CUET English Exam Pattern 2026: Check Marking Scheme, Question Paper Structure, Important Topics
Common University Entrance Test 2026 ( CUET )
Exam On - 11 May '26 - 31 May '26
NTA has commenced CUET UG 2026 registration. Applicants preparing for the entrance test must check this page to know the exam pattern. CUET English exam pattern contains total marks, marking scheme and CUET English question paper structure. NTA will conduct CUET 2026 in CBT mode.
CUET English Exam Pattern
CUET UG 2026 registrations are ongoing and will end on January 30. Students preparing for Common University Entrance Test (UG) for the 2026-27 cycle must know the CUET English exam pattern. The National Testing Agency has released the exam pattern for CUET subjects at cuet.nta.nic.in. The exam pattern for English for CUET 2026 includes details like marking scheme, number of questions in test and the structure for CUET English question paper.
As per CUET UG 2026 information bulletin, candidates have to opt for subjects from language, domain subjects and general test based on the CUET subject mapping criteria for their target course and university. With English as a language, Arts/ Humanities students can get admission to UG courses like B.A. (Hons) in English, History, or Journalism; Commerce students can opt for B.Com, B.Com (Hons), or BBA; and Science students can pursue BCA or B.Sc. (Hons) in different specializations, including Chemistry, Physics, Botany, etc.
To achieve a good score, students have to prepare according to CUET English syllabus and CUET exam pattern. The CUET UG 2026 will be administered from May 11 in computer based test mode.
Explore colleges based on CUET
Want better recommendations?
There is a 90% more chance of getting best college recommendations by sharing preferences.
- Chat with our counselor
- Get your personalised list of colleges & exams matching your preferences
- CUET 2026 English Exam Pattern
- CUET UG English Exam Pattern 2026: Marking Scheme
- CUET English Total Marks 2026
- CUET English Important Topics
- CUET 2026 English Syllabus PDF
- Tips to Prepare for CUET UG English 2026
- CUET UG English Vocabulary
CUET 2026 English Exam Pattern
There are 13 languages in CUET, including English. Students looking for admission at participating CUET colleges based on NTA CUET score can refer to this table for exam pattern of CUET English in detail.
| CUET English Exam Pattern |
|
|---|---|
| Particulars |
Details |
| CUET English Number of Questions |
50 |
| Optional Questions |
No |
| Type of Questions |
Multiple Choice Questions |
| CUET English Exam Duration |
60 minutes |
| CUET English Mapping |
Bachelor of Arts in English (Honours) Bachelor of Arts in Journalism (Honours) Bachelor of Arts in History (Honours) |
Check Out: How to Score 180+ in CUET English 2026?
CUET UG English Exam Pattern 2026: Marking Scheme
The marking scheme to be followed by NTA for evaluating the answer sheet of candidates is given in the table below.
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:
- Go to- CUET Question Paper
- Select CUET subject to download the question paper for
- Click on the tab download
- Create the login details for new registrations
- Link to download the CUET question paper will be sent on the registered email ID
- Click on the link provided and save the PDF.
CUET UG Language section will include 50 questions. Candidates must attempt all questions. There will be no optional questions.
The language section will check candidate's reading comprehension based on different types of passages. This section will also include questions from grammar. To prepare for the CUET UG language section, candidates must solve previous year question papers and mock tests to become familiar with the type of questions asked in the exam.
| CUET English Marking Scheme |
|
|---|---|
| Criteria |
CUET UG Marks |
| Correct answer |
Five marks (+5) |
| Wrong answer |
Minus one mark (-1) |
| Unanswered/Marked for Review |
No mark (0) |
| More than one option is found correct |
Five marks (+5) to those who have marked any of correct options |
| All options are found correct |
Five marks (+5) to all those who have attempted question |
| None of the options is found correct/ Dropped |
Five marks (+5) marks for students who have attempted question |
CUET English Total Marks 2026
According to the marking scheme of CUET English, a candidate will be awarded 5 marks for every correct answer and -1 mark for every incorrect answer. The exam pattern for English states that there are 50 questions in the question paper, all of which are compulsory to attempt in the given duration. This means that the CUET total marks for English exam is 250 marks (50 questions x 5 marks each).
Candidates must note that this is the total marks for only one subject. The overall total marks per student vary based on the number of subjects opted by them.
