CUET PG 2026 Exam Pattern: Negative Marking, Time Duration, Shift Timings & Total Marks
Central University Entrance Test Postgraduate 2025 ( CUET-PG )
CUET PG exam pattern 2026 will be released by NTA in the month of January 2026 in the information brochure. The CUET PG exam 2026 will be conducted in online mode/CBT to test candidates's domain knowledge in the form of multiple choice questions (MCQs). The CUET PG exam will be conducted for 157 exam subjects in the month of March 2026, tentatively.
As per the CUET PG 2026 exam pattern, there will be only 75 MCQs that the exam authority will ask from the mentioned CUET PG syllabus 2026. CUET PG 2026 exam will be conducted online for candidates taking admissions to the PG courses like MSc, MBA, MA, MCA, MTech and many more offered at CUET PG 2026 participating universities. Candidates can check out the complete details on the CUET PG exam pattern 2026, negative marking scheme and exam structure on this page.
CUET PG exam pattern amended for 2025 session:
CUET PG Exam pattern 2026 has been amended by NTA in compilance with UGC and the expert committee. As per the new changes, CUET PG 2026 exam pattern will provide 90 minutes per subject per paper for the test takers to take the exam instead of 105 minutes. The question paper medium of the examination will be bilingual across all the streams i.e., Science, Humanities, Acharya, Languages, MTech and higher studies.
For appearing in the CUET PG examination there is no age limit for the candidates. The candidates who have passed the
bachelor degree/equivalent examination or appearing in 2026 irrespective of their age can appear in CUET (PG) 2026
examination. However, the candidates will be required to fulfill the age criteria of the University in which they are desirous of taking admission.
As the eligibility criteria for admission may be unique for every University, the candidates are advised to visit the University website to which they are applying for their respective programs
The CUET PG 2025 exam pattern has been amended for the academic session 2025-2026. The exam duration has been reduced to 90 minutes from 105 minutes for all question papers.
CUET PG exam pattern depicts the exam format in which candidates will get to know about the types of questions asked in the CUET PG 2025 examination. Also candidates will get to know about the CUET PG negative marking scheme, time duration provided by the exam officials to attend the CUET PG exam.
CUET PG 2025 exam pattern consist of the following parts:
- Type of Questions- Multiple Choice Questions.
- Exam Duration- 90 Minutes
- Total Marks- 300 marks
- Marking Scheme
National Testing Agency (NTA) has not announced any changes to the CUET PG exam pattern. Therefore, it is likely that there will be no sectional time limit in CUET PG 2026. This means that candidates will have two hours to complete the entire exam, regardless of the section they are working on.
- CUET PG 2026 Exam Pattern Highlights
- CUET PG 2026 Exam Structure
- CUET PG Exam Pattern 2026: Marking Scheme and Negative Marking
- CUET PG 2026 Exam Duration
- CUET PG 2026 Exam Pattern Important Instructions
- New Changes Introduced in CUET PG 2025 Exam
- CUET PG 2026 Shift Timings
- FAQs Regarding CUET PG 2026 Exam Pattern
CUET PG 2026 Exam Pattern Highlights
The table below brings the expected CUET PG 2026 exam pattern highlights.
| Particulars |
Details |
|---|---|
| Mode of the examination |
Computer-based test (CBT)/Lan-based/Online |
| Medium/ Language |
English and Hindi |
| Duration of the examination |
90 minutes |
| Frequency of exam in a year |
Once a year |
| Type of questions |
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) asked from CUET PG syllabus |
| Total number of Questions |
75 |
| Total Marks |
300 |
| Negative marking |
Yes |
| Marking Scheme |
+4 for correct answer| -1 for an incorrect answer |
| Total sections in the question paper |
1 |
| Name of the section and number of questions asked from it |
Section A: Scrapped Section B: Domain Specific Questions |
Candidates can go through the video below to learn about the changes in the CUET PG 2024 exam:
Also Read:
Commonly asked questions
The CUET PG exam is conducted once a year. The exam is typically held in the month of March or April. The exact dates of the exam are announced by the National Testing Agency (NTA) a few months before the exam.
