CUET Exam Pattern 2026: Students planning to appear for the CUET 2026 exam should first understand the CUET exam pattern before starting their preparation. Knowing the structure of the exam helps in creating a clear and focused study plan. The CUET exam is divided into three main sections: the Language section, the Domain-Specific Subject section, and the General Aptitude Test.
The Common University Entrance Test (CUET) is conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA). For 2026, the exam will be available in 13 languages, including Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, Gujarati, Odia, Bengali, Assamese, Punjabi, English, Hindi, and Urdu. This allows students from different regions to take the exam in a language they are comfortable with.
As per the CUET exam pattern, the test will be held in online mode as a Computer-Based Test (CBT). The examination will take place on multiple days and will be conducted in two shifts. The exact schedule and shift allocation will depend on the total number of candidates and the subjects or languages chosen by them.
Having a clear understanding of the CUET UG 2026 exam pattern can make preparation more effective and stress-free. Candidates are advised to go through the complete CUET exam pattern details to plan their studies in the right direction and improve their performance in the exam.
CUET Exam Pattern 2026
The CUET exam pattern 2026 includes three key components: a language test, domain-specific subject tests, and a general test. The CUET UG 2026 exam pattern clearly explains important details such as the number of sections, exam duration, mode of examination, and the overall question paper format. Each subject paper follows a uniform structure with 50 questions, and every question carries 5 marks. Therefore, understanding the CUET exam pattern is essential for candidates preparing for the CUET exam.
The CUET 2026 question paper will consist of objective-type multiple-choice questions (MCQs). The exam will be conducted in English as well as in the regional languages selected by candidates from 12 available options. Candidates will be awarded 5 marks for every correct answer and 1 mark will be deducted for each incorrect response. Candidates are allowed to choose up to five subjects. As per the schedule, CUET UG 2026 is expected to be conducted between May 11 and May 31, 2026.
CUET Exam Pattern 2026 Overview
The CUET exam pattern 2026 outlines the basic structure and important features of the examination. Below are the major highlights that candidates should know before appearing for the exam:
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Mode of Examination | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| Number of Slots | Three to four |
| Exam Timing | As mentioned in CUET 2026 date sheet |
| Type of Questions | Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) |
| CUET UG Sections | Section 1 – Language Section 2 – Domain Subject Section 3 – General Aptitude Test |
| Total Number of Questions | 50 per subject |
| Negative Marking | Yes |
| Marking Scheme | +5 for correct answer-1 for incorrect answer |
| Medium of CUET Exam | 13 languages – English, Hindi, Assamese, Bengali, Gujarati, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, Odia, Punjabi, Tamil, Telugu, Urdu |
| Number of Domain Subjects | 23 |
CUET Exam Pattern 2026 Section Wise
The CUET UG 2026 exam is divided into three main sections. The table below provides a clear overview of each section, including the number of questions, duration, and question types. This will help candidates plan their preparation effectively.
| Section | Number of Questions | Duration | Question Types |
|---|---|---|---|
| Section IA – Language | 50 Questions | 60 minutes (for all languages) | Reading comprehension based on different passages – Factual, Literary, Narrative, along with questions on Literary Aptitude and Vocabulary |
| Section II – Domain-Specific | 50 Questions | As per schedule | MCQs based on NCERT Class 12 syllabus; input texts may be provided for reference |
| Section III – General Test | 50 Questions | As per schedule | MCQs on General Knowledge, Current Affairs, General Mental Ability, Numerical Ability, Quantitative Reasoning (arithmetic, algebra, geometry, mensuration – up to Grade 8), and Logical & Analytical Reasoning; input texts may be provided |
Each section is designed to test candidates’ understanding and skills in a focused manner. Knowing this structure helps aspirants manage their time and prepare efficiently for CUET UG 2026.
CUET UG 2026 Marking Scheme
The CUET UG 2026 exam carries a total of 250 marks. Understanding the marking scheme is crucial for effective preparation and exam strategy. The National Testing Agency (NTA) has specified the following rules:
- Correct answer: +5 marks for the correct or most appropriate option.
- Incorrect answer: -1 mark for each wrong option selected.
- Unanswered/Marked for Review: 0 marks; no negative marking.
- Multiple correct options: +5 marks will be awarded if a candidate selects any one of the correct options.
- All options correct: +5 marks will be awarded to every candidate who attempts the question.
- Question dropped or incorrect in the paper: +5 marks will be awarded to all candidates who attempted that question.
This clear marking structure ensures candidates can plan their attempts carefully, avoid negative marking, and maximize their scores in CUET UG 2026.
Also Check:
CUET Eligibility Criteria 2026
CUET UG 2026 Subjects & Language Guidelines
Candidates planning to appear for CUET UG 2026 must be aware of the key guidelines regarding subjects and exam languages.
The CUET exam will be conducted in English as well as 12 regional languages: Hindi, Assamese, Bengali, Gujarati, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, Odia, Punjabi, Tamil, Telugu, and Urdu. Candidates can select their preferred language while filling out the application form.
Here is a language-wise mapping of exam centres:
| Language | Examination Centres |
|---|---|
| English | All centres across India |
| English & Hindi | All centres across India |
| English & Assamese | Assam |
| English & Bengali | West Bengal, Tripura, Andaman & Nicobar Islands |
| English & Gujarati | Gujarat, Daman & Diu, Dadra & Nagar Haveli |
| English & Kannada | Karnataka |
| English & Malayalam | Kerala, Lakshadweep |
| English & Marathi | Maharashtra |
| English & Odia | Odisha |
| English & Punjabi | Punjab, Chandigarh, Delhi/New Delhi (including Faridabad, Ghaziabad, Gurugram, Meerut, Noida/Greater Noida) |
| English & Tamil | Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Andaman & Nicobar Islands |
| English & Telugu | Andhra Pradesh, Telangana |
| English & Urdu | All centres across India |
Candidates have the flexibility to choose up to five subjects, allowing them to apply to multiple universities depending on eligibility.
The CUET UG 2026 exam will be conducted over multiple days in three shifts, depending on the number of registered candidates and the subjects they select. This arrangement ensures smooth administration and accommodates all aspirants efficiently.
CUET Exam Pattern 2026 FAQs
Q.1. What is the CUET exam pattern 2026?
Ans. CUET UG 2026 has three sections – Language, Domain-Specific Subjects, and General Test – with 50 MCQs per subject and computer-based mode.
Q.2. How many subjects can I choose in CUET 2026?
Ans. Candidates can select up to five subjects based on their eligibility and university requirements.
Q.3. What is the marking scheme for CUET UG 2026?
Ans. Each correct answer carries +5 marks, wrong answers -1, and unanswered questions 0 marks.
Q.4. In which languages will CUET UG 2026 be conducted?
Ans. The exam will be held in English and 12 regional languages, including Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Bengali, Kannada, and Urdu.
Q.5. When will CUET UG 2026 be conducted?
Ans.CUET UG 2026 is expected to be held between May 11 and May 31, 2026, across multiple days and shifts.
