CUET Syllabus 2026 (UG)

What is CUET UG?

CUET (Common University Entrance Test) for Undergraduate admissions is conducted by NTA (National Testing Agency) for admission to central universities including Delhi University, JNU, BHU, Hyderabad Central University, Jamia Millia Islamia and over 200 other participating universities. Since 2022, CUET scores have replaced Class 12 board marks as the primary criterion for central university admissions.

CUET UG 2026 will be held in May 2026. The exam is computer-based (CBT). Students can appear for up to 10 subjects in total. The score is valid for one academic year.

CUET Exam Pattern 2026

CUET UG has three sections:

Section IA — Language Test (13 languages available): 1 language mandatory. 50 questions, attempt 40. Duration: 45 minutes per language. Tests reading comprehension, vocabulary, grammar and literary aptitude.

Section IB — Additional Language (19 languages): Optional. Same pattern as Section IA.

Section II — Domain Subjects (27 subjects available): Up to 6 domain subjects can be chosen based on the university/programme requirements. Each paper: 50 questions, attempt 40. Duration: 45 minutes. Subjects include: Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Mathematics, Accountancy, Business Studies, Economics, History, Geography, Political Science, Sociology, Psychology, Computer Science and more.

Section III — General Test: Required by many universities for general/interdisciplinary programmes. 75 questions, attempt 60. Duration: 60 minutes. Tests General Knowledge, Current Affairs, General Mental Ability, Numerical Ability, Quantitative Reasoning, Logical Reasoning.

Marking Scheme: +5 for correct, −1 for wrong (negative marking applies). Total marks per subject: 200 (40 questions × 5).

CUET Domain Subject Syllabus — Science

Physics (Section II): Units and Measurements, Motion in a Straight Line, Laws of Motion, Work Energy and Power, Gravitation, Properties of Bulk Matter, Thermodynamics, Behaviour of Perfect Gas, Oscillations, Waves, Electric Charges, Current Electricity, Magnetic Effects of Current, Electromagnetic Induction, Optics, Dual Nature of Matter, Atoms and Nuclei, Semiconductor Electronics.

Chemistry: All topics from NCERT Class 11 and 12 Chemistry — Solid State, Solutions, Electrochemistry, Chemical Kinetics, Surface Chemistry, P-Block/D-F Block Elements, Coordination Compounds, Aldehydes/Ketones, Amines, Biomolecules, Polymers.

Biology: All NCERT Class 11 and 12 Biology — Cell Biology, Plant Physiology, Human Physiology, Reproduction, Genetics and Evolution, Biology in Human Welfare, Biotechnology, Ecology.

Mathematics: Relations and Functions, Algebra (Matrices, Determinants), Calculus (Differentiation, Integration, Differential Equations), Vectors and 3D Geometry, Linear Programming, Probability.

CUET Domain Subject Syllabus — Commerce

Accountancy: Financial Statements Analysis, Cash Flow Statement, Accounting for Partnerships, Company Accounts (Share Capital, Debentures, Dissolution of Partnership). All Class 12 NCERT Accountancy.

Business Studies: Nature of Business, Business Services, Internal Trade, International Business, Principles of Management, Business Finance, Marketing, Consumer Protection. Based on Class 12 NCERT Business Studies.

Economics: Indian Economic Development (development experience, economic reforms, poverty, unemployment, infrastructure, sustainable development) and Introductory Macroeconomics (money and banking, balance of payments, government budget). Class 12 NCERT Economics.

CUET Domain Subject Syllabus — Humanities

History: Themes in Indian History (all three parts) — Brick, Beads and Bones; Kings, Farmers and Towns; Kinship, Caste and Class; Thinkers, Beliefs and Buildings; Through the Eyes of Travellers; Bhakti-Sufi Traditions; Colonial Cities; Mahatma Gandhi; Partition; Indian Constitution.

Political Science: Contemporary World Politics and Politics in India since Independence (Class 12 NCERT both books).

Geography: Human Geography (fundamentals, people, human activities, transport) and India: People and Economy (Class 12 NCERT Geography).

Sociology: Indian Society and Social Change and Development in India (Class 12 NCERT).

Psychology: Variations in Psychological Attributes, Self and Personality, Meeting Life Challenges, Psychological Disorders, Therapeutic Approaches, Attitude and Social Cognition, Social Influence and Group Processes (Class 12 NCERT Psychology).

General Test Syllabus

The General Test is required by DU (most courses), JNU and many other central universities. It tests:

General Knowledge and Current Affairs: Important national/international events of the last 12 months. Indian history, geography, polity basics. Awards, sports, science headlines.

General Mental Ability: Coding-decoding, blood relations, direction sense, series completion, analogies.

Numerical Ability: Percentage, ratio, profit/loss, simple and compound interest, time-speed-distance, averages — Class 10 Maths level.

Quantitative Reasoning: Data interpretation (tables, charts, graphs), data sufficiency.

Logical Reasoning: Statements and conclusions, statements and assumptions, syllogisms, critical reasoning.

CUET Preparation Strategy

CUET vs Board Exams: CUET is an objective (MCQ) exam while boards are written. The syllabus is Class 12 NCERT — same content, different exam format. Students who study NCERT thoroughly for boards are already 70% prepared for CUET Domain subjects.

Timeline: January–February: Complete NCERT for all chosen domain subjects (same as board prep). March: Solve CUET sample papers. April–May: Full mock tests + current affairs revision for General Test.

Key difference from boards: Time pressure is higher in CUET — 40 questions in 45 minutes = 67 seconds per question. Speed and elimination techniques matter. Practice under timed conditions from March.

Language Test: Read unseen passages daily. Focus on vocabulary (antonyms, synonyms), grammar (parts of speech, error detection) and comprehension. 30 minutes of daily practice from February is enough.

General Test: Follow one current affairs source consistently — Hindu/Indian Express daily for 15 minutes, or a monthly GK capsule. Practice mental ability sets regularly; speed improves with practice.