CUET History Exam Pattern 2026: Question Paper Structure, Total Marks & Topics

Common University Entrance Test 2026 ( CUET )

DeskCalelnderRegistration - 3 Jan '26 - 30 Jan '26

Shruti
Shruti Garg
Assistant Manager- Editorial
Updated on Jan 12, 2026 09:45 IST
CUET History exam pattern has been released at NTA official website. Students preparing for exam must check updated syllabus and pattern. CUET History is the top choice in Arts subjects. NTA will schedule CUET 2026 History exam between May 11 and May 31, 2026.

CUET History exam pattern has been released at NTA official website. Students preparing for exam must check updated syllabus and pattern. CUET History is the top choice in Arts subjects. NTA will schedule CUET 2026 History exam between May 11 and May 31, 2026.

CUET History Pattern

CUET History Pattern

CUET History Exam Pattern 2026 outlines total number of questions, marking scheme, exam duration, and paper structure for the History domain subject. Conducted by National Testing Agency (NTA), the CUET UG History exam is held in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode and is mandatory for admission to various Central, State, Deemed, and Private Universities across India.

Candidates planning to appear for the exam must carefully check the CUET History syllabus 2026 PDF, course-wise eligibility, and university requirements before selecting History as a domain subject for admission to CUET Arts courses. CUET 2026 exam will be held from May 11 to May 31, 2026. This article provides complete details on the CUET History exam pattern 2026, syllabus, course mapping, exam structure, and effective preparation strategy.

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Table of contents
  • CUET History 2026: Exam Overview
  • CUET History Exam Pattern 2026: Question Structure
  • CUET History 2026: Marking Scheme
  • CUET History Syllabus 2026
  • CUET History Exam Pattern 2026 vs Board Exams
  • CUET History 2026 Preparation Strategy

CUET History 2026: Exam Overview

The CUET UG 2026 exam is scheduled to be conducted between May 11 and May 31, 2026, in CBT mode. The registration process has already begun online. Check the table below for a quick overview of the CUET History 2026 exam:

Particulars

Details

Name of Exam

Common University Entrance Test (CUET UG)

Conducting Body

National Testing Agency (NTA)

Mode of Exam

Computer-Based Test

Question Type

Multiple Choice Questions

Total Questions

50

Questions to Attempt

50

Duration of CUET History

60 minutes

Medium of paper

13 languages

Level of syllabus

Class 12th

CUET Course mapping

  • Bachelor of Fine Arts
  • B.A (Hons) History

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CUET History Exam Pattern 2026: Question Structure

CUET exam pattern 2026 has been updated. As per the official notification, CUET History question paper will follow the exam structure below:

  • Total Questions: 50 MCQs
  • Compulsory to Attempt: All
  • Nature of Questions:
    • Concept-based
    • Case-study based
    • Assertion-Reason
    • Application-oriented MCQs

Also Read: CUET Syllabus 2026

CUET History 2026: Marking Scheme

Understanding the CUET History marking scheme 2026 is essential to maximise scores, especially due to negative marking

Type

Marks Given

Correct Answer

Five marks

Wrong Answer

-1 marks

Not attempted question

Zero mark

Maximum marks

250

Also Check:

CUET 2025 Question Paper CUET 2024 Question Paper
CUET 2023 Question Paper CUET 2022 Question Paper

CUET History Syllabus 2026

The CUET History syllabus is strictly based on Class 12 NCERT History textbooks and is divided into three parts:

Themes in Indian History: Part I

  • Theme I: Harappan Civilisation and Archaeology
  • Theme II: Political and Economic Systems in Early States: Inscriptions
  • Theme III: Social Histories of Early Societies: The Mahabharata
  • Theme IV: History of Buddhism and Jainism

Themes in Indian History: Part II

  • Theme V: Medieval Society through Travellers’ Accounts
  • Theme VI: Religious History: Bhakti–Sufi Traditions
  • Theme VII: Vijayanagara Empire: Politics, Economy and Architecture
  • Theme VIII: The Mughal Empire and Agrarian Society

Themes in Indian History: Part III

  • Theme IX: Colonialism and Rural Society
  • Theme X: Revolt of 1857: Representations and Patterns
  • Theme XI: Mahatma Gandhi and the National Movement
  • Theme XII: The Making of the Constitution

CUET History Exam Pattern 2026 vs Board Exams

Common University Entrance Test is a national level examination conducted to ensure fairness in admission process through all universities. Candidates can check the table below to know difference between CUET History exam and CBSE board examination:

Features

CUET History

CBSE Board Exam

Question type

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

Subjective+ Case Study

Evaluation

Automated

Examiner based

Focus

Application and conceptes

Theory and presentation

Negative marking

Yes

No

Duration

60 minutes

three hours

CUET History 2026 Preparation Strategy

Candidates preparing for CUET History 2026 should adopt a focused, MCQ-oriented strategy. Expert-recommended preparation tips include:

  • Thoroughly study NCERT textbooks with emphasis on definitions, timelines, and examples
  • Focus on MCQs, not rote learning
  • Attempt CUET mock tests strictly in 60-minute slots
  • Avoid blind guessing due to negative marking
  • Attempt questions only when reasonably confident

Read More:

Top CUET DU Arts Colleges 2026

Delhi University Colleges Accepting CUET Scores

About the Author
author-image
Shruti Garg
Assistant Manager- Editorial

Shruti Garg is a graduate in English and Education with over 7 years of experience in content writing/editing and education journalism. At Shiksha.com, Shruti covers UG and PG entrance exams like MBA entrance exams,

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In the previous year admissions, CUET was only listed as an accepted exam for the BA (Hons) in Liberal Arts & Humanities admission.

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Saurabh Khanduri

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Saurabh Khanduri

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Nishtha Arora

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Dhanya Dhyani

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Piyush Singh

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Jaya Sharma

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Bro domain subject ke sath laungage bhi compulsory ho skti hai vese kuch university me 

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varun

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