“CUET UG 2026 Syllabus & Exam Pattern: What to Study and How”
If you’re dreaming of getting admission in undergraduate courses in India’s top universities, the CUET 2026 (Common University Entrance Test) will be your gateway to your dream. CUET is conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA). CUET has become one of the most important exams for students dreaming of admission to central, state, and private universities across India.
The most important thing is how to score well; it’s crucial to understand the CUET Exam Pattern and the CUET Syllabus 2026 in detail. In this article, MeritZone Education will walk through to CUET Exam Pattern, CUET Syllabus 2026, what to study, how to plan your preparation, and latest updates to help you crack the CUET UG 2026 confidently.
What is CUET UG 2026?
CUET stands for Common University Entrance Test. It is a national-level entrance exam that provides a single window opportunity for students to apply to multiple universities across India. Instead of appearing for separate entrance tests, CUET allows you to use one score to apply for several undergraduate programs like B.A, B.Sc, B.Com, BBA, and more.
CUET UG 2026 Syllabus
Understanding the CUET syllabus 2026 is the first step towards your dream and building a strong preparation plan. CUET is based on the NCET Class 12 curriculum, ensuring a fair and uniform standard for all students. Here’s a breakdown of the major sections and what you need to focus on:
Section I: Language Test
The main target of this Language section is to test a student’s ability to understand, analyse, and use language effectively. It evaluates reading comprehension, vocabulary, grammar, and verbal reasoning. In this section, you have an option to choose 1 language from 13 languages, and here’s the languages:
| English | Hindi | Urdu | Tamil | Telugu |
| Kannada | Marathi | Gujarati | Malayalam | Punjabi |
| Odia | Assamese |
Section II: Domain Specific Subjects
The main target of this domain section is to test your academic and subject knowledge from Class 12. There are 27 domain subjects to choose from, such as:
| Stream | Subject |
| Science | Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Biology, Computer Science, Environmental Studies |
| Commerce | Accountancy, Business Studies, Economics, Entrepreneurship |
| Arts & Humanities | History, Political Science, Sociology, Psychology, Geography, Fine Arts |
| Vocational/Others | Performing Arts, Agriculture, Home Science, Legal Studies, Mass Media |
Tip: Choose domain subjects based on the course you wish to pursue in college.
Section III: General Test
The General Test evaluates your overall aptitude and reasoning ability. CUET General Test Syllabus 2026:
| General Knowledge & Current Affairs |
| Logical and Analytical Reasoning |
| Quantitative Aptitude (Maths up to Class 10 level) |
| Numerical Ability & Data Interpretation |
| Basic General Awareness |
CUET UG 2026 Exam Pattern
Before you dive into preparation, you must clearly understand the CUET exam pattern 2026. Knowing the structure of the test helps you focus on the right sections and manage your time effectively during the exam.
| Sections | Detail | No. of questions | Weightage |
| Section I: Language | 13 Languages (English, Hindi, etc.) – Tests reading comprehension, grammar, and vocabulary. | 50 Questions (Attempt any 40) | 20% – 25% |
| Section II: Domain Specific Subjects | 27 Domain-Specific Subjects based on the Class 12 syllabus (like Physics, Accountancy, History, Economics, etc.). | 50 Questions (Attempt any 40) | 50% – 60% |
| Section III: General Test | Logical Reasoning, General Awareness, Quantitative Aptitude, and Current Affairs – evaluates overall aptitude and analytical ability. | 60 Questions (Attempt any 50) | 20% – 25% |
CUET UG Exam Pattern Highlights
| Particulars | Details |
| Mode of Exam | Computer-Based-Test (CBT) |
| Duration | 45 minutes per subject (Language & Domain); 60 minutes for General Test |
| Types of Question | Objective Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs) |
| Marking Scheme | +5 for each correct answer, -1 for each wrong answer |
| Maximum Paper Allowed | Up to 6 subjects (including Language, Domain, and General Test) |
How to Prepare Effectively for CUET UG 2026
Now that you’re familiar with the CUET exam pattern and CUET syllabus 2026, it’s time to plan your preparation smartly. A well-structured approach will not only boost your confidence but also help you perform efficiently on exam day. Here’s a step-by-step strategy to help you get started:
Understand the Exam First
Before diving into books and mock tests, spend some time understanding the CUET Structure, Important Information, Marking Scheme, and weightage of each section. Go through the official NTA CUET information brochure to identify which subjects and sections are relevant for your desired course and target university. This clarity will help you avoid studying irrelevant topics and stay focused on what truly matters.
Make a Study Plan
Create a realistic timetable for each section (Language, Domain Specific, General Test). Dedicate more hours to your weaker areas while revising strong subjects consistently. Set daily and weekly targets — for example, completing one chapter of Accountancy or solving two reading comprehension problems per day.
Follow NCERT Books
Since the CUET syllabus 2026 is entirely based on NCERT Class 12 textbooks, make sure you revise them thoroughly before moving on to reference books or mock papers. NCERTs cover all fundamental concepts in subjects like Physics, Economics, and History, which form the backbone of CUET questions.
Attempt Mock Tests Regularly
Taking CUET mock tests every week is one of the best ways to track your progress. Simulate real exam conditions, manage your time section-wise, and analyse your mistakes after each test. This will improve your speed of solving questions.
Revise and Stay Updated
Revision is just as important as studying new topics. Make concise notes for quick reviews before the exam and allocate at least 1–2 hours daily for revision. For the General Test section, stay updated with current affairs, government schemes, and static GK by reading newspapers, magazines, and online quizzes regularly.
Conclusion
The CUET 2026 syllabus and exam pattern form the foundation of your preparation strategy. By understanding what to study, how the exam is structured, and aligning your subjects with your course goals, you can prepare effectively and maximise your CUET score.
With consistent effort, smart planning, and guidance from experts like MeritZone Education, cracking CUET UG 2026 and securing admission to your dream university is completely achievable.
