How to Prepare for CUET General Test 2026? Preparation Strategy and Best Books
Common University Entrance Test 2026 ( CUET )
Exam On - To be notified
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
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.
Check Out: CUET 2026 Difficulty Level
- CUET UG General Test Exam Pattern 2026
- CUET General Test Syllabus 2026
- CUET General Test Important Topics
- CUET General Test Topic-Wise Weightage
- Preparation Tips for CUET General Test 2026
- CUET GAT Previous Year Question Paper PDF
- CUET General Test Expected Questions
- 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 Common University Entrance Test. The CUET UG exam pattern for 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 |
| Number of questions compulsory |
All |
| Exam Duration |
60 minutes |
| Nature of Questions |
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) |
| 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:
Commonly asked questions
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.
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
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.
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: CUET Preparation Tips
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 |
|
| General Science |
|
| Quantitative Aptitude |
|
| Logical Reasoning |
|
Also Read:
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.
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+.
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
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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 |
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.
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 |
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
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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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Student Forum
Anything you would want to ask experts?Answered 22 hours 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 Yesterday
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
Answered Yesterday
Yes, CUET UG 2026 English syllabus has been officially released. Candidates can now check the detailed CUET UG English syllabus or download the PDF to prepare for exam.
Contributor-Level 10
Answered Yesterday
CUET UG English section will consist of 50 multiple-choice questions. All questions are compulsory to attempt. The CUET UG English paper is conducted for a duration of 60 minutes.
N
Contributor-Level 6
Answered 3 days ago
Yes, students can get into the university without giving CUET exam for BSc course. For BS c, merit based admissions are taken followed by an interview round.
P
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 3 days ago
No, Jai Hind College is not under CUET. Students are offered seats purely on a merit basis for all the programmes. The college considers past academic performance while shortlisting the candidates.
P
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 5 days ago
Yes, Manav Rachna University does accept CUET scores. While the university primarily considers the MRNAT score to shortlist students, it also considers other exams. CUET along with JEE, CLAT, UCEED, etc., are all accepted for admissions.
N
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 6 days ago
Presidency University admissions are mainly granted on the basis of PUMDET or PUBDET scores only. The university may consider CUET scores in selective cases. Students must check and confirm the same with the university before applying.
P
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 6 days ago
Yes, students can get admission in City Academy Law College without CUET. The college accepts both CUET and Lucknow University Exam scores to shortlist students. In case, a valid CUET score is not available, students have the option of submitting Lucknow University exam scores instead.
U
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 6 days ago
Yes, CUET is necessary for admission in certain courses at City College of Management. The final selection is done on the basis of scores in entrance exams. The accepted entrance exams are CUET/ Lucknow University/ UP B.Ed entrance exam, etc.
G
Contributor-Level 10
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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