Common University Entrance Undergraduate Syllabus
The CUET UG 2026 Syllabus is prescribed by the National Testing Agency (NTA) and is largely based on the Class 12 NCERT curriculum. Candidates are assessed across language proficiency, domain-specific knowledge, and general aptitude depending on their chosen subjects.
Understanding the CUET UG syllabus is essential for effective preparation, as Class 11 topics are generally excluded for domain subjects, and the test focuses on conceptual clarity and application-based questions. The official subject-wise syllabus PDFs are available on the NTA CUET portal.
📑 Table of Contents
CUET UG 2026 Syllabus Overview
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | Common University Entrance Test – Undergraduate (CUET-UG) 2026 |
| Conducting Body | National Testing Agency (NTA) |
| Syllabus Basis | Class 12 NCERT Curriculum (for domain subjects) |
| Total Subjects | 37 (13 Languages + 23 Domain Subjects + 1 General Aptitude Test) |
| Max Subject Selection | Up to 5 subjects per candidate |
| Question Type | Objective type Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) |
| Questions per Paper | 50 questions — All compulsory |
| Duration per Paper | 60 minutes (PwBD: 80 minutes) |
| Subject Selection Rule | Irrespective of subjects opted in Class XII |
| Class 11 Topics | Generally excluded from domain subjects |
| Official Syllabus PDF | cuet.nta.nic.in/cuetug-2026-syllabus |
🗣️ Languages
Tests reading comprehension, vocabulary, literary aptitude, and communication skills.
📖 Domain Subjects
Based strictly on Class 12 NCERT textbooks. 23 subjects across Science, Commerce, Arts.
🧠 General Test
Assesses general knowledge, current affairs, reasoning, numeracy, and environmental awareness.
Section I: Language Syllabus
The language section tests reading comprehension and communication skills. Questions are based on factual, literary, and narrative passages. No specific textbook is prescribed — the focus is on comprehension ability.
| Topic Area | What It Covers |
|---|---|
| Reading Comprehension | Factual passages, literary passages, and narrative passages — testing understanding, inference, and interpretation |
| Vocabulary | Synonyms, antonyms, one-word substitutions, idioms & phrases, word usage in context |
| Literary Aptitude | Understanding of literary devices, tone, mood, style, and author's purpose |
| Rearrangement & Correction | Sentence rearrangement, error spotting, fill in the blanks, cloze tests |
| Grammar (Language-specific) | Basic grammar rules applicable to the chosen language — tenses, voice, articles, prepositions |
Section II: Domain Subject Syllabus
Domain subjects are strictly based on NCERT Class 12 textbooks. There are 23 subjects available. Candidates should select subjects based on the eligibility criteria of their desired university programme. Below is the complete list with detailed topics for major subjects.
Science Stream Subjects
Science Physics
Based on NCERT Class 12 Physics. Covers mechanics of modern physics, electromagnetism, optics, and electronic devices.
- Electrostatics — Electric Charges, Coulomb's Law, Electric Field, Gauss's Theorem, Potential
- Current Electricity — Ohm's Law, Kirchhoff's Rules, Wheatstone Bridge, Meter Bridge
- Magnetic Effects of Current & Magnetism — Biot-Savart Law, Ampere's Law, Electromagnetic Induction
- Electromagnetic Induction & Alternating Currents — Faraday's Laws, Self/Mutual Inductance, AC Circuits
- Electromagnetic Waves — EM Spectrum, Properties, Applications
- Optics — Ray Optics (Reflection, Refraction, Lenses), Wave Optics (Interference, Diffraction)
- Dual Nature of Matter and Radiation — Photoelectric Effect, de Broglie Wavelength
- Atoms & Nuclei — Bohr Model, Radioactivity, Nuclear Fission & Fusion
- Electronic Devices — Semiconductors, p-n Junction Diode, Transistors, Logic Gates
- Communication Systems — Elements, Bandwidth, Modulation, Propagation
Science Chemistry
Based on NCERT Class 12 Chemistry. Covers Physical, Inorganic, and Organic Chemistry.
