CUET PG 2026 Exam Pattern: Subject-Wise Pattern, Marking Scheme, Preparation Tips

• Updated on 9 Oct, 2025 by Ankita Banerjee

The CUET PG 2026 exam pattern will be released by the National Testing Agency (NTA) in January 2026 through the official information brochure. The exam will be conducted in online mode (Computer-Based Test) to evaluate candidates' domain knowledge using multiple-choice questions (MCQs). CUET PG 2026 is expected to be held in March 2026 for admissions into postgraduate 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. Candidates will have 90 minutes to complete each subject paper. This is a change introduced by NTA in consultation with the UGC and the expert committee, reducing the exam duration 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 2026 Exam Pattern Highlights
CUET PG 2026 Exam Pattern: Key Topics
Course Specific Exam Pattern of CUET PG 2026
CUET PG 2026 Exam Pattern: Language
CUET PG 2026 Marking Scheme
CUET PG 2026 Syllabus Overview
CUETPG 2026 Preparation Tips
CUET PG 2026 Exam Pattern FAQs

CUET PG 2026 Exam Pattern Highlights

NTA administers CUET PG Exam once a year in CBT mode. Candidates need to attempt a total of 75 MCQs within 90 minutes. To get information related to the CUET PG exam pattern, candidates should refer to the table below:

Particulars	Details
Mode of the examination	Computer-based test (CBT)/ LAN-based/ Online
Medium/ Language	English and Hindi
Duration of the examination	90 minutes
Frequency of exams in a year	Once a year
Type of questions	Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) asked from the CUET PG syllabus
Total number of Questions	75
Total Marks	300
Negative marking	Yes
Marking Scheme	+4 for correct answer; -1 for an incorrect answer
Total sections in the question paper	1
Name of the section and the number of questions asked in it.	Section A: Scrapped Section B: Domain-Specific Questions

CUET PG 2026 Exam Pattern: Key Topics

THE CUET PG 2026 paper pattern is expected to 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.

Exam Pattern And Important Topics

Subjects

No. of questions 75 (MCQs): 75 Domain Knowledge Questions comprising:

Teaching Aptitude
G.K. related to School/ Education/ Books/ Films/ Institutions/ Awards.
Mathematics
Science & Environment
Social Sciences
Arts, Music, Yoga, Theatre, Sports.

Common:

BEd, BEd-MEd Integrated, BEd (HI), BEd (ID), BEd (VI), Lifelong Learning & Extension, etc.

No. of questions 75 (MCQs): 75 Domain Knowledge (Science Stream) questions

Science;

Agricultural Science- Agricultural Economics; Agronomy; Entomology; Agricultural Extension & Communication; Genetics & Plant Breeding; Horticulture, Plant Pathology, Plant Physiology; Soil Science & Agricultural Chemistry, Agriculture Technology (Informatics), Agro forestry, Microbiology/Applied Microbiology, Architecture and Planning, Sustainable Architecture, Architecture and Design, Urban & Regional Planning, Architecture and Planning, Sustainable Architectur, Architecture and Design, Urban & Regional Planning, Biochemistr, Anatom y, Pharmacolo g y, Bio Science, Bioinformatics, Food Science and Nutriton, Bio Science - Bioinformatics,Botany, Bio Science, Chemistry, Chemical Sciences, Industrial Chemistry, etc.Computer Science, Information Technology, Computer Application, Big Data Analytics, Cyber Security, Artificial Intelligence, and Machine Learning, etc. Criminology, Environmental Sciences/Studies, Ecology, etc., Food Science and Technology, Nutrition, Food Processing and Management, Food Safety andQuality Control, etc. Forensic Science, Geology, Earth Sciences, Applied Geology, Geophysics, Horticulture, Forestry & Biodiversity, Seed Science & Technology, Plant Breeding, Agronomy, Genetics, Fruitt Science, Floriculture, Vegetable Science, etc. Life Science-Molecular Biology, Biotechnology, Microbiology, Biochemistry, Botany, Bioinformatics, Molecular Medicine, Zoology, Biomedical Engineering & Science, Virology and Immunology,Optometry, Bio-Physics, Genetics, Health Science, Material ScienceMathematics, Applied Mathematics, Electronics, Medical Laboratory Technology, Medical Physics, etc. MPT, Nanoscience/Integrative Biosciences, Pharmacy-Pharmacology, Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Pharmacognosy, Pharmaceutics, Pharmaceutical Science, Pharmaceutical Analysis, etc. Physics, Computational and Integrative Sciences, Electronics, Applied Physics, Applied Physics + Electronics Engineering, Plant Biotechnology, Soil Science - Soil & Water Conservation, Statistics, Applied Mathematics, Statistics & Computing, Data Science and Applied Statistics, etc, Zoology, Sericulture, Human Genetics, Atmospheric Science, Animal Science(Poultry).

