CUET UG 2026
Common University Entrance Test
CUET UG Overview
CUET UG is the national-level entrance examination for undergraduate admissions to all Central Universities, many state universities, and deemed universities across India. Introduced in 2022, it has rapidly become one of the largest entrance tests with over 15 lakh applicants. It replaces individual university entrance exams and offers a single-window opportunity for admission to hundreds of universities including Delhi University, JNU, BHU, and Jamia Millia Islamia.
Eligibility Criteria
Candidates must have passed Class 12 (or equivalent) from a recognized board. There is no minimum percentage requirement for appearing in CUET, though individual universities may set their own minimum eligibility criteria for admission. There is no upper age limit for CUET UG. Candidates appearing in Class 12 board exams in the qualifying year are also eligible to apply.
CUET UG Exam Pattern
Mode
Computer Based Test (CBT - Online)
Duration
45 minutes per section
Total Marks
200
Total Questions
200
Marking Scheme
+5 for each correct answer, -1 for each incorrect answer in all sections. Section IA and IB have 50 questions each (attempt 40). Section II has 45-50 questions per subject (attempt 35-40). Section III has 75 questions (attempt 60). Candidates choose sections based on the university and program they are applying to.
Exam Sections
CUET UG Syllabus 2026
Complete subject-wise syllabus for CUET UG 2026 examination.
Section IA & IB: Languages
- Reading Comprehension: Factual, Literary, and Narrative Passages
- Verbal Ability: Synonyms, Antonyms, Idioms, and Phrases
- Vocabulary and Grammar in Context
- Rearrangement and Completion of Sentences and Paragraphs
- Error Detection and Sentence Correction
Section II: Domain-Specific Subjects
- Based on Class 12 NCERT syllabus of the respective subject
- Sciences: Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Mathematics, Computer Science
- Commerce: Accountancy, Business Studies, Economics
- Humanities: History, Political Science, Geography, Psychology, Sociology
- Application-based and conceptual questions from NCERT textbooks
- Case studies and data interpretation questions relevant to the subject
Section III: General Test
- General Knowledge and Current Affairs
- Quantitative Reasoning and Numerical Ability
- Logical and Analytical Reasoning
- General Mental Ability and Problem Solving
- Data Interpretation: Tables, Charts, and Graphs
CUET UG Important Dates 2026
Stay updated with all the key dates for CUET UG 2026.
CUET UG 2026 Registration Begins
ongoing1 February 2026
CUET UG 2026 Application Deadline
upcoming15 March 2026
CUET UG 2026 Admit Card Release
upcoming25 April 2026
CUET UG 2026 Exam Window
upcoming15 May 2026
CUET UG Previous Year Papers
Download previous year question papers with solutions to boost your preparation.
CUET UG 2025 General Test with Answer Key
Year: 2025
CUET UG 2024 Domain Subjects Paper Collection
Year: 2024
CUET UG 2023 All Sections with Solutions
Year: 2023
How to Prepare for CUET UG
Expert preparation strategy and tips from toppers to help you ace CUET UG 2026.
Preparation Strategy
- 1
Since CUET is entirely NCERT-based, make NCERT textbooks your primary study material. Read every line, diagram, and example in the Class 12 NCERT books for your chosen domain subjects.
- 2
Choose your sections wisely based on the universities and programs you are targeting. Do not register for more sections than needed, as overlapping exam schedules can create conflicts.
- 3
Focus on the General Test if you are applying to programs that require it. Practice quantitative reasoning and logical puzzles daily, as these can be time-consuming in the exam.
- 4
Practice reading comprehension passages daily for the Language sections. Time yourself to read and answer questions on a passage within 8-10 minutes for optimal pacing.
- 5
Take section-wise mock tests regularly. Since each section is only 45 minutes, time management within each slot is crucial. Practice completing sections 5 minutes early for review time.
Topper Tips
“I scored 800/800 in CUET by treating NCERT as my bible. Every single question came from NCERT or was based on NCERT concepts. I did not use any additional reference books for domain subjects.”
“The General Test section is where most students lose marks. I practiced 50 GK questions daily and kept a current affairs notebook updated weekly. This alone boosted my score by 40-50 marks.”
“Do not underestimate the Language section. I practiced reading comprehension for 30 minutes daily and improved my speed from 12 minutes per passage to 7 minutes. This gave me extra time for review.”
“University preferences matter as much as scores. I spent considerable time researching cutoffs and programs before filling preferences. A well-informed preference list can get you a much better college.”
Frequently Asked Questions about CUET UG
Get answers to the most commonly asked questions about CUET UG 2026.
Is CUET mandatory for Delhi University admission?
Yes, since 2022, CUET UG scores are mandatory for admission to all undergraduate programs at Delhi University. The university no longer accepts Class 12 board marks for merit-based admission. Candidates must appear in the relevant CUET sections (Language, Domain Subject, and/or General Test) as specified by DU for their chosen program.
How many subjects can I choose in CUET?
In CUET UG, you can choose up to 6 domain subjects from Section II, in addition to languages from Section IA and IB, and the General Test from Section III. However, you should choose only those subjects that are required by the universities and programs you are targeting. Choosing too many subjects can lead to scheduling conflicts.
Is Class 12 percentage important for CUET-based admissions?
While CUET scores are the primary criteria for admission, some universities may set a minimum Class 12 percentage as an eligibility requirement. For example, a university might require a minimum of 50% in Class 12 to be eligible for admission even if CUET scores are high. Always check the specific eligibility criteria of your target university.
Can state university students apply through CUET?
Yes, CUET is open to students from all recognized boards, including state boards. Many state universities have also adopted CUET for their admission process. However, not all state universities accept CUET scores, so you should verify whether your target state university participates in CUET admissions.
What is the difficulty level of CUET compared to board exams?
CUET questions are generally at the Class 12 NCERT level, similar to board exams in terms of content. However, CUET is a competitive exam, so the time pressure is higher. You have limited time per question compared to board exams. The questions are mostly objective (MCQ), which requires quick thinking and elimination skills rather than descriptive answers.
How are CUET scores used for university admission?
Universities use CUET normalized scores to prepare merit lists. Each university sets its own weightage for different CUET sections. Some universities use only domain subject scores, while others combine language, domain, and general test scores. After results are declared, a centralized counselling process is conducted where candidates fill university and program preferences, and seats are allotted based on merit and availability.