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CUET UG 2026 Preparation Guide: Pattern, Sections & Free Resources
By the Mentora Academic Team · Updated 1 August 2026 · 8 min read
CUET UG (Common University Entrance Test) is the single entrance exam for undergraduate admission to central and many other universities in India, including Delhi University, BHU and JNU. In CUET UG 2026 each subject has 50 compulsory questions worth 250 marks, taken as a 60-minute computer-based test with +5 for a correct answer and −1 for a wrong one, and candidates can choose up to 5 subjects.
CUET UG replaced dozens of separate university entrance tests with one exam, held by the NTA. It lets a Class 12 student apply to many top universities with a single score. Here is the verified 2026 pattern, how the sections and subject choice work, and how to prepare.
What is the CUET UG 2026 exam pattern?
CUET UG 2026 is a computer-based test taken subject by subject. Each subject paper has 50 multiple-choice questions worth 250 marks, to be completed in 60 minutes, with all questions compulsory (the earlier optional-question format has been removed). The marking scheme awards +5 for a correct answer and −1 for a wrong one.
| Element | Detail |
|---|---|
| Questions per subject | 50 (all compulsory) |
| Marks per subject | 250 |
| Marking | +5 correct, −1 wrong |
| Time per subject | 60 minutes |
| Mode | Computer-based test |
| Subjects a candidate can take | Up to 5 |
How are the CUET sections structured?
CUET UG is organised into three kinds of papers, and you pick a combination that matches the courses and universities you are targeting:
- Languages — choose from 13+ languages; tests reading comprehension, vocabulary and grammar.
- Domain subjects — choose from 20+ subjects such as Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Biology, Accountancy, Business Studies, Economics, History, Political Science and Geography; these map directly to the Class 12 NCERT syllabus.
- General Test (GAT) — general knowledge, current affairs, general mental ability, logical and numerical reasoning, and basic maths; required for many general and vocational courses.
Choose your CUET subjects strategically: pick the exact combination that the universities and courses on your shortlist ask for, so every paper you sit actually counts toward an admission you want.
How should you prepare for CUET UG 2026?
CUET rewards students who know their Class 12 NCERT well and can apply it quickly under a 60-minute clock. A practical approach:
- Master the Class 12 NCERT for each domain subject — most domain questions map straight to it.
- Practise the General Test separately. GK, current affairs and reasoning need their own regular practice, not just textbook study.
- Take timed, subject-wise mocks. The 60-minute limit per subject makes speed and accuracy essential — rehearse it.
- Review and revise. Read solutions, tag weak topics, and revisit them before the next mock.
Is CUET UG based on NCERT?
Yes, largely. The domain-subject papers are based on the Class 12 NCERT syllabus, which is why strong NCERT revision is the core of CUET preparation. The General Test is the exception — it draws on general knowledge, current affairs and aptitude rather than a fixed textbook, so it needs separate, ongoing practice. Master your NCERT domain subjects, keep up with current affairs, and drill reasoning, and you cover the bulk of the exam.
Frequently asked questions
How many questions and marks are in CUET UG 2026?
Each CUET UG 2026 subject paper has 50 compulsory questions worth 250 marks, taken in 60 minutes, with +5 for a correct answer and −1 for a wrong one. Candidates can take up to 5 subjects.
Is CUET UG based on NCERT?
The domain-subject papers are based on the Class 12 NCERT syllabus. The General Test draws on general knowledge, current affairs and aptitude, so it needs separate practice.
How many subjects should I choose for CUET?
You can take up to 5 subjects. Choose the exact combination that the universities and courses on your shortlist require, so every paper counts toward an admission you want.
Can I prepare for CUET for free?
Yes. Because the domain papers are NCERT-based, free notes and mock tests plus regular current-affairs and reasoning practice cover most of what CUET tests.
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