The NTA releases a detailed notification for the CUET PG exam, which includes all the important information about the exam, such as the eligibility criteria, application process, exam pattern, syllabus, and exam dates.
Candidates are advised to regularly visit the official website of the NTA to stay updated on the latest information about the CUET PG exam.
Here are some of the key advantages of conducting the CUET PG exam in CBT mode:
- Efficiency: CBT is a more efficient way of conducting exams than traditional paper-and-pencil exams. It takes less time to administer and evaluate CBT exams.
- Transparency: CBT exams are more transparent than traditional paper-and-pencil exams. There is less chance of human error in the administration and evaluation of CBT exams.
- Convenience: CBT exams are more convenient for candidates. Candidates can take the exam from any test center located anywhere in the country.
- Accessibility: CBT exams are more accessible to candidates with disabilities. Candidates with disabilities can use special assistive devices to take the exam.
Overall, the CBT mode is the most efficient, transparent, convenient, and accessible way of conducting the CUET PG exam.
Follow these tips:
Get familiar with the format
Practice taking CBT mock tests
Understanding of computer skills
Choose an exam center that is convenient for you
Arrive early at the exam center.
Practice taking CBT mock tests.
CUET PG 2026 Exam Structure
The following table presents the exam structure of the CUET PG 2026 question paper.
| Part |
Sections/Subjects |
Number of Questions |
|---|---|---|
| A |
Domain knowledge Question from CUET PG syllabus 2026 |
75 |
CUET PG 2026 Detailed Exam Structure
Below is the table mentioned for the detailed CUET PG 2026 detailed examination structure for all the subjects for which the examination will be conducted. Aspirants preparing for CUET PG 2026 exam can take the below table for reference:
| Exam Pattern And Important Topics | Examination Subjects |
|---|---|
| No. of questions 75 (MCQs): 75 Domain Knowledge Questions comprising of:
|
Common: BEd, BEd-MEd Integrated, BEd (HI),B Ed (ID),B Ed (VI), Lifelong Learning & Extension etc. |
| No. of questions 75 (MCQs): 75 Domain Knowledge (Science Stream) questions | Science; Agricultural Science- Agricultural Economics; Agronomy; Entomology; Agricultural Extension & Communication; Genetics & Plant Breeding; Horticulture, Plant Pathology, Plant Physiology; Soil Science & Agricultural Chemistry,Agriculture Technology (Informatics), Agro forestry, Microbiology/Applied Microbiology, Architecture and Planning,Sustainable Architecture,Architecture and Design,Urban & Regional Planning, Architecture and Planning,Sustainable Architecture,Architecture and Design,Urban & Regional Planning, Biochemistry,Anatomy,Pharmacology,Bio Science, Bioinformatics,Food Science and Nutrition,Bio Science - Bioinformatics,
|
| No. of questions 75 (MCQs): 75 Domain Knowledge (Humanities Stream) questions | Humanities Ancient Indian History, Culture & Arch, Archaeology Heritage Management, Conservation Preservation and Heritage Management etc. Anthropology, Applied Arts, Art and Aesthetics, Dance - Kathak/Bharat Natyam, Kuchipudi, Manipuri, Bharatanatyam, Kathakali, Theatre Arts,
|
| No. of questions 75 (MCQs): 75 Domain Knowledge (MTeach/Higher Sciences) questions | MTech/ Higher Sciences Chemical Thermal & Polymer Engineering,Thermal Engineering, Civil, Structural & Transport Engg. Dairy Technology, Data Science, Artifical Intelligence, Cyber Security & Computer Science,Computer Sciences &
|
No. of questions 75 (MCQs): 75 Domain Knowledge (Literature Stream) questions |
Literature: English,Comparative Literature,English & Cultural Studies,English, Modern European,English(Cafeteria) |
|
Note: Acharya Papers would be in Sanskrit except Hindu Studies, Indian Knowledge System and Baudha Darshan. |
Acharya: Agama, Baudha Darshan / Buddhist Studies (Bilingual - Hindi/English), Dharma Shastra, Vastu, Paurohitya and Veda Dharma Vijnan, Dharmashastra (BHU), Hindu Studies (Bilingual - Hindi/English)), Indian Knowledge System, Jain Darshan (BHU), Jyotish -Falit (BHU), Jyotish -Ganit (BHU), Krishna Yajurveda (BHU), Nyaya Vaisheshika, Phalita and Siddantha Jyotisha, Puranetihas, Rigveda, Sahitya (BHU), Sahitya (Alankara and Kavya varga), Samveda, Shukla Yajurveda (BHU), Veda |
