/ Arts ( Fine / Visual / Performing ) / Arts ( Fine / Visual / Performing ) Exams / CUET / PreparationCUET BFA Preparation 2026: Tips, Strategy & Guide
Common University Entrance Test 2026 ( CUET )
Registration - 23 Feb '26 - 26 Feb '26
CUET preparation is important given the competitive nature of the exam, which over 10 lakh candidates take every year. To score well in exam, candidate must create a strategic plan to ace exam. Scoring more than 180 marks in CUET subjects comes from well preparation and strategy. CUET UG 2026 will be held from May 11 to May 31, 2026. Students must plan their CUET UG 2026 preparation accordingly. Students preparing for board examination must begin CUET preparation along. Preparation for class 12th syllabus is similar to CUET syllabus. CUET is conducted by National Testing Agency for admission to over 200 universities, including 47 central universities, 27 State Universities, 22 Deemed Universities, 110 Private Universities, and seven others.
- Step Wise CUET UG Preparation Tips
- How to prepare for CUET 2026?
- Books to read for CUET Preparation 2026
- CUET Topper Tips
- FAQs Regarding CUET Preparation
Step Wise CUET UG Preparation Tips
Follow easy steps below to start with CUET preparations for UG admissions:
- Go through CUET syllabus 2026 completely.
- Understand CUET exam pattern and marking scheme and prepare accordingly.
- Get all study material for CUET such as prep books and previous year's question papers.
- Create a monthly plan on how much syllabus to cover daily.
- Solve question papers, sample papers and mock tests.
Also Read: CUET 2026 Last-Minute Preparation Strategy and Tips
Commonly asked questions
Yes, 700 is a good score in CUET. This score can help candidates place in top colleges of Delhi University, banaras Hindu University and Allahabad University. 700 score is considered to a CUET good score creating a percentile of 95+.
No, CUET UG exam duration will not vary for each subject. The exam duration will be unform for all CUET subjects that is 60 minutes. Candidates will be required to attempt 50 questions within the given time limit. The marking scheme of each question remains the same.
How to prepare for CUET 2026?
To pass CUET exam with good score, students must prepare an effective exam strategy. Check few tips to prepare for CUET UG exam below:
1. Stay updated with CUET exam pattern
CUET question consists of 50 question for each subject. The exam will be held for a duration of 60 minutes for each subject. The nature of questions is objective. Candidates must know the marking scheme. Refer to the table below for further clarification:
| Section |
Number of Questions |
Question Types |
|---|---|---|
| Section I |
50 Questions |
Language to be tested through Reading Comprehension based on different types of passages- Factual, Literary and Narrative, (Literary Aptitude and Vocabulary) |
| Section II |
50 Questions |
MCQs based on NCERT Class 12 syllabus only |
| Section III |
50 Questions |
General Knowledge, Current Affairs, General Mental Ability, Numerical Ability, Quantitative Reasoning (Simple application of basic mathematical concepts arithmetic/algebra geometry/mensuration/s tat taught till Grade 8), Logical and Analytical Reasoning |
Marking scheme: Candidates will be awarded five marks for each correct answer. There will be a negative marking of -1 mark for each incorrect answer. No marks will be awarded or deducted for not attempted questions.
To perform well in the CUET test, candidates have to thoroughly go through CUET syllabus. Aspirants need to strategise their plans on a monthly, weekly and daily basis. Candidates can prepare better by knowing which topics to cover in-depth and which require superficial knowledge. The candidate can do so as per the below-mentioned pointers:
- Make a list of topics, subject-wise
- Segregate the subjects and topics into easy and difficult as per personal experience.
- Note down topics that will carry maximum weightage (as per previous year’s question papers).
3. Select Preparation books
In order to perform well in the CUET exam, candidates need to make a list of books from which they should study for the entrance exam. Candidates are advised to purchase at least two to three prep books for CUET, depending on the course applied for. The books can help aspirants determine which topics to cover and study along with what to expect for the entrance exam.
