As everyone is aware, Common University Entrance Test (CUET UG) is one of the most important tests for undergraduate admissions in India. The CUET UG exam is administered by the National Testing Agency (NTA) via CBT. Multiple-choice questions (MCQs) make up the CUET question paper, and a test taker’s ultimate score and ranking can be greatly impacted by negative grading.
To do well on the CUET UG 2026 and improve your chances of getting into the college and degree of your choice, you must avoid receiving bad marks. To get a decent result on the CUET, candidates must be familiar with the curriculum and key subjects for each subject. Learn about the CUET UG negative marking scheme and exam tactics to reduce mistakes and increase score by reading this post.
What is CUET UG 2026 and its Exam Pattern Overview
For admission to a variety of undergraduate programs provided by Central, State, Private, and Deemed Universities in India, the NTA administers the CUET UG 2026. Prestigious universities including Delhi University (DU), Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), Banaras Hindu University (BHU), and others can now be accessed through the CUET.
CUET UG 2026 Exam Pattern Overview
The first step to passing the CUET UG 2026 is to comprehend the exam pattern. Here is a thorough analysis by section:
| Section | Description | Number of Questions | Questions to Attempt | Duration (in min) |
| Section IA | Languages (13 Indian languages) | 50 | 40 | 60 |
| Section IB | Languages (20 foreign/Indian languages) | 50 | 40 | 60 |
| Section II | Domain-Specific Subjects (23 subjects) | 50 per subject | 40 | 60 |
| Section III | General Test | 60 | 50 | 60 |
CUET UG 2026 Sections Explained
The specifics of the CUET UG 2026 part are detailed in this section.
Section IA and IB – Language Proficiency
The purpose of CUET UG 2026 is to assess students’ language skills using Section IA and IB.
- Section IA: this section comprises of 13 Indian languages including Hindi, English, Kannada, Bengali, Gujarati, Odia, Malayalam, Marathi, Telugu, Punjabi, Tamil, Urdu, and Assamese.
- Section IB: In this section, you will be offered with 20 additional languages including foreign languages like French, German, Arabic, and others.
A maximum of three languages from Section IA and IB combined may be selected by candidates. These parts assess vocabulary, grammar-based skills, and reading comprehension.
Section II – Domain-Specific Subjects
Based on the NCERT syllabus for Classes 11 and 12, Section II assesses knowledge in 23 domain-specific subjects. In accordance with the course and university regulations, a student may select up to six domain subjects. These topics could consist of:
- Physics
- Mathematics
- Chemistry
- Economics
- Biology
- Business Studies
- Accountancy
- History
- Political Science
- Geography, and more
There will be 50 multiple-choice questions (MCQs) in each subject, 40 of which must be completed in 60 minutes. When choosing domain subjects, it’s crucial to consult the subject combinations unique to each university.
Section III – General Test
Courses that demand an aptitude-based assessment can use the General Test. This portion assesses the candidate’s general aptitude and capacity for reasoning. Lists of topics included in this section are as followed:
- Quantitative Reasoning
- General Mental Ability
- General Knowledge & Current Affairs
- Numerical Ability & Basic Mathematics
- Logical and Analytical Reasoning
Note: All programs are not required to include this section. For example, it might be necessary for some courses at universities like DU, JNU, and BHU. Before applying, always confirm the requirements particular to the program.
CUET UG 2026 Marking Scheme
Every section of the CUET UG 2026 uses the same marking scheme.
| Response | Marks Awarded |
| Correct Answer | +5 |
| Incorrect Answer | -1 |
| Unanswered | 0 |
Because negative marking reduces the penalty for incorrect responses, it is imperative that you only attempt topics/questions you are certain of.
Importance of Avoiding Negative Marking in CUET UG 2026
Candidates who mark incorrect responses will receive a mark deduction of one. Students must understand the significance of avoiding negative marking in CUET 2026 in order to perform well on the test:
- CUET UG features tight cut-offs and fierce competition
- A mere 5–10 points can alter a student’s university placement
- Normalization and percentile are impacted by negative marking
- Making a smart attempt is more important than answering every question
Best Possible Ways to Avoid Negative Marking in CUET UG 2026
Students must use the following techniques to prevent receiving a bad grade on the CUET 2026:
Understand CUET UG Syllabus Thoroughly
- Candidates should only concentrate on the official NTA-released CUET UG 2026 syllabus.
- Pay close attention to the Class 12 (and, if relevant, Class 11) NCERT texts.
- Steer clear of researching unrelated subjects.
Avoid Blind Guessing at All Costs
- The largest threat in CUET UG is blind guessing.
- Don’t ask a question if a candidate is less than 50% certain.
- It is safest to leave the question unattempt if the test-taker is unable to rule out at least two possibilities.
Use Elimination Technique
Candidates can mark their responses more accurately by using the elimination technique option. Students must use reasoning and formulas to eliminate alternatives by eliminating wrong selections. In English, General Test, Economics, Political Science, and Biology, this method works incredibly well.
Do Not Over-Attempt Questions
Many students think that answering every question will improve their grades. This is untrue in a test with a low score. Rather, the candidate should concentrate on answering only 70–85% of the questions accurately.
Manage Time Section-Wise
Students must develop an efficient time management plan in order to complete 50 questions in 60 minutes.
- The student must start with simple, well-known questions.
- Mark questions that seem dubious for review.
- Utilize the remaining time to review your responses.
Pay Attention to Questions and Options
Candidates should refrain from skimming the questions. Before responding, one must read the question again. Candidates should steer clear of the following typical mistakes:
- Misreading words like ‘incorrect,’ ‘not,’ ‘except’
- Overlooking dates, units, or qualifiers
Identify Areas to be improved
Using CUET past year examination papers and mock exams, students should prepare for the exam by:
- During practice exams, note any weak chapters.
- Make several revisions.
- Refrain from answering questions in the exam’s most weak areas.
Practice Mock Tests
The most effective way to lessen negative marking is through mock exams. The following are some advantages of the CUET mock test:
- Increases precision
- Assists in recognizing guessing patterns
- Develops the ability to make decisions
- Examine incorrect responses
Conclusion
Negative marking in CUET UG 2026 exam cannot be ignored as it significantly deduct 1 mark for each incorrect answer. Hence, we suggest only answer the questions you are sure of. Avoid random guessing as it may impact the merit list and overall percentile. If you want to maximise your score then follow the CUET UG 2026 marking scheme and take calculated risks and skip the questions you don’t feel confident about to avoid CUET negative marking. You must know that unattempted question will not influence your score.
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