| 75 Domain Knowledge questions Note: Acharya Papers would be in Sanskrit except Hindu Studies, Indian Knowledge System and Baudha Darshan. |
Acharya: Shiksha Shastri BEd, Shiksha Acharya MEd |
| 75 MCQ Questions Comprising:
|
Common: General MBA, Marketing & Finance Management,Tourism, Travel & Hotel Management, Business Analytics, Sales & Marketing etc. |
| 75 MCQ Questions Comprising
|
Common: General, LLB,Bachelor of Library & Information Science(One Year),Defence and Strategic Studies, Jammu & Kashmir Studies , Hindu Studies, Women Studies, Anthropology, Digital Society,Finance & Taxation,Physical Education,Textile Design, Hospitality and Tourism Management,Gender Studies etc. |
| 75 Domain Knowledge questions |
Common: Agri-Business Management, Applied Geography, Geoinformatics and Geographic Information Systems, Applied Geography, Geoinformatics and Geographic Information Systems, BEd Languages, BEd Science, BEd Mathematics, Commerce,Business Finance, Accounting & Taxation, Economic Administration and Financial Management etc, Disaster Studies, Economics,Financial Economics,Business Economics,Rural Economics etc, Library and Information Science, LLM, MEd, MA Education, Mass commumnication and Journalism, Physical Education, Public Health, Sports, Yoga, Hospital Management.
|
Note
- Languages papers will be in concerned language except Linguistic which would be in English.
- M.Tech/Higher Sciences would be in English only.
- Acharya Papers would be in Sanskrit except Hindu Studies, Indian Knowledge System and Baudha Darshan.
- Humanities, Sciences and Common papers would be bilingual (English & Hindi).
- Examination would be conducted in three shifts.
- The English version of the questions in the question papers except languages and Acharya, will be taken as final.
Also Read:
Commonly asked questions
There are two parts in the CUET PG exam:
- Part A: This part is compulsory for all candidates and consists of 25 questions on General English and General Knowledge.
- Part B: This part consists of 75 questions on the candidate's chosen subject (s). Candidates can choose up to three subjects from a list of 75+ subjects.
CUET PG exam is two hours long. The exam is conducted in Hindi and English. Candidates can choose to answer the exam in either Hindi language or English Language.
The CUET PG exam is a national-level entrance exam for admission to various postgraduate courses, including MA, MSc, MCom, MBA, MCA, and LLM. It is conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) on behalf of participating universities.
The CUET PG exam is conducted in computer-based test (CBT) mode. This means that the exam is taken on a computer, and the questions and answers are displayed on the screen. Candidates use a mouse or keyboard to select their answers.
The CUET PG exam is held in multiple sessions throughout the day, and candidates are assigned to a specific session during registration. The exam is two hours long and consists of 100 multiple-choice questions.
CUET PG Exam Pattern 2026: Marking Scheme and Negative Marking
CUET PG 2026 marking scheme is anticipated to remain the same as last year. However, due to the removal of Section A of the CUET PG exam, the total number of questions that will be asked in the examination has been reduced, which ultimately decreases the total or maximum marks of the CUET PG question paper. Below mentioned is the CUET PG marking scheme for the academic session 2026-2027.
| Specifics | Marks Awarded |
|---|---|
| Each question carry | Four marks |
| Total number of questions- 75 | 300- Total/ Maximum Marks |
| For correct response | 4 marks awarded |
| For incorrect response | 1 mark will be deducted |
| Unanswered/un-attempted answers | 0 marks awarded |
Also Read:
Commonly asked questions
No, there is no change in the CUET PG marking scheme for the academic session 2025-2026. Candidates will be required to answer 75 MCQ questions that will be asked in the examination in 90 minutes of duration. For every correct answer marked by the candidate, they will get 4 marks and for every wrong answer marked by the candidate 1 mark will be duducted from the marks scored by the candidate.
