CUET UG Exam

The CUET UG 2026 exam pattern outlines the structure of the entrance test, including its sections, question format, duration, marking scheme, and examination mode. The Common University Entrance Test (CUET UG) is conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode.

The CUET UG question paper consists of objective-type Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs). The examination is divided into three sections: Section 1 – Language, Section 2 – Domain-Specific Subjects, and Section 3 – General Test. Each test contains 50 compulsory questions, with 5 marks awarded for every correct answer and 1 mark deducted for an incorrect answer.

Candidates should check the subject requirements of their preferred university and course before selecting CUET subjects.

CUET UG 2026 has three sections. Candidates can select subjects according to the requirements of their desired undergraduate programme and participating university.

The actual combination of subjects required can differ by university and course. Candidates should therefore check the admission requirements before finalising their subject choices.

The Language section evaluates candidates on their understanding and use of language. Questions can test reading comprehension, vocabulary, grammar, and verbal ability.

The languages available for CUET UG include English, Hindi, Assamese, Bengali, Gujarati, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, Odia, Punjabi, Tamil, Telugu and Urdu.

Important areas

• Reading comprehension

• Vocabulary

• Grammar

• Verbal ability

• Interpretation of passages

• Literary understanding

Candidates preparing for the Language section should focus on reading different types of passages and improving vocabulary and comprehension speed.

Section 2 covers domain subjects selected by candidates according to their intended undergraduate programme. The domain syllabus is primarily aligned with the Class 12 NCERT curriculum.

Some of the domain subjects include:

• Accountancy

• Agriculture

• Anthropology

• Biology

• Business Studies

• Chemistry

• Computer Science

• Economics

• Geography

• History

• Mathematics

• Physics

• Political Science

• Psychology

• Sociology

• Environmental Science

• Physical Education

• Fine Arts

• Performing Arts

• Mass Media/Mass Communication

• Sanskrit

The required combination varies according to the university and programme. Candidates should refer to the respective university's admission requirements before choosing their domain subjects.

The General Test assesses a candidate's aptitude across areas such as general knowledge, current affairs, numerical ability and reasoning.

Major areas include:

• General Knowledge

• Current Affairs

• General Mental Ability

• Logical Reasoning

• Analytical Reasoning

• Numerical Ability

• Quantitative Reasoning

• Basic Mathematics

The General Test may be required for specific undergraduate programmes. Candidates should check whether their preferred university or course considers this section for admission.

Each CUET UG test follows a uniform marking structure.

Therefore, candidates should attempt questions carefully because incorrect responses result in negative marking.

CUET UG 2026 Total Marks

Each subject/test carries a maximum of 250 marks based on 50 questions.

50 questions × 5 marks = 250 marks

The overall score depends on the number of subjects selected and the combination permitted for the candidate's chosen course and university.

CUET UG is conducted in Computer-Based Test mode. The examination uses objective-type questions, with candidates selecting the correct option from the choices provided on the computer.

The question paper is available in multiple languages. Candidates should check the official examination guidelines for the applicable language options and instructions.

The basic structure of an individual CUET test can be summarised as follows:

Subject selection should be based primarily on the eligibility and admission requirements of the university and programme. Candidates should not select subjects only because they are familiar or considered easier.

For example, a candidate applying for a science programme may need specific science subjects, while a commerce or humanities programme may require a different combination.

Before submitting the CUET application, candidates should:

1. Check the eligibility criteria of the preferred course.

2. Review the university's required CUET subject combination.

3. Match the subjects with their Class 12 background wherever required.

4. Check whether the General Test is applicable.

5. Confirm the maximum number of subjects permitted under the current CUET rules.

The difficulty level of CUET UG can vary across subjects and examination shifts. Language papers generally focus on comprehension and language skills; domain subjects are largely based on the prescribed curriculum; and the General Test combines aptitude, reasoning, and general awareness.

Candidates should avoid relying only on expected difficulty levels. Practising previous-year papers and mock tests can help them understand the question format, improve accuracy, and manage the 60-minute test duration.

Understanding the exam pattern can help candidates create a more effective preparation strategy.

• Study the prescribed syllabus before starting preparation.

• Focus on NCERT concepts for relevant domain subjects.

• Practise reading comprehension regularly for Language papers.

• Revise formulas and basic concepts for numerical questions.

• Follow current affairs for the General Test.

• Solve CUET previous-year question papers.

• Attempt timed mock tests to improve speed.

• Review incorrect answers after every practice test.

• Pay attention to negative marking and avoid random guessing.

• Check university-specific subject requirements before finalising the subject combination.

How many questions are asked in each CUET UG test?

Each CUET UG test contains 50 compulsory multiple-choice questions.

What is the marking scheme for CUET UG 2026?

Candidates receive 5 marks for every correct answer and lose 1 mark for every incorrect answer. Unanswered questions receive no marks.

What is the duration of a CUET UG test?

The duration is 60 minutes per test, as specified in the referenced 2026 pattern.

What are the three sections of CUET UG?

The three sections are Language, Domain-Specific Subjects, and General Test.

Is CUET UG conducted online or offline?

CUET UG is conducted in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode.

How many marks does one CUET subject carry?

One CUET test carries a maximum of 250 marks, based on 50 questions carrying 5 marks each.

Is there negative marking in CUET UG?

Yes. One mark is deducted for each incorrect answer.

Are all CUET UG questions compulsory?

Under the pattern described above, each test contains 50 compulsory questions.