How is CUET syllabus 2026 different from CBSE syllabus?

Candidates willing to pursue undergraduate courses in India must understand UG entrance exams and board examinations. CUET is the biggest UG entrance examination conducted for admission to UG courses. Check difference between the CUET and CBSE syllabus.

CUET V/s CBSE Syllabus

Preparing for CUET UG 2026 and confused if it’s the same as CBSE Class 12 board exam syllabus? While the Common University Entrance Test (CUET) is similar to 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 differ a bit from CBSE.

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. CUET scores are ised for admissions in central, state, deemed, and private universities across India.

CUET Vs CBSE Exam Pattern

Students preparing for the CBSE class 12th examination and CUET UG must understand the basic difference between the pattern of both examinations. CUET 2026 UG will be scheduled in May/June 2026 CBT mode. CBSE class 12th datesheet has been released.

Refer table below to understand differences between CUET exam pattern and class 12th CBSE exam pattern:

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 releases the CUET UG syllabus. While students prepare for both examinations, understand the important differences between the CUET syllabus and CBSE syllabus below:

Scope

CUET UG Syllabus:

• CUET includes wider range of domain subjects and topics compared to the CBSE syllabus.
• CUET includes topics from 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 syllabus is designed for school-level education and covers subjects like Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, and Languages.
• The CBSE curriculum focuses on foundational knowledge.

Depth of Knowledge

CUET UG Syllabus:

• CUET creates deeper understanding of domain subjects, often requiring candidates to get into specific topics.
• It tests student 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 knowledge, it covers subjects comprehensively.

Subject Variation

CUET UG Syllabus:

• CUET covers syllabus for different undergraduate courses.
• Each program has specific subject requirements, meaning that the syllabus can vary based on 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 same across different schools and regions, focusing on core subjects applicable to school education.

Also Read:

What are CUET minimum qualifying marks?

Stream-Wise top UG courses

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:

Read More:

Strategy to Manage CUET Exam Preparation along with Boards

Download CUET Question Paper PDFs