No. of questions 75 (MCQs): 75 Domain Knowledge (Humanities Stream) questions

Humanities

Ancient Indian History, Culture, and Archaeology, Heritage Management, Conservation, Preservation, and Heritage Management, etc. Anthropology, Applied Arts, Art and Aesthetics, Dance - Kathak/Bharat Natyam, Kuchipudi, Manipuri, Bharatanatyam, Kathakali, Theatre Arts,Folk and Performing Arts and Culture, Dramatics, Rabindra Nritya, etc.Dev. and Labour Studies, Fine Arts - Painting, Printmaking, Sculpture, Art History & Visual Studies, Mural, etc. Geography, History, and Archaeology, Ancient Indian History, Culture, etc. History of Art, Archaeology, Heritage Management, etc. Home Science-Food & Nutrition, Nutrition and Health, Human Development & Childhood Studies, Fabric & Apparel Science, etc.

No. of questions 75 (MCQs): 75 Domain Knowledge (MTeach/Higher Sciences) questions

MTech/ Higher Sciences

Chemical, Thermal & Polymer Engineering, Thermal Engineering, Civil, Structural & Transport Engineering. Dairy Technology, Data Science, Artificial Intelligence, Cyber Security & Computer Science, Computer Sciences &Engineering/Technology, Information Technology, etc. Electronics, Communication and Information Engineering, Digital Communication, MicroElectronics Engg, VLSI Design, Microwave Electronics, Food Engineering and Technology, Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing & Industrial, Tool Engineering, etc. Nano Science/Nano Technology, Computer Aided Design & Manufacturing, Nanoelectronics/Material Sciences, Electrical, Power, Energy Engineering, Green Energy Technology, etc. Water Engineering and Management, Agricultural Engineering, etc., Textile Engineering.

No. of questions 75 (MCQs): 75 Domain Knowledge (Literature Stream) questions

Literature:

English,Comparative Literature,English & Cultural Studies,English, Modern European,English(Cafeteria)Hindi, Hindi translation, Hindi and Comparative Literature, Hindi and Modern Indian Languages, etc, Sanskrit, Linguistics, Applied Linguistics, Linguistics and Language Technology, Linguistics & TribalLanguages, Computational Linguistics, Arabic, Assamese, Bengali, Bhutia, Chinese, French, Garo, German, Gujarati, Hispanic, Japanese, Kannada, Kashmiri, Khasi, Kokborok, Korean, Lepcha, Limbu, Malayalam, Manipuri, Marathi, Nepali, Odia, Pali, Pashto, Persian, Prakrit, Prayojanmoolak Hindi(Patrakarita), Punjabi, Russian, Tamil, Telugu, Urdu, Urdu Journalism, Indo-Tibetan, Santali, Italian.

75 Domain Knowledge questions in Acharya.

Note: Acharya Papers would be in Sanskrit except for Hindu Studies, Indian Knowledge System, and Baudha Darshan.

Acharya:

Agama, Baudha Darshan / Buddhist Studies (Bilingual - Hindi/English), Dharma Shastra, Vastu, Paurohitya and Veda Dharma Vijnan, Dharmashastra (BHU), Hindu Studies (Bilingual - Hindi/English)), Indian Knowledge System, Jain Darshan (BHU), Jyotish -Falit (BHU), Jyotish -Ganit (BHU), Krishna Yajurveda (BHU), Nyaya Vaisheshika, Phalita and Siddantha Jyotisha, Puranetihas, Rigveda, Sahitya (BHU), Sahitya (Alankara and Kavya varga), Samveda, Shukla Yajurveda (BHU), VedaVedanta (BHU), Vedanta, Sarvadarshan, Mimansa,Nyaya etc.Vyakaran (BHU), Vyakarana & Sabdabodha Systems

75 Domain Knowledge questions

Note: Acharya Papers will be in Sanskrit, except for Hindu Studies, Indian Knowledge System, and Baudha Darshan.

