CUET 2026 Syllabus: Your Complete Guide to the Common University Entrance Test
Master the Common University Entrance Test with this comprehensive syllabus guide designed to help you navigate India's unified entrance examination system.
Chapter 1
Understanding CUET 2026 – The One Nation, One Exam Revolution
What is CUET UG 2026?
400+ Universities
Single entrance exam accepted by Central, State, Private & Deemed Universities across India
May 2026
Tentative exam dates in 2nd week of May, conducted by National Testing Agency (NTA)
4500+ Centers
Test centers nationwide ensuring accessibility for students from all regions
CUET represents a transformative shift in India's higher education landscape, creating a standardized pathway for university admissions and eliminating the need for multiple entrance examinations.
Why CUET Matters
Simplification
Replaces multiple university-specific entrance exams with one unified test, reducing stress and application complexity for students.
Equal Opportunity
Provides fair access for students from all regions, boards, and backgrounds across the country.
Premier Institutions
Gateway to prestigious universities including Delhi University, Jawaharlal Nehru University, Banaras Hindu University, and many more top-tier institutions.
CUET 2026 Exam Structure Overview
1
Languages
13 languages offered including English, Hindi, and 11 regional languages
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Vocabulary & Grammar
  • Language Usage
2
Domain Subjects
23 specialized subjects covering Science, Commerce, Arts, and Applied areas
  • Physics, Chemistry, Biology
  • Mathematics, Economics
  • History, Political Science
3
General Aptitude
GAT assessing reasoning, quantitative skills, and general awareness
  • Logical Reasoning
  • Numerical Ability
  • Current Affairs

Important: Candidates can choose a maximum of 5 subjects from all available options to create their personalized exam combination.
Chapter 2
CUET 2026 Exam Pattern & Key Changes
Exam Pattern Highlights
Computer Based Test
All papers conducted in CBT mode at designated test centers with secure online proctoring systems.
60 Minutes Per Paper
Each subject paper contains 50 MCQs to be completed within 60 minutes, requiring efficient time management.
Marking Scheme
+5 marks for each correct answer, -1 mark for wrong answers. No marks deducted for unattempted questions.
Uniform Structure
No optional questions across any subjects, ensuring standardized difficulty and fair comparison.
Major Changes in CUET 2026
1
Languages Streamlined
Number of language options reduced from 23 to 13 for better standardization
2
Domain Subjects Refined
Total domain subjects reduced from 63 to 37, focusing on core academic disciplines
3
Subject Limit Reduced
Candidates can now choose up to 5 subjects instead of previous limit of 10
4
Subjects Discontinued
Entrepreneurship, Teaching Aptitude, Fashion Studies, Tourism, Legal Studies, and Engineering Graphics removed

For programs requiring discontinued subjects, admissions will be based on General Aptitude Test (GAT) scores.
Chapter 3
Section I – Languages Syllabus Overview
Languages Offered (13)
English
Hindi
Urdu
Assamese
Bengali
Odia
Punjabi
Gujarati
Marathi
Tamil
Telugu
Kannada
Malayalam
All language papers focus on four core competencies: Reading Comprehension, Vocabulary development, Grammar proficiency, and practical Language Usage skills.
English Language Syllabus Highlights
Reading Comprehension
  • Factual passages with data interpretation
  • Literary excerpts from prose and poetry
  • Discursive texts involving arguments and opinions
Vocabulary Mastery
  • Synonyms and antonyms in context
  • Idioms and common phrases
  • Word formation and usage
Grammar Essentials
  • Tenses and aspects
  • Active and passive voice
  • Direct and indirect narration
  • Error spotting and sentence correction
Other Language Syllabi
Consistent Structure
All 13 languages follow a similar examination format including comprehension passages, grammar rules, and vocabulary assessments.
NCERT Based
Syllabus strictly aligned with NCERT Class 12 curriculum for each respective language, ensuring standardization.
