What is the pattern of CUET 2026?
CUET 2026 Exam Pattern
Revised Structure, New Hybrid Mode & Complete Marking Scheme
Hybrid Mode (CBT + Pen Paper) Max 5 Subjects Standard 60 MinsOverview: What’s New in 2026?
Major Update: The National Testing Agency (NTA) has moved towards a standardized pattern to simplify the admission process. The most critical updates for the 2026 cycle include a strict limit on subject choices and a unified duration for most papers.
Exam Mode: Hybrid.
– High Registration Subjects: Pen & Paper (OMR) mode (e.g., English, General Test, Physics).
– Lower Registration Subjects: Computer Based Test (CBT).
Quick Summary of Changes:
- Maximum Subjects: Reduced to 5 Subjects (Previously 6).
- Duration: Standardized to 60 Minutes for all test papers (including General Test).
- No Optional Questions: NTA has moved to “50 Questions – All Compulsory” format in recent trends (eliminating the “attempt 40 out of 50” choice).
Detailed Exam Structure (Section-Wise)
The exam is divided into three distinct sections. A candidate can take a maximum of 5 test papers in any combination.
| Section | Subject/Content | No. of Questions | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Section I (IA & IB) | Languages (13 Indian + 20 Foreign Languages) |
50 Questions (All Compulsory)* |
45 – 60 Minutes |
| Section II | Domain Subjects (27 Specific Subjects like Physics, History, Accountancy) |
50 Questions (All Compulsory)* |
60 Minutes |
| Section III | General Test (GK, Current Affairs, Logical Reasoning, Quant) |
50 Questions (All Compulsory)* |
60 Minutes |
*Important Note on “Compulsory” Questions:
While previous years allowed “Attempt 40 out of 50”, the latest NTA trends for 2025/26 indicate a shift to attempting all 50 questions to standardize scoring. Always verify the specific instructions on your 2026 Question Paper before starting.
Marking Scheme (Negative Marking Exists!)
Total Marks Calculation:
- If you attempt all 50 questions correctly: 250 Marks
- If you get 40 correct and 10 wrong: (40 * 5) – (10 * 1) = 190 Marks
How to Choose Your 5 Subjects?
Since you are limited to only 5 subjects, your combination determines your eligibility for different universities.
1. Language (Mandatory)
Most universities (like DU, BHU) require at least one language (usually English or Hindi). This counts as Subject #1.
2. General Test (Highly Recommended)
Required for B.Voc, BBA, and many cross-stream courses. This counts as Subject #2.
3. Domain Subjects (Core)
Choose 3 subjects you studied in Class 12 (e.g., Physics, Chem, Maths OR History, Pol Sci, Geog). These are Subjects #3, #4, #5.
Smart Combo Example
English + GT + 3 Domains = Eligible for maximum courses across 250+ universities.
Syllabus Breakdown (Brief)
Section I: Languages
- Reading Comprehension (Factual, Literary, Narrative)
- Verbal Ability & Grammar
- Synonyms & Antonyms
- Vocabulary
Section II: Domain
- Strictly Class 12 NCERT Syllabus only.
- No Class 11 topics.
- Deleted NCERT chapters ARE included in CUET (Check official syllabus).
Section III: General Test
- General Knowledge & Current Affairs
- General Mental Ability
- Numerical Ability (Basic Maths till Grade 8)
- Logical & Analytical Reasoning
❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid in 2026
- Ignoring the General Test: Many students skip GT, only to realize later that B.Voc, BBA, and BHU courses require it.
- Choosing Wrong Domains: Delhi University (DU) requires you to appear in the same subjects you passed in Class 12. Don’t choose “Easy” subjects if you didn’t study them in school.
- Assuming 45 Mins Duration: Don’t rely on old patterns. Practice for 60-minute endurance per paper.
Official Resources
Official Website: exams.nta.ac.in/CUET-UG/
Syllabus PDF: Download Subject-Wise Syllabus
Start Your Preparation Early!
Competition is high with over 13 Lakh applicants. Understanding the pattern is Step 1. Now, start with your NCERTs.
