How to Prepare for CUET General Test 2026? Check Preparation Tips and Recommended Books

Common University Entrance Test 2026 ( CUET )

DeskCalelnderRegistration - 1 Mar '26 - 24 Mar '26

Nupur
Nupur Jain
Senior Executive - Editorial
Updated on Sep 16, 2025 15:40 IST

Candidates preparing for CUET 2026 general test exam can check out this article for preparation tips to score well in the exam. Also, find out the books to prepare for the exam. The National Testing Agency will likely conduct the CUET UG exam 2026 in May/June 2026. 

CUET General Test Preparation Tips

CUET General Test Preparation Tips

Preparation Strategy for CUET General Aptitude Test: To appear for the CUET UG 2026 exam, candidates have to select up to five CUET UG subjects in their online form. Although the general test is an optional subject, many CUET colleges offer undergraduate programmes that require GAT as a compulsory subject. The CUET General Test is one of the top CUET UG subjects opted by candidates. A good score in CUET general test can help candidates secure a seat at some of the top CUET colleges. These include Delhi University, Banaras Hindu University, Allahabad University, Aligarh Muslim University, and so on. 

Candidates preparing for the Common University Entrance Test for the academic session 2026-2027 and planning to appear for the CUET General Aptitude Test can check out this article for preparation tips and books. The CUET 2026 exams will be conducted in May/June 2026 in CBT mode.

Check Out: CUET 2026 Difficulty Level

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Table of content
  • CUET UG General Test Exam Pattern 2026
  • CUET General Test Syllabus 2026
  • Preparation Tips for CUET General Test 2026
  • Recommended Books for CUET General Aptitude Test 2026

CUET UG General Test Exam Pattern 2026

According to NTA, there are 13 languages, 23 CUET domain subjects, and a general aptitude test in the CUET UG exam. The CUET UG exam pattern for the General Aptitude Test is as follows:

Features

Details

Status of General Test Syllabus

Available

CUET conducting body

National Testing Agency (NTA)

Mode of examination

Computer Based Test (CBT)

CUET medium of question paper

13 languages - English, Hindi, Urdu, Assamese, Bengali, Odia, Punjabi, Gujarati, Marathi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam

Number of questions in GAT paper

50 questions (all compulsory)

Exam Duration

60 minutes

Nature of Questions

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

CUET UG Total Marks

250 per subject

CUET Marking Scheme

+5 for correct answer

-1 for wrong answer

CUET General Test mapping for courses

B.A (All specializations), BFA, Vocational subjects, B.Com., B.Des, etc

Must Read: 

Q:   Are NCERT books enough to cover CUET syllabus?
Q:   How many CUET exam centres can I choose?
Q:   is it enough to learn from NCERT textbooks to clear CUET?

CUET General Test Syllabus 2026

The CUET General Test Question Paper 2026 will include questions from the given topics below:

  • General Knowledge
  • Current Affairs
  • General Mental Ability
  • Numerical ability
  • Reasoning (simple application of basic mathematical concepts, quantitative arithmetic/ algebra geometry/ mensuration/ statistics)
  • Logical and analytical reasoning

Also Read:

Preparation Tips for CUET General Test 2026

Aspiring candidates seeking admission to CUET-participating universities/colleges must appear for the CUET exam; only then can they participate in the CUET admission process. The CUET General Aptitude Test assesses students' aptitude, reasoning skills, and general awareness. Check out the preparation tips for the General Aptitude Test:

1. The first step of preparing for the general test exam is to cover the CUET General Aptitude Test SyllabusAccording to NTA, the general test syllabus for CUET includes Current Affairs, General Knowledge, Logical Reasoning, and Quantitative Aptitude. Here, GK & Current Affairs includes static GK, current events, and general knowledge questions on history and science.

2. Give at least one hour daily to learn about current events happening across the world and static GK. According to the previous years' exam analysis, students usually face problems in answering the GK section of the General Aptitude Test.

3. Logical Reasoning includes topics like seating arrangement, clocks, blood relations, number series, calendar, Venn diagram, mirror image, time, speed, and distance, and other topics. Make sure to practice questions on these topics every day. This can help you solve the questions during the exam quickly and accurately.

4. Quantitative Aptitude includes topics like mensuration, algebra, advanced mathematics, time work, distance, profit/loss, probability, height/distance, coordinate geometry, and other topics. Although students must have studied these topics in Class 12, they should not stop practicing these topics.

