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Common University Entrance Test 2026 ( CUET )
Registration - 3 Jan '26 - 30 Jan '26
CUET preparation is important given the competitive nature of the exam, which over 10 lakh candidates take every year. CUET UG 2026 will be held from May 11 to May 31, 2-26. Students must plan their CUET UG 2026 preparation accordingly. Students must prepare well and study to score well on the exam. Read on to learn how to schedule time to prepare, important topics to prepare from and more!
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
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.
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+.
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.
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.
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
The latest CUET UG exam pattern 2026 is updated in table below:
Section | Number of Questions | Duration |
|---|---|---|
Language | 50 | 60 Minutes |
Domain Specific | 50 | |
General Test | 50 |
CUET Topper Tips
According to last year's toppers, the best methods of CUET UG 2025 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 2023 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
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.
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
FAQs Regarding CUET Preparation
Check frequently asked questions on CUET preparation below:
Commonly asked questions
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 |
The latest CUET UG exam pattern 2026 is updated in table below:
Section | Number of Questions | Duration |
|---|---|---|
Language | 50 | 60 Minutes |
Domain Specific | 50 | |
General Test | 50 |
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
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.
CUET Exam
Student Forum
Anything you would want to ask experts?Answered Yesterday
No, CUET scores are not compulsory for admissions into the BA course at Jindal School of Environment and Sustainability. The college accepts other online entrance tests/ national or international level entrance tests, such as JSAT/ SAT/ ACT. Thus, CUET is one of the accepted entrance tests for enrol
K
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 4 days ago
To prepare for CUET Mathematics exam effectively, students must ideally give two to three hours practice. Students must focus on previous year qiuestion papers and mock tests to prepare well for exam. Daily practice and consistency will help candidate score 250 marks in exam.
N
Contributor-Level 6
Answered 4 days ago
Yes, NCERT is sufficient for conceptual clarity while preparing for CUET exam, but MCQ practice and CUET mock tests are important for scoring high. Students must not only focus on preparation books, they must solve CUET previous year question papers for Mathematics to know important topics or repeat
N
Contributor-Level 6
Answered 4 days ago
No, a valid CUET score is accepted for admissions to both BA (Hons) in Liberal Arts & Humanities and the BA (Hons) in Philosophy, Politics & Economics at JSLAH.
In the previous year admissions, CUET was only listed as an accepted exam for the BA (Hons) in Liberal Arts & Humanities admission.
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 4 days ago
No, candidates who wish receive the Jindal School of Liberal Arts and Humanities BA (Hons) scholarships must provide a valid score in the JSAT. Those candidates who appeared for the CUET during BA (Hons) admissions can still appear for the JSAT after getting admitted into the Jindal School of Libera
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 4 days ago
For admission to Delhi University, candidate must have passed or appeared for class 12 examination. There are no minimum marks requirement in class 12 for DU admission through CUET UG. DU may use the class 12 marks or percentage for tie breaking criteria.
N
Contributor-Level 6
Answered 4 days ago
Class 12 marks are important for fulfilling the admission criteria and tie breaking criteria (if any) during admissions. Admission to Central Universities are conducted through CUET scores, however, candidates must fulfil the minimum marks requirement for admissions.
D
Contributor-Level 6
Answered 4 days ago
The minimum marks for CUET class 12th is prescribed differently for accepting universities. CUET universities like DU and Allahabad University does not prescribe the minimum marks in class 12 for CUET UG. However, universities like Banaras Hindu University, BBAU has prescribed the minimum percentage
N
Contributor-Level 6
Answered 4 days ago
There are a total of 157 subjects in the CUET PG exam. The subjects are segregated into six streams. The table below shows the number of papers in each stream.
| Stream | Number of Subjects or Papers |
|---|---|
| Science | 30 |
| MTech | 12 |
| Language | 41 |
| Humanities | 26 |
| Common | 22 |
| Acharya | 26 |
The CUET PG exam pattern is the same for each paper. The language of the CUET PG question papers is English and Hindi. For the Language paper
P
Beginner-Level 5
Answered a week ago
Yes, there is a scholarship for BSc students at IILM University Greater Noida based on the CUET percentile.
If you score 95 percentile or more, you get a 40% scholarship.
In case your percentile is between 90 to 94.99, you get a 30% scholarship.
For the 80 to 89.99 percentile, a 20% scholarship is of
J
Contributor-Level 10
55 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
PUBDET 2026 Applications Mar '26
Is CUET compulsory for admissions into BA course at Jindal School of Environment and Sustainability?