Also Read: CUET UG Subjects
CUET English Important Topics
After analysing the previous years' question papers of CUET English, Shiksha here has mentioned some important topics along with the number of questions expected in CUET English question paper this year.
| CUET English Topics |
English Expected number of questions in CUET 2026 |
|---|---|
| Comprehension |
15 |
| Parts of speech |
3-4 |
| Para jumbles |
3-4 |
| Synonyms and antonyms |
2-3 |
| Active/passive voice |
3-4 |
| Fill in the blanks |
3-4 |
| Incorrect/correct statement |
3-4 |
| Phrases and meaning |
5-6 |
Explore more Science exams with upcoming dates
1 Nov '25 - 14 Feb '26
27 Feb '26
28 Feb '26
5 Jan '26 - 6 Apr '26
10 Mar '26 - 15 Apr '26
5 Mar '26
13 Mar '26
17 Mar '26
18 Mar '26 - 24 Apr '26
Check CUET English Most Repeated Questions
CUET 2026 English Syllabus PDF
To prepare well for CUET English, students must know the CUET UG syllabus 2026 in detail. Check the space below to get the CUET English syllabus for preparation. Also, find the direct PDF link to download the syllabus.
- Reading Comprehension: Three types of passages with a maximum of 300-350 words
- Factual
- Narrative
- Literary
- Understanding the central theme, vocabulary and main ideas used in passages
- Verbal Ability
- Rearranging the parts
- Choosing the correct word
- Synonyms and Antonyms
- Grammar and Usage
- Error spotting
- Tenses, Active & Passive Voice, Modal Verbs
- Sentence completion
- Phrasal verbs and conditionals
- Figure of speech
Download: CUET English 2026 Syllabus PDF
Tips to Prepare for CUET UG English 2026
Completing syllabus is not the only strategy to prepare for the entrance exam. A candidate must have a proper strategy and study plan in mind. Check here for preparation tips for CUET English.
- Learn the basic rules of English grammar.
- Create a study plan dividing time for each topic.
- Practice reading comprehension starting from the easy to difficult level.
- Refer to books like High School English Grammar and Composition by Wren & Martin for grammar topics.
- Learn how to determine the meaning of a word using root words for vocabulary questions.
- Refer to Word Power Made Easy by Norman Lewis for vocabulary words & foreign words.
- Manage speed to complete the exam within the duration.
- Focus on important topics and high weightage topics.
- Solve CUET English previous year question papers.
Practicing with CUET UG (Common University Entrance Test) question papers from previous years offers following benefits:
Helps in knowing format, structure, and types of questions.
Student can know repeated question types.
Help students know weak and strong sections
Helps in developing important skills.
Regularly solving CUET question papers improves problem-solving skills and speed.
CUET UG question paper for each subject will consist of 50 questions. Candidates will be required to attempt all questions and no optional questions will be provided. In CUET UG 2026 there are 37 subjects- 13 languages, 23 domain subjects and general tests. While filling the CUET application form, candidates can select upto five CUET subjects aligning with the subjects studied in class 12th and course requirement.
Candidates must attempt all the questions of the subjects selected. However, candidates must keep in mind the negative marking and select the options carefully.
As per the CUET UG 2026 exam pattern -
The question paper will include 50 multiple-choice questions (MCQs). The CUET UG 2026 exam will be conducted for 13 languages, 23 domain subjects, and general test. Each subject will consist of 50 MCQs and there will no optional questions. All questions are mandatory to attempt. For every wrong answer negative marking of one mark will be attracted.
Exam Day Tip - While appearing for the Common University Entrance Test for English, you must not remain stuck on one question. If you do not know the answer or are confused, skip the question for the time being and complete the rest of the exam. After answering other questions, if you have time left, then you can come back to the skipped question.
CUET UG English Vocabulary
Vocabulary is very important for CUET English exam. It is not only required for synonyms, antonyms, idioms, phrases, homophones, and homonyms, but also for reading comprehension. The table table includes some important vocabulary words that begin repeated in past question papers of English.