NTA has implemented some minor changes in the CUTE PG 2025 exam pattern. Now the exam duration of the CUET PG 2-25 exam will be 90 minutes instead of 105. There will be 75 MCQ questions asked from the candidates domain knowledge. The exam will be conducted in online/CBT mode in a bilingual medium.
There will also be a negative marking scheme in the CUET PG 2025 examination. 4 marks will be awarded for the correct answer, and 1 mark will be deducted for every wrong answer marked.
It has some negative impact: Increase anxiety, the fear of losing marks. The disadvantage of less confident applicants Unfairness in some situations.
CUET PG 2026 Exam Duration
In regards to hour adjustments for the CUET PG for the year 2025, there have been changes scheduled for the exam’s overall time allotted. Firstly, a candidate had a total of 105 minutes to complete the CUET PG; however this time has been reduced to 90 minutes, or 1 hour and 30 minutes for this years exam.
The shifts with the new format with the Common University Entrance Test (CUET) have raised concerns with the pacing PG examinations, particularly with the new time allotments. This has raised concerns with potential impacts and has led to numerous discussions among students and faculty. So let’s analyze the new structure and see what changes came with the CUET PG exam timing.
Impacts the changes have on the exam with pacing:
Positive Effects:
Enhanced Test Efficiency: There is a possibility that the time taken to complete all the questions has been reduced. A shorter time constraint tends to enhance focus and answer questions more quickly.
Diffusion of the Test Anxiety Phenomenon: Many students often have more relaxed pacing with timed exams, as longer exams may cause a great deal of anxiety and stress. This can minimize the often harsh environments that students may face while competing.
Concentrate on quality: With fewer questions there are, the more emphasis there can be on quality as opposed to quantity.
Also Read:
Commonly asked questions
The CUET PG 2025 exam will now have a total duration of 90 minutes and consist of 75 questions. Approximately 0.90 minutes will be sufficient for the candidates to answer one question that will be asked in the examination.
However, it's important to note that this is just an average. Some questions may take you less time, while others may require more. It's crucial to manage your time effectively and allocate more time to questions that you find more challenging.
Understand the exam structure, then practice within a time limit, prioritize and strategize the challenging questions, read very carefully and please don't do guesswork and give a time allocation to each question.
CUET PG 2026 Exam Pattern Important Instructions
NTA states that to answer a question, candidates must choose one option as the correct answer. However, after the process of Challenges of the Answer Key, in case there are multiple correct options or changes in the key, only those candidates who have attempted it correctly as per the revised Answer key will be awarded marks. In case a question is dropped due to some technical error, full marks shall be given to all the candidates, irrespective of whether they have attempted it or not.
All calculations/writing work is to be done only in the Rough Sheet provided at the Test Centre in the Examination Room/Hall and on completion of the test, candidates must hand over the Rough Sheets to the Invigilator on duty in the Room/Hall
CUET PG 2025 Syllabus
NTA has released the CUET PG 2025 syllabus for each subject code or test paper. The level of the syllabus is similar to that of the bachelor’s course syllabus. Students have to download the CUET PG 2025 syllabus to prepare for the subject-wise papers.
