How Students Are Preparing for CUET UG 2026? Self-Study, Coaching, and Trends
Common University Entrance Test 2026 ( CUET )
Exam On - To be notified
CUET UG 2026 exam will be held between May 11 and May 31, 2026. Candidates preparing for examination can know how aspirants are preparing for CUET UG 2026 exam? Check CUET preparation method opted by aspirants for the upcoming examination and other important tips by experts here.
CUET UG Preparation
Common University Entrance Test is one of the biggest national-level examinations conducted for admissions to UG courses in India. Every year, more than 13 lakh candidates apply for CUET UG examination. As lakh of students prepare for the exam, a key question asked is: How to prepare for CUET UG? self-study or coaching? To understand this, Shiksha conducted a poll regarding the CUET UG 2026 preparation strategy. As per the results, the maximum number of candidates prefer the CUET self-study option to complete the syllabus. CUET UG 2026 exam will be held tentatively between May 11 and May 31, 2026, in CBT mode. Candidates preparing for the examination must begin their revision for final day.
Also Read:
CUET Syllabus 2026 for Commerce Students
CUET Syllabus 2026 for Science Students
CUET Syllabus 2026 for Arts Students
CUET UG Preparation Poll Result
Shiksha conducted a recent survey to know how students are preparing for CUET UG 2026. As per the survey, here are the poll results
CUET UG Preparation Poll
Check the poll results in the table below:
| Preparation Strategy |
Percentage |
|---|---|
| Self-Studying |
66% |
| Undecided |
14% |
| Taking Offline Coaching |
10% |
| Taking Online Coaching |
10% |
Commonly asked questions
The difficulty level of the CUET exam varies between moderate and tough. Since the CUET UG exam is held for multiple subjects and slots, the difficulty level of the exam varies from subject to subject. Sometimes, the difficulty level may also vary for different slots. While for the well-prepared candidates, the difficulty level will be low, for the underprepared students, the level of difficulty will be on the higher side.
On analysing the CUET UG cut off for the academic year 2025-26, scoring above 700 marks can be considered a good score in CUET UG. Candidates scoring above 700 may fall in the category of 95+ percentile. Candidates can get admission to top central universities like University of Delhi, Banaras Hindu University, Jawaharlal Nehru University and other universities in the desired course. Given below is the range that is considered good for admission:
- Very Good Score: 700 and above
- Good Score: 650 and above
The best college under CUET UG depends on the candidate's course preference. However, top CUET colleges include Delhi University, Jawaharlal Nehru University, and Banaras Hindu University known for their Arts, Science and Commerce courses. Top private CUET colleges include Amity University, LPU and Galgotias whoich CUET scores.
- CUET UG 2026 Preparation: Self-Study
- CUET UG 2026 Preparation: Offline and Online Coaching
- How Many Hours to Study for CUET 2026?
- Tips for CUET UG Preparation in 2026
CUET UG 2026 Preparation: Self-Study
As per Shiksha poll, CUET UG 2026 preparation through self-study is the most opted method for preparation. Here’s why self-study is being opted by the maximum aspirants:
- Students avoid the high cost of coaching classes, especially in smaller towns or rural areas.
- Self-learning gives students the freedom to manage school and entrance exam preparation without any coaching schedules.
- Candidates can access number of free online resources to prepare for CUET UG. Candidates have access to free:
- CUET previous year question paper PDF
- Youtube channels
- Free CUET mock test by NTA
- NCERT E-books
- Platforms like SWAYAM offer study materials online
Also Read:
CUET UG 2026 Preparation: Offline and Online Coaching
Though Self-study is the topmost preference among aspirants, candidates prefer taking offline or online coaching. It is a desirable option for candidates who have weak concepts and wish to pursue courses from top colleges. Taking offline or online coaching helps candidates with the following benefits
Advantages of CUET Offline Coaching
- Regular classroom atmosphere
- Mentorship and guidance
- Peer discussion and competition
Also Read: How to Score 250/250 in CUET General Test
Advantages of Online Coaching
Some of the advantages of CUET online coaching are:
- Candidates can learn from anywhere
- It is affordable
- Aspirants can have access to recorded lectures
Commonly asked questions
To prepare well for the CUET UG and board examinations, candidates must:
- Start their preparations for CUET UG along with class 12th board examination. This will help students to cover the maximum syllabus for CUET.
- Candidates must make sure to be familiar with the CUET exam pattern and syllabus for the subjects they are planning to opt for.
- Candidates must know weak and strong topics by solving CUET mock tests or previous year question papers.