4. Prepare a TimeTable
Candidates need to make a timetable on what topics to cover when, which subjects require high priority and how much to cover on a daily, weekly and monthly basis. Aspirants are advised to create a daily plan and while preparing a timetable, special attention should be given to completing the CUET syllabus. Revise the syllabus and content, attempt as many question papers, mock papers and previous year question papers to better help prepare.
5. Refer to Past Year’s Question Papers
Candidates appearing for the CUET 2026 exam are advised to solve the last five years question papers to help better understand CUET exam pattern and format of questions that will be asked in the entrance exam. Through the previous questions, candidates can understand which subjects are given high importance and topics which can help the aspirant score better in the exam.
6. Focus on NCERT Syllabus
For CUET domain subjects, candidates must make sure to focus on NCERT curriculum. As prescribed, CUET syllabus is entirely based on class 12th NCERT curriculum. Candidates must understand the concepts and practice questions to ace examination.
Also Read:
CUET UG Commerce Previous Year Question Papers
CUET UG Science Previous Year Question Papers
6. Solve Sample Papers/Mock tests
The best way for a candidate to know their strengths and weaknesses is by solving question papers, sample papers or mock tests. Through this, candidates can also figure out the best approach to be followed when they head out to attempt the actual CUET question paper. From formulating time management to understanding the format of the paper, solving sample papers helps prepare better for the entrance exam.
Commonly asked questions
The CUET questions are objective in nature and carries four options also known as MCQs. Candidates will have to choose the correct answer option and click on it with the help of mouse. Since CUET UG 2026 exam will be conducted in a CBT mode, test-takers will be able to mark only one answer option. In case it is the correct option, students will get +5 marks and in case of wrong answer, negative marking scheme will be applied. Hence, candidates must ensure the accuracy of the answer before selecting the answer.
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.
To prepare well for the CUET UG and board examinations, candidates must:
- Start their preparations for CUET UG along with class 12th board examination. This will help students to cover the maximum syllabus for CUET.
- Candidates must make sure to be familiar with the CUET exam pattern and syllabus for the subjects they are planning to opt for.
- Candidates must know weak and strong topics by solving CUET mock tests or previous year question papers.
- Students must make sure to download the CUET question papers and analyse difficulty level of the exam
- Aspirants must select the best books for CUET UG preparation.
Books to read for CUET Preparation 2026
Candidates must prepare every topic from prep books as it will students clear doubts as well as understand the subjects thoroughly.
| Books |
Author |
|---|---|
| A Problem Book in Mathematical Analysis |
GN Berman |
| Concepts of Physics |
HC Verma |
| A Textbook of Organic Chemistry |
RK Gupta |
| Higher Algebra |
Hall & Knight |
| Problems in Calculus of One Variable |
IA Maron |
| Objective Biology |
Dinesh |
| International Economics |
Bo Soderstien and Geoffrey Reed |
| Indian Economy: Performance & Policies |
Uma, Kapila |
| ABC Chemistry |
S.P. Jauhar |
| Methodology and Perspectives of Social Science |
Abhijit Kundu |
| Elementary Mathematics |
DoroFeev Patapov |
| International Economics |
Dominick Salvatore |
| A Class-book Botany |
AC Dutta |
| Economics |
Lipsey R. and A Chrytal |
| Fundamental Methods of Mathematical Economics |
Chiang A.C. and K. Wainwright |
Also Read: CUET UG 2026 Books and Study Materials
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
Candidates can see the table showing the latest CUET UG exam pattern 2026 below -
Section | Number of Questions | Duration |
|---|---|---|
Language | 50 | 60 Minutes |
Domain Specific | 50 | |
General Test | 50 |
Note: The exam pattern is taken from official website of the conducting body and can be changed if instructed by it.
Hope this helps your query! All the best!
CUET Topper Tips
According to last year's toppers, the best methods of CUET UG 2026 preparation include referring to the right books, taking regular mock tests and solving previous year CUET question papers and following a disciplined and systematic approach. According to the toppers, NCERT is the best source of preparation. Once the syllabus is completed, students must go through revision. After this, they should take regular mock tests to understand their preparation level and also analyse to device a preparation strategy to improve their performance at the exam. Shiksha.com has interviewed the CUET UG toppers Read the interviews below to know their success mantras.
