Strategy to Manage CUET Exam 2026 Preparation Along With Boards
Common University Entrance Test 2026 ( CUET )
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 in May/June 2026. 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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CUET UG 2026 notification will release tentatively in first week of March. National Testing Agency will release 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
Candidates will be able to 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.
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 | Details |
|---|---|
| Coverage | Both the CUET syllabus 2026 and the class 12th board syllabus cover the same subjects in langauges and domain subjects. |
| Difficulty Level | The level of difficulty of CUET UG syllabus is more comprehensive and cover more topics than boards syllabus. |
| Duration of exam | The CUET UG exam is longer than the class 12th board exam, with a total duration of CUET varying from subjects chosen to 3 hours for the class 12th board exam. |
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.
No, CUET UG exam 2026 date has not been announced yet. It is expected that National Testing Agency will announce the CUET exam date 2026 anytime soon. The exam is expected to be scheduled in May-June. Candidates willing to appear for the exam must make sure to register for the exam online. As per the tentative CUET 2026 exam date, the registrations are expected to commence in first week of March 2026.
CUET UG General Test 2026 exam will be held tentatively between May 13 and June 03, 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.
To appear for the CUET UG exam, candidates must ensure to follow the below mentioned dress code:
- Candidates must not wear long sleeve clothes.
- Candidates wearing cultural/customary dress must report at the CUET exam centre one hour before the reporting time.
- Candidates must wear slippers or sandals with low heels. Shoes will not be permitted inside exam centre.
- In case of any circumstances, candidates must take the approval of NTA before the release of CUET admit card.
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 4 days ago
Yes, it is important for students to align the CUET UG subjects with the subjects studied in class 12th. Top central universities like Delhi University, does not accept CUET subject scores which have not been studied by student in class 12th. While selecting CUET subjects candidates must make sure t
N
Contributor-Level 6
Answered 4 days ago
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
N
Contributor-Level 6
Answered 4 days ago
For admission to B.Sc. (Hons.) in Botany, candidates must select below CUET UG 2026 subjects:
Combination I: Any one Language from List A + Mathematics/ Applied Mathematics + Any two subjects from List B
OR
Combination II: Any two Languages from List A + Mathematics/ Applied Mathematics + Any one subj
D
Contributor-Level 6
Answered 4 days ago
Science students willing to pursue B.Sc. (Hons.) Computer Science must select the below CUET subjects:
Combination I: Any one Language + Mathematics/ Applied Mathematics + Any two subjects from Domain Subjects
OR
Combination II: Any two Languages + Mathematics/ Applied Mathematics + Any one subject fro
N
Contributor-Level 6
Answered 4 days ago
To take admission to B.Sc Hons. in Chemistry, candidates must select the below CUET Science subjects while filling the CUET application form 2026:
Combination I: Chemistry + Biology/ Biological Studies/ Biotechnology/ Biochemistry + Physics
OR
Combination II: Chemistry + Biology/Biological Studies/ Bio
S
Contributor-Level 6
Answered 5 days ago
No, National Testing Agency has not yet announced the CUET UG 2026 exam date. As per NTA official notification, CUET 2026 exam will be held in May. It is expected that CUET registration 2026 will commence in last week of February 2026 at cuet.nta.nic.in. Candidates seeking admission to UG courses th
N
Contributor-Level 6
Answered 5 days ago
National Testing Agency has informed that there are no significant changes in CUET UG 2026. The pattern and syllabus shall remain same. The CUET UG 2026 exam consists of 37subjects- 13 langauges, 23 domain subjects and General Aptitude Test. As per the recent notification, candidates must make sure
K
Beginner-Level 5
Answered 5 days ago
Christ University CUET exam will be conducted in multiple sessions. Session 1 result was released on December 18, 2025. Session 2 result will be released on April 14, 2026. Students can check Christ University CUET result online.
R
Beginner-Level 5
Answered 5 days ago
Jamia Millia Islamia CUET Cutoff 2025 has been published for all rounds and categories in the AI and HS quota for admission to various UG courses, like BA (Hons), BSc, BTech, etc. According to the last round closing score, the hardest and the easiest course for admission for the General AI category
N
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 5 days ago
Hi.
Yes, PCM students can apply for BA LLB and BA (Hons) through CUET-UG, but subject choice is very important.
CUET Subjects for BA LLB (5-year integrated)
Most central universities (like DU, BHU, AMU, AU, etc.) follow this pattern:
Compulsory Subjects
Language (Any ONE)
English (recommended)
or Hindi /
h
Scholar-Level 18
CUET UG 2026 notification will be released at nta.ac.in and cuet.nta.nic.in. The dates for the CUET 2026 exam subject wise will be declared online. CUET 2026 will be held in May/June. In CUET UG 2026 notification candidates will be able to check the important details about: