CUET UG Syllabus and Exam Pattern 2026: Subject-Wise Breakdown
The CUET UG 2026 exam pattern and syllabus have seen no significant changes this year compared to 2025. Last year, the CUET 2025 syllabus has gone through several major changes in the CUET UG exam pattern, syllabus, and marking scheme.
Both the CUET UG 2026 syllabus and exam pattern were released on January 3, 2026, alongside the notification.
According to UGC Chairperson Mamidala Jagadesh Kumar, CUET UG will see modifications to the exam's length, format, and subject count. The test is now in CBT mode again. There will be three sections in the CUET UG Exam Pattern.
Thirteen languages will be covered in Section 1, twenty-three domain subjects in Section 2, and a general test in Section 3. According to the CUET UG Marking Scheme, 5 marks will be awarded for each correct answer, and one mark will be deducted for each incorrect response.
The maximum number of subjects that candidates can take has been lowered from 6 to 5. Students can choose from any CUET subject as long as it aligns with their 12th-grade subjects. In addition to studying for the board exams, candidates might begin CUET UG preparation using the CUET UG Syllabus and Exam Pattern.
Key Changes in the CUET UG Syllabus and Exam Pattern Last Year
Changes introduced to the CUET UG Syllabus and CUET UG Exam Pattern:
- Exam Languages: CUET UG 2026 will be administered in 13 different languages: English, Hindi, Assamese, Bengali, Gujarati, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, Odia, Punjabi, Tamil, Telugu, and Urdu.
- Online Mode: The complete test this year will be given online.
- Five Subject Selection: Students can choose five subjects rather than six.
- No Subject Restriction: Students are free to select whatever subject they want, as long as they studied it in class twelve.
- Exam Length: Each subject will have a 60-minute exam.
- Fewer Subjects: Instead of the original 63 subjects, the CUET UG 2026 exam will have 37 subjects.
- No Optional Questions: Students are required to attempt every question this year; there are no more optional questions.
Main Chapters Eliminated
- Financial Markets, one of the most crucial chapters, has been removed.
- Previously referred to as Financial Management Remnant, Business Finance.
- Foreign languages that have been eliminated from the exam are German, Nepali, French, Spanish, Persian, Kashmiri, Italian, Arabic, Sindhi, Konkani, Bodo, Dogri, Sanskrit, Tibetan, Japanese, Maithili, Manipuri, Santhali, Russian, and Chinese.
- The following domain subjects were eliminated: fashion studies, tourism, engineering graphics, legal studies, teaching aptitude, and entrepreneurship.
Important Topics That Don’t Change
- Business environment (modified somewhat);
- Fostering the growth of entrepreneurship and consumer protection;
- Taylor and Fayol's Principles of Management.
Is the Class 11 syllabus included in CUET 2026?
The syllabus for class 11 is not included in the Common University Entrance Test (CUET UG) 2026. The Class 12 NCERT curriculum serves as the primary foundation for the CUET syllabus.
However, to prepare according to the Class 12 curriculum, candidates must have a basic understanding of Class 11 subjects when preparing for CUET UG 2026. Candidates must comprehend the topics covered in 11th grade.
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Class 11 vs. Class 12 CUET Syllabus 2026 |
||
|
CUET Sections |
Based on Class 11 Syllabus |
Based on 12 Syllabus |
|
Languages |
No |
No |
|
Domain Subjects |
No |
Yes |
|
General Test |
No |
No |
CUET UG Exam Pattern 2026: Section-Wise
Three sections make up the CUET UG Exam Pattern 2026: the General Test, Domain-Specific Subjects, and Languages. The exam is administered in computer-based mode (CBT), and candidates may select up to 5 subjects.