Read Success Stories below:
- CUET 2023 Topper Sufi Siddharth Kabir, 100%iler, aspires to study Political Science from Delhi University
- CUET 2023 Topper Interview- Prarthana Drolia, 100 percentiler says, “Be consistent in your studies”
- Know how CUET Topper 2023 Parinita Bisht secured 799.86 marks without any coaching
- Know how CUET Topper 2023 Diya Bhargava secure 100 percentile with 4-5 hours of self-study
- CUET Topper 2023 Kartikay Mendiratta with 794 marks says, "NCERT books are no doubt the best books to use"
- CUET Topper 2023 Irijaya Dash wants to join Miranda House; Know her CUET UG prep strategy
- CUET Topper 2023 Sejal Gupta Says, Strong Preparation for Class 12th Exams Leads to CUET Readiness
- CUET 2023 Topper Prabuddh Dubey, 100%iler, aims to study Economics from Delhi University
- CUET Topper 2023 Katyayini Madeti aims for Hindu College with 799.6 marks; Check out her CUET prep strategy
- 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
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
Common University Entrance Test (CUET) sample papers are released by the conducting body, National Testing Agency (NTA). To download the CUET question papers follow the steps below:
- Go to- CUET Question Paper
- Select CUET subject to download the question paper for
- Click on the tab download
- Create the login details for new registrations
- Link to download the CUET question paper will be sent on the registered email ID
- Click on the link provided and save the PDF.
FAQs Regarding CUET Preparation
Check frequently asked questions on CUET preparation below:
Commonly asked questions
Candidates can see the table showing the latest CUET UG exam pattern 2026 below -
Section | Number of Questions | Duration |
|---|---|---|
Language | 50 | 60 Minutes |
Domain Specific | 50 | |
General Test | 50 |
Note: The exam pattern is taken from official website of the conducting body and can be changed if instructed by it.
Hope this helps your query! All the best!
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.
Common University Entrance Test (CUET) UG is conducted Assamese, Bengali, English, Gujarati, Hindi, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, Punjabi, Odia, Tamil, Telugu, and Urdu languages. Candidates must note that the selection of medium will be restricted to state/UTs. Refer the table below to know the mediums restricte to respective state/UTs:
| Language | Examination Centres |
|---|---|
| English | All examination centres |
| English and Hindi | All examination centres |
| English and Assamese | Examination centres in Assam |
| English and Bengali | Examination centres in West Bengal, Tripura, and Andaman and Nicobar Islands |
| English and Gujarati | Examination centres in Gujarat, Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu |
| English and Kannada | Examination centres in Karnataka |
| English and Malayalam | Examination centres in Kerala and Lakshadweep |
| English and Marathi | Examination centres in Maharashtra |
| English and Odia | Examination centres in Odisha |
| English and Punjabi | Examination centres in Punjab, Chandigarh and Delhi/New Delhi (Including Faridabad, Gurugram, Ghaziabad, Meerut, Noida/Greater Noida) |
| English and Tamil | Examination centres in Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Andaman and Nicobar Islands |
| English and Telugu | Examination centres in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana |
| English and Urdu | All examination centres in India |
Common University Entrance Test (CUET) sample papers are released by the conducting body, National Testing Agency (NTA). To download the CUET question papers follow the steps below:
- Go to- CUET Question Paper
- Select CUET subject to download the question paper for
- Click on the tab download
- Create the login details for new registrations
- Link to download the CUET question paper will be sent on the registered email ID
- Click on the link provided and save the PDF.
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/ Biotechnology/ Biochemistry + Mathematics/Applied Mathematics
Merit will be based on the best CUET scores obtained
Note: Candidates must verify University and Course requirements. As Subjects may vary from institute to institute
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 from Domain Subjects
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 subject from List B
Common University Entrance Test syllabus for Delhi University consists of three sections- Language, Domain subjects and General Aptitude Test. The syllabus for CUET domain subjects is entirely based on NCERT curriculum. Candidates can check the subject-wise CUET UG syllabus at cuet.nta.nic.in. NTA has prescribed syllabus for 37 subjects. Admission to Delhi University through CUET requires appearing in subjects passed in class 12th.
