CUET UG Exam Pattern 2026, Marking Scheme & Medium

The CUET UG Exam Pattern 2026 has been officially structured by the National Testing Agency (NTA) to streamline undergraduate admissions into central universities across India. As we step into the academic session of 2025-26, aspirants planning to appear for CUET UG 2026 must understand the revised exam format, marking scheme, and section-wise approach to optimize their preparation.

This guide provides a complete overview of the CUET UG Exam Pattern 2026, including key sections, question formats, marking system, duration, and language options.

What is CUET UG 2026?

The Common University Entrance Test (CUET) UG 2026 is a national-level entrance examination conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) for admission into various undergraduate programs offered by Central, State, Private, and Deemed Universities across India. The CUET has become a unified gateway to prestigious institutions like Delhi University (DU), Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), Banaras Hindu University (BHU), and more.

CUET UG 2026 Exam Pattern Overview

Understanding the exam pattern is the first step toward cracking the CUET UG 2026. Here is a comprehensive section-wise breakdown:

CUET UG 2026 Sections Explained

Section IA and IB – Language Proficiency

CUET UG 2026 is designed to test students’ proficiency in languages with Section IA and IB.

• Section IA: Includes 13 Indian languages such as Hindi, English, Bengali, Gujarati, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, Odia, Punjabi, Tamil, Telugu, Urdu, and Assamese.

• Section IB: Offers 20 additional languages including foreign languages like French, German, Arabic, and others.

Candidates must choose up to three languages in total from Section IA and IB combined. These sections evaluate reading comprehension, vocabulary, and grammar-based skills.

Section II – Domain-Specific Subjects

Section II tests knowledge in 23 domain-specific subjects based on the Class 11 and Class 12 NCERT syllabus.

A student can choose a maximum of 6 domain subjects, depending on the course and university requirements.

These subjects may include:

• Physics

• Chemistry

• Mathematics

• Biology

• Economics

• Accountancy

• Business Studies

• Political Science

• History

• Geography, and more

Each subject will have:

• 50 MCQs, of which 40 must be attempted

• Duration: 60 minutes per subject

It’s important to refer to the university-specific subject combinations while selecting domain subjects.

Section III – General Test

The General Test is applicable for courses that require an aptitude-based evaluation. This section checks the candidate’s overall aptitude and reasoning ability.

Topics Covered:

• General Knowledge & Current Affairs

• Logical and Analytical Reasoning

• Numerical Ability & Basic Mathematics

• Quantitative Reasoning

• General Mental Ability

50 questions must be attempted out of 60.
Time allotted: 60 minutes

Note: This section is not mandatory for all programs. For instance, universities like DU, JNU, and BHU may require it for certain courses. Always verify the program-specific criteria before applying.

CUET UG 2026 Marking Scheme

The CUET UG 2026 follows a standardized marking system across all sections.

Negative marking makes it essential to attempt only those questions you are sure about, minimizing the penalty for wrong answers.

Medium of the Exam

The CUET UG 2026 exam will be conducted in 13 different languages, ensuring accessibility across regions. Candidates can choose their preferred medium while filling the application form. The languages include:

• English

• Hindi

• Assamese

• Bengali

• Gujarati

• Kannada

• Malayalam

• Marathi

• Odia

• Punjabi

• Tamil

• Telugu

• Urdu

Mode and Duration

• Mode: Computer-Based Test (CBT)

• Question Type: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

• Exam Duration: 60 minutes per section/subject

Candidates may have to appear for the exam over multiple days or shifts, depending on their subject combinations.

Subject Selection Criteria

Each student is allowed to choose:

• Up to 3 languages

• Up to 6 domain subjects

• 1 general test (optional)

However, the maximum number of subjects (including language + domain + general test) should not exceed 10.

It is essential to check the eligibility and subject preferences of the desired universities before selecting your subjects while filling out the application form.

Important Tips for CUET UG 2026 Preparation

1. Refer to NCERT Books: The domain-specific syllabus is aligned with Class 11 and 12 NCERT textbooks.

2. Understand Exam Pattern: Familiarize yourself with the number of questions, duration, and marking scheme.

3. Practice Mock Tests: Take mock tests and previous year papers to improve speed and accuracy.

4. Focus on Reading Comprehension: Especially for language sections, where vocabulary and inference questions are common.

5. Follow University-Specific Requirements: Always align your subject choices with the specific admission requirements of your target universities.

Conclusion

The CUET UG Exam Pattern 2026 is designed to provide a level-playing field for all aspirants, eliminating the disparity in cut-offs and board-level evaluations. With the right preparation strategy and a clear understanding of the exam pattern, candidates can maximize their chances of securing admission into top universities in India.

Make sure to stay updated with official announcements from NTA and university-specific portals for any changes in the exam structure or eligibility norms for the 2025-26 session.

CUET UG Exam Pattern 2026 FAQs

1. What is the exam pattern of CUET UG 2026?

Answer:
The CUET UG 2026 exam will be divided into three sections:

• Section IA & IB (Languages): 13 Indian and 20 foreign languages

• Section II (Domain Subjects): 23 subjects based on Class 11 & 12 NCERT syllabus

• Section III (General Test): Tests General Knowledge, Current Affairs, Reasoning, and Numerical Ability

Candidates can choose up to 5 subjects in total, and the exam is conducted in Computer-Based Mode (CBT).

2. How many questions are there in each section of CUET UG 2026?

Answer:

• Language Sections (IA & IB): 50 questions per language, out of which 40 need to be attempted

• Domain Subjects: 50 questions per subject, with 40 to be attempted

• General Test: 60 questions, out of which 50 are to be attempted

All questions will be Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs).

3. What is the marking scheme of CUET UG 2026?

Answer:

• Correct Answer: +5 marks

• Incorrect Answer: -1 mark (Negative marking)

• Unanswered Questions: 0 marks

It is important to answer carefully to avoid deduction in total score.

4. In how many languages will CUET UG 2026 be conducted?

Answer:
CUET UG 2026 will be conducted in 13 languages, including Hindi, English, Assamese, Bengali, Gujarati, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, Odia, Punjabi, Tamil, Telugu, and Urdu.

Candidates can choose their preferred language during the application process.

5. Is the General Test section mandatory for all candidates in CUET UG 2026?

Answer:
No, the General Test is not mandatory for all universities or courses. However, some top universities like Delhi University (DU) and Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) may require it for certain programs.

Candidates are advised to check the specific requirements of the university and program they are applying to before selecting subjects.