Strategy to Manage CUET Exam 2026 Preparation Along With Boards
Common University Entrance Test 2026 ( CUET )
Registration - 3 Jan '26 - 4 Feb '26
Preparing for the CUET exam preparation along with Boards can be a difficult task. Know how to prepare for both exams from experts and toppers.
CUET & Boards Preparation
The Common University Entrance Test is the biggest UG national-level examination conducted by the National Testing Agency for admission to under graduate and post graduate programs in CUET accepting universities. CUET scores are accepted by more than 250 central, state, private, and deemed universities across India. For students in their final year of school, balancing CUET UG preparation with board exams can be a difficult task. CUET dates 2026 will be announced by NTA. It is expected that CUET UG 2026 exam will be held from May 11 to May 15. Whereas Class 12th boards examination will commence from February 17. In this article, Check effective strategies for managing CUET exam preparation alongside boards.
CUET & Boards Exam Preparation Strategy
Getting admission to top universities/colleges requires a plan and effective preparation to score a high percentile. Keep scrolling to know how to prepare for CUET 2026 along with board examination.
CUET preparation with Boards
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Candidates can check the CUET 2026 allotted exam centre upon release of CUET intimation slip and CUET admit card. Only candidates who will fill the CUET application form along with the successful application fee payment will be able to download the intimation slip for CUET exam. The name of exam centre will be mentioned on the intimation alip in advance to help candidates make preparations accordingly. The CUET 2026 admit card is expected to release three to four days prior to the day of examination in online mode. Candidates will be able to check the following details on the release of CUET 2026 admit card:
- Name of the candidate
- Registration number
- Category
- Location
- Date of exam
- Time of exam
- Exam centre name & address
- Photograph
- Signature
- Instructions related to the exam
Candidates must note that the CUET exam centre once allotted, no request for change in exam centre will be entertained under any circumstances. Candidates are advised to carefully enter the exam centre preference while filling the CUET 2026 application form.
Yes, CUET UG exam 2026 date has been announced. National Testing Agency has scheduled CUET 2026 exam from May 11 to May 31, 2026. Candidates willing to appear for the exam must make sure to register for the exam online. As per the updated CUET 2026 exam date, the registrations will close on January 30, 2026.
Effective Time Management
Time management is important when it comes to balancing CUET preparation and board exams. Divide specific time slots for studying for boards and CUET. As per the Shiksha's poll, 50% of students prefer to prepare for CUET UG and boards together. Syllabus for the boards and CUET UG are similar. Refer to the image below to know more:
CUET UG & Boards Preparation
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Comparing CUET 2026 Syllabus and Class 12th Boards Syllabus
The CUET UG syllabus and the class 12th board syllabus have many similarities. Check table below to know the comparison between class 12th syllabus and boards syllabus:
| Features |
CUET UG Syllabus |
Class 12 Board Syllabus |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose |
Entrance exam for admission to Central, State, Deemed & Private Universities |
Board examination for school certification |
| Conducting Body |
National Testing Agency (NTA) |
CBSE / ISC / State Boards/ Other State Boards |
| Level |
National Level |
School Level |
| Coverage |
NCERT class 12th curriculum |
As per board textbooks |
| Question Type |
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) |
Mix of subjective, short answers, long answers & numericals |
| Syllabus uniformity |
Same syllabus for all students across India |
Varies by board (CBSE, ISC, State Boards) |
| Number of Questions |
50 MCQs |
34 Questions |
| Internal Choices |
No optional questions |
Internal choices often provided |
| Exam Duration |
60 minutes |
Three hours |
| Negative Marking |
Yes |
No |
| Language Papers |
Reading comprehension, vocabulary, and grammar |
Literature-based with writing skills |
Download CUET 2026 Syllabus Stream-Wise:
- CUET Syllabus 2026 for Commerce Students
- CUET Syllabus 2026 for Science Students
- CUET Syllabus 2026 for Arts Students
While CUET UG 2026 is important, class 12th board exams should not be ignored. Candidate must focus on board exam preparation also, and once it is completed, they must move on to CUET preparation. If a candidate is strong in a particular subject, they must use that strength to help with the weaker subjects.
Break Up Study Sessions
Breaking up study sessions can help candidate stay focused and get information better. Divide study sessions into shorter time slots, with breaks in between.
CUET UG General Test 2026 exam will be held between May 11 and May 31, 2026. NTA has not released CUET UG 2026 datesheet online. Candidates can know their subject-wise CUET schedule on CUET intimation slip and admit card. Candidates can also check the exam date, time and slot number.
CUET UG 2026 exam will be held a Computer Based Test. In this mode of examination, candidates will have to report at the alloted CUET exam centre. Applicants will have to take exam on computer screens only. The screen will display the questions and candidates can select the correct option and save changes.
Yes, National Testing Agency has announced the CUET UG 2026 exam date. As per NTA official notification, CUET 2026 exam will be held from May 11 to May 31. CUET registration 2026 commenced on January 03, 2026 at cuet.nta.nic.in. Candidates seeking admission to UG courses through CUET score must stay updated with the CUET exam dates 2026.
Use the Same Study Material for Both CUET and Boards Preparation
Using the same study material for both boards and CUET can help save time and effort. Choose study materials that cover both subjects comprehensively. This will help candidate avoid wasting efforts and make the most of time.
