CUET PG 2026 Exam Pattern: Negative Marking, Time Duration, Shift Timings & Total Marks
Central University Entrance Test Postgraduate 2026 ( CUET-PG )
Registration - 14 Dec '25 - 14 Jan '26
CUET PG exam pattern 2026 has been released by NTA on the official portal. The exam pattern of CUET PG 2026 has remained the same as last year. The CUET PG exam will be conducted for 157 exam subjects in the month of March 2026. The CUET PG Application process 2026 began on December 14, 2025. The end date for students to complete their CUET PG application process and pay the fee is January 14, 2026, by 11.50 PM. The CUET PG correction window dates are January 18 to 20, 2026.
As per the CUET PG 2026 exam pattern, there will be 75 MCQs that the exam authority will ask from the mentioned CUET PG syllabus 2026. The 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 on this page.CUET PG 2026 exam pattern will provide 90 minutes per subject per paper. The question paper medium of the examination will be bilingual across all the streams, i.e., Science, Humanities, Acharya, Languages, MTech, etc.
Also Read:
- 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 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
Follow these tips:
Get familiar with the format
Practice taking CBT mock tests
Understanding of computer skills
Practice taking CBT mock tests.
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
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
Follow these tips:
Get familiar with the format
Practice taking CBT mock tests
Understanding of computer skills
Practice taking CBT mock tests.
The total duration of the CUET PG 2026 exam will be 90 minutes. There will be 75 questions. Hence, each question will take around 90 seconds or 1.5 minutes to answer. Each question carries four marks, and there is a negative marking of one mark for each wrong answer.
CUET PG Exam Pattern 2026: Marking Scheme and Negative Marking
CUET PG 2026 marking scheme is 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:
- CUET PG: Check Predicted Question Paper And Analysis Here
- CUET PG Best Books: Check Subject Wise Books for Preparation
- How to Crack CUET PG in One Month; Know Strategy and Important Tips
Commonly asked questions
It has some negative impact: Increase anxiety, the fear of losing marks. The disadvantage of less confident applicants Unfairness in some situations.
NTA will do some minor changes in the CUET PG exam pattern. Now the exam duration of the CUET PG 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.
CUET PG 2026 Exam Duration
Earlier, a student had 105 minutes to complete the CUET PG. However, last year onwards, the duration has been reduced to 90 minutes, or 1 hour and 30 minutes by the exam officials.
Shifts with a new format with the Common University Entrance Test (CUET) have raised concerns with the pacing of PG examinations, mainly with the new time allotments. This has raised concerns with possible consequences and has led to numerous discussions among students and faculty. So let’s analyse the new structure and see what changes came with the CUET PG exam timing.
Also Read:
Commonly asked questions
The total duration of the CUET PG 2026 exam will be 90 minutes. There will be 75 questions. Hence, each question will take around 90 seconds or 1.5 minutes to answer. Each question carries four marks, and there is a negative marking of one mark for each wrong answer.
Understand exam structure, practice within time limit, prioritise and strategise challenging questions, read very carefully.
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 2026 Syllabus
NTA has released the CUET PG 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 2026 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
Follow these tips:
Get familiar with the format
Practice taking CBT mock tests
Understanding of computer skills
Practice taking CBT mock tests.
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.
New Changes Introduced in CUET PG Exam
The National Testing Agency, in accordance with the University Grants Commission, announced recommendations for the CUET PG examination.
An expert committee was formed to evaluate the exam. The committee reviewed aspects such as structure, number of papers, duration, syllabus, and logistical operations.
Key Changes Introduced by NTA are as follows:
- Format
- Frequency
- Duration
- Question Type
- Language: Bilingual
- Toughness level: Expected to be similar to last year exam
- CUET PG General Question Paper: Redesigned to assess skill-based knowledge relevant to specific professions and undergraduate programmes.
Commonly asked questions
No, NTA has not increased the CUET PG registration fee 2026 for admissions to Master's degree programmes. The registration fees for each category is given below.
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.
The National Testing Agency released the CUET PG 2026 notification on December 14, 2025. However, there has not been any change in terms of exam pattern, mode, duration, or syllabus.
CUET PG 2026 Shift Timings
CUET PG 2026 slot timings and session schedule will be out soon official site. Candidates can check the expected exam slot timing, reporting and gate close timings from below, as per last year.
| CUET Slot |
CUET PG 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
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 6 hours ago
Mumbai University CUET PG cutoff 2025 has been released for admission to the various post graudate courses, like MBA, MCA, etc. According to the Mumbai University CUET PG Cutoff 2023 for the MCA course was 23918 for the General AI category. For the OBC AI category, the MCA course had a cutoff of 239
N
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 4 days ago
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 a week ago
Galgotias University CUET PG Cutoff 2025 will soon be announced. In the meantime, according to the CUET PG Cutoff 2022, MBA in Dual Specialization programme had a cutoff score of 18561 for the students belonging to the General category under the Home State quota. To know more information about cutof
N
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 weeks ago
The most important thing is to analyse the important topics and go through the syallabus before starting CUET PG 2026 preparation.
R
Contributor-Level 9
Answered 2 weeks ago
Well it all depends on the individual. Some students takes time to prepare for CUET PG exam, about 6 months. But yes you can do the preparation within 2 months also by executing a proper plan and making best of your ability.
R
Contributor-Level 9
228 Institutes accepting CUET-PG
St. Stephen's College, University of Delhi
North Campus, Delhi • Public
- ₹ 1.40 Lakh
- 2 years
- |
- Full Time
Varanasi • Public
3.7North Campus, Delhi • Public
Mehrauli, Delhi • Public
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