| English Vocabulary Words | ||
|---|---|---|
| Opportune | Ardent | Portend |
| Puerile | Disconcerting | Nadir |
| Iniquitous | Tranquil | Zenith |
| Belligerent | Placate | Impertinent |
| Obstentatious | Invective | Repugnant |
| Pageantry | Languish | Sagacious |
| Impetuous | Conceited | Impudent |
| English Foreign Words | ||
| Deja vu | Ad hoc | Prima facie |
| Ad valorem | Alma mater | Ad infinitum |
| Aide-memoire | Raison detre | Ad interim |
| Joie de vivre | Bete noire | Vis-a-vis |
| Status quo | Piece de resistance | Faux pas |
| Verbatim | En masse | Savior-faire |
| Expose | Rapport | Liaison |
Learn Grammar Topics from here:
| Nouns | Verbs | Tenses |
| Subject Verb Agreement | One Word Substitution | Reading Comprehension |
| Idioms | Synonyms | Antonyms |
Nupur Jain started with a passion for educational content writing, which soon grew into a meaningful journey of helping students through reliable guidance. A commerce graduate from Delhi University, she has spent ov
Read Full BioNews & Updates
Explore Other Exams
5 Jan '26 - 6 Apr '26 | NEST 2026 Application Process |
5 Jan '26 - 12 Apr '26 | NEST 2026 Application Process |
Mar '26 | IISER Aptitude Test 2026 Regis... |
Apr '26 | IISER Aptitude Test 2026 Corre... |
Jul '25 | ITM NEST 2025 Result Date |
Jun '25 | ITM NEST 2025 Exam date |
Mar '26 | OUAT Entrance Exam 2026 Form A... |
Apr '26 | OUAT Entrance Exam 2026 Form A... |
Jul '22 | DAVV CET 2022 Registration |
Dec '24 | TISSNET 2024 Mock Test |
Jun '24 | TISS Online Assessment 2024 |
Student Forum
Anything you would want to ask experts?Answered 23 hours ago
No, MS Ramaiah College of Law does not consider CUET score for admission in BA LLB. It conducts its own entrance test called RCL Admission Test. Some central universities, such as Banaras Hindu University and University of Allahabad accept CUET score for admission in BA LLB program.
S
Beginner-Level 5
Answered Yesterday
No, MS Ramaiah College of Law does not consider CUET score for admission in BA LLB. It conducts its own entrance test called RCL Admission Test. Some central universities, such as Banaras Hindu University and University of Allahabad accept CUET score for admission in BA LLB program.
S
Beginner-Level 5
Answered Yesterday
Yes, National Testing Agency releases the CUET subject-wise top scores after the declaration of results. NTA specifies the CUET subject wise the highest score for 37 subjects. With the help of CUET top scores, candidates can know the expected cutoff for desired university and college.
M
Contributor-Level 6
Answered Yesterday
Candidates can check CUET DU cutoff 2026 soon after the declaration of CUET 2026 results. Delhi University will release the CUET DU cutoff 2026 at admissions.du.ac.in. The list is expected to be released in third week of August 2026. Candidates can follow the steps below to download DU cut off 2026
N
Contributor-Level 6
Answered Yesterday
Aligarh Muslim University does not release CUET UG cutoff list. Candidates applying for admission to AMU through CUET UG 2026 scores, will have to register for counselling process once the CUET 2026 results are declared. AMU will release the CUET merit list 2026 for registered candidates.
N
Contributor-Level 6
Answered Yesterday
CUET B.R Ambedkar University 2206 cutoff will be released after declaration of CUET results 2026. To check CUET B.R Ambedkar University cutoff 2026, candidates must follow the steps below:
- Go to audcuet.samarth.edu.in
- Click on tab CUET UG 2026 Admissions
- Screen will show admission page
- Scroll down and c
N
Contributor-Level 6
Answered Yesterday
CUET Allahabad University 2206 cutoff will be released after declaration of CUET results 2026. To check CUET AU cutoff 2026, candidates must follow the steps below:
- Go to allduniv.ac.in
- Click on tab CUET UG 2026 Admissions
- Screen will show admission page
- Scroll down and check course wise CUET AU cutoff
N
Contributor-Level 6
Answered Yesterday
Candidates can check CUET BHU cutoff 2026 at bhu.ac.in. Banaras Hindu University will release the CUET cutoff 2026 after declaration of result and counselling registration process is over. BHU will release the CUET cutoff 2026 in four rounds. To download the BHU cutoff 2026, candidate must visiut th
D
Contributor-Level 6
Answered Yesterday
Mock test of CUET UG is exactly based on entrance examination. Total duration of CUET UG mock test is 60 minutes for each CUET subject. Candidates must complete mock test within allotted time. After time is over, test will be automatically submitted. No extra time will be provided to candidates. Usi
N
Contributor-Level 6
Answered Yesterday
CUET UG 2026 question paper will include four answer options for each question. Candidates must read the questions carefully and mark any one of the options which is correct. Candidates will get negative marking for every wrong answer. Hence, candidates must attempt questions carefully to avoid any
S
Contributor-Level 6
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.