How to Start your CUET Preparation for 2026 Exam

Overview: Learn step-by-step approach to how to start your CUET preparation 2026. The blog guides you on exploring the CUET syllabus, creating a study plan, using the previous year's question papers, solving sample papers and mock tests, and keeping yourself motivated. 

You should be aware that CUET 2026 will rank among the nation's largest UG admissions. To handle the strain of juggling your CUET and Board preparation, you must be wondering about how to start your CUET preparation.

Given the additional strain of the board tests, now is the ideal time to plan and start your trip if you haven't already considered how to prepare for the CUET.

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How to start your CUET Preparation 2026?

To prepare well for CUET 2026, it is important for you first to understand the exam thoroughly. Every entrance exam has its unique nature, so you must know the details of the exam before beginning your preparation.

• Review the CUET exam pattern and the subject-by-subject CUET 2026 syllabus before beginning your study process.
• Go through the official brochure for the CUET exam to know more about the subjects, marking scheme and eligibility.
• You should get all the CUET preparation books to prepare well for the exam and increase your chances of getting a top university/college seat.

CUET Participating Universities

As you learn how to start your CUET preparation, remember to check the list of universities offering your desired courses. A total of 280+ universities will be accepting applications for admission using CUET 2026 scores.

Eligibility Criteria for CUET 2026

• There is no age limit for the candidates to apply for the test.
• However, you must qualify for your 10+2 from a recognised board with a minimum of 40% marks.

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CUET Exam Pattern and Structure 2026

Here's the detailed marking scheme NTA CUET exam pattern for the academic year: 

Sections	Subjects/ Tests	Total Questions	Time Duration	Total Marks
Section I	13 Languages	50	60 minutes	250
Section II	23 Domain Subjects	50	60 minutes	250
Section III	General Aptitude Test	50	60 minutes	250

Marking Scheme for CUET

According to the CUET marking scheme, 

• You will be awarded +5 marks for each correct answer. 
•  -1 mark will be deducted for each wrong answer.
• However, there will be no negative marking for unattempted questions.

5 Steps on How to start your CUET Preparation 2026

As an aspiring student learning how to prepare for CUET 2026, you may wonder how to give yourself an equal opportunity to succeed. To help you achieve your goal, it's essential to follow a detailed stepwise CUET study plan for your preparation.

1- Know The Syllabus

• Understanding the CUET syllabus is essential when you start your CUET preparation.
• Spend time reading the curriculum and the CUET study guides to familiarize yourself with the exam's subject matter.
• This will enable you to decide which subjects to concentrate on and which to ignore.
• Verify the grades given for each subject and arrange your preparation according to your strengths and limitations. This will help you prepare for the CUET and put you on the correct path to passing it.

2- Make a Timetable

• It's best to start early to balance your CUET preparation with your boards. Doing so will reduce the pressure and allow you to plan a study schedule more conveniently.
• As you learn how to start your CUET Preparation, Create a plan that suits you and allows you to dedicate a fixed amount of time each day for CUET preparation.
• Make a dedicated timetable based on the time you can devote and ensure that you stick to it. This will help you maintain momentum in your last-minute preparation and ensure that you perform well on both CUET and your boards.

3- Go Through Previous Year's Question Papers

• It's highly recommended that you go through the previous year’s question papers and solve them to better understand the exam pattern and the types of questions asked in CUET 2026.
• By doing so, you can identify the topics and units from each subject given higher importance and focus more on them during your preparation.
• As you learn how to start your CUET preparation, this will help you prepare better and increase your chances of scoring well in the CUET 2026.
• You can also download the CUET previous year question papers and sample paper from the link provided and start practising them immediately.

4- Give Mock Tests and Solve Sample Papers

• Solving sample papers and taking mock tests regularly are essential to identifying your strengths and weaknesses.
• Solving these papers will help you understand the exam format and pattern and develop your time management skills.
• With regular practice, you can identify your areas of strength and weakness and work on improving them. Solving CUET mock tests will also help you build confidence and reduce exam anxiety.
• So, as you learn how to start your CUET preparation, remember to solve as many sample papers as possible and take as many mock tests as possible to prepare for the CUET 2026 exam.

5- Stay Motivated

• It's important to keep yourself motivated to tackle any challenge, especially with an entrance exam like CUET.
• To fully understand what to expect, start by exploring the syllabus, CUET preparation books, sample papers, and the previous year's questions.
• Keep a positive mindset and understand how acing the entrance exam can help you achieve your career aspirations and shape your future.

Attempt FREE subject-wise CUET mock tests NOW!

CUET 2026 Important Dates

It is important to know the dates while learning how to start your CUET preparation. Know the important events and respective dates for CUET 2026 mentioned below:

Events	CUET 2026 Exam Dates & Schedule
CUET Registration starts	March 2026
CUET Registration closes	March 2026 (up to 11.50 PM)
Last date for paying CUET application fee	March 2026 (up to 11.50 PM)
CUET Correction window	March 2026 (up to 11.50 PM)
Announcement of the exam city slip	To be announced later on the website
Admit Card Release Date	To be announced later on the website
CUET 2026 Exam Dates	May 2026 to June 2026 (tentative)
CUET UG Counselling begins	To be announced later on the website

Conclusion

Starting your CUET preparation early, understanding the syllabus, and practicing with the previous year's question papers and mock tests are key steps in your journey to success.

Balancing your preparation for your board exams with staying motivated throughout the CUET counselling process is equally important. With a dedicated approach and guidance, you can ace the exam and pave the way for a bright future.