CUET UG 2026: The Ultimate 8-Step Admissions Roadmap

Section-wise Strategy, Subject Mapping, and 100-Day Prep Guide for Top Universities.

Updated: 3 days ago

Categories: Entrance Exams, Higher Education, Career Guidance
Tags: CUET UG 2026, NTA CUET Pattern, Delhi University Admissions, CUET Domain Strategy, General Test Prep
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CUET (UG) 2026: One Exam, Endless Opportunities

Single gateway to 250+ universities. Crack the 2026 pattern and land your spot in top institutions like DU, JNU, BHU, or AMU.

1. Exam Overview: The 2026 Reality

Mode: Computer-Based Test (CBT)
Exam Window: May 11 – May 31, 2026 (Tentative)
Max Subjects: Up to 5
Marking: +5 correct / -1 incorrect / 0 unattempted

Total 37 subjects: 13 Languages + 23 Domain + 1 General Test. Each paper = 250 marks (50 Γ— 5).

2. Detailed Section Breakdown

Section Content Questions Time
Section IA & IB Languages (13 Indian + 20 Foreign; RC, Vocab, Grammar, Literary Aptitude) 50 (all compulsory) 60 Minutes
Section II 23 Domain-Specific Subjects (NCERT Class 12 based) 50 (all compulsory) 60 Minutes per subject
Section III General Test (GK, Current Affairs, Mental Ability, Quant, Logical Reasoning) 50 (all compulsory) 60 Minutes

3. Subject Mapping & Eligibility

Educator's Tip: Choose subjects matching your Class 12 stream and university rules. Delhi University (DU) requires domain subjects aligned with Class 12. JNU often prioritizes General Test + Language/English. BHU emphasizes domain scores for sciences & social sciences. Always verify university-specific eligibility on their official portal before applying.

4. Section-Wise Master Strategy

Language Mastery

Read daily editorials from The Hindu, Indian Express, or The Quint. Focus on inference-based RC (factual, literary, narrative passages) + vocab speed.

Domain Excellence

NCERT Class 12 is your bible. Cover the full CUET syllabus (even topics deleted from boards). Solve past CUET papers + NTA samples religiously.

General Test Tactics

Build mental math speed: Percentages, Ratios, Averages, Profit-Loss, Time-Speed. Cover current affairs (Aug 2025 – April 2026). Practice puzzles, seating arrangements, syllogisms daily.

5. The 100-Day Countdown Plan

  • Days 1-40: Concept building. Complete full NCERT + back exercises for all chosen subjects.
  • Days 41-75: MCQ marathon. Solve 50 questions daily per subject + timed sectional tests.
  • Days 76-100: Full CBT mocks. Take multi-subject slots to simulate real exam stamina. Revise mistakes & weak topics aggressively.

6. Where to Apply? Top Destinations

University of Delhi (DU) β€” Best for Commerce, Humanities, Sciences.
Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) β€” Elite for Social Sciences, Languages, International Relations.
Banaras Hindu University (BHU) β€” Strong in Sciences, Arts, Ayurveda, Agriculture.
AMU & Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI) β€” Excellent for Professional, Interdisciplinary & Minority-focused courses.

250+ participating universities β€” full list available on cuet.nta.nic.in.

7. Final Documentation Checklist

  • βœ… Scanned Class 10 & 12 Marksheets
  • βœ… Category Certificate (SC/ST/OBC-NCL/EWS) β€” valid for 2026
  • βœ… PwBD Certificate (if applicable)
  • βœ… Recent Passport-size Photo & Scanned Signature
  • βœ… Aadhaar / Photo ID details for registration

8. Official Portals

Your dream university is just one smart preparation away.

All the best for CUET 2026 β€” see you on campus! πŸŽ“πŸ”₯