Acharya:

Shiksha Shastri BEd, Shiksha Acharya MEd

75 MCQ Questions Comprising:

Hindi/English Language Comprehension/
Verbal Ability
Mathematical
Quantitative ability
Data Interpretation
Logical Reasoning (Bilingual English/Hindi)

Common:

General MBA, Marketing & Finance Management, Tourism, Travel & Hotel Management, Business Analytics, Sales & Marketing, etc.

75 MCQ Questions Comprising

Hindi/English Language Comprehension/
Verbal Ability
General Knowledge
Awareness, Computer Basics
Logical Reasoning (Bilingual English/Hindi)

Common:

General, LLB, Bachelor of Library & Information Science(One Year), Defence and Strategic Studies, Jammu & Kashmir Studies, Hindu Studies, Women Studies, Anthropology, Digital Society, Finance & Taxation, Physical Education, Textile Design, Hospitality and Tourism Management, Gender Studies, etc.

75 Domain Knowledge questions

Common:

Agri-Business Management, Applied Geography, Geoinformatics and Geographic Information Systems, Applied Geography, Geoinformatics and Geographic Information Systems, BEd Languages, BEd Science, BEd Mathematics, Commerce, Business Finance, Accounting & Taxation, Economic Administration and Financial Management etc, Disaster Studies, Economics, Financial Economics, Business Economics, Rural Economics etc, Library and Information Science, LLM, MEd, MA Education, Mass commumnication and Journalism, Physical Education, Public Health, Sports, Yoga, Hospital Management.

Get details on CUET PG 2026 Application Process

Course Specific Exam Pattern of CUET PG 2026

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 for the MBA, MCA, M.Sc, MA, and M.Tech programs below.

CUET PG 2026 Exam Pattern: 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.

Particulars	Description
Medium	In general, Hindi/ English; Different languages for language courses
Marking Scheme	+4 (Correct Answer), -1 (Incorrect Answer)
Syllabus Release Date	December, tentatively
Full Form	Common University Entrance Test for Post-Graduation (CUET PG)
Total Marks	300
Exam Conducting Body	NTA (National Testing Agency)
Number of Questions	75
Category	CUET PG MBA Syllabus 2026
Exam Pattern	Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ)

CUET PG 2026 Exam Pattern: 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.

Particulars	Details
Medium/ Language	English and Hindi
Total Marks	400
Total number of Questions	100
Negative Marking	Yes
Marking Scheme	+4 for correct answer, -1 for an incorrect answer
Mode of the Examination	Computer-based test (CBT)/LAN-based/Online
Type of Questions	Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
Duration of the Examination	Two hours
Total Sections in the Question Paper	2
Frequency of Exam in a Year	Once a year
Name of the Section and Number of Questions	Section A: Language Comprehension/Verbal Ability, and/or General Knowledge, Mathematical Ability, and Analytical Skills
Section B: Domain-Specific Questions	–

CUET PG 2026 Exam Pattern: 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.

Particulars	Details
Frequency of Exam in a Year	Once a year
Medium/ Language	English and Hindi
Negative Marking	Yes
Total Sections in the Question Paper	1
Type of Questions	Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) asked from the CUET PG syllabus
Total Number of Questions	75
Total Marks	300
Mode of the Examination	Computer-based test (CBT)/LAN-based/Online
Marking Scheme	+4 for correct answer
Duration of the Examination	90 minutes
Name of the Section and Questions	Section A: Scrapped
Section B: Domain-Specific Questions	–

CUET PG 2026 Exam Pattern: MA Course

The MA exam is similar to the M.Sc format. It has 75 questions, all from the domain-specific section, totaling 300 marks. Language courses may be held in their respective languages.

