How to Prepare for CUET General Test 2026? Preparation Strategy and Best Books

Common University Entrance Test 2026 ( CUET )

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CUET UG 2026 Exam

11 May '26 - 31 May '26

Nupur
Nupur Jain
Senior Executive - Editorial
Updated on Apr 20, 2026 16:46 IST
Candidates preparing for CUET 2026 general aptitude test 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 conduct the CUET UG exam 2026 in May. The mode of exam will be CBT.

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 conduct CUET General Test 2026 between May 11 and May 31.

CUET General Test Preparation Tips

CUET General Test Preparation Tips

Preparation Strategy for CUET General Aptitude Test: To appear for CUET UG 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 in general test exam can help students 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. Also, find the list of important topics and their weightage to know which topics to give more focus while preparing. CUET UG 2026 will be conducted between May 11 and May 31, 2026. The exact exam dates will be released by NTA. The Common University Entrance Test will be conducted in CBT mode.

Table of contents
  • CUET General Test Important Topics
  • CUET General Test Topic-Wise Weightage
  • Preparation Tips for CUET General Test 2026
  • CUET UG General Test Exam Pattern 2026
  • CUET GAT Previous Year Question Paper PDF
  • CUET General Test Expected Questions
  • Recommended Books for CUET General Aptitude Test 2026
View More

CUET General Test Important Topics

Below are some important topics for GAT that candidates must prioritize while preparing for the entrance exam.

CUET General Test Important Topics Sub-topics
General Knowledge & Current Affairs
  • Polity, Awards, Geography, Chemistry, Biology, Environmental Summits
  • Books, Authors, Sports, Acts, Articles, Fundamental Duties
  • Rivers, Wars
  • Current events (past six months)
General Science
  • Acids, Bases & Salts
  • Laws of Motion
  • Diseases & Prevention
Quantitative Aptitude
  • Percentage
  • Mensuration
  • Simple & Compound Interest
  • Number System
  • Ratio & Proportion
  • Average, Statistics
  • Time & Work, Upstream & Downstream
  • Coordination Geometry
  • Pipes & Cistern
  • Equation & Simplification
  • Time, Speed & Distance
  • Height & Distance
  • Trigonometry
Logical Reasoning
  • Coding & Decoding
  • Calendar, Analogy
  • Venn Diagram
  • Letter & Symbol, Number & Alphabet Series
  • Blood Relation
  • Seating Arrangement
  • Time & Ranking Sequence Test

Also Read:

CUET General Test Most Repeated Questions

CUET General Mental Ability Topics

Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   What is the total score in CUET UG?
A: 

CUET UG total marks is 250 Marks for each subject. Candidates can choose up to five CUET subjects. Each subject paper has 50 questions which will total to 250 marks for each subject. For every correct answer, candidate will get 5 marks. The CUET total marks will be uniform for all 37 subjects. The Total CUET subjects marks can vary depending on the number of subjects chosen by candidates.

  • If three CUET subjects chosen: 750 total marks
  • If four CUET subjects chosen: 1000 total marks
  • If five CUET subjects chosen: 1250 total marks
Q:   How should I select the centre for CUET exam?
A: 

Applicants must select CUET UG 2025 exam centre city from the dropdown, based on their permanent and contact address state/country. Candidates must not choose the state/country far from their permamnent address. Choose the CUET exam centre which is convenient to reach on time.

Q:   What is the difficulty level of the CUET exam?
A: 

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.  

Q:   Is 700 a good score in CUET?
A: 

Yes, 700 is a good score in CUET. This score can help candidates place in top colleges of Delhi University, banaras Hindu University and Allahabad University. 700 score is considered to a CUET good score creating a percentile of 95+.

CUET General Test Topic-Wise Weightage

Students preparing for General Test can check table below to know the expected number of questions in CUET UG question paper of General Aptitude Test.

Topics

Expected Number of Questions

Numerical ability

20-25

Calendar and direction

-

General Awareness

12-15

History and science

2-3

Economics

1-2

Geography

1-2

Discovery and invention

1-2

Sports

1-2

Books and authors

4-5

Static GK

1-2

Logical reasoning

10-12

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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 Syllabus. According 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 consists of topics such as 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 consists of topics such as 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 question types in 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.

