CUET Preparation Tips 2026: Study Plan, Strategy, Time Table & Best Books for CUET UG
Common University Entrance Test 2026 ( CUET )
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 tentatively in May/June. 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.
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 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.
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:
- Visit the link provided- CUET Question Paper
- Scroll down the page and look for the subject to download the question paper for
- Click on the tab download
- Create the login credentials 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
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 |
CUET Exam
Student Forum
Anything you would want to ask experts?Answered 20 hours ago
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 marking a percentile of 95+.
N
Contributor-Level 6
Answered 20 hours ago
Yes, National Testing Agency has released the official link of CUET UG 2026. Candidates will be able to check the latest updates for CUET 2026 exam at cuet.nta.nic.in. CUET 2026 official notification will be released on the official website.
D
Contributor-Level 6
Answered 20 hours ago
No, CUET UG 2026 application form has not been released yet. It is expected that NTA will commence CUET registration 2026 in first week of March at cuet.nta.nic.in. Candidates seeking admisison to UG courses of central, state, private or deemed universities must fill the online application form befo
N
Contributor-Level 6
Answered 21 hours ago
The best CUET course depends on candidate's interest, stream, subjects studied in class 12th. Some of the top CUET UG courses with best career options are B.Sc (Chemistry, Physics, CS), B.Com (Pass, Hons.), BBA/BMS/BFIA, BA (Economics, English, History), BCA and integrated programs. Candidates must
S
Contributor-Level 6
Answered 21 hours ago
Common University Entrance Test (CUET) is conducted for admission to UG courses of central, state, private and deemed universities. National Testing Agency (NTA) conducts CUET exam annually for students desireous of taking admission to colleges of Delhi University, Banaras Hindu University, Allahaba
N
Beginner-Level 5
Answered Yesterday
Hi.
Yes — you can choose CUET (UG) domain subjects that are different from what you studied in class 12, even if you want to study BA.
BUT this depends on the specific university's eligibility rules, not CUET alone.
CUET Rule (Official):
CUET allows you to appear for any domain subject, even if you didn
h
Scholar-Level 17
Answered Yesterday
CUET Coaching 2026 is essential for aspirants aiming to succeed in the CUET 2026 exam. It offers structured guidance to cover the complete CUET syllabus 2026 efficiently, helping students understand concepts clearly and manage their preparation time effectively. The CUET Mock (cuetmock.com) platform
T
Beginner-Level 1
Answered Yesterday
Admissions to most of courses are offered through Christ University Entrance Test CUET at university. There are some courses that can be pursued without CUET. However, these are limited, and CUET remains compulsory for most.
R
Beginner-Level 5
Answered 2 days ago
Hi.
Here are some *good coaching options you can consider for CUET (UG) preparation with a focus on cracking the BA French (JNU + other central universities) path — particularly if you want help with languages (French), General Test, and overall CUET strategy:
1. Modulation Institute (Laxmi Nagar, Del
h
Scholar-Level 17
Answered 3 days ago
No, University Institute of Engineering and Technology, CSJM University is not under CUET. The college accepts scores of certain other entrance exams for admission, such as- JEE Mains. Hence, CUET is not required.
S
Contributor-Level 10
302 Institutes accepting CUET
Atma Ram Sanatan Dharma College, University of Delhi
Dhaula Kuan, Delhi • Public
3.8Lady Shri Ram College for Women, University of Delhi
Lajpat Nagar, Delhi • Public
Daulat Ram College, University of Delhi
Maurice Nagar, Delhi • Public
Ramjas College, University of Delhi
North Campus, Delhi • Public
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CUEE 2026 Application Form Phase 1 Last Date 24 Dec '25
Is 700 a good score in CUET?