Particulars	Details
Total Sections in the Question Paper	1
Negative Marking	Yes
Medium/ Language	English and Hindi
Marking Scheme	+4 for correct answer
Total Marks	300
Duration of the Examination	90 minutes
Type of Questions	Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) asked from the CUET PG syllabus
Mode of the Examination	Computer-based test (CBT)/LAN-based/Online
Frequency of Exam in a Year	Once a year
Total Number of Questions	75
Name of the Section and Questions	Section A: Scrapped
Section B: Domain-Specific Questions	–

CUET PG 2026 Exam Pattern: 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.

Particulars	Details
Frequency of Exam in a Year	Once a year
Negative Marking	Yes
Total Number of Questions	75
Medium/ Language	English and Hindi
Total Sections in the Question Paper	1
Marking Scheme	+4 for correct answer
Type of Questions	Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) asked from the CUET PG syllabus
Name of the Section and Questions	Section A: Scrapped
Section B: Domain-Specific Questions
Total Marks	300
Mode of the Examination	Computer-based test (CBT)/LAN-based/Online
Duration of the Examination	90 minutes

CUET PG 2026 Exam Pattern: Language

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.

CUET PG 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.

Response Type	Marks Awarded
Correct Answer	+4 marks
Incorrect Answer	-1 mark
Multiple Options Marked for One Question	-1 mark (treated as incorrect)
Unanswered Question	0 marks (no addition/deduction)

CUET PG 2026 Syllabus Overview

CUET PG 2026 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 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:

Category	Subjects Covered	Focus Area	Medium of Exam
Science Stream (MSc)	Agricultural Science, Biochemistry, Botany, Chemistry, Computer Science, Life Sciences, Zoology, Pharmacy, Physics, Statistics, Environmental Science, Food Science, Geology, Microbiology, Forensic Science, etc.	Core subject knowledge, concept understanding, and application-based topics	English & Hindi (Bilingual)
Humanities	History, Political Science, Geography, Psychology, Sociology, Philosophy, Fine Arts, Anthropology, Home Science, Development Studies, Dance, Music, Theatre, Museology, Art & Aesthetics	Analytical thinking, cultural studies, theory-based understanding	English & Hindi (Bilingual)
M.Tech / Engineering	Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, Electronics, Data Science, Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, Nanotechnology, Dairy Technology, Food Engineering, Water Resource Management, Textile Engineering	Technical skills, applied sciences, and problem-solving	English & Hindi (Bilingual)
Acharya (Traditional)	Veda, Vedanta, Nyaya, Mimansa, Jyotish, Agama, Bauddha Darshan, Shiksha Shastri (B.Ed.), Shiksha Acharya (M.Ed.), Sanskrit Sahitya, Indian Knowledge Systems	Classical knowledge systems, Sanskrit grammar, philosophy, and traditional scriptures	Mostly in Sanskrit; Some Bilingual (Hindi/Eng)
Language Subjects	English, Hindi, Sanskrit, Urdu, Bengali, Tamil, Telugu, Marathi, Gujarati, French, German, Chinese, Japanese, Russian, Arabic, Pali, Assamese, and more	Language proficiency, comprehension, grammar, literature	Language-specific
Common Subjects	B.Ed. (All Streams), M.Ed., MBA, LLB, LLM, Library & Information Science, Mass Communication, Commerce, Economics, Physical Education, Yoga, Hospital Management, Public Health, Gender Studies, General Knowledge, Digital Society	General aptitude, teaching aptitude, logical reasoning, subject awareness (depends on the program)	English & Hindi (Bilingual)

CUETPG 2026 Preparation Tips

To prepare for CUET PG 2026, candidates were required to follow these steps below:

Understand the Exam Structure: Candidates should thoroughly review the CUET PG 2026 exam pattern 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 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 2026 Exam Pattern FAQs

What is the CUET PG 2026 Exam Pattern?

The CUET PG exam consists of a General Section and a Subject-Specific Section, with MCQs and short-answer questions. There is negative marking for wrong answers.

Is there negative marking in the CUET PG 2026 Exam Pattern?

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 approximately 2 hours, 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 admit card is issued, 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.