5. Work on your speed as the CUET General Test question paper includes many calculation-based questions in Quantitative Aptitude and Logical Reasoning. 

6. Take as many CUET mock tests as you can and practice from CUET Previous years’ papers to understand the types of questions asked in the exam.

7. Ensure you learn all formulas and short tricks to solve questions without wasting time.

8. Spare time for revision in your timetable to ensure you remember all the important concepts during the exam.

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Recommended Books for CUET General Aptitude Test 2026

Below is a list of recommended books for CUET General Aptitude Test to help you prepare effectively for the Common University Entrance Test:

  • Lucent’s General Knowledge
  • Pratiyogita Darpan (Monthly Magazine)
  • Objective General Knowledge by Arihant Experts
  • A Modern Approach to Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning by R.S. Aggarwal
  • Logical Reasoning by Arun Sharma
  • Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations by R.S. Aggarwal
  • Fast Track Objective Arithmetic by Rajesh Verma
  • Analytical Reasoning by M.K. Pandey
  • Mental Ability by B.S. Sijwali & Indu Sijwali
  • Vision IAS Monthly Current Affairs
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About the Author
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Nupur Jain
Senior Executive - Editorial
Nupur is an experienced content writer with a specialized focus on Commerce students. Over the past three years, she has crafted engaging and insightful materials to help learners excel in their studies. Outside of Read Full Bio
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Student Forum

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Write here...

Answered 2 days ago

Career College Bhopal provides CUET Scholarships. Students who have appeared for the CUET exam are eligible for this scholarship. Shortlisted students get 10% waiver in the fee under this scholarship.

N

Nishtha Shukla

Guide-Level 15

Answered 2 days ago

The table below shows the top colleges in India accepting CUET scores along with their tuition fees:

Top Colleges

Tuition Fees

Hindu College

INR 86,010

Miranda House

INR 19,014

Hansraj College

INR 540

Kirori Mal College

INR 50,445

ARSD College

INR 540

Disclaimer: This info. is taken from official website and may vary.

T

Tasbiya Khan

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 4 days ago

You can't do BBA from CUET with PCB in 12 th as CUET requires the same subjects as in 12th for BBA you need math's English and general test

 

L

Lakshay Garg

Beginner-Level 1

Answered a week ago

No, Bapuji Academy of Management & Research (BAMR) is not under CUET. The academy accepts the scores of certain other entrance exams such as, MAT/PGCET/KMAT. Candidates who have passed graduation with a minimum of 50% aggregate (45% for reserved category) can apply for admission. 

S

Sejal Baveja

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a week ago

My fellow junior I am vansh verma from Delhi University ( Central University ) I am  also pursuing B.Com (h) from Shri ram College of commerce and I also studied just accountancy business economics and english and you don't need any maths for B.Com (h) in delhi university but for other Central Unive

...Read more

V

Vansh Verma

Beginner-Level 1

Answered 3 weeks ago

Admission in JNU's B.A. (Hons.) in foreign languages through CUET depends on cut-off scores, category-wise merit list, and number of seats available. For OBC category, the cut-off is generally lower than General, but it still varies each year depending on applicants. With 247 marks, your chances wil

...Read more

M

Muskan Parbin

Beginner-Level 3

Answered 3 weeks ago

Yes, with 98 percentile you have a very good chance to enter North Campus.

 

  • Top colleges like SRCC, St. Stephen's, Hindu, Miranda House usually require 99+.

 

  • Other North Campus colleges may accept students with 97–98+.

 

  • Final admission depends on your category (General vs. reserved), course choice, and

...Read more

N

Neeraj Shukla

Beginner-Level 1

Answered 3 weeks ago

No, Terna Global Business School is not under CUET. Rather the college accepts scores of various other entrance exams such as CAT, XAT, GMAT, MAT, MAH-CET, etc. Candidates are not required to appear for the CUET exam rather they must appear for any of these exams. 

S

Sejal Baveja

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 3 weeks ago

No, Chandola Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital is not under CUET. Instead the college accepts the scores of the UPMT exam for admission to the BHMS course. This is the Uttaranchal Pre-Medical Test and is conducted by the State Government of Uttarakhand at different centres. 

S

Sejal Baveja

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 3 weeks ago

Yes, candidatescan take admissions into the Marwadi University BCom courses without appearing for the CUET entrance exam. Candidates who wish togain admissions into the Marwadi University are required to clear their Class 12 board exams and apply for admissions. Candidates can apply for admissions a

...Read more

S

Saurabh Khanduri

Contributor-Level 10