CUET Preparation Tips 2026: Study Plan, Strategy, Time Table & Best Books for CUET UG
Common University Entrance Test 2026 ( CUET )
CUET preparation is crucial given the competitive nature of the exam, which over 10 lakh candidates take. CUET UG 2026 exam 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 your time to prepare for the exam, major topics to prepare from and more!
CUET is conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) for admission to over 210 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
Wondering how to start with the preparation for CUET UG 2026? Follow the easy steps below to start with the UG admission journey:
Step 1: Go through the CUET syllabus 2026 thoroughly.
Step 2: Understand the CUET exam pattern and marking scheme and prepare accordingly.
Step 3: Get all the study material for CUET such as prep books and previous years' question papers to help better understand what to expect in the exam.
Step 4: Create a monthly timetable on how much material to cover daily.
Step 5: Solve question papers, sample papers and mock tests.
Also Read: CUET 2026 Last-Minute Preparation Strategy and Tips
Commonly asked questions
NTA has mentioned that CUET UG 2026 syllabus will adhere to NCERT syllabus. Hence, it can be assumed that the NCERT books are enough to cover the syllabus of the CUET UG exam. Candidates must note that, CUET exam tests students' understanding of the subject concepts and ability to apply them in various situations.
Therefore, to prepare well and get a good score, it is advised that students refer to other study materials and books designed for national-level competitive entrance exams. The CUET UG syllabus is similar with the Class 12 Board exam syllabus. The chapters and topics are similar to Class 12 syllabus. Unlike other UG entrance exams, CUET UG syllabus does not include Class 11 syllabus.
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?
CUET is an all-India entrance exam that is highly competitive and candidates appearing for the exam need to have a strategy and aim in order to score well and qualify. Aspirants can go through the following prep strategy methods while preparing for CUET.
Know exam pattern for CUET
CUET exam pattern is such that question papers for almost all the courses contain a total of 160 multiple-choice questions, out of which candidates have to attempt around 130 questions within three hours duration. The total number of questions has changed as compared to last year.
Candidates can refer to the table below for further clarification:
The table below brings the broad structure of the exam in terms of the number of questions in each section along with the duration.
| Section |
Number of Questions |
Question Types |
|---|---|---|
| Section IA |
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 |
|
| Section III |
50 Questions |
|
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 unattempted questions.
To perform well in the CUET test, candidates have to thoroughly go through the syllabus. Aspirants need to strategise their plans on a monthly, weekly and daily basis. There is no success without hard work and to qualify for the entrance exam, 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).
Go through the 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. For the programme applied for, candidates need only buy the books according to the course.
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 years' question papers to better help prepare. Through this, a candidate can have a fair idea of what to expect in the entrance exam.
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 the 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
Solve sample papers and Mock tests
The best way for a candidate to know their strengths and weaknesses is by solving question papers, sample papers and 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 can help candidates 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
As per the latest CUET UG exam pattern, the CUET UG will now consist of 23 domain subjects, 13 langauges and General Test. The exam pattern for CUET UG is as follows:
Section | Number of Questions | Duration |
|---|---|---|
Section I- Language | 50 | 60 Minutes |
Section II- Domain Specific | 50 | |
Section III- 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 years' 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 sample papers and previous year question papers candidates can get the direct link on this website. To download the CUET question papers candidates must refer the steps mentioned below:
Step 1- Visit the link provided- CUET Question Paper
Step 2- Scroll down the page and look for the subject to download the question paper for
Step 3- Click on the tab download
Step 4- Create the login credentials for new registrations
Step 5- Link to download the CUET question paper will be sent on the registered email ID
Step 6- Click on the link provided and save the PDF.
There are no prescribed passing marks for CUET UG. In order to know if a candidate has passed the CUET 2025 exam or not or is eligible for admission to desired course and university, they are required to check the passing marks released by the colleges/university seperately. After the declaration of CUET result, all the colleges or universities will release the course-wise passing marks or CUET UG cutoff, which will be used for shortlisting candidates for admission to UG courses.
On the basis of the cut off released by the CUET participating universities and candidates meeting the criteria will be offered amdission to UG courses.
FAQs Regarding CUET Preparation
Check frequently asked questions on CUET preparation below:
Commonly asked questions
Candidates are advised to strongly go through the syllabus and should understand the exam pattern and marking scheme carefully. Candidates should also solve various sample papers, mock tests and previous years' question papers. Accor to a CUET Topper, here are some simple way to prepare for the exam. 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 years' 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.
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 2 days ago
CUET UG DU cutoffs for the year 2025 have been revealed for the BA (Hons) in Political Science. According to the cutoff data for CUET UG courses, the DU closing ranks for the aforementioned course ranged from 315.01 - 935.4 within its affiliated colleges. Compared to the CUET-UG cutoffs for the prev
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a week ago
Career College Bhopal provides CUET Scholarships. Students who have appeared for the CUET exam are eligible for this scholarship. Shortlisted students get 10% waiver in the fee under this scholarship.
N
Guide-Level 15
Answered a week ago
The table below shows the top colleges in India accepting CUET scores along with their tuition fees:
Top Colleges | Tuition Fees |
|---|---|
Hindu College | INR 86,010 |
Miranda House | INR 19,014 |
Hansraj College | INR 540 |
Kirori Mal College | INR 50,445 |
ARSD College | INR 540 |
Disclaimer: This info. is taken from official website and may vary.
T
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a week ago
You can't do BBA from CUET with PCB in 12 th as CUET requires the same subjects as in 12th for BBA you need math's English and general test
L
Beginner-Level 1
Answered 2 weeks ago
No, Bapuji Academy of Management & Research (BAMR) is not under CUET. The academy accepts the scores of certain other entrance exams such as, MAT/PGCET/KMAT. Candidates who have passed graduation with a minimum of 50% aggregate (45% for reserved category) can apply for admission.
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 4 weeks ago
Yes, with 98 percentile you have a very good chance to enter North Campus.
- Top colleges like SRCC, St. Stephen's, Hindu, Miranda House usually require 99+.
- Other North Campus colleges may accept students with 97–98+.
- Final admission depends on your category (General vs. reserved), course choice, and
N
Beginner-Level 1
Answered 4 weeks ago
No, Terna Global Business School is not under CUET. Rather the college accepts scores of various other entrance exams such as CAT, XAT, GMAT, MAT, MAH-CET, etc. Candidates are not required to appear for the CUET exam rather they must appear for any of these exams.
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 4 weeks ago
No, Chandola Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital is not under CUET. Instead the college accepts the scores of the UPMT exam for admission to the BHMS course. This is the Uttaranchal Pre-Medical Test and is conducted by the State Government of Uttarakhand at different centres.
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 4 weeks ago
Yes, candidatescan take admissions into the Marwadi University BCom courses without appearing for the CUET entrance exam. Candidates who wish togain admissions into the Marwadi University are required to clear their Class 12 board exams and apply for admissions. Candidates can apply for admissions a
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 4 weeks ago
Yes, candidates can get admissions to BA courses at AURO University without CUET UG scores. BA admissions at the university are not entrance based. They are merit-based. Applicants are awarded admissions based on merit obtained by them in the last qualifying examination. Apart from this, they also m
S
Contributor-Level 10
302 Institutes accepting CUET
Varanasi • Public
4.4Noida • Private
Hansraj College, University of Delhi
Malka Ganj, Delhi • Public
Hindu College, University of Delhi
North Campus, Delhi • Public
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