Correct responses receive a mark of +5, while erroneous answers result in a mark of -1. Scores are standardized to maintain equity across several shifts. Check out the section-wise CUET UG exam pattern in the table below:
|
Section |
Details |
|
Section I: Language Test |
Total Languages:13 (English, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Marathi, Kannada, Gujarati, Bengali, Urdu, Malayalam, Odia, Assamese, Punjabi) |
|
Question Type: MCQs |
|
|
Topics Covered: Reading comprehension, vocabulary, grammar, verbal ability |
|
|
Duration:60 minutes |
|
|
CUET UG Marking Scheme:+5 for correct, -1 for incorrect |
|
|
Section II: Domain-Specific Subjects |
Total 23 Subjects: Accountancy/ Book Keeping, Biology, Business Studies, Agriculture, Anthropology, Economics/ Business Economics, Chemistry, Computer Science/ Informatics Practices, Fine Arts/ Visual Arts (Sculpture/ Painting)/Commercial Arts, History, Knowledge Tradition and Practices of India, Geography/Geology, Home Science, Environmental Science, Physics, Political Science, Mathematics, Physical Education/ NCC /Yoga, Psychology, Performing Arts, Sanskrit, Sociology, Mass Media/ Mass Communication. |
|
Question Type: MCQs |
|
|
Topics Covered: Based on the NCERT Class XII syllabus |
|
|
Duration:60 minutes per subject |
|
|
CUET UG Marking Scheme:+5 for correct, -1 for incorrect |
|
|
Section III: General Test |
Purpose: Assesses general aptitude, reasoning, and numerical ability |
|
Question Type: MCQs |
|
|
Topics Covered: Current affairs, General knowledge, numerical ability, logical reasoning, quantitative reasoning |
|
|
Duration:60 minutes |
|
|
CUET UG Marking Scheme:+5 for correct, -1 for incorrect |
CUET UG Marking Scheme 2026
The CUET exam has a total score of 250. The NTA marking scheme is provided below.
- The right response or the most suitable response: Five stars (+5)
- One mark (-1) will be deducted for any option that is marked incorrectly.
- Unanswered or marked-for-review questions will receive a zero.
- Only those who have marked any of the correct alternatives will receive five marks (+5) if multiple options are determined to be accurate.
- Everyone who tries the question will receive five marks (+5) if all of the answers are determined to be right.
- All candidates who attempted the dropped question will receive five (+5) marks if none of the options are determined to be accurate, a question is determined to be incorrect, or a question is dropped.
Has the CUET UG Syllabus 2026 been released?
The National Testing Agency posted the CUET UG syllabus 2026 on its official website, cuet.nta.nic.in on January 3, 2026, along with the CUET UG Notification. Candidates can download the NTA CUET UG syllabus 2026 in PDF format on the website.
The only way to get the CUET UG syllabus 2026 is online. The CUET UG syllabus 2026 PDFs are also available for candidates to download from the table below.
Important Guidelines for CUET Subjects and Language Mapping 2026
Candidates who wish to take the CUET UG must review the crucial CUET test rules. To find out the language-specific exam locations, consult the table below:
|
Language |
Examination Centre |
|
English |
All examination centres |
|
English and Hindi |
All examination centres |
|
English and Assamese |
Examination centres in Assam |
|
English and Bengali |
Examination Centres in West Bengal, Tripura, and Andaman & Nicobar Islands |
|
English and Gujarati |
Examination Centres in Gujarat, Daman & Diu, Dadra & Nagar Haveli |
|
English and Kannada |
Examination Centres in Karnataka |
|
English and Malayalam |
Examination Centres in Kerala and Lakshadweep |
|
English and Marathi |
Examination Centres in Maharashtra |
|
English and Odia |
Examination Centres in Odisha |
|
English and Punjabi |
Examination Centres in Punjab, Chandigarh, and Delhi/New Delhi (including Faridabad, Ghaziabad, Gurugram, Meerut, Noida/Greater Noida) |
|
English and Tamil |
Examination Centres in Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Andaman & Nicobar Islands |
|
English and Telugu |
Examination Centres in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana |
|
English and Urdu |
All Examination Centres in India |
CUET UG Syllabus – Subject-Wise Breakdown for 2026
CUET UG Syllabus for each domain subject is designed to assess a candidate’s knowledge across 37 domains. The section allows students to choose the subject relevant to their field of study for higher education.
CUET UG Syllabus 2026: Accountancy
- Accounting Not-for-Profit Organization
- Accounting for Partnership
- Reconstitution of Partnership
- Dissolution of Partnership Firm
- Accounting for Share and Debenture Capital
- Analysis of Financial Statements
- Statement of Changes in Financial Position
- Overview of Computerized Accounting System
- Using Computerized Accounting System
- Accounting Using Database Management System (DBMS)
- Accounting Applications of Electronic Spreadsheet
Latest Changes in Accountancy Syllabus 2026
- No NPO (Not-for-Profit Organization) chapters remain.
- The Debenture Redemption is no longer a part of the Debenture Issue.
- The Database Management System (DBMS) for computerized accounting was discontinued.
CUET UG Syllabus 2026: Biology
- Reproduction
- Genetics and Evolution
- Biology and Human Welfare
- Biotechnology and Its Applications
- Ecology and Environment
CUET UG Syllabus 2026: Chemistry
- Solid State
- Solutions
- Electrochemistry
- Chemical Kinetics
- Surface Chemistry
- General Principles and Processes of Isolation of Elements
- p-Block Elements
- d and f Block Elements
- Coordination Compounds
- Haloalkanes and Haloarenes
- Alcohols, Phenols, and Ethers
- Aldehydes, Ketones, and Carboxylic Acids
- Organic Compounds Containing Nitrogen
- Biomolecules
- Polymers
- Chemistry in Everyday Life
CUET UG Syllabus 2026: Physics
- Electrolysis
- Current Electricity
- Magnetic Effects of Current and Magnetism
- Electromagnetic Induction and Alternating Currents
- Electromagnetic Waves
- Optics
- Dual Nature of Matter and Radiation
- Atoms and Nuclei
- Electronic Devices
- Communication System
CUET UG Syllabus 2026: Mathematics
|
Sections |
Topics |
|
Section A |
Algebra Calculus Integration and its Applications Differential Equations Probability Distributions Linear Programming |
|
Section B1 |
Relations and Functions Algebra Calculus Vectors and Three-Dimensional Geometry Linear Programming Probability |
|
Section B2 |
Numbers, Quantification, and Numerical Applications Algebra Calculus Probability and Distribution Index Numbers and Time Based Data Financial Mathematics Linear Programming |
CUET UG Syllabus 2026: Computer Science
- Exception and File Handling in Python
- Database Concepts
- Structured Query Language
- Computer Networks
- Stack
- Queue
- Searching
- Sorting
- Understanding Data
- SQL
- Database Query using SQL,
- Pandas – I and Pandas – II
- Plotting Data using Matplotlib
- Introduction to Computer Networks
- Societal Impacts
- Data Communication
- Security Aspects.
CUET UG Syllabus 2026: General Test
- Current Affairs.
- Numerical Ability.
- General Knowledge.
- General Mental Ability.
- Quantitative Reasoning
- Logical and Analytical Reasoning.
CUET UG Syllabus 2026: Languages
- Reading Comprehension.
- Verbal Ability.
- Rearranging the parts.
- Choosing the correct word.
- Synonyms and Antonyms.
- Vocabulary
CUET UG Syllabus 2026: Economics
- Introduction to Microeconomics
- Consumer Behaviour and Demand
- Introductory Macroeconomics
- National Income and Related Aggregates — Basic Concepts and Measurement
- Determination of Income and Employment
- Money and Banking
- Government Budget and the Economy
- Balance of Payments
- INDIAN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
- Development Experience (1947-90) and Economic Reforms since 1991
- Current challenges facing the Indian Economy
- Development Experience in India
CUET UG Syllabus 2026: Geography
- Human Geography Nature and Scope
- People & Population
- Human development
- Human Activities
- Transport, Communication and Trade
- Satellite Communication and cyber space
- International trade
- Human Settlements
CUET UG Syllabus 2026: History
- The Story of the First Cities Harappan Archaeology
- Political and Economic History: How Inscriptions tell a story
- Social Histories using the Mahabharata
- A History of Buddhism: Sanchi Stupa
- Medieval society through Travellers’ Accounts
- Religious Histories: The Bhakti-Sufi Tradition
- New Architecture: Hampi
- Agrarian Relations: The Ain-i-Akbari
- The Mughal Court: Reconstructing Histories through Chronicles
- Colonialism and Rural Society: Evidence from Official Reports
- Representations of 1857
- Colonialism and Indian Towns: Town Plans and Municipal Reports
- Mahatma Gandhi Through Contemporary Eyes
- Partition through Oral Sources
- The Making of the Constitution
CUET UG Syllabus 2026: Agriculture
- Agrometeorology
- Genetics and Plant Breeding
- Biochemistry and Microbiology
- Livestock Production
- Crop Production
- Horticulture
CUET UG Syllabus 2026: Entrepreneurship
- Entrepreneurial Opportunity.
- Entrepreneurial Planning.
- Entrepreneurial Marketing.
- Enterprise, Growth and Strategies.
- Resource Mobilisation.
- Business Arithmetic
CUET UG Syllabus 2026: Business Studies
- Nature and Significance of Management.
- Principles of Management.
- Business Environment.
- Organising, Planning.
- Staffing.
- Directing.
- Controlling.
- Business Finance.
- Financial Markets.
- Marketing.
- Consumer Protection.
- Entrepreneurship Development
CUET UG Syllabus 2026: Mass Communication
- Cinema.
- Journalism.
- Communication.
- TV.
- Radio.
- Social Media.
- New Media.
CUET UG Syllabus 2026: Legal Studies
- Judiciary.
- Topics of Law
- Arbitration.
- Tribunal Adjudication
- Alternative Dispute Resolution.
- Legal Services.
- Legal Profession India.
- Legal Maxims.