CUET English question paper focuses on reading comprehension, gramar and vocabulary. Based on previous year question paper analysis of CUET English, candidates can check the list of top 10 important topics for English language section in CUET UG:
- Reading Comprehension
- Synonyms and Antonyms
- Idioms & Phrases
- One Word Substitution
- Para Jumbles
- Active and Passive Voice
- Direct and Indirect Speech
- Phrasal Verbs
- Figure of Speech
- Error spotting
Arts ( Fine / Visual / Performing ) exams you must check out
Exams for which registrations have started
20 Feb '26 - 25 Mar '26
CUET Exam
Student Forum
Anything you would want to ask experts?Answered 12 hours ago
To apply for CUET accepting colleges, candidates must first register for CUET UG and obtain score in examination after fulfilling the criteria. Candidates must visit the official website of colleges accepting CUET scores and apply for CUET counselling process. The CUET college admission 2026 process
N
Contributor-Level 6
Answered 13 hours ago
For CUET UG 2026 it is expected that more than 14 Lacs candidates have applied for the exam. The official notification from NTA is yet to be issued. Recently, NTA has reopened the CUET UG 2206 registration window from February 23 to February 26, 2026. NTA is expected to announce the total unique re
N
Contributor-Level 6
Answered 14 hours ago
The students who want to apply through CUET exam at IMS Noida for the MBA course, must follow these steps:
· Go to NTA official website
· Click on CUET tab
· Register on the given link
· Make an account and fill the necessary information
· Make the application fee payment
·
C
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 15 hours ago
Yes, National Testing Agency has reopened the CUET UG 2026 registration window. Candidates who have missed applying for CUET 2026 exam earlier, can now apply online till February 26, 2026 (11.50 PM). Candidates have the last opprtunity to apply for exam online.
D
Contributor-Level 6
Answered 16 hours ago
The IMS Noida MBA CUET PG 2026 exam will be held in the month of March. The students who have completed the application process are eligible to appear for the MBA CUET exam with other accepted exams. After giving the entrance, the students need to clear the interview and discussion rounds to confirm
C
Contributor-Level 10
Answered Yesterday
CUET UG cutoff 2026 for Jawaharlal Nehru University will be released soon after the declaration of results. JNU will release the CUET cutoff 2026 based on the number of registrations, number of seats and candidate's CUET score. Candidates can check the CUET JNU cutoff online when released.
S
Contributor-Level 6
Answered Yesterday
Jamia Milia Islamia releases the CUET merit list instead of CUET cutoff list. Candidates who will be shortlisted can check their names on the merit list when released. JMI releases the CUET merit list soon after the declaration of CUET results.
K
Contributor-Level 6
Answered Yesterday
To appear for CUET UG counselling, candidates must have the following documents or information:
- CUET application number
- CUET hall ticket number
- CUET scorecard
- Class 10th and Class 12th marksheet
N
Contributor-Level 6
Answered Yesterday
CUET cutoff vary from college to college. However if a candidate is seeking admission to top central universities in India they must score aboe 750 marks to get admission in top courses like B.Com Hons., B.A Eco Hons. B.Sc and so forth. For admission to good colleges, candidate must score above 650
Contributor-Level 10
Answered Yesterday
Yes, candidate will have to participate in CUET UG counselling process even if they are class 12th topper. Candidates cannnot get direct admission to central universities without CUET. Class 12th marks are generally used for tie breaking criteria only.
N
Contributor-Level 6
107 Institutes accepting CUET
Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Khalsa College, University of ...
North Campus, Delhi • Public
- 3 years
- |
- Full Time
Mata Sundri College for Women, University of Delhi
Mata Sundari Lane, Delhi • Public
3.8Janki Devi Memorial College, University of Delhi
Rajendra Nagar, Delhi • Public
Lakshmibai College, University of Delhi
Ashok Vihar, Delhi • Public
Where can I select CUET colleges?