CUET English Exam Pattern 2027: Check Marking Scheme, Question Paper Structure, Important Topics

Common University Entrance Test 2027 ( CUET )

Nupur
Nupur Jain
Senior Executive - Editorial
Updated on Aug 24, 2026 17:25 IST
CUET English exam pattern contains total marks, marking scheme and CUET English question paper structure. Applicants preparing for the entrance test must check this page to know the exam pattern and preparation tips. NTA will soon release the syllabus for CUET UG 2027.

Applicants preparing for CUET English exam must check this page to know the exam pattern. NTA will conduct CUET 2027 in CBT mode. Scroll down to know more about CUET UG English examination and its structure.

CUET English Exam Pattern

CUET English Exam Pattern

Students preparing for Common University Entrance Test (UG) for the 2027-28 cycle must know the CUET English exam pattern. The National Testing Agency will release the exam pattern for CUET subjects at cuet.nta.nic.in, along with the CUET UG 2027 Information Bulletin. The exam pattern for English for CUET 2027 includes details like the marking scheme, the number of questions in the test, and the structure for the CUET English question paper.

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.

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Commonly asked questions
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 a mouse. Since CUET UG  exam will be conducted in CBT mode, test-takers will be able to mark only one answer option. 

Q:   What is the CUET marking scheme?
A: 

NTA prescribes the CUET UG marking scheme. Check below to know the CUET UG marking scheme:

  • Correct answer or the most appropriate answer: Five marks (+5)
  • Any incorrect option marked will be given minus one mark (-1).
  • Unanswered/Marked for Review will be given no mark (0).
  • If more than one option is found to be correct then Five marks (+5) will be awarded to only those who have marked any of the correct options.
  • If all options are found to be correct then Five marks (+5) will be awarded to all those who have attempted the question.
  • If none of the options is found correct or a question is found to be wrong or a question is dropped, then all candidates who have attempted the dropped question will be given five marks (+5) marks.
Q:   Why should I practice with CUET question papers from previous years?
A: 

Practicing with CUET UG (Common University Entrance Test) question papers from previous years offers following benefits:

  1. Helps in knowing format, structure, and types of questions.

  2. Student can know repeated question types.

  3. Help students know weak and strong sections

  4. Helps in developing important skills.

  5. Regularly solving CUET question papers improves problem-solving skills and speed.

Q:   Is it compulsory to attempt all the sections of the CUET question paper?
A: 

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, there are 37 subjects: 13 languages, 23 domain subjects and general tests. While filling the CUET application form, candidates can select up to five CUET subjects aligning with the subjects studied in class 12th and course requirements.

Candidates must attempt all the questions of the subjects selected. However, candidates must keep in mind the negative marking and select the options carefully.

Table of contents
  • Is CUET English Compulsory?
  • CUET 2027 English Exam Pattern
  • CUET UG English Marking Scheme
  • CUET English Total Marks 2027
  • CUET English Exam Slot and Timings
  • CUET 2027 English Syllabus PDF
  • CUET English Important Topics & Expected Weightage
  • CUET UG English Vocabulary
  • Tips to Prepare for CUET UG English 2027
View More

Is CUET English Compulsory?

No, it is not compulsory for candidates to take CUET English exam. If a candidate wishes to choose English, or his/her target university's CUET subject mapping criteria mention English as a mandatory subject for a course, they can select the same in the application form. However, it is advised for candidates to select English whether or not it is a compulsory subject, as it widens the number of course options. Also, ever since the Common University Entrance Test is conducted by NTA, English is the most selected CUET UG subject. 

CUET 2027 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 2027?

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CUET UG English Marking Scheme

The marking scheme to be followed by NTA for evaluating the answer sheet of candidates is given in the table below.

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

Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   How to get CUET UG previous year question paper?
A: 

To download the CUET UG previous year question papers for all subjects, candidates must visit the link provided below:

CUET Question Paper 2022-2025

Candidates can access the subject-wise CUET UG question papers for past four years.

Q:   Which subjects have been removed in CUET UG?
A: 

UGC has announced the deletion of 26 subjects from CUET UG 2025 onwards. CUET UG 20 foreign languages and six domain subjects have been removed. Check the list below to know the name of the subjects:

  • Foreign Languages (French, Spanish, German, Nepali, Persian, Italian, Arabic, Sindhi, Kashmiri, Konkani, Bodo, Dogri, Maithili, Manipuri, Santhali, Sanskrit, Tibetan, Japanese, Russian, Chinese)
  • Domain Subjetcs (Entrepreneurship, Teaching Aptitude, Fashion Studies, Tourism, Legal Studies, Engineering Graphics)
Q:   Where can I find CUET UG 2025 question papers?
A: 

Common University Entrance Test UG 2025 question papers can be download at - CUET UG 2025 Question Papers. Candidates can visit the provided link and download subject wise CUET question paper 2025 PDF online for free. CUET PYQs are important for exam preparation.

