What to Expect in CUET UG 2026? Ideal Score, Marks vs Percentile, Important Topics, Expected Questions
Common University Entrance Test 2026 ( CUET )
Registration - 3 Jan '26 - 4 Feb '26
Students who have applied for CUET UG 2026 must be wondering what to expect in this exam. Shiksha has answered your question in this article. Read below to know the difficulty level of CUET 2026, expected questions, expected CUET marks vs percentile, ideal CUET score, and more.
What to Expect in CUET UG 2026?
National Testing Agency will conduct CUET UG 2026 between May 11 and May 31, 2026, in CBT mode. Candidates who have applied for the entrance exam must know what to expected in CUET UG 2026 to get an idea of the competition level and difficulty level they will be facing this year. Common University Entrance Test (UG) or CUET UG is a national level entrance exam conducted by NTA for admission to undergraduate courses to more than 280 central, state, private, government and deemed CUET universities across India. The competition level of CUET UG exam is increasing every year, making it difficult for candidates to secure a seat at their dream university.
Scroll down to know the expected difficulty level, questions, scores and more for 2026-27 admission cycle. NTA will release official subject-wise CUET UG 2026 datesheet on its official website - cuet.nta.nic.in.
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- CUET UG 2026 Exam Pattern
- CUET UG 2026 Difficulty Level (Expected)
- CUET Stream-wise Important Topics
- CUET UG 2026 Expected Questions
- CUET 2026 Marks vs Percentile
- Ideal CUET Score 2026
CUET UG 2026 Exam Pattern
Before finding out about the expected difficulty level and other details about CUET UG 2026, check below to know the structure of exam paper.
Students can access the CUET UG cut off list only after the cut offs are released by the CUET UG participating universities. The following steps should be followed to access the CUET cut off list of universities candidate is desirous to take admission in.
- Visit the official website of the applied and participating institutes
- On the homepage, click on the link to the current academic session CUET Cut Off
- A new login page will open on screen. Enter the credentials and submit
- Now, you can access the CUET UG cut off list when released
The above steps will be applicable only if instittues release the CUET UG cut offs. Otherwise, if the institutes release merit lists carrying their scores, then the minimum score would be considered as the CUET UG cut off. Universities like Delhi University does not released CUET cut off. Candidates will know the college/course allocated on the basis of the preferences filled by the candidate while filling the application form.
National Testing Agency (NTA) does not release the CUET UG cutoff. Once the CUET results are declared, the socres are shared with the participating universities and role of NTA ends with the declaration of results. CUET UG 2025 cutoff has been released by the CUET participtaing universities seperatley. Candidates will be able to check the course wise and category wise cutoff. CUET UG cutoff 2026 has been released by accepting universities after declaration of CUET UG results.
| Particulars |
Details |
|---|---|
| Mode of the examination |
Computer-Based Test |
| Number of Slots |
Three to four |
| Type of questions |
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) |
| CUET UG sections |
Section 1 - Language (13) Section 2 - Domain Subject (23) Section 3 - General Aptitude Test |
| Total number of Questions |
50 across all subjects |
| Marking Scheme |
+5 for each correct answer -1 for each incorrect answer 0 for unattempted question |
| Medium of CUET exam |
13 languages - English, Hindi, Assamese, Bengali, Gujarati, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, Odia, Punjabi, Tamil, Telugu, and Urdu |
| 250 per subject |
CUET UG 2026 Difficulty Level (Expected)
After considering previous year’s CUET exam analysis, it can be said that this year the CUET difficulty level will be moderate to high. Check below to find out stream-wise difficulty level.
CUET Commerce Difficulty Level
Commerce students usually opt for CUET UG subjects like English, Economics, Business Studies, Accountancy, Mathematics, or General Aptitude Test. Among these subjects, students find Accountancy and Mathematics difficult to solve as they often have time-consuming and application-based questions. Business studies and Microeconomics section of Economic paper are generally easy to solve if a candidate has prepared thoroughly. Additionally, this year, Indian Economic Development has also been included in CUET economics syllabus. So, canddiates are advised to learn all important dates, reforms, Acts, etc., to get a competitive score in exam.
CUET Science Difficulty Level
Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Mathematics and Computer Science are the most chosen subjects by science students. The difficulty level of Chemistry, Physics and Mathematics question papers is moderate to high. These subjects include more application based and analytical thinking questions, which consumes time, mind and energy of a student during exam.
CUET Arts Difficulty Level
The difficulty level of arts subjects is mostly easy to moderate. However, students may find it difficult to complete or answer the questions in History and Political Science exam. As per previous analysis, sometimes students can’t remember an important event, law, date, battle, etc., which makes it hard for them to select the right answer. Besides, students also try to be safe from negative marking to avoid low score.
Note - Learning and understanding the formulas, basic concepts, rules, principles, etc., is the key to score well in exam.
