national-level engineering entrance exams. The institute considers JEE Main, JEE advanced and UCEED for UG courses. Whereas, GATE/ IIT JAM/ CEED and others are con

...Read more

G

Gaurika Chhabra

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a week ago

Yes, it is possible to get in DU without CUET. However, this is not applicable for traditional regular UG courses. For most programmes, the university asks for CUET UG or CUET PG score. For courses, such as MBA and Law programmes, the university also considers other exams. Students can also join DU

...Read more

M

Manashjyoti Srivastava

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a week ago

SRM Institute of Science and Technology does offer scholarship based on CUET score. This scholarship is open for all UG courses of Faculty of Science and Technology and BBA. Below is the criteria:

PercentileScholarship %
95 percentile & above100% tuition fee waiver
90 percentile to 94.99 percentile75% tuition fee waiver
85 percentile to 89.99 percentile50% tuition fee waiver
80 percentile to 84.99 percentile25% tuition fee waiver

N

Nishtha Shukla

Guide-Level 15

347 Institutes accepting CUET

B.Sc. (Hons.) in Computer Science
  • 1.82 Lakh
  • 3 years
  • |
  • Full Time
B.Sc. (Hons.) in Statistics
  • 82,920
  • 3 years
  • |
  • Full Time
B.Sc. (Hons.) in Biochemistry
  • 1.10 Lakh
  • 3 years
  • |
  • Full Time
B.Sc. in Life Science
  • 66,287
  • 3 years
  • |
  • Full Time

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