How is CUET syllabus 2026 different from CBSE syllabus?
Candidates willing to pursue undergraduate courses in India must understand the nuance of entrance exams and board examinations. CUET is the biggest UG entrance examination conducted for admission to UG courses. Let’s understand the basic difference between the CUET and CBSE syllabus. Know the subject-wise important topics and exam pattern.
CUET V/s CBSE Syllabus
Are you preparing for CUET UG 2026 and wondering if it’s the same as your CBSE Class 12 board exam syllabus? You’re not alone. While the Common University Entrance Test (CUET) is aligned with the CBSE Class 12 syllabus, it is not entirely based on it. According to the Ministry of Education, CUET has its own exam pattern and focus areas that slightly differ from CBSE.
There are plenty of courses available after completing Class 12 with 60 percent. Some of them have been shared below. Students can select a course based on their interests and apply to an institution offering them.
- B.Tech. in Food Engineering and Technology
- B.Sc. in Clinical Research and Healthcare
- B.A. (Hons.) in Psychology
- B.Sc. in Nutrition and Wellness Management
- B.Tech. in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
- BBA in Aviation Management
- BBA in Logistic and Supply Chain Management
- B.Sc. in Medical Laboratory Technology
- B.Sc. in Radio Imaging Technology
- BCA in Cyber Security
- BCA in Data Science and Met averse
- B.Sc. in Operation Theatre Technology
- Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA)+ International Business Program, Singapore
- B.Com. + ACCA + International Study Program, Singapore
- Bachelor of Computer Applications + Cisco NetAcad + Amazon AWS Cloud + Microsoft AI Engineer + International Study Program, Singapore
- Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) + International Study Program, Singapore
- B.A. (Hons.) in English
- B.A. (Hons.) in Economics
- Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com. Hons.)
- Bachelor in Business Administration (BBA)
- Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com.Hons.)
- B.Com. in Finance and Investment
- Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com. Professional)
- B.A. (History, Political Science)
- B.Sc. (Economics, Mathematics, Statistics)
- B.Com. in International Finance
- B.Com. (Hons.) in Strategic Finance
Some of the top institutes offering these courses are -Tezpur University, ICRI - Jagannath University, Delhi, International School of Management Excellence, Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan's Film, TV and Animation Studies. Christ University etc.
The CUET UG syllabus is designed to test a candidate’s general understanding and aptitude, whereas the CBSE Class 12 syllabus aims to provide an in-depth, subject-specific knowledge base. With CUET UG becoming a gateway to admissions in central, state, deemed, and private universities across India, many students are curious to know: How exactly does the CUET syllabus differ from the CBSE Class 12 syllabus?
In this article, we break down the key distinctions to help you prepare more strategically.
- CUET Vs CBSE Exam Pattern
- CUET UG Syllabus Vs. CBSE Syllabus
- CUET UG and CBSE Syllabus
- Managing Boards and CUET UG Preparation
CUET Vs CBSE Exam Pattern
If you are preparing for the CBSE class 12th examination and CUET UG must understand the basic difference between the pattern of both examinations. CUET dates 2026 will be announced by NTA. The CUET 2026 UG will be scheduled in May/June 2025 CBT mode. CBSE class 12th datesheet is yet to be announced.
Refer to the table below to know the key differences between CUET exam pattern and class 12th CBSE exam pattern:
| CUET V/s CBSE Exam Pattern | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features |
CUET |
CBSE |
| Format |
Objective-type questions with MCQs |
|
| Duration |
60 Minutes for each subject |
Three hours |
| Number of subjects |
Maximum five |
5-6 (as elected by student) |
| Maximum marks |
250 for each subject |
100 (theory+practical) per subject |
| Passing marks |
Cut off prescribed by accepting universities |
33% |
Also Read: CUET Commerce Previous Year Question Papers
CUET UG Syllabus Vs. CBSE Syllabus
CBSE releases the class 12th board syllabus, whereas the National Testing Agency (NTA) releases the CUET UG syllabus. While you prepare for both examinations, understand the key differences between the CUET syllabus and CBSE syllabus below:
Scope and Coverage
CUET UG Syllabus:
- CUET is designed for admission to undergraduate programs in central, state, private, or deemed universities and encompasses a wider range of domain subjects and topics compared to the CBSE syllabus.
- While CUET does draw from CBSE and NCERT curriculum, it includes additional components and topics not covered by CBSE.
Also Read:
CUET Syllabus 2026 for Science Students
CUET Syllabus 2026 for Arts Students
CUET Syllabus 2026 for Commerce Students
CBSE Syllabus:
- The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) syllabus is designed for school-level education and typically covers subjects like Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, and Languages.
- The CBSE curriculum focuses on foundational knowledge for students up to the 12th grade.
Depth of Knowledge
CUET UG Syllabus:
- CUET demands a deeper understanding of domain subjects, often requiring candidates to delve into specific topics.
- It assesses students' readiness for higher education and expects them to have a general understanding of their chosen field of study.
CBSE Syllabus:
- CBSE syllabus, on the other hand, is primarily geared toward school-level education and lays the foundation for higher studies.
- While it provides essential knowledge, it covers subjects comprehensively.
Subject Variation
CUET UG Syllabus:
- CUET tailors its syllabus to different undergraduate courses.
- Each program has specific subject requirements, meaning that the syllabus can vary based on your intended field of study.
Also Read:
Domain Subjects in CUET 2026; Check Complete List, Course Mapping Criteria
CUET Previous Year Question Papers
CBSE Syllabus:
- The CBSE syllabus remains relatively consistent across different schools and regions, focusing on core subjects applicable to school education.
Also Read:
To excel in the CUET, students must acquaint themselves with the specific syllabus requirements for their desired program and prepare accordingly. This understanding is vital for those aspiring to secure admission to central universities in India through the CUET.
CUET UG and CBSE Syllabus
Candidates preparing for board and CUET UG examination can check and compare the subject-wise syllabus for CUET UG and CBSE in the table below:
| CUET UG Syllabus |
CBSE Syllabus |
|---|---|
Managing Boards and CUET UG Preparation
As an aspirant, you might find yourself standing at the crossroads of two significant academic milestones – your CBSE Class 12th board exams and the upcoming CUET 2026. The Common University Entrance Test (CUET) is your gateway to top universities- central, private, state or deemed, across the nation. To navigate this journey it's essential to maintain a balance between your board exam preparation and CUET UG readiness.
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