- Solid State — Types of Solids, Crystal Lattice, Packing Efficiency, Defects
- Solutions — Concentration, Colligative Properties, Raoult's Law, Van't Hoff Factor
- Electrochemistry — Nernst Equation, Conductivity, Electrolytic & Galvanic Cells
- Chemical Kinetics — Rate of Reaction, Order, Molecularity, Arrhenius Equation
- Surface Chemistry — Adsorption, Catalysis, Colloids, Emulsions
- p-Block, d-Block & f-Block Elements — Properties, Compounds, Trends
- Coordination Compounds — Werner's Theory, IUPAC Nomenclature, Isomerism, CFT
- Haloalkanes, Haloarenes, Alcohols, Phenols & Ethers — Reactions, Preparations, Properties
- Aldehydes, Ketones & Carboxylic Acids — Nucleophilic Addition, Named Reactions
- Amines, Biomolecules, Polymers & Chemistry in Everyday Life
Science Mathematics
Based on NCERT Class 12 Mathematics. Covers Algebra, Calculus, Vectors, and Probability.
- Relations & Functions — Types, Composite/Inverse Functions, Binary Operations
- Inverse Trigonometric Functions — Properties, Principal Values, Graphs
- Matrices & Determinants — Types, Operations, Adjoint, Inverse, Solving Linear Equations
- Continuity & Differentiability — Limits, Derivatives, Chain Rule, Rolle's & Mean Value Theorem
- Application of Derivatives — Rate of Change, Tangent/Normal, Maxima & Minima
- Integrals — Indefinite & Definite Integrals, Methods: Substitution, Partial Fractions, By Parts
- Application of Integrals — Area Under Curves, Between Lines
- Differential Equations — Order, Degree, Formation, Solution Methods
- Vectors & Three-Dimensional Geometry — Dot/Cross Product, Lines, Planes, Distances
- Linear Programming — Graphical Method, Feasible Region, Optimization
- Probability — Conditional Probability, Bayes' Theorem, Random Variables, Binomial Distribution
Science Biology
Based on NCERT Class 12 Biology. Covers Genetics, Evolution, Ecology, and Biotechnology.
- Reproduction in Organisms — Asexual & Sexual Reproduction, Flower Structure
- Human Reproduction — Male & Female Reproductive System, Gametogenesis, Fertilisation
- Reproductive Health — Birth Control, STDs, Infertility, Amniocentesis
- Principles of Inheritance & Variation — Mendel's Laws, Chromosomal Theory, Sex Determination
- Molecular Basis of Inheritance — DNA Replication, Transcription, Translation, Genetic Code
- Evolution — Origin of Life, Natural Selection, Hardy-Weinberg Principle, Human Evolution
- Human Health & Disease — Immunity, AIDS, Cancer, Drugs & Alcohol Abuse
- Biotechnology — Principles, Tools, Recombinant DNA Technology, PCR, Gel Electrophoresis
- Biotechnology Applications — GM Organisms, Gene Therapy, Transgenic Animals
- Ecology — Organisms & Populations, Ecosystem, Biodiversity, Environmental Issues
Science Computer Science / Informatics Practices
Based on NCERT Class 12 curriculum. Covers programming, data handling, networking, and databases.
- Python Programming — Data Types, Control Statements, Functions, File Handling
- Data Structures — Stacks, Queues (Implementation using Lists/Dictionaries)
- Database Concepts — SQL Queries, DDL/DML Commands, Aggregate Functions, Joins
- Computer Networks — Types, Protocols, Topologies, TCP/IP, Web Technologies
- Cyber Security & Ethics — Threats, e-Waste, Privacy Laws, Intellectual Property
- Data Handling with Pandas — Series, DataFrame, Importing/Exporting CSV
- Data Visualization using Matplotlib — Line, Bar, Histogram Charts
Commerce Stream Subjects
Commerce Accountancy
Based on NCERT Class 12 Accountancy. Covers Partnership Accounts and Company Accounts.
