CUCET Prep Tips: How to prepare for different sections of the exam
Common University Entrance Test 2026 ( CUET )
Registration - 3 Jan '26 - 30 Jan '26
CUCET preparation tips
CUCET exam is conducted in order to provide admission to candidates in 41 UG and integrated courses, 110 PG courses, and 78 MPhil/ PhD courses. Courses in which admission is provided on the basis of a candidate’s performance in CUCET exam are offered at 10 central universities and Dr B R Ambedkar School of Economics (BASE).
Programmes in which candidates can secure admission basis their CUCET score/rank fall under a broad range of streams such as Engineering, Science, Teaching, Management, Humanities & Social Sciences, Law, Fine Arts, Beauty & Wellness, Design, Architecture, Pharmacy, IT & Software, Commerce, and Mass Communication.
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CUCET exam pattern is such that the paper contains a total of 100 multiple choice questions of 100 marks. The question paper is divided into two parts – A and B. Part A of the paper contains 25 questions (25 marks) from subjects such as English, General Awareness, Mathematical Aptitude and Analytical Skills. On the other hand, Part B of the paper consists of 75 questions (75 marks) on domain knowledge. Candidates need to attempt both the sections in two hours duration.
| Part |
Subject |
Number of Questions |
Marks |
|
A |
English |
25 |
25 |
| General Awareness |
|||
| Mathematical Aptitude |
|||
| Analytical Skills |
|||
| B |
Domain Knowledge |
75 |
75 |
| Total |
100 |
100 |
|
Each question in the exam carries one mark weightage. However, it may be noted that there is also negative marking of 0.25 marks for each incorrect answer in the exam. Therefore, given below are some useful CUCET preparation tips that candidates should follow in order to score well in the exam and get into a course and university/ institute of their choice.
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• Focus on domain knowledge: Note that 75% of the questions asked in CUCET exam aim at testing the domain knowledge of candidates. Therefore, candidates are recommended to go through CUCET syllabus of their particular subject thoroughly to possess adequate knowledge. Check CUCET 2017 syllabus for all UG and PG courses here.
• Enhance English, general knowledge, mathematical aptitude and analytical skills: Although Part B (domain knowledge) of the exam holds major weightage, it is important that candidates also focus on subject areas of Part A. This part of the exam contains generic questions related to English language, GK, mathematical aptitude, reasoning, and analytical skills. To prepare for the same, candidates can use good reference books (as mentioned below) and enhance their knowledge and skills.
• Practice daily: Candidates should not ignore the fact that CUCET contains negative marking of 0.25 marks for each incorrect answer. So, any wrong option selected can affect the aspirant’s score in CUCET exam majorly. Therefore, daily practice is the key to pass CUCET exam with flying colours. For the same, candidates are recommended to practice as much as possible by solving CUCET model papers and old question papers. Daily practice will help candidates achieve accuracy in exam to a great extent.
• Manage time well: CUCET exam is an objective test that requires candidates to be quick with their answers. Therefore, candidates are recommended to work on their time management skills by practicing and solving MCQ-based questions in as less time as possible.
