Candidates preparing for CUET English can check the tips to improve vocabulary in CUET. It is the scoring subject to boost exam score. CUET English 2026 exam is being held online.
CUET English Preparation
How to Improve CUET English Vocabulary: Improving vocabulary is one of the most effective ways to boost CUET English score. The Common University Entrance Test assesses candidates’ language proficiency through vocabulary-based questions. In the CUET English paper, students can expect questions on synonyms, antonyms, word meanings, idioms, phrases, and contextual word usage. Candidates with a strong vocabulary base often find the exam easier, quicker to solve, and more scoring. A better command of words also improves reading comprehension and grammar accuracy.
The CUET UG 2026 exam is ongoing. Read this guide to learn the best tips to improve vocabulary for CUET English and prepare effectively for the exam.
- Why is Vocabulary Important in CUET English?
- How to Improve CUET Vocabulary?
- Top 10 Repeated CUET English Vocabulary Questions
- CUET English Vocabulary Questions in Past Years
- Best Books for CUET English Vocabulary
Why is Vocabulary Important in CUET English?
As per CUET English exam pattern, for every incorrect answer one mark is reduced. Candidates preparing for CUET English exam must know why Vocabulary is important in CUET exam:
- Vocabulary has a weightage of approximately 40% in CUET English question paper.
- Vocabulary is assessed through:
- Reading Comprehension
- Synonyms and Antonyms
- Fill in the blanks
- Idioms and phrases
- Sentence correction
Also Read: CUET UG Subjects
Commonly asked questions
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
The maximum marks in CUET UG exam for each subject is 250 marks. The CUET total marks may vary depending upon the number of subjects opted by candidate.
- CUET maximum marks per subject: 250 marks
- Maximum subjects that can be opted: five subjects
- Total possible maximum marks: 1250
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
The best strategy includes:
- Completing NCERT thoroughly
- Revising regularly
- Solving previous year papers
- Attempting mock tests consistently
- Improving speed and accuracy
How to Improve CUET Vocabulary?
To improve vocabulary for CUET English, students can follow below tips:
- Learn words from PYQs
- Read Newspapers/Editorials
- Learn Words in context
- Focus on topics with high weightage
- Create a personal vocabulary notebook
- Practice CUET mock tests
- Daily vocabulary routine
Learn Words from PYQs
- Learning CUET English vocabulary from previous year questions (PYQs) is one of the best source for CUET preparation. The English section of CUET includes words that are repeated every year.
- While solving CUET PYQs, students should must note unfamiliar words from reading passages and vocabulary-based questions.
- Candidates must maintain a separate list of such words and revise them regularly to understand the level and type of vocabulary expected in the actual exam.
Also Read: Preparation tips for CUET English
Read Newspapers/Editorials
- Regular reading of newspapers or editorials helps in improving vocabulary as well as comprehension skills. Editorial sections of newspapers such as The Hindu use formal, exam-relevant language that can help for CUET English passages.
- While reading, students should focus on understanding how words are used in arguments rather than just their meanings.
Learn Words in Context
- Instead of learning words in isolation, students must focus on learning CUET English vocabulary in context. Understanding how a word functions within a sentence makes it easier to recall during the exam.
- Learning a word along with its usage, synonyms, antonyms, and example sentences leads to better learning and reduces confusion between similar words.
Focus in Topics with High Weightage
Focusing on CUET English topics with high weightage in vocabulary. CUET English frequently asks questions from areas such as synonyms, antonyms, idioms and phrases, and one-word substitutions. Students should practice questions from these topics regularly.
Create a Personal Vocabulary Notebook
Maintaining a personal vocabulary notebook is extremely beneficial for learning. Students should note new words found in CUET previous year question papers, newspapers, mock tests, and practice questions along with their meanings and usage. Writing down words also improves learning compared to passive reading.
Practice With CUET Mock Tests
Regular practice through CUET English mock tests plays an important role in improving vocabulary. Analysing mock test mistakes is equally important, as it allows students to identify weak sections and add new words to their vocabulary list.
Also Read: CUET English Syllabus
Daily Vocabulary Routine
Following a daily vocabulary routine builds consistency, which is important for long-term improvement. Learning a fixed number of new words each day, revising previously learned words, and practising a few vocabulary-based questions creates a balanced preparation strategy.
Top 10 Repeated CUET English Vocabulary Questions
Based on CUET previous year question paper analysis, students can check the top 10 repeated questions in CUET English exam. The list below mentions the question type and vocabulary that has been repeated over years.
- What does the author imply by the phrase “___” in the passage?
- Which of the following statements is NOT true according to the passage?
- What is the central idea / main theme of the passage?
