The Common University Entrance Test (CUET) for undergraduate admissions in 2026 consists of three sections: Languages, Domain-Specific Courses, and a General Test. Candidates can choose up to 5 subjects in total, with up to one subject from Section I (Languages). The Domain Subjects area will provide 23 subjects in 13 different languages.
The CUET UG exam includes the following sections:
- Section I: Languages – Includes 13 different languages
- Section II: Domain-Specific Subjects – Includes 23 subjects
- Section III: General Aptitude Test (GAT)
For detailed information about CUET syllabus 2026, section-wise syllabus and other related details, continue reading below.
Why CUET Subject Selection is Important?
Because it influences your results, future academic and professional career, and eligibility for particular courses and universities, choosing the appropriate subjects for the CUET is essential.
Success depends on aligning your subject choices with your academic goals and the prerequisites of the courses you wish to pursue. The significance of subject selection is as follows:
1. Eligibility for Courses and Universities
- Eligibility requirements vary by institution and course such as subjects like chemistry, biology, and physics often required for a B.Sc. in zoology.
- If you don’t choose the right subjects, you may not be eligible for your preferred course or university, even if you perform well in other areas.
2. Impact on Scores
- Choosing subjects you are familiar with and confident in can lead to higher scores, increasing your chances of getting into your desired institution.
- Niche subjects may be less competitive but should only be selected if they align with your academic goals and university requirements.
3. Alignment with Academic and Career Goals
- Choosing a CUET subject should be a thoughtful decision based on your long-term academic and career aspirations.
- Subjects that match your intended career path can provide a strong foundation for further education and employment.
4. Flexibility and Interdisciplinary Exploration
- CUET allows students to choose subjects outside their 12th grade system, enabling interdisciplinary learning.
- But it’s crucial to make sure the courses you select meet the requirements of the colleges you’re applying to as well as your academic objectives.
CUET Syllabus 2026
The General Test, Languages, and Domain Subjects make up the three sections of the 2026 CUET syllabus. The Language section focuses on reading comprehension and vocabulary. The General Test generally covers fundamental knowledge, mental ability, current events, quantitative reasoning, and logical thinking.
Breakdown of the CUET 2026 Syllabus
For your clear understanding, below is a comprehensive explanation of the CUET 2026 syllabus:
Language:
- Reading Comprehension (Factual, Literary, Narrative)
- Literary Aptitude and Vocabulary
Domain Subjects:
- Based on the NCERT syllabus for Class 12
General Test:
- Current Affairs
- General Science
- Numerical Ability
- General Knowledge
- Environment Literacy
- General Mental Ability
- Logical and Analytical Reasoning
- Quantitative Reasoning (Basic Mathematical Concepts)
Key Points:
- The CUET is a Computer-Based Test (CBT) and is required for admission to various undergraduate and postgraduate programs at major institutions.
- Free to choose up to 5 subjects, including languages and the general test.
- The marking scheme awards +5 for a correct answer and -1 for an incorrect one.
Section-wise CUET 2026 Syllabus
The CUET 2026 test is divided into 3 sections:
- Section IA & IB (Languages): Includes 13 compulsory languages.
- Section II (Domain-Specific Subjects): Covers 23 domain-specific subjects.
- Section III (General Test): comprised of GK, logical reasoning, current events, and numerical aptitude.
CUET 2026 Syllabus for Section I
Section IA & IB (Languages):
- English
- Odia
- Bengali
- Gujarati
- Punjabi
- Assamese
- Tamil
- Kannada
- Hindi
- Telugu
- Malayalam
- Marathi
- Urdu
Majority of candidates prefer choosing English as their option.
CUET Syllabus 2026: Section II
Candidates can choose from 23 domain specific subjects, including physics, chemistry, biology, economics, history, and others.
- List of domain-specific subjects is as follows: Domain Subjects: Business Studies, Accountancy, Chemistry, Computer Sciences, Geography, Political Sciences, Sociology, Biology, Environmental Studies, Physical Education, History, Economics, Home Science, Math, Physics, Psychology, and Anthropology.
- Additional Subjects: Physical Education, Fine Arts, Knowledge and Traditions in India, Mass Media, and Agriculture.
Candidates planning to appear for the CUET 2026 exam may refer to the NCERT class 12 books and syllabus to prepare for domain-specific topics. Candidates can also refer to the previous years’ CUET question papers as it will give you idea about the questions may be covered in the upcoming CUET exam.
CUET UG Syllabus: Section III
Students are assessed in this part on their general knowledge, logical thinking, numeric ability, and current events.
- General Knowledge: Covers topics from various disciplines such as physics, economics, geography, and history.
- Current Affairs: Includes important events happening nationally and globally.
- Logical Reasoning: Assesses the ability to solve problems logically and analyze situations.
- Quantitative Aptitude: It covers fundamental mathematical concepts such as arithmetic, geometry, algebra, geometry, mensuration, and statistics.
To understand the exam structure, difficulty level, and improve speed and accuracy, students should practice the CUET General Aptitude Test.
Conclusion
A key entry point for undergraduate admissions to several central and participating Indian institutions is the CUET 2026. With its structured and inclusive framework, it empowers students from diverse academic backgrounds to showcase their strengths. The three sections – Languages, Domain-Specific Subjects, and the General Test cater to different skill sets and academic competencies, making subject selection a critical step in your preparation journey.
Choosing the right subjects not only ensures eligibility for your preferred courses and institutions but also significantly enhances your chances of securing a higher score. It is essential to align your selections with your academic interests, career aspirations, and the prerequisites laid out by target universities. A well-planned approach leveraging NCERT books, previous year question papers, and mock tests can lead to optimal performance in each section.
As you prepare for CUET 2026, keep in mind that this examination is not just about securing admission it’s about setting a solid foundation for your future. With clarity of goals, strategic preparation, and smart subject choices, you can unlock opportunities that align with your academic and professional dreams.
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