• Updated on 3 Mar, 2026 by Ankul Tiwari
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CUET PG Exam Pattern 2026 was released by the National Testing Agency through the official information brochure. The exam will be conducted in CBT mode to evaluate candidates' domain knowledge using MCQs. CUET PG 2026 is scheduled to be held from March 6 to 27, 2026, for admissions into PG courses such as MSc, MBA, MA, MCA, MTech, and others offered by participating universities. The CUET PG 2026 exam will cover 157 subjects, and as per the official pattern, each paper will consist of 75 MCQs based on the CUET PG 2026 syllabus. The exam duration has been reduced from the previous 105 minutes to 90 minutes. The question paper will be bilingual, i.e., available in both English and Hindi, across all streams, including Science, Humanities, Languages, Acharya, MTech, and other higher studies.
Table of Contents
CUET PG Exam Pattern 2026 Highlights
The CUET PG 2026 exam pattern continues the domain-focused structure introduced in the previous cycle. NTA administers the CUET PG Exam once a year in CBT mode. Candidates need to attempt a total of 75 MCQs within 90 minutes. The marking scheme remains accuracy-driven, penalizing incorrect guesses. To get information related to the exam pattern of CUET PG 2026, candidates should refer to the table below:
Also Check: CUET PG 2026 Exam Centres
CUET PG Exam Pattern 2026: Key Topics
THE CUET PG 2026 paper pattern will follow the same format across all courses. However, the topics vary for each course. For example, B.Ed and M.Ed courses include questions on teaching, general knowledge, and basic subjects like Social Science and Arts. Science-related courses include topics like Agriculture, Biotechnology, and Engineering.
| No. of questions 75 (MCQs): 75 Domain Knowledge (MTeach/Higher Sciences) questions | MTech/ Higher Sciences |
| No. of questions 75 (MCQs): 75 Domain Knowledge (Literature Stream) questions | Literature |
Also Check: CUET PG 2026 Application Process
CUET PG Exam Pattern 2026: Course Specific
The CUET PG 2026 exam pattern is highly course-specific. The National Testing Agency (NTA) has moved to a single-section paper which is based on a domain-focused model. For most subjects, the general aptitude portion (Part A) has been removed, making the entire 75-question paper centered on the specific subject you choose. CUET PG provides a wide range of courses to the candidates. The exam patterns of these courses may differ from one another. Students can view the exam pattern of CUET PG 2026 for the MBA, MCA, M.Sc, MA, and M.Tech programs below:
CUET PG Exam Pattern 2026: MBA Course
The MBA paper consists of 75 MCQs carrying a total of 300 marks. It is generally conducted in English and Hindi, and includes only one section. The exam is 90 minutes and follows the standard +4/-1 marking rule.
CUET PG Exam Pattern 2026: MCA Course
The MCA paper includes 75 questions and is divided into two sections: general aptitude and subject-specific. The total marks are 300, and the exam duration is 2 hours.
Also Check: CUET PG 2026 Answer Key
CUET PG Exam Pattern 2026: M.Sc Course
For M.Sc., the paper consists of 75 domain-specific questions, with a total of 300 marks. The exam has just one section, and the language medium is usually English and Hindi.
CUET PG Exam Pattern 2026: MA Course
The MA exam is similar to the M.Sc format. It has 75 questions, all from the domain-specific section, totalling 300 marks. Language courses may be held in their respective languages.
Also Read: CUET PG 2026 Counselling Process
CUET PG Exam Pattern 2026: M.Tech Course
For M.Tech aspirants, the exam also includes 75 MCQs from domain-specific topics. It is a 90-minute test with +4/-1 marking, conducted in both English and Hindi.
CUET PG Exam Pattern 2026: Language Section
Most CUET PG papers are available in English and Hindi, but language-specific courses (like Tamil, Urdu, Bengali, etc.) are conducted in the respective language. For certain general programs (such as MBA, LLB, and MA in Mass Communication), the language section is integrated into the 75-question domain paper.
Also Check: CUET PG 2026 Admit Card
CUET PG Exam Pattern 2026: Marking Scheme
Before appearing for the CUET PG 2026 exam, candidates were advised to clearly understand the marking scheme. Each correct answer was awarded 4 marks. Unanswered questions had no impact on the total score.
CUET PG Exam Pattern 2026: Syllabus Overview
CUET PG Syllabus includes a wide range of subjects based on the course a student is applying for. To simplify preparation, the National Testing Agency (NTA) has divided the CUET PG 2026 Syllabus into streams such as Science, Humanities, M.Tech, Languages, Traditional Studies (Acharya), and Common Subjects. An overview of the CUET PG 2026 Syllabus has been shared below:
CUET PG Exam Pattern 2026: Preparation Tips
To prepare effectively for the CUET PG 2026 exam, you must adapt to the Domain-Only structure. With the removal of Part A (General Aptitude) for most subjects, your success depends entirely on your mastery of your chosen subject over 75 questions in a 90-minute window. Here are the best preparation tips for CUET PG Exam 2026:
- Understand the Exam Structure: Candidates should thoroughly review the CUET PG Exam Pattern 2026 and syllabus to know what to expect in the paper.
- Follow a Balanced Study Plan: Creating a realistic timetable and allocating time wisely across all subjects is essential.
- Practice with Previous Papers: Solving past CUET PG Question Papers and taking full-length CUET PG Mock Tests can help build speed, accuracy, and familiarity with the exam format.
- Clear Doubts Promptly: Any confusion should be addressed immediately to avoid gaps in understanding.
- Stay Updated: Reading newspapers, current affairs magazines, and journals is especially useful for subjects that involve general knowledge or analytical thinking.
- Strengthen Language Skills: For courses involving comprehension or verbal ability, improving grammar, vocabulary, and reading speed is beneficial.
- Sharpen Logical Reasoning: Regular practice in reasoning and aptitude questions enhances problem-solving skills.
- Maintain Physical and Mental Health: A healthy diet, proper hydration, and adequate sleep are crucial during preparation.
- Manage Stress: Techniques like meditation, light exercise, or even short breaks can help reduce anxiety and improve focus.
CUET PG Exam Pattern 2026 FAQs
What is the CUET PG Exam Pattern 2026?
CUET PG 2026 has only ONE section consisting of 75 domain-specific questions. There is NO separate General Knowledge section (except for specific programs like MBA). There is negative marking for wrong answers.
Is there negative marking in the CUET PG Exam Pattern 2026?
Yes, there is negative marking. Each incorrect answer results in a deduction of 1 mark.
How many sections are there in the CUET PG 2026 Exam?
The CUET PG exam has two main sections: General Knowledge and Subject-Specific sections.
What is the total duration of the CUET PG 2026 Exam?
The total duration is 90 minutes, with the time split between the General Section and Subject-Specific Sections.
Are there essay-type questions in the CUET PG Exam Pattern 2026?
Some courses may have essay-type questions in the Subject-Specific Section. These are typically seen in the Arts and Humanities programs.
How should I manage my time during the CUET PG 2026 Exam?
Practising with mock tests can help candidates improve time management. Ensure adequate time is allotted to each section.
Can I change my exam centre after the CUET PG 2026 Admit Card is released?
No, once the correction window is closed, the exam centre cannot be changed.
What is the marking scheme for CUET PG 2026?
Each correct answer earns four marks, and one mark is deducted for each incorrect answer.
Are calculators allowed in the CUET PG 2026 Exam?
No, calculators and other electronic devices are not allowed in the exam hall.
Where can I find CUET PG sample papers?
Sample papers can be found on platforms such as Shiksha, BYJU’S, and the official NTA website.
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