CUET UG Exam Guide
Pattern, Subjects, Marks
CUET is the entrance exam for degree courses in central universities. You choose your own subjects, and the paper is on a computer.
Start here
One Exam for Many Universities
CUET UG is run by the National Testing Agency. Most central universities use its score for admission. That includes BHU, Delhi University, JNU, AMU and Jamia Millia Islamia. In Bihar it includes Mahatma Gandhi Central University in Motihari.
You do not sit every paper. You choose the subjects that your course and your university ask for. So the first step is to read what your chosen university wants.
We last checked this page in October 2026. Exam rules can change. Read the official notice on cuet.nta.nic.in before you apply.
Exam pattern
CUET UG at a glance
| How it works | |
|---|---|
| Run by | National Testing Agency |
| Mode | On a computer |
| Kinds of paper | 13 languages, 23 domain subjects and a general aptitude test |
| How many you choose | Up to 5 subjects |
| Each paper | 50 questions, all compulsory, 60 minutes |
| Marking | 5 marks for a right answer, 1 taken away for a wrong one |
| Marks per paper | 250 |
| Syllabus | Domain subjects follow the Class 12 NCERT syllabus |
| Language | Hindi, English and 11 other languages |
This is the 2026 pattern. In October 2026, news reports said the 2027 exam may allow only four subjects and have shorter papers. The NTA had not published a notice when we checked. The NTA bulletin on cuet.nta.nic.in gives the final figures.
How to prepare
Four Steps for CUET
CUET is held soon after the Class 12 board exam. Prepare for the two together.
Pick the university first
Each course asks for certain subjects. Check this before you fill in the form. A wrong choice is hard to fix later.
Study Class 12 NCERT well
Domain papers come from the Class 12 syllabus. Good board preparation is most of the work.
Prepare the general test
It has reasoning, simple maths, general knowledge and current affairs. Practise a little each week.
Take mock tests on a computer
Speed matters. Each wrong answer costs a mark, so practise choosing which questions to leave.
CUET questions
Questions Students Ask About CUET
What is CUET?
CUET UG is the Common University Entrance Test for degree courses. Most central universities, and many others, use its score for admission. It is run by the National Testing Agency.
Is there negative marking in CUET?
Yes. A right answer gives 5 marks. A wrong answer takes away 1 mark. A question you leave gets zero.
Can I write CUET in Hindi?
Yes. CUET UG has been offered in 13 languages, including Hindi and English. You choose the language in the form.
How many subjects can I choose in CUET?
In the 2026 pattern you could choose up to 5 subjects. They can be languages, domain subjects and the general aptitude test. News reports in October 2026 said the limit may become 4 for 2027, but the NTA had not confirmed it. Choose the subjects your university asks for.
Do Class 12 marks count in CUET admission?
Admission is mainly on the CUET score. But a university can ask for a minimum mark in Class 12. Read the rules of the university you want.
Admissions Open 2026–27
Sit in a free demo class first
Want to prepare for CUET alongside Class 12? See our CUET coaching, or call the admissions desk for a free demo class.