CUET Stream-wise Important Topics
To know about important topics from which most of the questions are repeated in CUET paper every year, students must download and practice CUET previous year question papers. Candidates who are preparing for Common University Entrance Test can check below to know important topics for top CUET subjects.
CUET English Important Topics
| CUET English Important Topics | Sub-Topics |
|---|---|
| Vocabulary | Synonyms, Antonyms, Word Analogy, Figures of Speech, Idioms & Phrases, Match the Column, Phrasal Verbs, Spelling Errors, One-Word Substitution |
| Grammar | Verbs, Tenses, Prepositions, Error Spotting, Para Jumbles, Active & Passive Voice |
| Reading Comprehension | Inference-based Questions, Poetry Extract, Questions on Literary Devices |
| Synonyms and antonyms |
Phrases and meaning |
CUET Commerce Important Topics
| CUET Commerce Subjects | Important Topics |
|---|---|
| Accountancy | Reconstitution of Partnership, Analysis of financial statements, Accounting for Shares & Debenture Capital, Accounting-Not for Profit, Computerized Accounting System |
| Mathematics | Core Mathematics - Linear Programming, Differentiation, Area Under Curves, Probability, Integration, Differential Equations, Application of Derivatives, Matrices, Determinants Applied Mathematics - Probability Distribution, Allegation and Mixture, Financial Maths, Inferential Stats, Boats & Streams, Pipes & Cisters, Algebra of Matrices, Derivatives |
| Business Studies | Business Environment (Case study), Planning, Staffing, Organizing, Directing, Controlling, Business Finance, Financial Markets, Marketing, Sequence Wise questions |
| Economics | Consumer Behavior and Demand, Balance of Payment, Government Budget and the Economy, Determination of Income & Employment, National Income, Money & Banking, Rural Development, Indian Economy 1950-1990, Infrastructure, Indian Economy on the Eve of Independence, Economic Reforms since 1991 |
CUET Science Important Topics
| CUET Science Subjects | Important Topics |
|---|---|
| Physics | Electric Charges and Electric Fields, Electrostatic Potential and Capacitance, Current Electricity, Moving Charges and Magnetism, Magnetism and Matter, Electromagnetic Induction, Alternating Currents, Electromagnetic Waves, Ray Optics and Optical Instrument, Wave Optics, Dual Nature of Matter and Radiation, Atoms, Nuclei, Electronic Devices, Communication Systems |
| Chemistry | Organic Chemistry - Haloalkane and Haloarene, Aldehyde, Ketone and Carboxylic Acid, Alcohol, Phenol and Ether, Biomolecules, Amine, Polymer Inorganic Chemistry - Metallurgy, D-Block, P-Block, Coordination Compounds Physical Chemistry - Solid State, Electrochemistry, Surface Chemistry, Chemical Kinetics |
| Biology | Reproduction in Organism, Sexual Reproduction in flowering plants, Reproduction in Humans, Reproductive Health, Heredity and variations, Molecular Basis of Inheritance, Sex-linked Inheritance, Gene Expression and regulation, Mechanism of Evolution, Health and Disease, Microbes in Human Welfare, Improvement in Food Production, Applications of Biotechnology in health and agriculture, Principle and process of Biotechnology, Organism and environment, Biodiversity and its conservation, Ecosystems, Environmental issues |
| Computer Science | Networking, SQL, Bubble Sorting, Assertion Reasoning, Code Completion |
CUET Arts Important Topics
| CUET Arts Subjects | Important Topics |
|---|---|
| History | An Imperial Capital: Vijayanagara, Kings and Chronicles, The Mughal Courts, Framing the Constitution, Bhakti-Sufi Traditions, Thinkers, Beliefs, and Buildings Cultural Developments |
| Political Science | Recent Developments in Indian Politics, Challenges of the Congress System, The End of Bipolarity, Cold War Era, US Hegemony in World Politics, Contemporary South Asia, International Organizations, Security in Contemporary World, Globalisation, Environment and Natural Resources |
| Psychology | Psychological Disorders, Therapeutic Approaches, Variations in Psychological Attributes, Attitude and Social Cognition, Social Influence and Group Processes, Developing Psychological Skills, Psychology & Life |
| Geography | Human Activities, Transport, Communication & Trade, Human Settlements, Resources and Development, Transport, Communication and International Trade, Geographical Perspective on selected issues & problems, Map Work |
CUET General Aptitude Test Important Topics
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- Calendar and Direction
- General Awareness
- History and Science
- Economics
- Geography
- Discovery and Invention
- Sports
- Books and Authors
- Static GK
- Logical Reasoning
CUET UG 2026 Expected Questions
Check table below to get subject-wise expected questions in CUET 2026 question paper.
CUET 2026 Marks vs Percentile
Based on past years’ trends, below is the CUET marks vs percentile for 2026.
The CUET UG cut off is determined by CUET participating universities seperately. Parameters on the basis of which CUET UG cut off is released are:
- Total number of candidates that appeared for the CUET UG exam
- The number of seats offered by the participating universities through CUET UG
- The difficulty level of the CUET exam
- Overall performance of the test takers (pass percentage/ score range, etc.)