Check Out: CUET 2026 Difficulty Level

Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   What is a good score in CUET UG?
A: 

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
Q:   How to pursue B.A (Hons.) History from DU?
A: 

To puruse B.A (Hons.) History from DU, candidates must appear for CUET UG 2026 exam and register for exam online. While filling the CUET online form, candidates must select below CUET Arts subjects:

Combination I: Any one Language from List A + Any three subjects from Domain Subjects 

OR

Combination II: Any two Languages from List A + Any two subjects from Domain Subjects

Q:   Does the CUET syllabus also include chapters from Class 11?
A: 

No, class 11th subject syllabus is not included in CUET UG exam. Students who are preparing for CUET 2026 exam must focus on class 12th NCERT curriculum. NTA prescribes the CUET UG syllabus on its official website. Candidates must be familar the detailed syllabus mentioned on the NTA CUET official website- cuet.nta.nic.in. However, for better concepts clarity, candidates may refer to the class 11th resources.

NTA CUET 2026 exam will be scheduled in May/June 2026 tentatively. Candidates preparing for board examinations must prepare well for the CUET exam along.

Q:   What is DU CUET syllabus?
A: 

Common University Entrance Test syllabus for Delhi University consists of three sections- Language, Domain subjects and General Aptitude Test. The syllabus for CUET domain subjects is entirely based on NCERT curriculum. Candidates can check the subject-wise CUET UG syllabus at cuet.nta.nic.in. NTA has prescribed syllabus for 37 subjects. Admission to Delhi University through CUET requires appearing in subjects passed in class 12th.

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CUET UG General Test Exam Pattern 2026

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

  • Mode of the examination: Computer-Based Test (CBT)
  • Type of questions: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
  • Negative marking: -1 mark for every incorrect answer
  • Total number of questions: 50 questions
  • CUET UG Total Marks: 250 marks
  • Medium of Question Paper: 13 languages

Also Read:  CUET Preparation Tips

CUET GAT Previous Year Question Paper PDF

Download previous years' CUET General Test questions papers to practice and prepare well for exam:

CUET General Aptitude Test Question Paper PDFs
CUET General Test 2022
CUET General Test 2023
CUET General Test 2024
CUET General Test 2025
Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   Is CUET syllabus based on CBSE syllabus?
A: 

No, CUET syllabus is not based on CBSE syllabus as claimed by Education Ministry in Rajya Sabha. The CUET exam is designed to assess the general understandig of the candidate in subjects he/she has opted for. CUET UG is on of the biggest UG entrance exam carnival conducted for admission in cebtral, state, private and deemed universities.

Candidates preparing for CUET UG exam must check the detailed CUET syllabus and CUET question paper to become familiar with the important topics and type of questions asked in the exam.  

Q:   is it enough to learn from NCERT textbooks to clear CUET?
A: 

Since the CUET UG 2026 syllabus is in line with the Class 12 Board exam syllabus, it can be safely assumed that the NCERT books are enough to clear CUET UG 2025 exam. Candidates must note that, CUET exam tests students' understanding of the concepts and ability to apply them in various situations. Therefore, to prepare well and get a good score, it is advised that students refer to other study materials and books designed for national level competitive entrance exams. The CUET UG syllabus is in tune with the Class 12 Board exam syllabus. The chapters and topics are similar to Class 12 syllabus. Unlike other UG entrance exams, CUET UG syllabus does not include Class 11 syllabus.

Q:   What is CUET UG syllabus for Delhi University?
A: 

CUET UG syllabus for Delhi University admission is completely based on NCERT curriculum. CUET UG syllabus for Delhi University varies depending on the course that candidate desires to pursue and CUET subjects that have been opted. Candidates can download the CUET UG 2026 syllabus for 13 languages, 23 domain subjects and General Aptitude Test from the official website. 

 

CUET General Test Expected Questions

Based on analysis of CUET General Test previous years' question papers, here are some expected questions that might come in CUET 226 exam. Candidates must note that these questions may or may not come in this year's exam but it will help them understand the type of questions to be asked.

Question 1:A train running at 80 km/h crosses a pole in 9 seconds. Find the length of the train.

Answer: 200 metres

Question 2: A train crosses a 350 m tunnel in 36 seconds at 80 km/h. Find the length of the train.

Answer: 450 metres

Question 3: The average of 12 numbers is 15. If the average of the first two numbers is 14, find the average of the remaining numbers.

Answer: 15.2

Question 4:The present age of a father is 8 times the sum of the ages of his two sons. After 8 years, his age becomes twice their sum. Find father’s present age.

Answer: 32 years

Question 5: A rectangular paper of width 8 cm and length 22 cm is rolled to form a cylinder. Find its volume.

Answer: 308 cm sq.