- Students must make sure to download the CUET question papers and analyse difficulty level of the exam
- Aspirants must select the best books for CUET UG preparation.
The maximum marks in CUET UG exam for each subject is 250 marks. The CUET total marks may vary depending upon the number of subjects opted by candidate.
- CUET maximum marks per subject: 250 marks
- Maximum subjects that can be opted: five subjects
- Total possible maximum marks: 1250
The maximum marks for the CUET UG exam are 250. Actual total marks you can score depend on number of subjects you choose.
For instance, the subject combination for B.Com at Allahabad University is English or Hindi, Accountancy/Book Keeping, and General Test. So, total marks will be 750.
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How Many Hours to Study for CUET 2026?
It is rightly said, Success doesn’t come from what you do occasionally, it comes from what you do consistently. For CUET UG 2026 preparation, maintaining a daily routine results in better understanding, memory, and overall exam performance. Ideally, candidates preparing for CUET 2026 must devite 6 to 8 hours of study daily. This duration is sufficient to complete the CUET syllabus, revise important topics, and mock test practice regularly.
- To prepare effectively, aspirant must create a structured CUET study plan (daily and weekly targets).
- Divide study time between domain subjects, language tests, and the general test (if applicable).
- Consistency and planning play a key role in achieving a high CUET score.
- Download previous year’s question paper for CUET exam analysis.
- Allocate more time to topics with higher scoring potential and areas where one need improvement.
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Tips for CUET UG Preparation in 2026
Whether a candidate is self-studying or attending coaching, here are some CUET preparation tips:
- Be familiar with the CUET UG 2026 exam pattern & syllabus
- Practice CUET Previous Year Papers & Mock Tests
- Use NCERT Books for conceptual learning
- Create a Realistic, Daily Study Plan
- Avoid Last-Minute rote learning
- Stay Healthy & Take Breaks
Common Mistakes to Avoid to Prepare for CUET UG 2026
To prepare for CUET UG 2026 exam, candidates must make sure to avoid the below common mistakes:
- Starting preparation late after board examinations
- Not checking the CUET exam pattern and updated syllabus
- Ignoring the CUET mock tests or previous year question papers
- Poor subject selection without check criteria
- Not focusing on time management skills
- Relying completely on coaching classes and neglecting self-study
- Studying without breaks
- Picking new topics in last minute
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Student Forum
Anything you would want to ask experts?Answered Yesterday
No, CUET exam is not compulsory to take admission in different programmes at Nirmala College of Pharmacy. The college offers admission in the UG and PG courses based on merit in last qualifying exam. They just have to fulfil the eligibility criteria.
R
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 days ago
Yes, students can join Surana College - Peenya Campus BBA without CUET. The college gives out merit-based admissions. No entrance tests/ interview are required for any programme including BBA.
A
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 days ago
No, Delhi University Commerce colleges admissions are strictly based on CUET-UG scores only. Candidates who don't take the CUET can't apply for BCom colleges at Delhi University.
T
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 3 days ago
The following colleges offering B.Tech CSE through CUET scores.
- BBAU LKO
- Central University of Punjab
- University of Tamilnadu
Scholar-Level 18
Answered 3 days ago
No, you cannot "stack" or combine scholarships. You can apply using either your Class XII Board marks or your CUET 2026 percentile, whichever gives you the highest percentage of scholarship. The university will award the single best scholarship you qualify for, provided seats are still available in
R
Contributor-Level 9
Answered 5 days ago
Alpha Arts and Science College, Chennai selects candidates for BCom programme based on their qualifying exam scores. Candidates only need to pass Class 12 to get admission. Hence, aspirants do not have to pass CUET for admission in BCom programme of Alpha Arts and Science College, Chennai.
N
Guide-Level 15
Answered 5 days ago
CUET UG Computer Science total marks are 250. The question paper will include 50 questions of 5 marks each. For every correct answer, candidate will get 5 marks and for every wrong answer 1 mark will be deducted.
M
Contributor-Level 6
Answered 5 days ago
CUET UG Computer Science question paper will consist of 50 multiple-choice questions. All questions are compulsory to attempt. The CUET UG Computer Science paper is conducted for 60 minutes.
N
Contributor-Level 6
Answered 5 days ago
Yes, students can admissions at DIHRM without appearing for CUET exam. The admissions to DIHRM are entrance based. Students need to appear for IPU CET exam & take part in the counselling process of IP University.
P
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 6 days ago
CUET UG English exam is moderate in difficulty level. Howver, the level of competition is high, since more than 70% candidates appear for the CUET English exam every year. Candidates can download the CUET previous year question papers to analyse the difficulty level.
N
Contributor-Level 6
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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