What is the right time to begin CUET 2026 preparation?
Common University Entrance Test 2026 ( CUET )
Exam On - 11 May '26 - 31 May '26
CUET 2026 will be held from May 11 to May 31 and Class 12th boards will commence on February 17. Soon after boards, candidates will have roughly 30 days to prepare for CUET. With the exam date approaching, know the syllabus for CUET. Know what is the right time to begin CUET preparation here.
CUET Preparation
CUET 2026 exam date and class 12th timetable has been released. Wondering if it is the right time to begin CUET preparation along with boards? Yes, it is good time for candidates to begin preparation for NTA CUET UG 2026 exam. The CUET syllabus is similar to class 11th and 12th NCERT curriculum, majorly based on class 12th. Both exams cover same subjects and topics for exam preparation. However, CUET is entry to top state, private, and central universities. Success in Common University Entrance Test requires good planning and preparation. One important aspect of this journey is knowing right time to begin preparation to score CUET qualifying marks. NTA has released the CUET UG notification 2026 on January 03. The exam will be conducted from May 11 to May 31, whereas Class 12th boards will commence on February 17, 2026.
Also Read:
- When to Begin CUET UG Preparation?
- How to Begin with CUET Preparation?
- CUET 2026 Syllabus: Stream Wise
- About CUET UG
When to Begin CUET UG Preparation?
Candidates who are desireous of taking admission to Undergraduate program of Central Universities must begin their preparation early. CUET UG preparation is key to admission in top colleges and courses. Candidates can check below to know when to begin CUET UG preparation below:
Begin in Class 11 or Early Class 12th
CUET UG syllabus is similar to class 12th subject syllabus. Candidates preparing for board examimations must check the CUET syllabus and prepare for both exams simultaneously.
6 Months before Board Examination
CUET UG exams are conducted in May-June soon after the board examinations are over. Candidates must get familar with the CUET exam pattern and syllabus and cover the syllabus timely.
How to Begin with CUET Preparation?
To begin CUET UG 2026 preparation, student must make sure to understand exam pattern and structure. Students must focus on NCERT curriculum of class 12th. To begin with CUET preparation, candidates can check expert tips below:
Check CUET Pattern & Syllabus
Begin by familiarising with the CUET 2026 exam pattern and syllabus. Knowing the updated pattern and structure of question paper help candidats create preparation strategy as per CUET syllabus.
Also Read:
Domain Subjects in CUET 2026; Check Complete List, Course Mapping Criteria
Start Preparation Early
Preparation for CUET UG must start with board preparation. Starting with building a strong foundation in basics of subjects as per stream like Commerce, Arts or Science.
Also Read:
Strategy to Manage CUET Exam Preparation along with Boards
Be Consistent
Success in CUET UG is not about filling information at the last minute. Candidate must create a strategy to cover subjects that are being studied in class 12th.
Utilise Resources
Invest in quality CUET study materials, reference books, and online resources like CUET Practice Test 2026. Use technology to learn from online learning platforms, practice tests, and mock exams.
CUET Mock Tests
Regularly take CUET mock tests to get real exam day experience. This not only familiarises candidate with the CUET exam pattern but also helps manage time efficiently during actual test. Analyse performance after each mock test to identify areas that need improvement.
Know Current Affairs
General awareness is a important part of CUET preparation. Start reading newspapers, magazines, and online news portals. This habit not only improves knowledge but also improves performance in the CUET general awareness section.
Seek Guidance
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.
CUET 2026 will be held in two slots. The timing for the same is released with release of CUET 2026 admit card. Candidates can know the exam centre and timing along with the release of CUET 2026 admit card. NTA is expceted not to release the official CUET 2026 date sheet. Candidates can check their subject-wise CUET exam date and slot timings on CUET intimation slips and admit card.
Consider joining coaching classes or taking help from experienced teachers or mentors. Many CUET toppers suggest that practising from NCERT books can help score 99 percentile in CUET UG.
Assess and Improve
Continuously reassess CUET study plan, strengths and weaknesses. Adapt approach to work on areas that need improvement.
The right time to start preparation for CUET 2026 exam is now. Early preparation, discipline, and a strategic approach are the keys to score more than 95 percentile.
Also Read:
CUET UG 2026 datesheet is released soon after the registration process is over. Candidates can check their CUET 2026 exam schedule on their intimation slip or admit card also. CUET UG 2026 exam will be held in CBT mode. Last year, NTA did not release the official CUET examination schedule, however, candidates can check the schedule for applied subjects on their admit cards, when released. Candidates can know the CUET subject wise slots, exam dates and timings.
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.
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How is CUET syllabus different from CBSE syllabus?
CUET 2026 Syllabus: Stream Wise
Science, Commerce or Arts students preparing for CUET UG exam must be thorough with the CUET syllabus and exam pattern to devise an effective preparation strategy. The core subjects for each stream differ. Check stream wise CUET syllabus 2026 below.
| CUET Syllabus for Science Students | CUET Syllabus for Commerce Students | CUET Syllabus for Arts Students |
About CUET UG
Common University Entrance Test for Undergraduates is conducted for admission in all central universities for academic session 2026-27. It is a common platform to provide equal opportunities to candidates across the country. CUET is conducted once a year. More than 249 universities accept CUET UG score for admission to its undergraduate full-time courses.
Read More:
Best Books for CUET UG 2026: Subject-wise Best Books, Study Materials & Preparation Tips
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 2 days ago
CUET language exam is conducted for 13 langauges. This section includes 50 multiple-choice questions in which no optional questions are provided. Candidates can check below to know the expected weightage of CUET language important topics:
Topics | Expected number of questions |
|---|---|
Comprehension | 15 |
Parts of speech | 3-4 |
Para jumbles | 3-4 |
Synonyms and antonyms | 2-3 |
Active/passive voice | 3-4 |
Fill in the blanks | 3-4 |
Incorrect/correct statement | 3-4 |
Phrases and meaning | 5-6 |
D
Contributor-Level 6
Answered 2 days ago
CUET UG syllabus for Delhi University admission is completely based on NCERT curriculum. CUET UG syllabus for Delhi University varies depending on the course that candidate desires to pursue and CUET subjects that have been opted. Candidates can download the CUET UG 2026 syllabus for 13 languages,
N
Contributor-Level 6
Answered 2 days ago
CUET UG exam structure for Science examination is similar to other streams subject. NTA prescribes the common exam pattern for CUET subjects. As per the notification, each CUET subject will follow below structure:
- Number of questions: 50 Multiple Choice Questions
- Optional questions: Not provided
- Durati
S
Contributor-Level 6
Answered 2 days ago
Candidates have to appear for number of subjects chosen for CUET exam. Students can opt for maximum five CUET subjects. Candidates must have selected the CUET subjects based on the course criteria they desire to pursue. CUET UG syllabus is similar to class 12 NCERT curriculum. Candidates preparing f
K
Contributor-Level 6
Answered 2 days ago
National Testing Agency conducts CUET UG exam for 37 subjects across Science, Commerce and Arts streams. CUET UG 2026 is scheduled to be held between May 11 and May 31, 2026. Candidates who have opted for CUET subjects as per B.Com hons. course criteria can check their CUET subject wise exam date 2
N
Contributor-Level 6
Answered 3 days ago
The best college under CUET UG depends on the candidate's course preference. However, top CUET colleges include Delhi University, Jawaharlal Nehru University, and Banaras Hindu University known for their Arts, Science and Commerce courses. Top private CUET colleges include Amity University, LPU and
D
Contributor-Level 6
Answered 3 days ago
There are no prescribed marks for CUET passing criteria. Once candidate has appeared for the exam, candidates must apply for CUET counselling on official website of desired university. Based on counselling applications and CUET score, accepting universities will release the CUET cutoffs. Candidates
N
Contributor-Level 6
Answered 3 days ago
CUET UG exam is conducted in Computer-Based Test Mode. The examination is scheduled in multiple slots depending on the number of registrations for CUET. In this mode of examination, candidates are required to appear for exam online and answer the questions on deskptop with the help of mouse.
S
Contributor-Level 6
Answered 3 days ago
On the day of CUET exam, candidates must report at alloted exam centre one hour before the given time. Candidates must make sure to carry the following items are CUET exam centre:
- Print copy of CUET UG 2026 hall ticket with self declaration (undertaking)
- Ball point pen
- Additional passport size photogra
K
Contributor-Level 6
Answered 3 days ago
Once National Testing Agency has issued the CUET intimation slip or admit card, the request for change in exam centre will not be entertained. Candidates cannot change the exam city or alloted exam centre once the CUET admit cards are released. Candidates must report at the allotted centre on given
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: