The Common University Entrance Test (CUET) is a national-level entrance exam conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) for admission to undergraduate programs in Central, State, and other participating universities across India. CUET ensures a single-window opportunity for students to apply to multiple institutions using one entrance test score.

Here is a comprehensive guide to help students understand and prepare for CUET 2026.

CUET 2026 Important Dates (Tentative)

These dates may vary slightly depending on official notification from NTA.

CUET 2026 Eligibility Criteria

• Educational Qualification: Candidates must have passed Class 12 or equivalent from a recognized board. Those appearing in 2026 are also eligible.
• Minimum Marks: No universal cutoff. Universities may specify minimum percentage (usually 50%–60%) for different courses.
• Age Limit: There is no age restriction, but candidates must fulfill the age criteria of the university they are applying to.

CUET 2026 Exam Pattern

CUET UG is divided into four sections, and students can choose the combination based on the university and course they are applying for.

• Total questions are MCQ-based (multiple choice)
• Exam is conducted in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode
• Marking Scheme: +5 for correct answer, -1 for incorrect answer

CUET 2026 Syllabus Overview

The CUET syllabus is aligned with NCERT Class 12 curriculum, making school studies extremely important.

Section IA & IB – Languages

• Reading Comprehension (factual, literary, and narrative)
• Vocabulary
• Grammar
• Literary Devices

Section II – Domain Subjects

• Based on NCERT Class 12 content
• Popular subjects: Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Mathematics, Business Studies, Economics, History, Political Science, Psychology, Accountancy, etc.

Section III – General Test

• General Knowledge and Current Affairs
• Logical Reasoning and Analytical Ability
• Numerical Ability (basic arithmetic)
• Quantitative Reasoning
• General Mental Ability

University programs often require one or two domain subjects plus a language or general test. Check individual university requirements while selecting subjects.

CUET 2026 Preparation Tips

Start early with NCERT
Begin your preparation with NCERT textbooks, especially for domain-specific subjects. CUET focuses on conceptual clarity, not rote memorization.

Understand your target university’s subject requirements
Some universities may ask for specific domain subjects or insist on the general test. Plan your subject selection accordingly.

Take regular mock tests
Practice full-length mocks to build time management skills and get familiar with CBT format. Analyze your performance after each mock.

Work on reading speed and comprehension
Language sections test your reading ability. Regular reading of newspapers, magazines, and editorials helps build this skill.

Use previous years’ questions and sample papers
Although CUET is relatively new, NTA provides sample questions. Use these to understand question trends and difficulty level.

Focus on accuracy
Since there is negative marking, avoid guesswork. Practice enough to be confident in your answers.

Stay updated
Follow NTA’s official website regularly for the latest updates on syllabus, changes in structure, and announcements.

Conclusion

CUET 2026 is an essential step for students aspiring to secure admission in top Indian universities under one common platform. A well-planned strategy with consistent preparation, smart subject selection, and thorough understanding of the syllabus will help students maximize their chances. With CUET becoming increasingly competitive, early preparation is the key to success.