| CUET PG Subject Course | CUET PG Syllabus PDF |
|---|---|
| Zoology | CUET PG Zoology Syllabus PDF |
| Biochemistry | CUET PG Biochemistry Syllabus PDF |
| Chemistry | CUET PG Chemistry Syllabus PDF |
| Life Sciences | CUET PG Life Science Syllabus PDF |
| Mathematics | CUET PG Mathematics Syllabus PDF |
| Data Science | CUET PG Data Science Syllabus PDF |
| Food Technology | CUET PG Food Technology Syllabus PDF |
| Plant Biotechnology | CUET PG Plant Biotechnology Syllabus PDF |
| Physics | CUET PG Physics Syllabus PDF |
| Botany | CUET PG Botany Syllabus PDF |
| Environmental Science | CUET PG Environmental Science Syllabus |
| Horticulture | CUET PG Horticulture Syllabus PDF |
| MA Social Work | CUET PG MSW Syllabus PDF |
| MBA | CUET PG MBA Syllabus PDF |
| MA | CUET PG MA Syllabus PDF |
| MTech | CUET PG MTech Syllabus PDF |
| MCA | CUET PG MCA Syllabus PDF |
Commonly asked questions
The CUET PG 2025 exam duration has been reduced from 105 minutes in previous years to 90 minutes. This change was implemented for the 2025-2026 academic session.
CUET PG exam is based on multiple-choice questions (MCQs) and each question will have four answer options and you have to select only one.
National Testing Agency (NTA) has not announced any changes to the CUET PG exam pattern. Therefore, it is likely that there will be no sectional time limit in CUET PG 2026. This means that candidates will have two hours to complete the entire exam, regardless of the section they are working on.
New Changes Introduced in CUET PG 2025 Exam
The National Testing Agency (NTA), in accordance with the University Grants Commission (UGC), has recently unveiled recommendations for the Common University Entrance Test for Postgraduate (CUET PG) examination for the 2025 academic session.
An expert committee was formed to evaluate the exam's conduct. The committee thoroughly reviewed various aspects, including the exam's structure, the number of papers, the duration of each paper, the syllabus, and the logistical operations.
The CUET PG exam is highly competitive for admission to postgraduate programmes.
Key Changes Introduced by NTA:
- Format
- Frequency
- Duration
- Question Type
- Language: Bilingual
- Difficulty Level: Expected to be comparable to the 2024 CUET PG
- CUET PG General Question Paper: Redesigned to assess skill-based knowledge relevant to specific professions and undergraduate programs.
Commonly asked questions
Yes, NTA has increased the CUET PG registration fee 2025 for admissions to Masters degree programmes. The registration fees for the general category was INR 1200, for the selection of up to three test papers. This year, the application fee has increased by INR 200, which is now INR 1400 for the general category for the selection of up to two subjects.
General Category: INR 1,400 for up to two test papers within India; INR 700 for each additional paper.
OBC-NCL/GenEWS: INR 1,200 for two papers; INR 600 for each extra paper.
PwBD Candidates: INR 1,000 for two papers; INR 600 for each extra paper.
SC/ST/Third Gender: INR 1,100 for two papers; INR 600 for each extra paper.
International Applicants: INR 7,000 for up to two papers; INR 3,500 for each extra paper.
No, NTA is yet to release the CUET PG 2026 syllabus.
Every year, the CUET PG Syllabus is released subject-wise and uploaded in the PDF format on the CUET PG official website. Test takers, with the help of the subject code of the course applied, can check and download the CUET PG syllabus 2026 from the official website.
CUET PG 2026 aspirants can also prepare from the CUET PG 2026 syllabus or previous years syllabus, as the frequency of change in the CUET PG syllabus is negligible.
NTA, National Testing Agency has released a public notice mentioning the recommendations received by the expert committee for the CUET PG 2025 examination. The exam officials have proposed the change in the exam duration, pattern, and many more.
The General Paper will be redesigned by the exam experts to cater to skill-based and certain professions based on UG knowledge acquired by the candidates so that the CUET PG 2025 participating universities can use it for programmes in those areas.