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.

CUET English Total Marks 2027

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 Exam Slot and Timings

National Testing Agency will release exam dates in CUET 2027 datesheet. To know the exam dates, slot, and timings for the CUET English exam, candidates will have to check their CUET admit card. Check below to get the schedule:

CUET Shift CUET Shift Timing (Tentative) Reporting Time
Slot 1 9 AM to 12 PM 7 AM
Slot 2 3 PM to 6 PM 1 PM
Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   How many questions are there in the language section of CUET UG?
A: 

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. 

Q:   What happens when a question is dropped in CUET?
A: 

Candidates who had attempted the dropped question will get full marks as per the marking scheme. No matter what your answer was.

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

Candidates can see the table showing the latest CUET UG exam pattern 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 with your query! All the best!

Q:   How many questions are asked in CUET UG exam?
A: 

As per the CUET UG exam pattern -
The question paper will include 50 multiple-choice questions (MCQs). The CUET UG exam will be conducted for 13 languages, 23 domain subjects, and general test. Each subject will consist of 50 MCQs and there will be no optional questions. All questions are mandatory to attempt. For every wrong answer, a negative marking of one mark will be applied.

 

CUET 2027 English Syllabus PDF

To prepare well for CUET English, students must know the CUET UG syllabus 2027 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 

CUET English Important Topics & Expected Weightage

After analysing the previous years' question papers of CUET English, Shiksha 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 2027

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

Check CUET English Most Repeated Questions

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Commonly asked questions
Q:   Can CUET normalisation reduce marks?
A: 

CUET normalisation procss refers to a process of adjusting scores inbterms difficulty between different sessions of CUET exam. The normalization process does not reduce marks for students. It aims to adjust scores. CUET Normalization might involve scaling scores, adjusting grade, or applying techniques to make sure that difficulty level of the assessment doesn't disadvantage any particular group of students.

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 are 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

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Tips to Prepare for CUET UG English 2027

Completing the 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.

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.

Learn Grammar Topics from here:

Nouns Verbs Tenses
Subject Verb Agreement One Word Substitution Reading Comprehension
Idioms Synonyms Antonyms
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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

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Answered 6 days ago

  • Students should have passed Class 12 from a recognised board
  • They should have a minimum of 55 percent in Class 12
  • Students waiting for Class 12 results can apply. 

S

Shobha pant

Contributor-Level 7

Answered 6 days ago

Christ University offers admission to candidates based on an entrance exam conducted by the university itself, called the Christ University Entrance Test. University offers UG and PG courses through Christ University CUET exam.

S

Shobha pant

Contributor-Level 7

Answered a week ago

Yes, in many cases. University Commerce College admits students on Class 12 merit through the University of Rajasthan. Many private colleges also give admission on marks. Some, like Mahatma Jyoti Rao Phoole University, accept CUET too. Check each college's rules before you apply.

T

Tasbiya Khan

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a week ago

No, CUET is conducted on multiple days in more than one shift. According to last year, NTA conducts CUET exam in two shifts. Candidates get the CUET exam dates for their subjects in admit card.

N

Nupur Jain

Contributor-Level 6

Answered a week ago

Yes, you can take CUET UG exam again. There is no restriction on the number of attempts a candidate can take in CUET exam. As long as they meet the age limit of their target university for preferred course, students can apply for CUET exam for more than one time. 

V

Vikrant Kaur

Contributor-Level 6

Answered a week ago

Yes, CUET is paid. Candidates have to pay according to the category they are applying through and number of subject they are opting.

R

Rachit Katariya

Contributor-Level 6

Answered a week ago

Yes, you can crack CUET UG exam with self-study. As the syllabus for CUET exam is similar to that of Class 12 syllabus, candidates have already covered the basic concepts for Boards exam. For CUET preparation, they have to work on their time management skills and quick problem solving skills as the

...Read more

S

Sumridhi Bisht

Contributor-Level 6

Answered a week ago

No, the CUET UG exam is conducted once a year. The National Testing Agency administers the exam every year. The exam is usually held in May-June.

N

Nishtha Rai

Contributor-Level 6

Answered a week ago

Yes, the National Testing Agency will conduct Common University Entrance Test (UG) exam in May 2027. The application window for CUET UG 2027 is expected to open in January next year.

N

Nishtha Singh

Contributor-Level 6

Answered a week ago

No, CLAT is generally considered more difficult than CUET as CLAT exam requires more intense reading and preparation. It also involves intense time pressure as candidates are required to read around 15,000 words across 30 passages before answering the questions.

A

Atul Singh

Contributor-Level 6