Shruti
Shruti Garg
Assistant Manager- Editorial
Updated on Jan 15, 2026 18:06 IST
Finding difficulty in how to strategise CUET UG 2026 and the 12th class board examination? Preparing for the CUET exam alongside boards can be a daunting task. Know how to prepare for CUET 2026 and class 12th board exams simultaneously from experts and toppers.

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

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

CUET preparation with Boards

Also Read:

CUET UG Preparation

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

CUET UG & Boards Preparation

Also Read:

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:

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. 

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:

CUET Subject List/ Sections CUET Question Paper Links
English CUET English Question Paper
Biology CUET Biology Question Paper
Accountancy/ Book Keeping CUET Accountancy Question Paper
Business Studies CUET Business Studies Question Paper
Chemistry CUET Chemistry Question Paper
Computer Science/ Informatics Practices CUET Computer Science Question Paper
Economics/ Business Economics CUET Economics Question Paper
Geography/Geology CUET Geography Question Paper
Home Science CUET Home Science Question Paper
Knowledge Tradition and Practices of India CUET Knowledge Tradition and Practices of India Question Paper 
Environmental Science CUET Environmental Science Question Paper 
Mathematics CUET Mathematics Question Paper
Physical Education/ NCC /Yoga CUET Physical Education Paper
Physics CUET Physics Question Paper
Political Science CUET Political Science Question Paper 
Psychology CUET Psychology Question Paper
Sociology CUET Sociology Question Paper 
Agriculture CUET Agriculture Question Paper
Mass Media/ Mass Communication CUET Mass Media/ Mass Communication Question Paper 
Anthropology CUET Anthropology Question Paper 
Fine Arts/ Visual Arts (Sculpture/ Painting)/Commercial Arts CUET Fine Arts Question Paper
Performing Arts CUET Performing Arts Question Paper 
Sanskrit CUET Sanskrit Question Paper 
History CUET History Question Paper 
General Test CUET General Test Question Paper 

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. 

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Q:   When will CUET 2026 notification release?
A:

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:

  • Exam dates
  • eligibility criteria
  • steps to apply for exam
  • syllabus
  • pattern
  • CUET subjects
  • score calculation
  • normalisation process
  • exam centres
  • number of univeristies participating
Q:   How can I check my CUET exam centre?
A:

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:

  1. Name of the candidate
  2. Registration number
  3. Category
  4. Location
  5. Date of exam
  6. Time of exam
  7. Exam centre name & address
  8. Photograph
  9. Signature
  10. 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.

Q:   When will the CUET General Test exam be conducted?
A:

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 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:

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:

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About the Author
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Shruti Garg
Assistant Manager- Editorial

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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Write here...

Answered Yesterday

CUET UG 2026 exam city will be alloted based on candidate's permanent or present address mentioned on Aadhar card. Once the official CUET UG intimation slip is released, candidates cannot request for change in exam city or centre.

M

Mamona Shukla

Contributor-Level 6

Answered Yesterday

CUET UG 2026 exam duration for each subject is 60 minutes. National Testing Agency will announce the CUET slot timings soon. NTA decides the number of slots and timings based on number of candidates applied for the exam. It is expected that CUET exam will be held in three slots on each day.

N

Nishtha Pandey

Contributor-Level 6

Answered Yesterday

To know the alloted CUET exam centre, candidates must download the CUET advance intimation slip and admit card. NTA will issue the CUET advance city slip in last week of April 2026 and hall tickets will be released 2-3 days before the exam date.

N

Nishtha Bhandari

Contributor-Level 6

Answered Yesterday

CUET UG 2026 examination will be held across 306 cities in India and 15 cities outside India. The examination will be held in computer based mode between May 11 and May 31, 2026. Candidates could select the CUET exam city preference while filling the CUET application form. The examination centre wi

...Read more

N

Nishtha Arora

Contributor-Level 6

Answered Yesterday

For Delhi University admission through CUET UG, candidates must select the subjects studied in class 12th and those that meet the preferred DU UG course requirements. CUET subject mapping is an important criterion for admission to Delhi University. The key requirements for CUET subjects vary by cour

...Read more

D

Dhanya Dhyani

Contributor-Level 6

Answered Yesterday

Common University Entrance Test syllabus is released by National Testing Agency, the conducting body. NTA issues the CUET UG syllabus with the release of official examination notification. Candidates preparing for CUET UG exam can download the subject-wise CUET syllabus PDF. NTA has released the CUE

...Read more

N

Nishtha Kumar

Contributor-Level 6

Answered Yesterday

CUET English question paper focuses on reading comprehension, gramar and vocabulary. Based on previous year question paper analysis of CUET English, candidates can check the list of top 10 important topics for English language section in CUET UG:

  1. Reading Comprehension
  2. Synonyms and Antonyms
  3. Idioms & Phr

...Read more

S

Satyendra Kaur

Contributor-Level 6

Answered Yesterday

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 h

...Read more

K

Kritika Malhotra

Contributor-Level 6

Answered 3 days ago

No, there is no set criteria of marks obtained in the CUET exam. The students must appear and clear the exam as part of eligibility for IMS Noida MCA course. They must meet the minimum eligibility criteria to get admission in the MCA course. 

C

Chandeep Singh

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 3 days ago

Yes, the students must appear for CUET exam as per the eligibility criteria for admission. The students must have completed their UG degree in BCA in order to apply for MCA course admissions at IMS Noida. 

C

Chandeep Singh

Contributor-Level 10