- Accounting for Partnership Firms — Fundamentals, Goodwill, Admission, Retirement, Death
- Dissolution of Partnership Firm — Settlement of Accounts, Insolvency of Partner
- Accounting for Share Capital — Issue, Forfeiture, Re-issue, Disclosure
- Issue & Redemption of Debentures — Types, Issue at Premium/Discount, Sinking Fund
- Financial Statements of a Company — Balance Sheet, Statement of P&L, Analysis
- Financial Statement Analysis — Ratio Analysis, Comparative, Common Size Statements
- Cash Flow Statement — Operating, Investing, Financing Activities (AS-3)
Commerce Business Studies
Based on NCERT Class 12 Business Studies. Covers principles of management and business operations.
- Nature & Significance of Management — Levels, Functions, Coordination
- Principles of Management — Fayol's 14 Principles, Taylor's Scientific Management
- Business Environment — Components, Demonetisation, Economic Reforms (LPG)
- Planning & Organising — Process, Types, Delegation, Decentralisation
- Staffing — Recruitment, Selection, Training, Development
- Directing — Supervision, Motivation (Maslow, Herzberg), Leadership, Communication
- Controlling — Process, Budgetary & Non-Budgetary Techniques
- Financial Management & Financial Markets — Capital Structure, Dividend, Stock Exchange, SEBI
- Marketing Management — Mix (4Ps), Branding, Packaging, Pricing, Distribution
- Consumer Protection — Rights, Consumer Protection Act 2019, Redressal Mechanism
Commerce Economics
Based on NCERT Class 12 Economics. Covers Macro Economics and Indian Economic Development.
- National Income Accounting — GDP, GNP, NDP, NNP, Methods of Computation
- Money & Banking — Functions of Money, Central Bank (RBI), Commercial Banks, Credit Creation
- Government Budget & Economy — Revenue/Capital Receipts, Expenditure, Fiscal Policy, Deficit
- Balance of Payments — BOP Components, Current & Capital Account, Foreign Exchange Rate
- Determination of Income & Employment — Aggregate Demand/Supply, Multiplier Effect
- Indian Economy at Independence — Agriculture, Industry, Foreign Trade, Demographic Indicators
- Economic Reforms since 1991 — Liberalisation, Privatisation, Globalisation
- Current Challenges — Poverty, Unemployment, Infrastructure, Rural Development
Commerce Entrepreneurship
Covers entrepreneurial mindset, business planning, and startup essentials.
- Entrepreneurial Opportunity — Sensing, Idea Generation, Environment Scanning
- Business Planning — Feasibility Study, Business Plan Components, Financial Planning
- Enterprise Marketing — Market Survey, Marketing Mix, Digital Marketing Basics
- Resource Mobilisation — Sources of Finance, Angel Investors, Venture Capital, Crowdfunding
- Enterprise Growth Strategies — Franchising, Merger, Acquisition, Diversification
Arts & Humanities Subjects
Arts History
Based on NCERT Class 12 History. Covers themes in Indian History from ancient to modern times.
- Bricks, Beads & Bones — Harappan Archaeology, Urban Planning, Craft Production
- Kings, Farmers & Towns — Early States, Economies, Mauryan Empire, Inscriptions
- Kinship, Caste & Class — Social Histories from Mahabharata
- Thinkers, Beliefs & Buildings — History of Buddhism, Sanchi Stupa
- Through the Eyes of Travellers — Al-Biruni, Ibn Battuta, Bernier
- Bhakti-Sufi Traditions — Saints, Devotional Paths, Religious Movements
- An Imperial Capital: Vijayanagara — Architecture, Society, Hampi
- Peasants, Zamindars & the State — Mughal Empire, Agrarian Relations
- Colonialism and the Countryside — Permanent Settlement, Indigo Revolt, Deccan Riots
- Rebels and the Raj — Revolt of 1857, Causes, Impact, British Response
- Mahatma Gandhi and the Nationalist Movement — Non-Cooperation, Civil Disobedience, Quit India
- Framing the Constitution — Constituent Assembly Debates, Vision, Federal Structure
Arts Political Science
Based on NCERT Class 12 Political Science. Covers contemporary politics and international relations.
- Cold War Era — Bipolar World, Non-Aligned Movement, Cuban Missile Crisis
- Post-Cold War — US Hegemony, Alternative Centres of Power (EU, China, ASEAN)
- International Organisations — UN, Security Council, WTO, IMF, World Bank
- Globalisation — Economic, Cultural, Political, Anti-Globalisation Movements
- Challenges of Nation Building — Partition, Integration of States, Language Policy
- Era of One-Party Dominance — Congress System, Socialist Ideology
- Politics of Planned Development — Five Year Plans, Nehruvian Model
- India's External Relations — India-China, India-Pakistan, Nuclear Policy
- Rise of Popular Movements — Chipko, Narmada Bachao, Anti-Arrack
- Recent Developments — Era of Coalitions, Mandal Commission, Economic Reforms
Arts Geography
Based on NCERT Class 12 Geography. Covers Human Geography and India-specific studies.
- Human Geography — Nature & Scope, Types of Human Activities
- Population — Distribution, Density, Growth, Composition, Migration
- Human Settlements — Rural & Urban Settlements, Urbanisation
- Transport & Communication — Land, Water, Air Transport, Pipelines, Communication Networks
- International Trade — Basis, Ports, Trade Organisations
- India — People & Economy — Population, Migration Patterns, Human Development
- Land Resources & Agriculture — Land Use, Types of Farming, Food Security
- Water Resources — Irrigation, Water Scarcity, Watershed Management
- Mineral & Energy Resources — Distribution, Conservation, Non-Conventional Energy
- Planning & Sustainable Development — Target Area Planning, Hill Area Development
Arts Psychology, Sociology & Other Subjects
Additional Arts stream subjects available in CUET UG 2026:
- Psychology — Intelligence, Self & Personality, Psychological Disorders, Therapy, Attitude, Social Influence
- Sociology — Indian Society, Social Institutions, Social Change, Cultural Diversity, Globalisation
- Home Science — Human Development, Nutrition, Resource Management, Fabric & Apparel, Communication
- Legal Studies — Indian Constitution, Family Law, Human Rights, Consumer Law, Contract Law
- Fine Arts / Visual Arts — Indian Art Heritage, Rajput & Mughal Miniatures, Modern Indian Art
- Physical Education — Sports Training, Management, Yoga & Lifestyle, Psychology in Sports
- Agriculture — Crop Production, Horticulture, Animal Husbandry, Agricultural Economics
- Sanskrit — Prose, Poetry, Grammar, Literature, Translation
- Anthropology — Human Evolution, Social Anthropology, Indian Tribes, Cultural Anthropology
- Knowledge Tradition & Practices of India — Indian Knowledge Systems, Science & Technology Heritage
- Performing Arts — Classical Dance, Music Theory, Stage Craft, Dramatics
Section III: General Aptitude Test Syllabus
The General Aptitude Test assesses overall analytical ability, general awareness, and quantitative skills. It is common across courses and not specific to any stream.
General Knowledge & Current Affairs
National & international events, awards, sports, government schemes, important dates, personalities
General Mental Ability
Verbal & non-verbal reasoning, pattern recognition, series completion, analogies, classification
Numerical Ability
Basic arithmetic, percentages, profit/loss, ratio & proportion, time & work, simple/compound interest
Quantitative Reasoning
Simple applications of Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Mensuration & Statistics
Logical & Analytical Reasoning
Blood relations, direction sense, coding-decoding, syllogisms, Venn diagrams, data interpretation
General Science & Environmental Literacy
Basic science concepts, environmental awareness, climate change, biodiversity, sustainable development
Important Notes for CUET UG 2026 Syllabus
NCERT is the Primary Source
Domain subjects are based entirely on Class 12 NCERT curriculum. Master your textbooks thoroughly.
