CUET English Exam Pattern 2026: Marking Scheme, Question Paper Structure, Important Topics
Common University Entrance Test 2026 ( CUET )
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.
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- CUET 2026 English Exam Pattern
- CUET UG English Exam Pattern 2026: Marking Scheme
- CUET English Total Marks
- CUET English Important Topics
- CUET 2026 English Syllabus PDF
- Tips to Prepare for CUET UG English 2026
- English Vocabulary Words
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) |
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 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:
- Visit the link provided- CUET Question Paper
- Scroll down the page and look for the subject to download the question paper for
- Click on the tab download
- Create the login credentials 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
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 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.
Practicing with CUET UG (Common University Entrance Test) question papers from previous years offers following benefits:
Provide familiarity with format, structure, and types of questions.
Candidates can identify repeated question types.
It helps candidates know their strong and weak areas.
It helps candidates develop time management 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.
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.
| 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 2 days ago
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Christ University Entrance Test CUET is conducted by Christ University for admission to various UG programmes offered by the University. The students seeking admission to courses such as BBA, BCom, BHM, LLB, BCA, etc. The exam is conducted for admission to the top colleges in the Christ University c
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Beginner-Level 5
Answered 3 days ago
Yes, the Aligarh Muslim University will conduct counselling for admission to UG programmes such as B.Sc. (Hons), B.A. (Hons), and B.Voc (Hons) through CUET. Based on the CUET score, candidates can get admission to AMU.
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Contributor-Level 8
Answered a week ago
Yes, it is important for students to align the CUET UG subjects with the subjects studied in class 12th. Top central universities like Delhi University, does not accept CUET subject scores which have not been studied by student in class 12th. While selecting CUET subjects candidates must make sure t
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Answered a week ago
To puruse B.A (Hons.) History from DU, candidates must appear for CUET UG 2026 exam and register for exam online. While filling the CUET online form, candidates must select below CUET Arts subjects:
Combination I: Any one Language from List A + Any three subjects from Domain Subjects
OR
Combination II
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Contributor-Level 6
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For admission to B.Sc. (Hons.) in Botany, candidates must select below CUET UG 2026 subjects:
Combination I: Any one Language from List A + Mathematics/ Applied Mathematics + Any two subjects from List B
OR
Combination II: Any two Languages from List A + Mathematics/ Applied Mathematics + Any one subj
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Science students willing to pursue B.Sc. (Hons.) Computer Science must select the below CUET subjects:
Combination I: Any one Language + Mathematics/ Applied Mathematics + Any two subjects from Domain Subjects
OR
Combination II: Any two Languages + Mathematics/ Applied Mathematics + Any one subject fro
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Answered a week ago
To take admission to B.Sc Hons. in Chemistry, candidates must select the below CUET Science subjects while filling the CUET application form 2026:
Combination I: Chemistry + Biology/ Biological Studies/ Biotechnology/ Biochemistry + Physics
OR
Combination II: Chemistry + Biology/Biological Studies/ Bio
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Contributor-Level 6
Answered a week ago
No, National Testing Agency has not yet announced the CUET UG 2026 exam date. As per NTA official notification, CUET 2026 exam will be held in May. It is expected that CUET registration 2026 will commence in last week of February 2026 at cuet.nta.nic.in. Candidates seeking admission to UG courses th
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Contributor-Level 6
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National Testing Agency has informed that there are no significant changes in CUET UG 2026. The pattern and syllabus shall remain same. The CUET UG 2026 exam consists of 37subjects- 13 langauges, 23 domain subjects and General Aptitude Test. As per the recent notification, candidates must make sure
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Beginner-Level 5
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.