CUET cut off is based on the percentile of the candidate. To calculate the CUET percentile following formula is applied:
100*Number of candidates appeared in the session with a raw score is equal to or less than a candidate/ total number of candidates appeared for CUET UG.
Candidates securing 90-99 percentile in CUET UG have chances of getting admission into the following universities:
- University of Delhi
- Dr. B.R. Ambedkar University Delhi
- Banaras Hindu University
- Allahabad University
National Testing Agency is a exam conducting body for CUET UG. NTA conducts the following events for CUET UG:
- Application process
- Admit card release
- Intimation slip release
- Exam
- Answer key release
- Result declaration
Candidates must note that role of NTA ends after the declaration of CUET results. CUET accepting universities will release the cut off list.
| CUET Marks Range | Expected Percentile |
|---|---|
| 250 - 235 | 100 |
| 234 - 213 | 99 |
| 212 - 188 | 98 - 97 |
| 187 - 163 | 96 - 95 |
| 162 - 138 | 94 - 93 |
| 137 - 113 | 92 - 90 |
| 112 - 100 | 89 - 84 |
| 99 - 88 | 83 - 80 |
| 87 - 75 | 79 - 75 |
| 74 - 63 | 74 - 70 |
| 62 - 50 | 69 - 55 |
| 49 - 25 | 54 - 30 |
Ideal CUET Score 2026
There is no ideal score for Common University Entrance Test. A good CUET score for every candidate can vary depending on their target course and university. NTA only conducts CUET UG exam and releases CUET result. The cut off marks of each course is announced by universities, separately. Therefore, a candidate must check their dream university’s expected CUET cut off to know what score range they should target to get admission. However, students can check below ranges to get an idea:
- Very Good Score: 900 and above (98-99 percentile)
- Good Score: 700-850 (90+ percentile)
- Average Score: 600-700 (80+ percentile)
- Low Score: 400-650 (<80 percentile)
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Student Forum
Anything you would want to ask experts?Answered 21 hours ago
As an IILM University student, the most effective way I found to revise multiple CUET subjects in a short time is to be smart, not exhaustive.
First, I focus only on high-weightage and frequently repeated topics from each subject instead of trying to cover everything. That alone saves a lot of time.
B
Beginner-Level 4
Answered Yesterday
For CUET and NET preparation, there are many good YouTube channels that explain concepts clearly. Along with video lessons, using a structured practice platform like CUETMOCK can really help, as it provides mock tests that follow the exam pattern and detailed solutions to improve your preparation. T
A
Beginner-Level 2
Answered Yesterday
No, ADYPU School of Design does not accept CUET PG scores for enrollment into MDes course. The college accepts the scores of ACET for admission to this course. Students should complete their graduation with decent scores. After evaluating applicants' test scores, the college conducts the counselling
V
Contributor-Level 10
Answered Yesterday
No, ADYPU School of Design does not accept CUET scores for enrollment into BDes course. The college accepts the scores of ACET for admission to this course. Students should complete their Class 12 from any recognised board in any stream with decent scores. After evaluating applicants' test scores, t
P
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 days ago
No, GLS Institute of Design does not accept CUET PG scores for enrollment into MDes course. The college accepts the scores of GLS DAT for admission to this course. Students should complete their graduation with decent scores. After evaluating applicants' test scores, the college conducts the PI.
T
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 days ago
I think so. Apart from the CUET, you can explore state or university-level tests for the BA courses. For example, IPU CET, JMI Entrance, AMU Entrance, LPU NEST, etc.
Know more about -
M
Contributor-Level 9
Answered 2 days ago
No, GLS Institute of Design does not accept CUET scores for enrollment into BDes course. The college accepts the scores of GLS DAT for admission to this course. Students should complete their Class 12 from any recognised board in any stream with decent scores. After evaluating applicants' test score
K
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 days ago
I used CUET Mock to balance my preparation. First I revised my core subjects, then practiced short mocks on CUETMOCK for language, reasoning, and aptitude. It showed real exam patterns, highlighted weak areas, and made me confident for both sections.
T
Beginner-Level 2
Answered 2 days ago
I used NCERT, reference books, and previous year papers to prepare for CUET PG 2026, and it really helped me get admission. Practicing PYPs on CUETMOCK helped me understand the exam pattern, improve speed and even boost my confidence.
V
Beginner-Level 2
Answered 3 days ago
Harcourt Butler Technical University CUET UG cutoff 2023 was released for admission to the BBA course. The cutoff in the last round was 51 for the BBA course.
Note: Other categories, rounds, etc. will have different cutoffs accordingly.
N
Contributor-Level 10
CUET UG cut off will vary from course to course and universities. To know the cut off for CUET UG courses, candidates must stay updated with the notification released by the universities for admissions. As per the previous year analysis, candidates can expect the CUET UG cut off for various top courses under Arts, Commerce and Science as mentioned below: