CUET English Exam Pattern 2026: Marking Scheme, Question Paper Structure, Important Topics

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. Also find some preparation tips. NTA will conduct CUET UG 2026 exam in CBT mode in May.

CUET English Exam Pattern

Students preparing for Common University Entrance Test (UG) for the 2026-27 cycle must know the CUET English exam pattern. The National Testing Agency prescribes the exam pattern for each CUET subject. The exam pattern for English includes details like marking scheme, number of questions in test and the structure for CUET English question paper.

As per NTA, 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 in CUET exam, students have to prepare according to CUET English syllabus and CUET exam pattern. The CUET UG 2026 will be administered in May 2026 in computer based test mode.

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. 

Also Read: CUET UG 2026 information bulletin

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.

CUET English Total Marks

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.

Check CUET English Most Repeated Questions

CUET 2026 English Syllabus PDF

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

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.

English Vocabulary Words

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.

Learn Grammar Topics from here: