What is the right time to begin CUET 2026 preparation?

Common University Entrance Test 2026 ( CUET )

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CUET UG 2026 Exam

11 May '26 - 31 May '26

Shruti
Shruti Garg
Assistant Manager- Editorial
Updated on Apr 16, 2026 13:40 IST
CUET 2026 will be held in 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 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 Preparation

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. The CUET 2026 will be conducted between May 11 to May 31, whereas the Class 12th boards have concluded.

Also Read:

Table of contents
  • When to Begin CUET UG Preparation?
  • How to Begin with CUET Preparation?
  • CUET 2026 Syllabus: Stream Wise
  • Where Can I Download CUET Question Papers?
  • 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 examinations 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 helps candidates create a 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 good quality CUET study materials, reference books, and online resources to prepare from. Candidates can also check CUET Practice Test 2026 to solve previous year question papers. 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 an important part of CUET preparation. Candidates by now must start reading newspapers, magazines, and online news portals. This habit not only improves knowledge but also improves performance and comprehension important for CUET general awareness section and reading comprehension.

Seek Guidance

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:

How is CUET syllabus different from CBSE syllabus?

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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 the stream-wise CUET syllabus 2026 below.

CUET Syllabus for Science Students CUET Syllabus for Commerce Students CUET Syllabus for Arts Students

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Where Can I Download CUET Question Papers?

National Testing Agency has released the CUET UG question papers for 2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025. The CUET question paper bank subject-wise is available for free. Candidates can click on the links provided below to check previous year question papers:

CUET 2025 Question Paper CUET 2024 Question Paper
CUET 2023 Question Paper CUET 2022 Question Paper

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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. 

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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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Student Forum

chatAnything you would want to ask experts?
Write here...

Answered 2 days ago

Yes, CUET is mandatory for Shaheed Sukhdev College of Business Studies CUET admission. The college offers the programme in full-time mode and seats are allocated through CUET + CSAS process only.

M

Manashjyoti Srivastava

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 days ago

No, candidates who wish to apply for BTech admissions at UIT, Karnavati University cannot do so with CUET-UG scores. Only JEE Mains or GUJCET scores are considered for UIT, Karnavati University BTech admissions for eligible candidates. 

S

Saurabh Khanduri

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 days ago

No, Mahant Bachittar Singh College of Engineering and Technology has not mentioned accepting CUET-UG scores to select candidates for BTech courses. However, University of Jammu who this institute is affiliated to does accept CUET-UG scores for BTech admission.

Thus, candidates should confirm the same

...Read more

S

Saurabh Khanduri

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 3 days ago

No, CUET is not required for admission in UG courses at Acharya School of Design. Admission is available through a merit-based process. Students can apply through the official website or offline. Candidates are selected based on their performance in Class 12 and personal interview. 

R

Raj Priya

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 3 days ago

No, CUET is not required for Savita Devi Jaiswal College admissions. The college offers merit-based admissions. No entrance exam is required. However, students can call the college to know more about the admission process and accepted tests.

V

Virajita Sharma

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 3 days ago

You can refer to NCERT subject books for basic concepts. For course based best books list, check this link.

https://www.shiksha.com/science/articles/cuet-ug-books-and-study-materials-blogId-122251

P

Pallavi Gupta

Contributor-Level 7

Answered 3 days ago

The official CUET mock test is conducted in online mode. The mock tests can be accessed at NTA website. You can also attempt Shiksha CUET Mock Test here:

https://www.shiksha.com/science/cuet-exam-mocktest

105208302
Vipra Shrivastava

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 4 days ago

School of Computing Sciences, VELS Institute admission is merit-based. However, the institute consideres VELS entrance exam for MCA admission. CUET is not required/ accepted for admission in courses offered by School of Computing Sciences, VELS Institute.

G

Gaurika Chhabra

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 6 days ago

Yes, admission into JD Institute of Fashion Technology, Vishakhapatnam does not require CUET. Candidates wishing to take admission in JD Institute of Fashion Technology, Vishakhapatnam should have passed Class 12 and appear in GAT exam to take admission. 

R

Raj Priya

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a week ago

SRM IST Kattankulathur does mention that its school of Science & Humanities accepts CUET-UG scores for admissions. However, that school has not mentioned anything regarding CUET-UG accepted for any BSc course admissions. Thus, candidates should ask this question from the admission desk.

S

Saurabh Khanduri

Contributor-Level 10