- Human Rights in India.
- International Context.
CUET UG Syllabus 2026: Teaching Aptitude
- Teaching of Languages.
- Teaching of Social Sciences Section.
- Teaching of Sciences.
- Teaching of Mathematics.
- Teaching of Fine Arts.
- Teaching of Performing Arts.
- Teaching of Physical Education & Yoga.
How Can I Select a CUET Subject for 2026?
To select CUET subjects for 2026, applicants must first verify the course requirements of their desired university and then align those subjects with those of class 12. Candidates should be aware that the CUET topic combination requirements vary for each course. To comprehend the CUET subject combinations, look at the table below:
|
CUET Course and University |
CUET Subject Combination |
|
B.Com (Hons.) (University of Delhi) |
Any one language Mathematics/Accountancy Any two domain subjects |
|
BMS/BBE/BBA FIA (University of Delhi) |
Any one language Mathematics General Test |
|
B.Sc (Hons.) (Banaras Hindu University) |
Biology Chemistry Physics |
Role of CUET UG Syllabus in Preparation 2026
CUET UG Syllabus and Exam pattern lie at the core of your preparation strategy for the exam. They are a perfect tool for a candidate’s final preparation.
- Help you create preparation goals
- Define learning material
- Identify your strengths and weaknesses
- Save time and effort on unnecessary subjects
CUET UG 2026 Question Papers
NTA released the CUET UG question papers for students to have a comprehensive understanding of the question types, difficulty level, topics, etc., Candidates can download and solve the previous year's CUET question paper PDFs.
To achieve the best results, the CUET question papers must be completed in a proctored setting within the allotted time and without interruption.
CUET UG 2026 Mock Test
For practice, NTA will probably going to release the CUET UG 2026 mock tests a month before the exam. Mock exams are crucial preparation tools in addition to the question papers. You can register for the CUET UG sample exams provided by various preparation centres.
Regularly taking CUET mock exams can also help you develop an appropriate exam day plan, which will help you choose backup questions, manage your time, and pick which parts to try in what sequence.
Learnings from the CUET Syllabus Based on Trends and Exam Analysis 2026
It is crucial to take note of the exam format, commonly asked questions, and lessons learned from each exam session due to the increased competition. The majority of the subjects are now more difficult, according to a review of the CUET exam analysis for 2025.
Here are some of the learning tips, as per the analysis of the 2025 syllabus, to better prepare for the CUET UG 2026 exam:
- Concentrate on Conceptual Understanding: Increase your reading speed and comprehension of the key points, the author's aim, and the arguments made. You need to practice responding to inquiries using conclusions, words, and factual details.
- Strengthen the Fundamentals: Use the NCERTs for the CUET 2026 syllabus to reinforce the fundamentals for each exam segment. Grammar, vocabulary, critical thinking, and logical reasoning are all included in this. Review grammar principles, increase your vocabulary, practice seeing patterns, and make sense of the material given.
- Keep Your General Knowledge Current: The best way to keep up with important scientific discoveries, societal issues, and national and international news is through newspapers.
- Make Time Management a Priority: Since the exam is time-bound, time management is essential. You can improve your speed and accuracy by finishing CUET sample papers and mock exams in the allocated time.
Read More:
- CUET UG 2026 Cut-Off, Qualifying Marks & Result Date for Admission
- CUET UG 2026 Admit Card: Download Link, Release Date & Step-by-Step Guide
- CUET UG Result Date 2026 & Scorecard Download – How to Check Online
- CUET UG 2026 Eligibility Criteria: Age Limit, Reservation Rules & College List
- CUET UG 2026 Exam Dates, Timings, Required Documents & Guidelines
- CUET UG 2026 Application Form: How to Apply Online (Step By Step Guide & Important Dates)
FAQs for CUET UG Syllabus and Subject-wise Exam Pattern 2026
Q1. Is the 12th syllabus the basis for CUET?
Candidates should begin studying from the Class 12 NCERT syllabus if they intend to take the CUET (UG) 2026 exam.
Q2. Can I select 3 CUET subjects?
An applicant may select up to five subjects from each of the three sections in accordance with the CUET UG Exam Pattern 2026.
Q3. How easy or difficult is the CUET paper?
The CUET exam typically has an easy to moderate difficulty level.
Q4. Is it possible to pass the CUET without tutoring?
Solving practice exams will teach you how to manage your time more effectively, which is important if you want to perform well on the actual examination. To increase your chances of passing the test, it is always advised to seek professional assistance.
Q5. What is the application of the normalization process?
By modifying scores according to the degree of difficulty across several exam slots, normalization guarantees fairness.
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