Every year, when the application process opens, the NTA, the exam authorities, releases the CUET UG 2026 exam pattern in the information brochure. The number of sections, question categories, exam duration, and the number of shifts in which the exam authority will administer the test are all shown in the CUET 2026 exam design.
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The exam will be administered in online/CBT style for two to three hours, depending on the subjects chosen by the test takers, in accordance with the format of the CUET UG exam from the previous year. The General Aptitude Test, Domain, and Languages will be the three portions of CUET UG 2026. There will be fifty Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) in each section.
The CUET UG 2026 syllabus is going to be the source of the questions. The CUET UG question paper will be available in either English or one of the candidates’ selected 12 regional languages. This website contains the comprehensive CUET UG exam pattern 2026, negative marking scheme, question count, and other information.
Negative Marking in CUET 2026
According to the official NTA announcement, CUET UG uses a system of negative marking. One score is subtracted for each wrong response, and five marks are awarded for each right response. Your score is unaffected by questions you do not attempt.
Because this system is applicable to all CUET Language, Domain Subjects, and General Test categories, applicants should carefully and accurately decode the test’s language because the final CUET score will be determined.
For CUET applicants, it’s critical to comprehend negative marking. Correct answers get you points, but incorrect answers lower your overall score.
| Section | Number of Questions | Duration | Question Types |
| Section IA – Language | 50 Questions | 60 minutes (for each chosen language) | Reading comprehension depending on several passage types. |
| Section II – Domain Specific Subjects | 50 Questions | 60 minutes | MCQs based on the NCERT syllabus for Class 12. For some questions, input text may be available. |
| Section III – General Test | 50 Questions | 60 minutes | MCQs based on: General knowledge & Current affairs/ General Mental ability/ Numerical ability/ Logical & Analytical Reasoning, etc. |
CUET Marking Scheme 2026
The goal of the CUET marking scheme 2026 is to guarantee that each applicant is evaluated fairly.
| CUET Marking Scheme 2026 | |
| Response Type | Marks |
| Correct Answer | +5 |
| Incorrect Answer | –1 |
| Unattempt/Marked for Review | 0 |
Section wise Negative Marking in CUET UG 2026
The Language, Domain Subjects, and General Test portions will all be subject to negative marking in CUET UG 2026. One mark is deducted for each wrong response in these sections. This rule only applies to inquiries that have been formally cancelled or dropped by NTA.
CUET Score Calculation with Mark Deduction
Use this formula to determine your predicted score:
(Number of Correct Answers × 5) – (Number of Incorrect Answers × 1) = Total Score
Example:
- Questions Attempted: 50
- Correct: 40
- Incorrect: 8
- Unattempt: 2
Score = (40 × 5) – (8 × 1) = 200 – 8 = 192
After the exam, candidates may verify and quickly determine their final score by using the CUET answer key.
Cut-off Impact Due to Negative Marking in CUET
This is due to the fact that a poor grade will have a direct impact on your percentile, which will determine whether you score higher or lower than the university cut-off. Particularly in central universities like Delhi University, losing a mark can affect your standing.
Improved accuracy raises your overall percentile as well as your raw score, increasing your chances of getting approved.
Essential Negative Marking in CUET Checklist
The following is a checklist to effectively manage negative marking:
- Only respond to inquiries about which you are certain.
- Ignore unclear questions; there is no punishment for not trying.
- Steer clear of making haphazard edits or marking several selections.
- Improve precision and create plans for challenging inquiries.
- The CUET Exam Pattern website and the NTA CUET Information Bulletin 2026.
CUET Exam 2026 Important Points
Additionally, candidates should review the following information regarding the format of the CUET 2026 exam:
All topics, including languages, must attempt 50 questions. The test will take sixty minutes to complete.
There will be no more domain-specific courses or papers on entrepreneurship, teaching aptitude, fashion studies, tourism, legal studies, and engineering graphics. Admission into such programs will be determined by the results of the General Aptitude Test.
For every hour of testing, PwBD candidates will receive 20 minutes of compensatory time. Depending on the number of applicants and subject options, the CUET exam will be administered across several days in three sessions.
In addition to the General Aptitude Test, candidates for CUET (UG) may select up to five subjects from a total of 37 disciplines and languages.
At least one language should be chosen by candidates.
Benefits of knowing CUET exam pattern
Reduces exam anxiety since students who are aware of the format can prepare effectively. Assume a candidate is aware of the format of the CUET exam beforehand. They would have a better understanding of the questions and subjects that would likely be covered in the final test, which can aid in better preparation analysis.
An intricate exam pattern might help candidates who have finished their revision but wish to analyse their preparation based on each topic.
If a candidate comprehends the exam pattern, they will be able to ascertain the CUET 2026 marking scheme.
When a CUET candidate follows the exam format, they will be aware of their strengths and limitations. The candidate’s speed and accuracy will increase if they practice using the CUET exam format.
Conclusion
Understanding the CUET UG 2026 marking scheme especially the concept of negative marking is crucial for scoring well and securing admission to your preferred university. With +5 marks for every correct answer and a –1 penalty for each incorrect response across all sections, accuracy matters as much as knowledge. A smart exam strategy that balances speed with precision, avoids blind guessing, and leverages a clear understanding of the exam pattern can significantly boost your raw score and percentile. By being well-versed with the CUET exam structure, syllabus, and marking rules, candidates can minimize risk, maximize performance, and stay confidently ahead in this highly competitive national-level examination.
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