Class 11 Topics Excluded
Class 11 topics are generally excluded for domain subjects. Focus only on Class 12 chapters.
Maximum 5 Subjects
Choose up to 5 subjects across all sections. Selection is irrespective of Class XII stream.
Check University Requirements
Different universities accept different subject combinations. Verify eligibility before selecting subjects.
Official PDFs Available
NTA provides subject-wise syllabus PDFs on the official CUET portal. Always refer to official sources.
Application-Based Questions
Questions test conceptual clarity and application, not rote learning. Practice MCQs extensively.
Download Official CUET UG Syllabus
📥 Official Subject-wise Syllabus PDFs
Download the latest CUET (UG) 2026 syllabus directly from the NTA portal. Separate PDFs for each domain subject, languages, and General Test.
Frequently Asked Questions on CUET UG Syllabus
Is CUET UG syllabus based on Class 11 or Class 12?
The CUET UG syllabus for domain subjects is primarily based on Class 12 NCERT. Class 11 topics are generally excluded. The language section and General Aptitude Test are skill-based and not tied to any specific class curriculum.
How many subjects can I select in CUET UG 2026?
Candidates can select up to a maximum of 5 subjects in total. This includes languages, domain subjects, and the General Aptitude Test. Subject choice is irrespective of subjects opted in Class XII and depends on course eligibility requirements of the target university.
Where can I download the official CUET UG syllabus PDF?
The official subject-wise syllabus PDFs are available on the NTA CUET portal at cuet.nta.nic.in/cuetug-2026-syllabus. Separate PDFs are provided for each domain subject. Always rely on official sources for the most accurate information.
What topics are covered in the General Aptitude Test?
The General Aptitude Test includes: General Knowledge & Current Affairs, General Mental Ability, Numerical Ability, Quantitative Reasoning (Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Mensuration, Statistics), Logical & Analytical Reasoning, and General Science & Environmental Literacy (updated for 2026).
Is there any change in CUET UG syllabus for 2026?
Yes. Key updates for 2026 include: (1) All 50 questions are now compulsory in each paper, (2) The General Test syllabus now includes General Science and Environmental Literacy, and (3) The duration is 60 minutes per paper for all sections uniformly.
Are NCERT books sufficient for CUET UG preparation?
Yes, for domain subjects, NCERT Class 12 textbooks are the primary and most important source. However, for the General Aptitude Test, candidates should also refer to current affairs resources, reasoning practice books, and general science materials for comprehensive preparation.
What is the language syllabus for CUET UG?
The language section tests reading comprehension through factual, literary, and narrative passages. It also covers vocabulary, literary aptitude, sentence rearrangement, and grammar. No specific textbook is prescribed — it is entirely skill-based.
Can I select subjects from different streams?
Yes. CUET UG allows candidates to choose subjects irrespective of their Class XII stream. A Science student can opt for Economics or History if required by their desired university programme. However, always check the specific eligibility criteria of the university you're applying to.
How should I prepare for the CUET UG Domain Subjects?
Step 1: Thoroughly study NCERT Class 12 textbooks for your chosen subjects. Step 2: Practice MCQs and previous year papers to understand the question pattern. Step 3: Focus on application-based understanding rather than rote memorisation. Step 4: Take mock tests on the NTA website to get used to the CBT format.
Are there negative marks in CUET UG?
Yes. CUET UG follows a marking scheme of +5 marks for correct and −1 mark for incorrect answers. Unattempted questions carry 0 marks. This makes accuracy crucial — avoid random guessing.