CUET UG Syllabus 2026: Exam Pattern, Eligibility, Syllabus & More

If you’re preparing for the CUET exam, chances are your days are already filled with endless books, online classes and the occasional panic about where to even start.

Every student tries their best to figure out which subjects actually matter the most, which topics carry weight and how exactly they can balance school exams with entrance prep. It does sound like a lot, especially when everyone around you seems to be having a different strategy going on.

Well, that’s exactly why knowing the CUET UG syllabus inside out can make all the difference.

Think of it as your roadmap that tells you what’s important and what’s not so that you can focus your energy where it is needed the most. In this blog, we’ll explore everything you need to know about the CUET UG syllabus 2026, like all about its structure, what subjects and topics it covers and also a few smart tips which will make your preparation a little easier.

So, before you begin with your notes, let us first make sure you’re studying the right things in the right way.

Inside The CUET UG Syllabus

The CUET UG syllabus has some specific subjects as well as topics included for which you need to prepare while applying to different programmes through the CUET. It acts as your personal detailed guide for the preparation phase, helping you understand what to study and how exactly you should divide your time across sections.

The CUET UG syllabus is designed by the National Testing Agency and is largely based on the Class 12 NCERT curriculum, ensuring that students don’t have to study anything entirely new. It focuses on three major areas- Language, Domain-specific subjects and the General Test, assessing your understanding, reasoning and subject knowledge. This also helps improve accuracy and focus on important topics that matter across various universities.

CUET UG Exam 2026: Key Highlights

Here’s a table showing every key details every aspirant should be aware of

Major Updates in the CUET UG Syllabus 2026

Have a look at the changes made in the CUET UG syllabus 2026, so you can align your preparation according to the latest format-

• Exam Languages: The test will be held in 13 languages, namely-

"English, Hindi, Assamese, Bengali, Gujarati, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, Odia, Punjabi, Tamil, Telugu, and Urdu languages."

• Online Mode Only: The exam will be fully computer-based, no paper based options.
• Subject Selection Reduced: Instead of choosing six subjects as before, students can now select up to five subjects.
• No Prior Subject Restriction: You are free to pick domain subjects even if you did not study them in your +2, offering greater flexibility in subject choices.
• Exam Duration Standardised: Each subject paper will last 60 minutes.
• Fewer Subjects Overall: The total number of test papers across domains & languages has been reduced. For example, domain-specific subjects are now 23, making up a combined set of 37 test papers.
• No Optional Questions: All questions in each paper are compulsory.

Know More About the Changes Made in the CUET UG Syllabus 2026

Removal of Major Chapters

• One of the most important chapters — Financial Markets — has been eliminated.
• The chapter Business Finance (formerly referred to as Financial Management) has been removed.

Crucial Chapters That Remain Unchanged

• Principles of Management (proposed by Fayol and Taylor) remain part of the syllabus.
• The Business Environment remains (although with slight modifications).
• Entrepreneurship Development & Consumer Protection continue to be important.

Changes to the CUET UG Accounting Syllabus: Chapters Removed

• The chapter on Not-for-Profit Organisations (NPOs) has been dropped.
• The portion on Redemption of Debentures under the Debenture Issues chapter is no longer included.
• The section on Computerised Accounting’s Database Management System (DBMS) has been removed.

Economics Syllabus Changes in CUET UG 2026

• The chapter- Indian Economic Development, has been taken out of the syllabus.
• Microeconomics has gained more emphasis and is now a key area for scoring well.

CUET UG 2026: Previous vs Present Syllabus

Subjects Deleted from CUET UG 2026

• NTA has reduced the total number of subjects from 63 to 37 by removing six domain subjects and twenty foreign languages.
• Foreign languages that are removed include: German, Nepali, French, Spanish, Persian, Kashmiri, Italian, Arabic, Sindhi, Konkani, Bodo, Dogri, Sanskrit, Tibetan, Japanese, Maithili, Manipuri, Santhali, Russian, and Chinese.
• Eliminated domain subjects include: Fashion Studies, Tourism, Engineering Graphics, Legal Studies, Teaching Aptitude, and Entrepreneurship.

Why Understanding the Syllabus Matters

Many students start with mock tests and don't actually know the importance of understanding the syllabus properly. That’s like you started your expedition without an actual map.

To keep your preparation on track, you have to know the CUET UG syllabus 2026 in more detail. It helps you in-

• Identifying important topics and avoiding wastage of time on less relevant ones.
• Creating a study plan that is focused more on your strengths.
• Reducing unnecessary stress by dividing workload into clear and manageable goals.

CUET UG Syllabus 2026 in Detail

It’s required by every aspirant to know more about the CUET UG syllabus, like what it encompasses, before beginning the preparation. The test is divided into three main sections that are Language, Domain Subjects, and the General Test. Each section is designed to check a different skill set: your reading and writing ability, subject knowledge from your +2 syllabus and overall reasoning and awareness.

