CUET Preparation Tips 2026: Study Plan, Strategy, Time Table & Best Books for CUET UG
Common University Entrance Test 2026 ( CUET )
Exam On - To be notified
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?
- How to Prepare for CUET UG Through Mock Test?
- 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.
How to Prepare for CUET UG Through Mock Test?
CUET UG mock test provides real time environment, helping candidates experience the similar conditions as on exam day. Taking full-length CUET UG mock tests help candidates in time management and improves accuracy and speed. Some of the key tips to prepare for CUET UG through mock test are:
- Analyse each CUET mock test taken
- Take note of weak areas and concepts
- Use official or quality mock tests
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 Topper Sufi Siddharth Kabir, 100%iler, aspires to study Political Science from Delhi University
- CUET Topper Interview- Prarthana Drolia, 100 percentiler says, “Be consistent in your studies”
- Know how CUET Topper Parinita Bisht secured 799.86 marks without any coaching
- Know how CUET Topper Diya Bhargava secure 100 percentile with 4-5 hours of self-study
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:
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.
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
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
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.
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.
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Student Forum
Anything you would want to ask experts?Answered Yesterday
Presidency University admissions are mainly granted on the basis of PUMDET or PUBDET scores only. The university may consider CUET scores in selective cases. Students must check and confirm the same with the university before applying.
P
Contributor-Level 10
Answered Yesterday
Yes, students can get admission in City Academy Law College without CUET. The college accepts both CUET and Lucknow University Exam scores to shortlist students. In case, a valid CUET score is not available, students have the option of submitting Lucknow University exam scores instead.
U
Contributor-Level 10
Answered Yesterday
Yes, CUET is necessary for admission in certain courses at City College of Management. The final selection is done on the basis of scores in entrance exams. The accepted entrance exams are CUET/ Lucknow University/ UP B.Ed entrance exam, etc.
G
Contributor-Level 10
Answered Yesterday
Most of the courses in City Group of College is offered on the basis of CUET scores. However, it is NIT compulsory. The college also accepts Lucknow University entrance exam, AKTU exam etc. socres to admit students into different UG and PG programmes.
R
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 days ago
No, students can not get into Hindu College, University of Delhi Without giving CUET exam. CUET score is necessary to get admisisons in Hindu College. After the results of CUET, the cut off is released. The seats are allocated through Common Seat Allocation System (CSAS) of Delhi University.
P
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 days ago
Yes, GD Goenka University does consider CUET 2026 scores for awarding scholarships to BSc applicants. Students who achieve a high percentile, such as 95.1 and above, can even qualify for a 100% tuition fee waiver for their first year. Even those scoring between 80 and 95 percentile can receive a sub
R
Contributor-Level 9
Answered 2 days ago
No, the CUET-UG registrations for Apeejay Stya University BA (hons) admissions have been closed. CUET-UG 2026 registrations closed on Feb 26th. Candidates who failed to appear for the aforementioned entrance exam can still apply through their Class 12 board exam results.
For BA (hons) in Journalism a
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 days ago
No, CUET-UG is not a compulsory entrance exam for BA (hons) admissions at Apeejay Stya University. Selection of candidates is based mostly on merit in Class 12 board exams. However, BA (hons) in Journalism and Mass Communication admissions are based on the written test conducted by Apeejay Stya Univ
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 days ago
No, CUET is not compulsory to take admission in Rajkiya Kanya Mahavidyalaya. Candidates who wish to take admission in this college, have to go to the official website of college and fill the application form for their preffered course. Final seats are allocated based on merit in last qualifying exam
R
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 days ago
Yes, students can get admission in Maharaja Surajmal Institute BBA without CUET. The main exam for shortlisting is IPUCET. Students have to score well in CET and then participate in online counselling to get selected.
M
Contributor-Level 10
321 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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