CUET English Exam Pattern 2026: Check Marking Scheme, Question Paper Structure, Important Topics
Common University Entrance Test 2026 ( CUET )
Registration - 3 Jan '26 - 30 Jan '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.
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- 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) |
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 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 |
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 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 |
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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.
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.
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.
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
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Student Forum
Anything you would want to ask experts?Answered 3 days ago
To prepare for CUET Mathematics exam effectively, students must ideally give two to three hours practice. Students must focus on previous year qiuestion papers and mock tests to prepare well for exam. Daily practice and consistency will help candidate score 250 marks in exam.
N
Contributor-Level 6
Answered 3 days ago
Yes, NCERT is sufficient for conceptual clarity while preparing for CUET exam, but MCQ practice and CUET mock tests are important for scoring high. Students must not only focus on preparation books, they must solve CUET previous year question papers for Mathematics to know important topics or repeat
N
Contributor-Level 6
Answered 3 days ago
No, a valid CUET score is accepted for admissions to both BA (Hons) in Liberal Arts & Humanities and the BA (Hons) in Philosophy, Politics & Economics at JSLAH.
In the previous year admissions, CUET was only listed as an accepted exam for the BA (Hons) in Liberal Arts & Humanities admission.
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 3 days ago
No, candidates who wish receive the Jindal School of Liberal Arts and Humanities BA (Hons) scholarships must provide a valid score in the JSAT. Those candidates who appeared for the CUET during BA (Hons) admissions can still appear for the JSAT after getting admitted into the Jindal School of Libera
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 3 days ago
For admission to Delhi University, candidate must have passed or appeared for class 12 examination. There are no minimum marks requirement in class 12 for DU admission through CUET UG. DU may use the class 12 marks or percentage for tie breaking criteria.
N
Contributor-Level 6
Answered 3 days ago
Class 12 marks are important for fulfilling the admission criteria and tie breaking criteria (if any) during admissions. Admission to Central Universities are conducted through CUET scores, however, candidates must fulfil the minimum marks requirement for admissions.
D
Contributor-Level 6
Answered 3 days ago
The minimum marks for CUET class 12th is prescribed differently for accepting universities. CUET universities like DU and Allahabad University does not prescribe the minimum marks in class 12 for CUET UG. However, universities like Banaras Hindu University, BBAU has prescribed the minimum percentage
N
Contributor-Level 6
Answered 3 days ago
There are a total of 157 subjects in the CUET PG exam. The subjects are segregated into six streams. The table below shows the number of papers in each stream.
| Stream | Number of Subjects or Papers |
|---|---|
| Science | 30 |
| MTech | 12 |
| Language | 41 |
| Humanities | 26 |
| Common | 22 |
| Acharya | 26 |
The CUET PG exam pattern is the same for each paper. The language of the CUET PG question papers is English and Hindi. For the Language paper
P
Beginner-Level 5
Answered a week ago
Yes, there is a scholarship for BSc students at IILM University Greater Noida based on the CUET percentile.
If you score 95 percentile or more, you get a 40% scholarship.
In case your percentile is between 90 to 94.99, you get a 30% scholarship.
For the 80 to 89.99 percentile, a 20% scholarship is of
J
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a week ago
Bro domain subject ke sath laungage bhi compulsory ho skti hai vese kuch university me
v
Beginner-Level 2
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.