Question 6: Which Article gives the Election Commission power to conduct elections?

Answer: Article 324

Question 7: Which bill requires special majority in both Houses of Parliament?

Answer: Constitutional Amendment Bill

Question 8: Which organisation publishes the Human Development Index (HDI)?

Answer: UNDP

Question 9: Correct decreasing order of sectoral contribution to India’s GDP?

Answer: Services - Industry -Agriculture

Question 10: Banihal Pass connects which two places?

Answer: Jammu and Srinagar

Question 11: Zemu Glacier is located in which Indian state?

Answer: Sikkim

Question 12: Who is known as the “Nightingale of India”?

Answer: Sarojini Naidu

Question 13: Who became the first woman Chairperson of the Railway Board (2023)?

Answer: Jaya Verma Sinha

Question 14: Penicillin is obtained from?

Answer: Fungi

Question 15: Which disease is caused due to deficiency of proteins?

Answer: Kwashiorkor

Question 16: DRDO successfully tested Agni-5 with MIRV. Full form of MIRV?

Answer: Multiple Independently Targetable Re-Entry Vehicle

CUET General Test Syllabus PDF

Download official syllabus for general test exam from table below:

Download CUET General Aptitude Test Syllabus PDF

CUET General Test 2026 Syllabus PDF

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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 for Common University Entrance Test.

Books for CUET GAT Exam
Lucent’s General Knowledge A Modern Approach to Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning by R.S. Aggarwal
Pratiyogita Darpan Logical Reasoning by Arun Sharma
Objective General Knowledge by Arihant Experts Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations by R.S. Aggarwal
Vision IAS Monthly Current Affairs Analytical Reasoning by M.K. Pandey

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About the Author
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Nupur Jain
Senior Executive - Editorial

Nupur Jain started with a passion for educational content writing, which soon grew into a meaningful journey of helping students through reliable guidance. A commerce graduate from Delhi University, she has spent ov

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Answered Yesterday

Pratibha College of Commerce and Computer Studies offer merit-based admission in the UG and PG courses based on merit in last qualiying exam. Therefore, CUET is not compulsory for taking admission in Pratibha College of Commerce and Computer Studies.

R

Raj Priya

Contributor-Level 10

Answered Yesterday

As per the website of Parul University, Goa, candidates are selected for admission based on their qualifying exam marks. Hence, aspirants do not have to pass CUET for admission. Aspirants must meet the eligibility criteria.

N

Nishtha Shukla

Guide-Level 15

Answered 2 days ago

For most domain subjects, NCERT books are the primary preparation source for CUET UG. However, mock tests and question banks are also important for practice.

N

Nishtha Datta

Contributor-Level 7

Answered 2 days ago

Students should begin with understanding the syllabus and exam pattern. Start studying NCERT Class 12 topics and gradually move towards mock tests and previous year papers.

78471350
Shruti Garg

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 days ago

The best strategy includes:

  • Completing NCERT thoroughly
  • Revising regularly
  • Solving previous year papers
  • Attempting mock tests consistently
  • Improving speed and accuracy

M

Mamona Shukla

Contributor-Level 7

Answered 2 days ago

No, CUET is not mandatory for Noble College admissions. The college offers seats on a merit basis only. Hence, no entrance test including CUET is needed for admission to any of the programmes. Students simply have to meet the basic eligibility.

U

Upasana Harsha

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 days ago

No, Swami Vivekananda University Barrackpore BA admissions are not based on CUET-UG scores. Any candidate who applies of admission will be selected based on last qualifying exam. Thus, candidates can apply for BA at Swami Vivekananda University Barrackpore right after getting their Class 12 board ex

...Read more

S

Saurabh Khanduri

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 3 days ago

Swami Vivekananda University, Barrackpore has not mentioned any entrance exams that it accepts for BBA admissions. Therefore, candidates who have appeared for CUET-UG might still be evaluated based on their Class 12 board exam results ifor BBA admissions.

S

Saurabh Khanduri

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 6 days ago

Yes, CUET is mandatory for Shaheed Sukhdev College of Business Studies CUET admission. The college offers the programme in full-time mode and seats are allocated through CUET + CSAS process only.

M

Manashjyoti Srivastava

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 6 days ago

No, candidates who wish to apply for BTech admissions at UIT, Karnavati University cannot do so with CUET-UG scores. Only JEE Mains or GUJCET scores are considered for UIT, Karnavati University BTech admissions for eligible candidates. 

S

Saurabh Khanduri

Contributor-Level 10