• Updated on 6 May, 2026 by Ankita Banerjee
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CUET Exam Pattern 2026 includes a language section, domain-specific subject tests, and a general aptitude test. Details on the CUET 2026 UG Pattern cover the number of sections, exam duration, mode of exam, and paper pattern. CUET 2026 paper contains only objective multiple-choice questions (MCQs). Question papers appear in English or one of thirteen languages selected by candidates. Each correct response earns five marks, with a one-mark penalty for wrong answers. Test-takers may choose up to five subjects. CUET UG 2026 will be conducted in a computer-based test from May 11 to 31, 2026.
CUET Exam Pattern 2026: Highlights
The key information about the CUET 2026 Exam Pattern is listed in the table below. The exam is going to be conducted in two or three slots and these slot timings may vary. Each subject paper will be conducted for 60 minutes. Given below is a quick highlight of CUET 2026 Exam:
CUET Exam Pattern 2026: Section-Wise Details
CUET 2026 UG exam will consist of three sections, namely, Language, Domain-Specific Subjects and General Test. Candidates can refer to the table for a better understanding of the CUET 2026 Section-Wise Topics:
Also Read: CUET 2026 Syllabus
CUET Question Pattern 2026: Number of Questions & Types
NTA has divided the CUET 2026 Exam into three main categories: language, domain-specific subjects, and a general test. NTA has introduced a basic structure for the CUET 2026 Exam, in which a candidate needs to choose up to 5 subjects, including at least one language, and domain-specific subjects (up to 5 subjects). Below is the section-wise exam pattern for the CUET 2026:
Note: The total number of questions depends on the number of subjects selected by the candidate (maximum 5 subjects).
Read: CUET 2026 Preparation Tips
Total Marks in CUET 2026
The total marks in CUET 2026 depend on the number of subjects a student chooses. Each subject paper has the same marking scheme, so the total score increases with more subjects. Understanding this helps students plan their subject selection and target score properly. The table below shows how the total marks are calculated:
CUET Exam Pattern 2026: Marking Scheme
NTA will follow a prescribed structure for its CUET UG 2026 Exam evaluation. Given below is the CUET 2026 Marking Scheme for students' reference:
- For each incorrect answer, a penalty of 1 mark will be imposed.
- Unanswered and Mark for Review questions will be awarded zero marks.
- If more than one option is found to be correct, then the candidate who attempted any of the correct options will be awarded with +5 Marks.
- If all options are found to be correct, then the candidate who attempted the question will be awarded +5 Marks.
- If no option is correct or the question is wrong or found to be dropped, then the candidate who attempted that question will be given +5 Marks.
Check the CUET 2026 Best Books for better preparation.
CUET Exam Pattern 2026 FAQs
How many questions need to be attempted by the candidate in a section of the CUET 2026 Exam?
NTA has reduced the number of questions that need to be attempted by the candidate. Candidates are supposed to attend 50 questions per section instead of 60 questions in their CUET 2026 Exam.
What is the CUET 2026 Marking Scheme?
NTA has released the CUET 2026 Marking Scheme for its CUET 2026 Exam. NTA will provide 5 marks for each correct answer and will deduct 1 mark for each incorrect answer.
How many subjects are there in section 2 of the CUET 2026 Exam?
NTA has reduced the number of subjects in Section 2 of the CUET 2026 Exam. Now, there are only 23 domain-specific subjects, out of which candidates are supposed to take up to 5 subjects.
What is the format of the question for the CUET 2026 Exam?
The format of the questions of the CUET 2026 Exam is Multiple-Choice Questions. The candidate needs to select the correct option from the other options.
What is the syllabus for the General Test of the CUET 2026 Exam?
The General Test Syllabus of the CUET 2026 Exam includes General Knowledge and Current Affairs/General Math Ability/Logical and Analytical Reasoning/General Science/Environment Literacy.
How many languages are offered by the NTA for the CUET 2026 Exam?
NTA will offer 13 different languages for the CUET 2026 Exam. The languages are English, Hindi, Assamese, Bengali, Gujarati, Kannada, Marathi, Malayalam, Odia, Punjabi, Tamil, Telugu and Urdu.
How many sections are there in the CUET 2026 Exam?
NTA has divided the CUET 2026 Exam into three different sections. The sections are language, domain-specific subjects, and a general test.
Can I apply for 6 Domain-Specific Subjects in the CUET 2026 Exam?
No, Candidates are not allowed to choose 6 domain-specific subjects for the CUET 2026 Exam. As per the NTA, candidates can choose up to 5 subjects for their CUET 2026 Exam.
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