CUET PG 2026 Shift Timings
CUET PG 2026 slot timings and session schedule will be announced soon. Candidates can check the expected exam slot timing, reporting and gate close timings from below:
| CUET 2024 Slot |
CUET PG 2026 Timing |
Reporting & Gate Closing Timing |
|---|---|---|
| Slot 1 |
9:00 AM to 10:30 AM |
7:00 to 8:30 AM
|
| Slot 2 |
12:45 PM to 2:15 PM |
10:50 to 12:00 Noon |
| Slot 3 |
4:30 PM to 6:00 PM |
2:35 to 4:00 PM |
| University Name | Admission Process |
|---|---|
| Tata Institute of Fundamental Sciences | TIFR Admission Process |
| Delhi University | DU Admission Process |
| BHU | BHU Admission Process |
| JNU | JNU Admission Process |
| BBAU | BBAU Admission Process |
| Central University of Haryana | Central University of Haryana Admission Process |
| Central University of Gujarat | Central University of Gujarat Admission Process |
CUET PG 2026 Language/ Medium of Question Papers
The CUET PG exam pattern 2026 states that the question papers will be available in two languages, English and Hindi. Candidates had to select the medium or language of the question paper while applying for the exam. However, the medium of the questions will be different for the Language papers or Sahitya (literature) papers with codes such as PGQP06 and PGQP60. There are 32 languages which are included in this subject code of PGQP60.
Candidates can find the CUET PG Syllabus- Domain Wise from below:
| Domain | PDF Download |
|---|---|
| Acharya | Download Here |
| Common | Download Here |
| Humanities | Download Here |
| Languages | Download Here |
| MTech | Download Here |
| Science | Download Here |
Commonly asked questions
Yes, the CUET (Common University Entrance Test) for postgraduate (PG) programs typically includes specific time slots or schedules for different courses or disciplines.
Reporting time has been divided into 3 shifts which starts from 8.30 AM, 12.00 PM and 3.00 PM.
FAQs Regarding CUET PG 2026 Exam Pattern
Commonly asked questions
Firstly, understand your strengths and weaknesses, then focus on the fundamentals, create a personalized study plan, set realistic goals, effective study techniques.
Understand the Exam Structure
Create a Study Plan
Gather Study Materials
Practice Regularly
Solve practice problems
Seek Guidance and Support
Stay Motivated and Positive
Believe in yourself
CUET-PG Exam
Student Forum
Anything you would want to ask experts?Answered 3 weeks ago
Here are some tips for candidates preparing for the CUET PG exam in CBT mode:
Understand the exam format, make sure you have a good understanding of computer, choose a test center that is convenient for you, arrive early on the center.
R
Contributor-Level 7
Answered 3 weeks ago
See, solve as many previous question papers and it is advised to allocate time to yourself while solving the paper.
R
Contributor-Level 7
Answered 3 weeks ago
It is advisable to start solving CUET PG question papers as part of your exam preparation at least 4-5 months before the exam date.
R
Contributor-Level 7
Answered 3 weeks ago
Well, there is no fixed number, but candidates are advised to solve as many question papers as they can. and it also depends on the individual preparation.
R
Contributor-Level 7
Answered 3 weeks ago
It is conducted once a year only. And it is typically held in the month of March or April. The exact date is announced on NTA a few months before the exam
R
Contributor-Level 7
Answered 3 weeks ago
It is important because you can be familiar with the exam pattern, identify important topics, boosts confidence, and helps in practice and revision.
R
Contributor-Level 7
Answered 3 weeks ago
IIT JAM is for PG scientific and engineering courses in IITs and other premier institutons while CUET PG is a wider platform for admissions to postgraduate programs across private, state and central universities.
R
Contributor-Level 7
Answered 3 weeks ago
The candidates can fill up to two cities as per their preferences.
R
Contributor-Level 7
Answered 3 weeks ago
No, it doesn't change. The National Testing Agency (NTA) has been consistently responsible for conducting the Common University Entrance Test (CUET) PG since its inception.
The NTA is a government autonomous organisation under the Ministry of Education, India. It has been entrusted with the task of c
R
Contributor-Level 7
Answered 3 weeks ago
No, candidates are not allowed to take the CUET PG question paper or any other exam-related material outside the examination hall after the Computer Based Test (CBT) is over.
R
Contributor-Level 7
CUET-PG Notifications
225 Institutes accepting CUET-PG
Varanasi • Public
3.7Hansraj College, University of Delhi
Malka Ganj, Delhi • Public
Hindu College, University of Delhi
North Campus, Delhi • Public
Miranda House, University of Delhi
North Campus, Delhi • Public
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What are the tips for candidates preparing for the CUET PG exam in CBT mode?