Books to Read for CUCET
| General |
|
| CUCET Guide & Practice Workbook |
|
| Chemistry |
|
| ABC Chemistry |
Arihant Organic Chemistry |
| Dinesh Chemistry |
Morrision Boyd for Organic Chemistry |
| NCERT Chemistry |
Peter Atkins and Julio de Paula for Physical Chemistry |
| Physics |
|
| Concept of Competition Physics for CBSE PMT by Aggarwals |
HC Verma for Physics |
| NCERT Physics |
Physics CBSE PMT set of 3 Volumes by Anil Aggarwal |
| Maths |
|
| Bernard & Child – Higher Algebra |
Calculus J Edward |
| DoroFeev Patapov – Elementary Maths |
Dr Gorakh Prasad – Coordinate Geometry |
| Fundamental Methods of Mathematical Economics by Chiang AC and K Wainwright |
GN Berman – A Problem Book in Mathematical Analysis |
| Hall & Knight – Higher Algebra |
IA Maron – Problems in Calculus of One Variable |
| KP Basu – Algebra Made Easy |
Krechmar Maths |
| RS Agarwal – Maths XI & XII |
SC Verma (Part1 and 2) |
| SL Loni – Coordinate Geometry |
SL Loni – Plane Trigonometry Part I |
| V Govorov, P Dybov, N Miroshin, S Smirnova– Problems in Mathematics |
Vectors & 3D Geometry– Arihant Prakashan |
| Vectors Shanti Narayan |
W Feller – Intro to Probability & its Applications |
| Biology |
|
| Dinesh Biology |
MTG (Biology Today) CBSE PMT (Subscription) |
| NCERT Biology Part 1 and Part 2 |
Pradeep’s Biology |
| Trueman’s Biology |
|
| Botany |
|
| AC Dutta for Botany (Oxford Publication) |
|
| Economics |
|
| Economics by Lipsey R and A Chrytal |
Indian Economy Environment and Policy by IC Dhingra |
| Indian Economy: Performance & Policies by Uma, Kapila |
International Economics by Dominick Salvatore |
| International Economics by Bo Soderstien and Geoffrey Reed |
Macro Economic Theory by Eugene Diutio |
| Microeconomics: Theory and Applications by Dominick Salvatore |
Modern Microeconomics by A Koutsoyannis |
| Social Science |
|
| Methodology and Perspectives of Social Science by Abhijit Kundu |
Social Science and its Methods in Social Science: An Introduction to the Study of Society by Hunt, Elgin |
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Student Forum
Anything you would want to ask experts?Answered 22 hours ago
No, CUET exam is not compulsory to take admission in Christ College of Science and Management. The admissions are done on merit basis. Final selections are based on marks scored in qualifying exam and interview performance.
R
Contributor-Level 8
Answered 22 hours ago
It's completely normal to feel confused when deciding between completely different streams for CUET. The choice should depend on your long-term goals, interests, and career plans rather than pressure or trends. Humanities subjects like Political Science, Fine Arts, or Physiology suit students who ar
A
Beginner-Level 2
Answered 22 hours ago
For CUET UG 2026, aspirants should be aware of all important dates to plan their preparation effectively. The key dates are:
- Registration Starts: 3 January 2026
- Last Date to Apply: 30 January 2026 (up to 11:50 PM)
- Fee Payment Deadline: 31 January 2026 (up to 11:50 PM)
- Correction Window: 2–4 February 202
A
Beginner-Level 2
Answered 22 hours ago
It's completely normal to feel confused about CUET, especially with so many subjects and topics to cover. The best approach is to start with a clear plan and small, consistent steps. Begin by understanding the syllabus thoroughly and identifying which sections need more focus. Practicing mock tests
T
Beginner-Level 2
Answered Yesterday
Compared to board exams, CUET Maths requires a different approach. You can't rely on long methods; shortcuts matter a lot. Practicing CUET-style Maths mocks on cuetmock.com helped me adapt to this shift and understand which chapters are more scoring in a competitive setting.
T
Beginner-Level 2
Answered Yesterday
Yes, candidates who wish to apply for BTech (Lateral Entry) admissions at MJRPU are required to appear for the CUET to qualify. However, CUET scores are not accepted for the first year BTech admissions at MJRPU. Candidates are required to appear for the JEE Mains to qualify for first year admissions
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered Yesterday
No, CUET exam is not required for taking admission into the courses offered by ITM-institute of Health Science. The college follows a merit-based selection method.
R
Contributor-Level 8
Answered 5 days ago
National Testing Agency commenced CUET UG 2026 registrations on January 03, 2026. The registration window is open. Candidates who are desireous of appearing for CUET and admission to undergraduate programme must stay updated with the upcoming important CUET 2026 UG dates below:
- Last date to apply fo
N
Contributor-Level 6
Answered 5 days ago
CUET UG 2026 application fee varies on number of subjects chosen and category of student. NTA has defined the CUET 2026 fe structure for General, SC, ST, EWS, PwBD and OBC candidates. Check the table below to know CUET application fee for 5 subjects:
| Category | CUET Fee for 5 Subjects |
|---|---|
| General | INR 1800 |
| OBC-NCL/EWS | INR 1650 |
| SC/ST/PwBD/Third Gender | INR 1500 |
| Centres outside India | INR 8100 |
S
Contributor-Level 6
Answered 5 days ago
If a candidate has made a mistake in CUET UG 2026 application form, he/she can edit the details in online form once the correction window is open. NTA will open CUET 2026 correction window from February 02 to February 04. During this period, candidates can correct the details in the application, if
K
Contributor-Level 6
Is CUET exam compulsory for admission at Christ College of Science and Management?