CUET English Exam Pattern 2026: Check Marking Scheme, Question Paper Structure, Important Topics
Common University Entrance Test 2026 ( CUET )
Exam On - To be notified
Applicants preparing for CUET English exam 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
Students preparing for Common University Entrance Test (UG) for the 2026-27 cycle must know the CUET English exam pattern. The National Testing Agency 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.
Commonly asked questions
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.
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.
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 2026 English Exam Pattern
- CUET UG English 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 English Previous Year Question Paper PDFs
- CUET English Exam Slot and Timings
- 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 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 |
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
Commonly asked questions
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 that CUET subjects must closely or completely align with the subjects studied in class 12th. Failing which, candidate will be disqualified for admission despite a good score.
Candidates can download CUET UG previous year question paper following steps below:
- Go to link provided: https://www.shiksha.com/science/cuet-exam-question-papers
- Scroll down and select the CUET subject
- Click on tab download
- Screen will show CUET question paper PDF
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.
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 |
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.
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.
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CUET English Previous Year Question Paper PDFs
Students can download CUET English question paper PDFs for 2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025 from table below.
| CUET Year | CUET English Question Paper PDFs (2022-2025) |
|---|---|
| CUET 2025 | CUET 2025 English Question Paper PDF |
| CUET 2024 |
|
| CUET 2024 English Re-test Question Paper PDF | |
| CUET 2023 | CUET 2023 English Question Paper PDF |
| CUET 2022 | CUET 2022 English Question Paper PDF |
CUET English Exam Slot and Timings
National Testing Agency will release exam dates in CUET 2026 datesheet. To know the exam dates, slot and timings for CUET English exam, candidates will have to check their CUET admit card. The examination for English will be conducted on multiple days in different slots between May 11 and May 31, 2026. 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 |
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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 |
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Student Forum
Anything you would want to ask experts?Answered 12 hours ago
Yes, Manav Rachna University does accept CUET scores. While the university primarily considers the MRNAT score to shortlist students, it also considers other exams. CUET along with JEE, CLAT, UCEED, etc., are all accepted for admissions.
N
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 days ago
Presidency University admissions are mainly granted on the basis of PUMDET or PUBDET scores only. The university may consider CUET scores in selective cases. Students must check and confirm the same with the university before applying.
P
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 days ago
Yes, students can get admission in City Academy Law College without CUET. The college accepts both CUET and Lucknow University Exam scores to shortlist students. In case, a valid CUET score is not available, students have the option of submitting Lucknow University exam scores instead.
U
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 days ago
Yes, CUET is necessary for admission in certain courses at City College of Management. The final selection is done on the basis of scores in entrance exams. The accepted entrance exams are CUET/ Lucknow University/ UP B.Ed entrance exam, etc.
G
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 days ago
Most of the courses in City Group of College is offered on the basis of CUET scores. However, it is NIT compulsory. The college also accepts Lucknow University entrance exam, AKTU exam etc. socres to admit students into different UG and PG programmes.
R
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 days ago
No, students can not get into Hindu College, University of Delhi Without giving CUET exam. CUET score is necessary to get admisisons in Hindu College. After the results of CUET, the cut off is released. The seats are allocated through Common Seat Allocation System (CSAS) of Delhi University.
P
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 days ago
Yes, GD Goenka University does consider CUET 2026 scores for awarding scholarships to BSc applicants. Students who achieve a high percentile, such as 95.1 and above, can even qualify for a 100% tuition fee waiver for their first year. Even those scoring between 80 and 95 percentile can receive a sub
R
Contributor-Level 9
Answered 3 days ago
No, the CUET-UG registrations for Apeejay Stya University BA (hons) admissions have been closed. CUET-UG 2026 registrations closed on Feb 26th. Candidates who failed to appear for the aforementioned entrance exam can still apply through their Class 12 board exam results.
For BA (hons) in Journalism a
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 3 days ago
No, CUET-UG is not a compulsory entrance exam for BA (hons) admissions at Apeejay Stya University. Selection of candidates is based mostly on merit in Class 12 board exams. However, BA (hons) in Journalism and Mass Communication admissions are based on the written test conducted by Apeejay Stya Univ
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 3 days ago
No, CUET is not compulsory to take admission in Rajkiya Kanya Mahavidyalaya. Candidates who wish to take admission in this college, have to go to the official website of college and fill the application form for their preffered course. Final seats are allocated based on merit in last qualifying exam
R
Contributor-Level 10
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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