Cultural Context
Questions incorporate cultural and literary elements specific to each language tradition while maintaining comparable difficulty levels.
Chapter 4
Section II – Domain-Specific Subjects Syllabus
Domain Subjects Offered (23)
Science Stream
Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Mathematics
Commerce Stream
Economics, Accountancy, Business Studies
Humanities
History, Political Science, Geography, Sociology, Psychology
Applied Subjects
Computer Science, Fine Arts, Performing Arts, Physical Education
Each domain subject is designed to assess conceptual understanding, analytical skills, and application-based problem-solving relevant to the discipline.
Science Subjects Syllabus Highlights
Physics
  • Electrostatics and Capacitance
  • Current Electricity and Magnetism
  • Electromagnetic Induction
  • Optics and Wave Optics
  • Modern Physics: Atoms, Nuclei, Semiconductors
Chemistry
  • Organic Chemistry: Reactions, Mechanisms, Biomolecules
  • Inorganic Chemistry: Coordination Compounds, d-block elements
  • Physical Chemistry: Electrochemistry, Chemical Kinetics, Solutions
Biology
  • Genetics and Evolution
  • Ecology and Environment
  • Human Physiology and Health
  • Biotechnology and Applications
  • Reproduction in Organisms
All science syllabi strictly follow NCERT Class 12 textbooks with emphasis on conceptual clarity and practical application.
Commerce & Arts Subjects Syllabus Highlights
Economics
Microeconomics: Consumer behavior, Production theory, Market structures, Factor pricing
Macroeconomics: National income, Money and Banking, Government budget, Balance of payments
Indian Economy: Development experience, Current challenges, Economic reforms
Accountancy & Business Studies
Financial Accounting: Partnership accounts, Company accounts, Financial statement analysis, Cash flow statements
Business Studies: Management principles, Business environment, Marketing management, Financial management, Consumer protection
Political Science
Indian Constitution: Fundamental rights, Institutions, Federalism, Local governments
Political Theory: Concepts of justice, liberty, equality, Rights and citizenship
International Relations: Cold War, Contemporary world politics, Global institutions
History
Comprehensive coverage from Ancient to Modern periods including Indian freedom struggle, World Wars, contemporary developments, and thematic approaches to historical understanding
Computer Science Syllabus Highlights
01
Programming Fundamentals
Python programming concepts including data types, control structures, functions, and file handling
02
Data Management
SQL database concepts, queries, data manipulation, and structured data handling techniques
03
Computer Networks
Network fundamentals, protocols, internet basics, and web technologies
04
Security & Society
Cyber security principles, data privacy, ethical considerations, and societal impacts of technology
Important Note on Domain Subjects
NCERT Class 12 Focus
Syllabus is strictly based on NCERT Class 12 curriculum across all domain subjects. This ensures standardization and fairness.
No Class 11 Content
Class 11 syllabus is explicitly excluded from CUET examination, allowing focused preparation on Class 12 material only.
Recommended Resources
Students are advised to thoroughly study NCERT textbooks as primary resources and supplement with competitive exam preparation materials.
Chapter 5
Section III – General Aptitude Test (GAT) Syllabus
General Aptitude Test Components
General Knowledge & Current Affairs
National and international events, important developments, awards, and contemporary issues
Numerical Ability
Arithmetic operations, algebra, geometry, mensuration, statistics, and data interpretation
Reasoning Skills
Logical reasoning, analytical thinking, pattern recognition, puzzles, and problem-solving
General Science
Basic science concepts, environmental awareness, ecology, and scientific developments
GAT Syllabus Details
Quantitative Aptitude
Covers fundamental mathematical concepts up to Grade 8 level including:
  • Number systems and operations
  • Percentages, ratios, and proportions
  • Simple and compound interest
  • Profit and loss calculations
  • Time, speed, and distance
  • Basic geometry and mensuration
Logical & Analytical Reasoning
Assesses critical thinking through:
  • Pattern recognition and series completion
  • Logical puzzles and arrangements
  • Syllogisms and logical deductions
  • Blood relations and directions
  • Coding-decoding problems
  • Visual reasoning and analogies
Current Affairs
Recent national and international events, sports achievements, scientific discoveries, awards, and significant social developments from the past 12 months.
GAT Exam Pattern
50
Total Questions
Multiple choice questions covering all GAT components
60
Minutes Duration
One hour to complete the entire General Aptitude Test
5
Marks per Question
Each correct answer awards 5 marks
-1
Negative Marking
One mark deducted for each incorrect answer

GAT is critical for admissions to programs where specific domain subjects have been discontinued. It also serves as a tiebreaker in many university admission processes.
Chapter 6
How to Choose Your CUET 2026 Subjects
Subject Selection Tips
Align with Goals
Choose 5 subjects that match your intended university and course requirements. Research admission criteria for your target programs.
Strategic Mix
Create a balanced combination of languages, domain subjects, and GAT based on your strengths and university preferences.
Check Requirements
Verify university-specific cutoffs, subject preferences, and weightage given to different sections before finalizing choices.
Leverage Class 12
Prioritize subjects you've studied in Class 12 for better preparation efficiency and deeper conceptual understanding.
Remember: Your subject selection should reflect both your academic strengths and career aspirations while meeting specific university requirements.
Chapter 7
Preparation Strategy & Resources
Preparation Tips
Start Early
Begin preparation with NCERT Class 12 textbooks for your chosen subjects. Building a strong foundation early is crucial for success.
Practice Extensively
Solve previous years' CUET question papers and take regular mock tests to familiarize yourself with exam pattern and improve speed.
Conceptual Clarity
Focus on understanding core concepts and their applications rather than rote memorization. Emphasize problem-solving skills.
Stay Updated
Read daily newspapers and current affairs magazines regularly to prepare for GAT general knowledge section effectively.
Recommended Study Materials
1
NCERT Textbooks (Class 12)
Primary and most important resource covering complete syllabus for all domain subjects with accurate content
2
CUET-Specific Books
Specialized preparation books designed for CUET pattern with practice questions and topic-wise coverage
3
Current Affairs Resources
Daily newspapers, monthly current affairs magazines, and dedicated mobile apps for staying updated
4
Online Mock Tests
Computer-based practice tests simulating actual exam environment, video lectures, and online doubt-clearing platforms
Chapter 8
Important Dates & Exam Logistics
CUET 2026 Tentative Timeline
February 2026 (1st week)
Notification Release: Official announcement with detailed information bulletin and registration guidelines
Feb (4th week) - March (4th week)
Application Window: Online registration, subject selection, fee payment, and form submission period
May 2026 (1st week)
Admit Card Release: Download hall tickets with exam center details, reporting time, and guidelines
May 2026 (2nd week)
Exam Dates: Conduct of CUET 2026 examination across multiple test centers nationwide
June 2026 (4th week)
Result Declaration: Score cards released with subject-wise marks and percentile rankings
July 2026 (2nd week)
Counseling Begins: University-wise counseling and admission process starts across participating institutions

These dates are tentative. Candidates should regularly check the official NTA CUET website for confirmed dates and any schedule updates.
Master CUET 2026 with Confidence
Gateway to Premier Education
CUET 2026 opens doors to over 400 prestigious universities across India, offering diverse academic opportunities.
Knowledge is Power
Thorough understanding of the syllabus, exam pattern, and strategic subject selection are fundamental to success.
Practice Makes Perfect
Consistent preparation, regular practice with mock tests, and dedicated study will ensure excellent performance.
Start Your Journey Today
Begin preparation now with focused effort, stay committed to your goals, and unlock your bright academic future!
"Success in CUET is not just about hard work—it's about smart work, strategic planning, and unwavering determination. Your preparation today shapes your tomorrow."