- Choose the word closest in meaning to: Puerile / Maladroit / Flippant / Disconcerting
- Choose the word opposite in meaning to: Capricious / Credible / Suave
- Replace the underlined word with the most appropriate synonym
- Fill in the blank with the correct preposition
- affinity with
- indistinguishable from
- travelled by bus
- mistake for
- Fill in the blank with the correct tense
- Past perfect vs past continuous
- Match the idiom with its correct meaning
-
- Repeated idioms:
- Blow the gaff
- Full of beans
- At the end of one’s tether
- Add insult to injury
- One-word substitution:
- Examples repeatedly asked:
-
-
- Government by religious leaders (Theocracy)
- Obsession with power (Megalomania)
- Collector of ancient objects (Antiquarian)
-
Commonly asked questions
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.
The CUET General Test is moderate in difficulty level. The exam is not very difficult if the candidate is prepared well for the exam. CUET General Test assess candidate's basic aptitude, reasoning and general awareness. CUET General Test includes topics like percentages, profit & loss, ratio & proportions, time & work, simple compound & interest and may more topics in class 12th NCERT curriculum.
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, candidates can get admission to Delhi University with 300 marks in CUET. But in such a case, the course options will be limited. Candidates belonging to reserved criteria will have chances of getting admission to less preferred courses and colleges.
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CUET English Vocabulary Questions in Past Years
- Sagacious - Wise
- Saturine - Gloomy
- Candid - Sincere
- Conspicuous - Striking
- Intrepid - Brave
- Disrupt - Disturb
- Laconic - Brief
- Volatile - Unstable
- Abrogate - To revoke
- Benevolence - Kindness
- Flout - Obey
- Exultant - Miserable
- Disparage - Praise
- Plausible - Unbelievable
- Invective - Praise
- Languish - Thrive
- Somnolent - Awake
- Foible - Strength
- Florid - Simple
- The study or practice of making and solving secret codes - Cryptography
- The study or mapping of mountains - Orography
- A person who studies religion and the idea of God - Theologian
- A person who studies elections and voting behaviour - Psephologist
- The study of the universe - Cosmology
- A doctor who treats heart and blood vessel problems - Cardiologist
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Best Books for CUET English Vocabulary
Choosing the right book and sources is important for CUET English vocabulary preparation. Candidates preparing for CUET English vocabulary can check the list of best books to prepare from:
- NCERT English textbooks (Class 11 and 12) helps in building strong concepts in reading comprehension, grammar, and language skills.
- Online study material like books and digital resources designed specifically for CUET English to practice exam-level questions.
- Editorials from newspapers like The Hindu and The Indian Express
- Trusted vocabulary books such as Word Power Made Easy. This book is highly recommended for strengthening vocabulary, learning word meanings, and improving memory.
- CUET previous year question paper and mocks helps understand word usage patterns, frequently asked vocabulary questions, and exam difficulty level.
- Online test preparation platforms with topic-wise vocabulary tests offer quizzes, practice tests, and performance analysis to help improve vocabulary and track progress.
Read More: CUET English Most Repeated Questions
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Student Forum
Anything you would want to ask experts?Answered 21 hours ago
No, CUET UG is compulsory for admission to all undergraduate courses at Delhi University colleges, including top Science colleges.
T
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 22 hours ago
Yes, CUET is required for admission in MCA at JSS Academy of Technical Education. 85% of the total intake will be filled through Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Technical University Lucknow Counselling, based on CUET PG. Other 15% can get direct admission based on merit.
G
Contributor-Level 10
Answered Yesterday
Veer Narmad South Gujarat University offers admission in MA programme based on merit achieved in last qualifying exam. However, for certain specialised courses like MA in Human Resource Development or Political Science, CUET PG scores are accepted.
R
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 3 days ago
Yes, the BHU UG 2026 Counselling registration has been started at the samarth portal. The last date to apply for the BHU UG 2026 admissions is July 25.
R
Contributor-Level 6
Answered 3 days ago
Yes, aspirants can get admission at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj University via CUET-UG scores. Aspirants who pass CUET can register on the university's website with their score. Once selected, aspirants have to come for document verification and pay course fees to confirm their seat.
N
Guide-Level 15
Answered 4 days ago
No, candidates cannnot get admission in Shri Ram College of Commerce without CUET. It is strictly mandatory for applicants to register and qualify CUET UG and CUET PG exam for applying into UG and PG courses. Seats are offered through the Delhi University Common Seat Allocation System (CSAS). Candid
R
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 4 days ago
Aspirants do not require CUET scores for admission in BA LLB course of Brainware University. Candidates are selected based on their merit or BET scores. No, entrance exam is required to get admission.
N
Guide-Level 15
Answered 4 days ago
No, CUET is not required to get admission in BCom at Jai Hind College. Admission is given by considering: 50% merit (Class 12 marks) and 50% entrance-based (Jai Hind College Common Entrance Exam - CEE).
R
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 4 days ago
Apex University considers CUET scores for admission in UG and PG courses. However, only 50% seats are filled via CUET. Aspirants can also appear for AUCET conducted by the university for admission in other 50% seats.
N
Guide-Level 15
Answered 4 days ago
Yes, Tezpur University has notified the activation of the samarth application portal for its admissions. Candidates can fill the application form till July 20.
A
Contributor-Level 6
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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