CUET Exam Pattern 2026: Marking Scheme, Subjects, Marks & No. of Questions
CUET Exam Pattern 2026: The CUET UG 2026 exam pattern includes several key aspects, such as sections, exam duration, mode of examination, and question paper format. According to the pattern, the exam is organized into three sections: Languages, Domain Subjects, and General Test. Each subject will have an equal number of questions, specifically 50 questions worth 5 marks each.
The CUET 2026 question paper will feature objective-type multiple-choice questions (MCQs). Candidates can take the exam in English or choose from 12 regional languages. Each question is valued at five marks, but keep in mind that there is a penalty of one mark for every incorrect answer. Students can pick up to five subjects to focus on. The exam is expected to take place tentatively starting from the second week of May 2026.
CUET Exam Pattern 2026 – Highlights
The CUET UG 2026 exam will be conducted in a Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode, featuring Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQ) format. Key highlights of the CUET exam pattern for 2026 are presented in the table below:
| Particulars | Details |
| Mode of Exam | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| Number of Slots | 3 to 4 slots per day |
| Exam Timing | As per the official CUET UG 2026 date sheet |
| Type of Questions | Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) |
| Exam Sections | – Section I: Language- Section II: Domain Subjects- Section III: General Aptitude |
| Total Questions | 50 questions per subject |
| Negative Marking | Yes |
| Marking Scheme | +5 for every correct answer-1 for every incorrect answer |
| Medium of Examination | Available in 13 languages: English, Hindi, Assamese, Bengali, Gujarati, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, Odia, Punjabi, Tamil, Telugu, and Urdu |
| Number of Domain Subjects | 23 domain-specific subjects |
Read More: CUET Full Form
CUET 2026 Exam Pattern- Section Wise
The table below demonstrates the complete structure of CUET UG.
| Section | Number of Questions | Duration | Type of Questions |
| Section I-A: Language | 50 Questions | 60 minutes (common for all subjects) | Reading comprehension based on various passage types: factual, literary, and narrative. Also includes vocabulary and language aptitude-based MCQs. |
| Section II: Domain Subjects | 50 Questions | 60 minutes (per subject) | MCQs derived from NCERT Class 12 syllabus – Questions may include text-based inputs |
| Section III: General Test | 50 Questions | 60 minutes | Covers General Knowledge, Current Affairs, Mental & Numerical Ability, Quantitative Reasoning, and Logical & Analytical Reasoning – Input-based MCQs included |
CUET UG Marking Scheme
The CUET exam has a total of 250 marks. Here’s how the marking scheme works according to the NTA:
– For a correct answer or the most suitable choice, you will get five marks (+5).
– If you select an incorrect option, you will lose one mark (-1).
– Questions that are unanswered or marked for review will score zero marks (0).
– If more than one option is correct, only those who chose one of the correct options will receive five marks (+5).
– If all options are correct, everyone who attempted that question will get five marks (+5).
– If none of the options are correct or a question is deemed wrong or dropped, all candidates who attempted that question will receive five marks (+5).
Read More: CUET Syllabus
CUET Exam Pattern 2026: Section-wise Details
Here is a detailed exam pattern for CUET 2026:
Section 1- Languages:
In this Section of the CUET 2026, you can choose from a variety of languages, including Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, Gujarati, Odia, Bengali, Assamese, Punjabi, English, Hindi, and Urdu.
Section 2 – Domain-Specific Subjects:
When selecting domain-specific subjects, candidates can pick from the CUET subjects without being limited to what they’ve studied in 12th grade. It’s recommended that candidates review the university’s brochure to make informed choices about these subjects. According to the CUET exam pattern for 2026, the domain-specific subjects are as follows:
- 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:
Candidates have the option to select this section for discontinued subjects, Vocational/Open Eligibility, Cross Stream, or any other relevant UG courses. It is an optional section, and candidates can choose it based on the requirements set by the participating CUET university.
Read More: CUET DU Cutoff
CUET UG 2026 Preparation
To excel in the CUET UG 2026 exam, you will need to dive into focused preparation. Your approach to studying for CUET should mirror how you prepared for your Class 12 Board exam. Alongside your main subjects, don’t forget to allocate time for language subjects and the General Test if you plan on taking it. Here are some key strategies to help you gear up for CUET UG 2026:
First things first, it’s super important to thoroughly study the CUET syllabus 2026. While it might seem straightforward, many overlook it, yet it’s the bedrock of effective preparation. Knowing each topic and its subtopics, plus how in-depth your understanding should be, enables you to study effectively and avoid wasting time on irrelevant materials. Without a clear grasp of the syllabus, your prep could go off track. Consider breaking the syllabus into smaller parts and creating a checklist to monitor your progress.
Next up, make sure you understand the CUET exam pattern 2026 and marking scheme to develop a solid game plan. This involves knowing the number of sections, question types (like multiple-choice or essay), exam duration, and how marks are allocated for correct and incorrect answers. Understanding the marking scheme is crucial; it affects how you tackle questions. For example, if there’s negative marking, you’ll want to be careful with answers you’re unsure about. Plus, knowing how questions are spread across different topics can help you allocate your study time more efficiently.
Another vital step is to gather all the study materials you will need for CUET. It’s essential to have a good set of textbooks that thoroughly cover each syllabus topic with clear explanations and practice exercises. Also, don’t forget to collect previous years’ question papers. They offer valuable insights into the exam’s style, scope, and difficulty level. By reviewing past papers, you can identify recurring themes and question types, along with tricky areas students often find challenging. This knowledge will help you better prepare for what lies ahead on exam day. Make sure to explore reliable online resources and study guides for additional details and practice questions.
Read More: Miranda House CUET Cutoff
Creating a detailed monthly timetable is also important for organized learning. Your timetable should specify how much material you aim to cover each day. A well-structured schedule promotes discipline and ensures consistent progress, helping you avoid last-minute stress. Set aside specific times for each subject and topic, while also allowing time for revision and breaks. Be realistic about your goals, and keep your schedule flexible for unexpected changes. Regularly review and adjust your timetable as needed to align with your learning pace and comprehension. A visual study plan can be a great motivator.
Lastly, consistently practicing with question papers, sample tests, and mock exams will significantly improve your performance and help you feel comfortable with the exam’s format. This is where you turn all that theoretical knowledge into action. Working through various questions under timed conditions will enhance your speed, accuracy, and time management skills. Mock tests are particularly useful because they simulate the actual exam environment, helping you identify your strengths and weaknesses, assess your readiness, and build endurance for the lengthy exam.
After each practice session, take some time to analyze your performance to highlight areas for improvement and to refine your problem-solving strategies. Regular practice not only boosts confidence but also eases those pre-exam jitters, making sure you’re ready for the CUET examination.
