CUET Exam Pattern 2026, Section Wise Pattern, Marking Scheme

CUET Exam Pattern 2026 for UG has been designed by the National Testing Agency (NTA) to provide a standardized admission process for undergraduate courses across central and other participating universities in India. The exam will be conducted in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode and is divided into three sections—Languages (Section I), Domain-Specific Subjects (Section II), and General Test (Section III). Each section will consist of 50 multiple-choice questions (MCQs), with +5 marks for every correct answer and -1 for each incorrect one. Students can choose up to two language papers, five domain subjects, and an optional general test, depending on their course and university requirements. The questions in CUET domain subjects are based on the NCERT Class 12 syllabus, and the total exam duration varies based on the number of subjects selected. This structured and flexible CUET 2026 paper pattern ensures a fair and diverse evaluation of students from different academic backgrounds.

CUET 2026 Exam Pattern Overview

CUET UG 2026 exam pattern provides a clear structure for candidates preparing for undergraduate admissions through the Common University Entrance Test. 

CUET 2026 Exam Pattern  Section Wise

 CUET UG 2026 exam is divided into three main sections, each testing different skill sets. The table below summarizes the number of questions, duration, and the types of questions for each section.

CUET UG Marking Scheme 2026

The total marks for the CUET exam are 250. The marking scheme as per the National Testing Agency (NTA) is as follows:

CUET Exam Pattern 2026 Section-wise Details

CUET UG 2026 exam is divided into three main sections: Languages, Domain-Specific Subjects, and the General Aptitude Test. Each section tests different skills and knowledge areas, allowing candidates to choose subjects based on their academic background and course preferences. Below is a detailed look at each section of the exam pattern.

Section 1 – Languages:

Candidates can choose from the following 13 languages:
Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, Gujarati, Odia, Bengali, Assamese, Punjabi, English, Hindi, and Urdu.

Section 2 – Domain-Specific Subjects

Candidates may select domain-specific subjects regardless of their Class 12 subjects. It is recommended to check the respective university brochure for subject eligibility. The available domain-specific subjects include:

• Accountancy / Book Keeping

• Agriculture

• Anthropology

• Biology

• Business Studies

• Chemistry

• Computer Science / Informatics Practices

• Economics / Business Economics

• Fine Arts / Visual Arts (Sculpture / Painting) / Commercial Arts

• Geography / Geology

• Home Science

• History

• Knowledge Tradition and Practices of India

• Environmental Science

• Mathematics

• Physical Education / NCC / Yoga

• Physics

• Political Science

• Psychology

• Sociology

• Mass Media / Mass Communication

• Performing Arts

• Sanskrit

Section 3 – General Aptitude Test:

This section is optional and can be chosen by candidates applying for discontinued subjects, vocational courses, open eligibility, cross-stream, or other applicable undergraduate courses. The availability of this section depends on the requirements of the participating CUET universities.

CUET 2026 MCQ Format Details

The CUET UG 2026 exam follows a Multiple Choice Question (MCQ) format across all sections. Each question presents four or more options, out of which only one is the correct or most appropriate answer. Candidates must select the correct option by marking it on the computer-based test interface.

CUET 2026 Number of Questions

CUET UG 2026 exam is structured to allow flexibility in subject selection, and each paper consists of a fixed number of questions. Here's how the number of questions is distributed across the sections:

CUET 2026 Negative Marking Rules

CUET UG 2026 exam follows a standardized marking scheme with negative marking in CUET, as prescribed by the National Testing Agency (NTA). Below are the details:

CUET 2026 Official Exam Pattern PDF

CUET 2026 Official Exam Pattern PDF is expected to be released soon by the National Testing Agency (NTA) on its official website cuet.nta.nic.in. While students wait for the updated 2026 version, it is  recommended to begin their preparation using the CUET 2025 exam pattern PDF, as the structure and marking scheme are likely to remain similar. Referring to the previous year's pattern will help students understand the exam format, number of questions, marking rules, and time allocation, giving them a head start in their CUET UG 2026 preparation journey.

CUET 2026 Time Management Tips

1.  Know the number of questions, marking scheme, and duration for each section (Language – 45/60 mins, Domain – 45 mins, General Test – 60 mins).

2.  Allocate specific time slots for each subject based on difficulty and importance. Follow a balanced routine covering all sections.

3.  Since domain-specific subjects are directly linked to your chosen UG course, spend more time mastering these areas.

4.  Solve previous year papers and full-length mocks under timed conditions to simulate the actual exam environment.

5.  Focus 80% of your time on high-weightage topics and frequently asked questions.

6.  In the actual exam, move on if a question takes too long. You can mark it for review and return later.

7.  Set aside weekly time slots just for revision and formula recaps, especially for General Test and Quant sections.

8.  Study in focused blocks (e.g., 50 mins study + 10 mins break) to stay refreshed and productive.

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