Also Read:
Best Books for CUET UG 2026: Subject-wise Best Books, Study Materials & Preparation Tips
Practice CUET & Boards Past Papers
Practicing through CUET previous year question papers and Boards question papers is best way to prepare for both exams. It helps candidates know exam pattern, marking scheme, and time management. Solve past papers for both boards and CUET to know types of questions that may be asked.
Also Read: CUET Commerce Previous Year Question Papers
Also Download More Question Papers:
Focus on Health
When managing CUET preparation and board exams it is important to take breaks. Taking short breaks will help candidate in recharging mind and body. Eating healthy, exercising regularly, and getting enough sleep is key to good health.
CUET Preparation: Stream-Wise Strategy
Science Stream
The CUET UG exam consists of three sections - langauge, domain subjects and General Test. All sections of CUET have 50 questions in each subject. The CUET question paper will consist questions on the NCERT Class 12 syllabus.
For Science stream candidates, it is important to focus on topics such as Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. The following books can be referred to for preparation:
- "A Problem Book in Mathematical Analysis" by GN Berman
- "Concepts of Physics" by HC Verma
- "A Textbook of Organic Chemistry" by RK Gupta
- "Higher Algebra" by Hall & Knight
- "Problems in Calculus of One Variable" by IA Maron
Candidates can also refer to the question papers of previous year and sample papers to understand CUET marking scheme and pattern. Solving mocks and sample papers can also help candidates know weak areas.
Commerce Stream
Candidates from the Commerce stream, must focus on following topics:
- Accounting
- Statistical Methods
- Finance
- Business Management
In addition to these topics, candidate should also focus on developing analytical and numerical skills, as well as general knowledge and current affairs.
Know more from Commerce Stream Topper:
- CUET Topper 2023 Vanshika Gupta targets SRCC; Know her CUET UG prep strategy, tips & more
- CUET 2023 Topper Divija Bansal, 100%iler, wants to pursue BCom (Hons) from SRCC
Arts Stream
Arts stream candidates must focus on the following subjects:
- Focus on grammar, vocabulary, and comprehension. Read and practice with various English texts, including literature and non-fiction.
- Study Indian and world history, including ancient, medieval, and modern periods. Practice with CUET PYQs and sample papers.
- Understand Indian politics, government structures, and current affairs.
- Study the principles of sociology, social structures, and current social issues.
- Stay updated on politics, economics, sports, and culture. Practice with PYQs
Know more from Arts Stream Topper:
- CUET Topper 2023 Katyayini Madeti aims for Hindu College with 799.6 marks
- CUET 2023 Topper Prabuddh Dubey, 100%iler, aims to study Economics at Delhi University
Read More:
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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Student Forum
Anything you would want to ask experts?Answered 14 hours ago
No, cuet is not compulsory to take admission in matoshri pratishthan group of institutions Nanded
V
Beginner-Level 1
Answered 2 days ago
Yes, Gurugram University does accept CUET UG and CUET PG for admission to its UG & PG courses respectively. The exam is accepted for selective courses only. Some of the courses for which CUET is accepted are - BBA, BSc, LLB, MSc, MBA, etc.
A
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 3 days ago
No, CUET exam is not compulsory to take admission in Christ College of Science and Management. The admissions are done on merit basis. Final selections are based on marks scored in qualifying exam and interview performance.
R
Contributor-Level 9
Answered 3 days ago
It's completely normal to feel confused when deciding between completely different streams for CUET. The choice should depend on your long-term goals, interests, and career plans rather than pressure or trends. Humanities subjects like Political Science, Fine Arts, or Physiology suit students who ar
A
Beginner-Level 2
Answered 3 days ago
For CUET UG 2026, aspirants should be aware of all important dates to plan their preparation effectively. The key dates are:
- Registration Starts: 3 January 2026
- Last Date to Apply: 30 January 2026 (up to 11:50 PM)
- Fee Payment Deadline: 31 January 2026 (up to 11:50 PM)
- Correction Window: 2–4 February 202
A
Beginner-Level 2
Answered 3 days ago
It's completely normal to feel confused about CUET, especially with so many subjects and topics to cover. The best approach is to start with a clear plan and small, consistent steps. Begin by understanding the syllabus thoroughly and identifying which sections need more focus. Practicing mock tests
T
Beginner-Level 2
Answered 4 days ago
Compared to board exams, CUET Maths requires a different approach. You can't rely on long methods; shortcuts matter a lot. Practicing CUET-style Maths mocks on cuetmock.com helped me adapt to this shift and understand which chapters are more scoring in a competitive setting.
T
Beginner-Level 2
Answered 4 days ago
Yes, candidates who wish to apply for BTech (Lateral Entry) admissions at MJRPU are required to appear for the CUET to qualify. However, CUET scores are not accepted for the first year BTech admissions at MJRPU. Candidates are required to appear for the JEE Mains to qualify for first year admissions
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 4 days ago
No, CUET exam is not required for taking admission into the courses offered by ITM-institute of Health Science. The college follows a merit-based selection method.
R
Contributor-Level 9
Answered a week ago
National Testing Agency commenced CUET UG 2026 registrations on January 03, 2026. The registration window is open. Candidates who are desireous of appearing for CUET and admission to undergraduate programme must stay updated with the upcoming important CUET 2026 UG dates below:
- Last date to apply for
N
Contributor-Level 6
CUET UG 2026 notification was released on January 03. National Testing Agency released the CUET detailed official notification at official website- cuet.nta.nic.in. Candidates preparing for the exam can check the following details on CUET notification PDF: