When you begin studying for the CUET 2026 test, the CUET 2026 test Pattern and Marking Scheme are essential. To ace the test and gain admission to the institution of their choice, candidates must select the relevant parts and subjects from the provided exam pattern according to the university and course criteria. The CUET is the qualifying test for admission to India’s top Central Universities for undergraduate applicants, and it is administered by the National Testing Agency (NTA). The applicant has to be familiar with the format of the test before beginning to prepare for CUET 2026.
A broad examination, domain-specific academic tests, and a language test make up the Common University Entrance examination (CUET) pattern 2026. The sections, test length, method of assessment, and question paper format are all included in the CUET UG 2026 exam pattern. apiece topic has an equal amount of questions – 50 questions for five marks apiece.
Multiple-choice questions (MCQs) of the objective kind will be included in the CUET 2026 question paper. English and the applicants’ selected language from a list of 12 regional languages will be the medium of the CUET question paper. Five marks will be awarded for each question, and one mark will be deducted for each incorrect response. Candidates may choose from a maximum of five disciplines. The proposed dates for the CUET 2026 test are May and June of 2026.
CUET 2026 Exam Pattern – Highlights
Only CBT will be used for the CUET UG 2026 test. The format of the questions will be multiple-choice (MCQ). The highlights of the CUET test pattern for 2026 are shown in the table below:
| Particulars | Details |
| Mode of the examination | Computer-Based Test |
| Number of Slots | 3 to 4 |
| Exam timing | 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 across all subjects |
| Negative marking | Yes |
| Marking Scheme | +5 for each correct answer -1 for each incorrect answer |
| Medium of CUET exam | 13 languages – English, Hindi, Assamese, Bengali, Gujarati, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, Odia, Punjabi, Tamil, Telugu, and Urdu |
| Number of domain subjects | 23 |
CUET Exam 2026 Important Points
Additionally, candidates should review the following information on the CUET 2026 exam pattern:
There are fifty questions to try in every area, including languages. The exam will take sixty minutes to complete.
We will no longer be offering domain-specific courses or papers on “Entrepreneurship,” “Teaching Aptitude,” “Fashion Studies,” “Tourism,” “Legal Studies,” and “Engineering Graphics.” Admission to these programs will be determined by the results of the General Aptitude Test.
PwBD candidates will receive 20 minutes of compensatory time for every hour of test.
Depending on the number of applicants and topic selections, the CUET test will be administered across several days in three sessions.
In addition to the General Aptitude Test, applicants for CUET (UG) may select up to five disciplines from a list of 37 courses and languages.
At least one language should be chosen by candidates.
CUET 2026 Exam Pattern – Section Wise
Only multiple-choice questions make up the CUET question pattern. Section I, Section II, and Section III are the four sections that make up the CUET test information.
- In Section I, you will be provided with 13 languages including Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, English, Hindi, etc.
- In Section II, there are a total of 23 domain specific subjects.
- Section III involves the general aptitude test.
CUET 2026 Exam Pattern
| Section | Subjects | Type of Questions | No. of Questions | Duration |
| Section IA | 13 different languages and required to choose any one. | Reading Comprehensive to analyze language | 50 | |
| Section II | 23 Sub-Domain | Multiple-choice questions | 50 | |
| Section III | For UG Courses | General Knowledge, General Mental Ability, Numerical Ability, Current Affairs, Analytical Reasoning, and Quantitative Reasoning | 50 |
CUET Exam Pattern 2026 – Points to Remember
It is possible for candidates to choose up to one language from Section I. One of the selected languages must be a domain-specific language. Furthermore, applicants may select up to three subjects from the 23 possibilities in Section II. Section III includes the General Aptitude Test.
In accordance with the most current modifications, applicants may take up to ten examinations in the manner described below:
Option 1:
- Select no more than one language from Section I.
- Choose no more than three domain subjects from Section II.
- Take Section III’s general aptitude test.
Option 2:
- Select no more than two languages from Section IA.
- Choose no more than two domain subjects from Section II.
- Take Section III’s general aptitude test.
When choosing languages (up to 1) from Section I, a maximum of three courses from Section II, and the General Aptitude Test under Section III, students must consult the requirements of their preferred university of CUET test specifics. The maximum score for any subject on the CUET is 250. Candidates must receive at least a certain percentage of the total CUET UG marks in order to pass the test. The CUET UG paper pattern for commerce students must be followed by students getting ready for the test. Likewise, candidates with a scientific background are encouraged to review the CUET paper pattern for science students.
CUET Test Pattern 2026 – Key Points
Depending on the disciplines that applicants select, the CUET 2026 entrance test will be held in two slots on separate days. The CUET test has a total score of 250.
Candidates may take up to four examinations during Slot 1, which is in the morning. Based on the CUET pattern 2026, these exams consist of one general test from Section III, a maximum of two domain-specific topics from Section II, and one language from Section I.
Candidates may take up to five tests during the afternoon session of Slot 2 of the CUET 2026 exam.
CUET Marking Scheme 2026
It is imperative that prospective applicants become acquainted with the distribution of CUET marks. Gaining a thorough understanding of the complete number of marks allotted for the CUET test can help you do exceptionally well on it. Aspirants can effectively prepare for the CUET test and take precautions when taking it to avoid receiving negative CUET marks by being aware that the test has negative marking.
CUET 2026 Marking Scheme
| Correct Answer | 5 marks will be given |
| Incorrect Answer | 1 marks will be deducted |
| No Answer | 0 marks will be given |
Conclusion
With the above discussion, it is recommended to be aware with CUET exam pattern and marking scheme as it will help you plan for your CUET exam 2026 preparation. Additionally, candidates should arrive at the CUET exam location at least 1.30 to 2 hours prior to the commencement of the test. Never undervalue the value of time, and refrain from taking unwarranted chances. On the day of the test, be prepared for the unexpected, including possible delays in transit and traffic congestion, road closures, heavy rain, or unanticipated adverse weather. Because the gates close early for other formalities, it is important to keep in mind that you will often not be permitted entry to the exam location if you arrive less than 30 minutes before the exam starts.
Start Your CUET 2026 & 12th Board Prep Now!