NTA CUET Syllabus 2026 vs CBSE Class 12 Syllabus: What Students Must Cover?

Preparing for Class 12 CBSE and CUET UG 2026 exams together? Know how NTA CUET syllabus and CBSE syllabus differ. Aspirants must check the key details that they must cover to get admission top CUET central Universities. Read this news to know more details.

CUET Syllabus vs CBSE Syllabus

Students preparing for CUET UG 2026 and CBSE Class 12 board exams simultaneously, understanding the syllabus differences is important for effective preparation. With the CUET syllabus 2026 officially released by National Testing Agency (NTA), aspirants now know exactly what to focus on to ace both exams. CUET UG 2026 exam will be held from May 11 to May 31 whereas, CBSE class 12^th examination will commence from February 17.

What Is NTA CUET 2026 Syllabus?

The Common University Entrance Test (CUET) UG 2026 syllabus comprises of three main sections: Languages, Domain-Specific Subjects and General Aptitude Test. Students can choose up to five subjects across 37 total options, including 13 languages and 23 domain subjects such as Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Mathematics, Economics and Accountancy.

CUET domain subject syllabus is based entirely on Class 12 NCERT curriculum, meaning that the core subject topics are similar with what most class 12^th subjects and syllabus. However, CUET also emphasises application-based questions and includes additional topics not always found in the board syllabus to ensure fairness for students from different boards.

What is CBSE Syllabus?

The CBSE Class 12 syllabus is a comprehensive academic curriculum designed for board examinations, covering theory, in-depth concepts, practicals and project work. Students must study the full range of prescribed chapters with board-specific internal assessments and final examinations scheduled annually by CBSE.

CUET Syllabus and CBSE Syllabus: What Students Must Cover?

Students preparing for class 12^th CBSE board examinations must focus on below points to cover syllabus for both exams simultaneously:

• Complete NCERT Class 12 curriculum: It is the foundation for both exams.  
• CUET-specific additions and removed topics: Check the official CUET 2026 subject-wise syllabus PDFs to avoid gaps.
• Language skills & General Aptitude: CUET tests reading comprehension, grammar, vocabulary and reasoning beyond board language papers.
• Mock tests & previous CUET papers: Make sure to take CUET mock test to know exam pattern and how it is different from CBSE pattern.