Have a look at the quick breakdown of what each section covers-

Section I: Language Section

• Comprehensive passages that are factual, narrative, and literature-based
• Grammar and sentence correction
• Vocabulary: synonyms, antonyms, and idioms
• Verbal ability and sentence rearrangement

Section II: Domain Subjects

Each subject follows its respective NCERT +2 syllabus. Some examples-

Physics

• Electrostatics and Current Electricity
• Magnetic Effects of Current
• Optics
• Communication Systems

Chemistry

• Solid State and Surface Chemistry
• Chemical Kinetics
• Coordination Compounds
• p-block Elements

Mathematics

• Algebra
• Calculus
• Probability and Statistics
• Coordinate Geometry

Biology

• Reproduction and Genetics
• Ecology and Environment
• Human Physiology
• Biotechnology & Its Applications

Computer Science

• Python Programming
• Database Concepts & SQL
• Data Handling using Pandas
• Computer Networks and Cybersecurity

Political Science

• Political Theory
• Politics in India Since Independence
• Contemporary World Politics
• International Relations

History

• Ancient and Medieval History
• Nationalism in India
• World Wars and Global Conflicts
• Indian Constitution and Independence Movements

Geography

• Human Geography
• Transport, Communication and Trade
• People and Human Settlements
• India- People and Economy

Sociology

• Social Institutions and Change
• Inequality and Exclusion
• Social Movements
• Unity in Diversity and Modernisation

Psychology

• Personality and Self
• Psychological Disorders
• Therapeutic Approaches
• Social Influence and Group Behaviour

Business Studies

• Principles of Management
• Business Finance
• Marketing and Consumer Protection

Accountancy

• Accounting for Partnership Firms
• Financial Statements and Analysis
• Computerised Accounting Systems
• Share and Debenture Capital

Economics

• Microeconomics- Demand, Supply, Market Equilibrium
• Macroeconomics- National Income, Money and Banking
• Government Budget and Balance of Payments

English

• Reading Comprehension (Factual, Literary, Narrative)
• Grammar and Vocabulary
• Verbal Aptitude and Rearrangement

Physical Education

• Sports Science and Training Methods
• Health and Fitness
• Biomechanics and Sports Psychology

Fine Arts

• Basics of Visual Composition
• Indian Art Traditions
• Modern and Contemporary Art
• Practical Drawing and Painting

Section III: General Test

• Analytical & Logical Reasoning
• Numerical Ability
• Current Affairs & General Knowledge
• Basic Arithmetic

The Exam Pattern of CUET UG

The CUET UG syllabus 2026 is structured in a way that it covers every aspect of the exam pattern. Let's see what it is made up of-

Section I: Languages

• Divided into IA with 13 languages and IB with 20 additional languages that cover a wide range for students all over the country.
• Tests reading comprehension, vocabulary, grammar, and verbal ability.

Section II: Domain Subjects

• Based on subjects studied in +2 (students can choose up to 6).
• Questions are strictly from the NCERT Class 12 syllabus.

Section III: General Test

• That covers current affairs, general knowledge, logical reasoning, and quantitative aptitude.

Marking Scheme-

Each question is worth 5 marks. 1 mark is deducted for every wrong answer.

CUET UG Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for a CUET UG exam, you must have

• Completed or should be appearing in your +2 or equivalent examination from a recognised board.
• No age limit as such, though some universities may set their own criteria.
• Minimum requirements for marks differ from university to university or course to another.

So, even if you’re awaiting your board results, you can still apply.

How to Prepare for the CUET UG

The preparation for this exam does not mean you have to put in 12 hours every day studying it all, but rather about learning smartly. See how you can start your journey-

• Understand the syllabus – start with NCERT, then move to guides.
• Set small daily targets – consistency matters more than intensity.
• Practise mock tests regularly – they help with speed and accuracy.
• Focus on time management – learn when to skip and when to solve.
• Stay updated on current affairs – particularly for the general test.

It’s all about balance. The CUET exam is not conducted to overwhelm you, but it is there to test what you already know.

Recommended Books for CUET Preparation

Here is a list of a few reliable sources that align well with the CUET UG syllabus 2026-

CUET Registration Process

• Visit the official NTA CUET website at "exams.nta.ac.in/CUET-UG"
• Click on “Apply for CUET (UG)”.
• Complete the registration online and register with your email ID and mobile number.
• Fill in personal, academic, and exam details.
• Select subjects and preferred universities.
• Submit scanned copies of the applicant's signature, photo and any additional required documents.
• Pay the test fee using a debit or credit card, net banking or an SBI bank challan at any branch.
• Download the confirmation page for future reference.

CUET Examination Centres

CUET exams take place in many cities in India and some outside the country. You get the choice to select any 2 exam centres, but the final choice may depend on the seats available. Arrive on time for your exam to avoid stress.

CUET Barred Items

Candidates should not bring certain items to the CUET exam center, except for the dress code. They will be frisked with sensitive metal detectors. Under no circumstances, should they carry the following items.

• Items like paper, plastic pouches, pencils, geometry boxes, pens, calculators, notepads, scales, erasers, USB drives, log tables and electronic pens or scanners.
• Communication devices including Bluetooth devices, mobile phones, microphones, earphones, health bands, pagers, etc.
• Wristwatches or watches, cameras, bracelets and similar accessories.
• Any metallic objects or ornaments.
• Water bottles or any food items, whether open or packed.

CUET UG: Counselling Process

After the CUET results are out, each university is supposed to hold its own counselling. You will need to-

• Apply to your preferred universities using CUET scores.
• Attend counselling in any mode, online or offline.
• Verify your documents and lock in your course choice.

Your CUET score is responsible for seat allotment and also the category and university cut-off.

To Conclude

It may seem challenging when preparing for the CUET exam due to the wide variety of subjects and opinions. It's genuine to feel overwhelmed over what to begin with and what to devote your time to studying.

Although thoroughly learning the CUET UG syllabus makes it much easier to pass the exam. Just focus on the given important topics and review them thoroughly. Go all in with NCERT, practise regularly and most importantly, stay confident. The CUET isn’t just another exam; it’s your gateway to some of India’s best universities, including BML Munjal University.