Is Language Test Compulsory for CUET Exam 2026?

Overview: Are you also confused about whether is language test compulsory for CUET or not? Find answers to all your questions in the article below along with the factors to consider while selecting CUET subjects. 

You can choose up to a maximum of 5 subjects, including languages and General tests in CUET. While looking at the exam pattern, you may ask, is the language test compulsory for CUET?

This comprehensive guide will provide detailed answers to this question. 

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Understanding the Language Section in CUET 2026

The CUET UG exam was incepted in 2022, and since then, it has undergone several changes. As it has significantly transformed the process of higher education admissions in India, one of the key components of the exam is the language test.

• In previous years, students were allowed to select a maximum of 10 subjects, but in 2025, this changed to only 5. 
• Language proficiency is still regarded as a crucial CUET eligibility requirement by participating universities for their UG programs.
• By taking the language test, you can raise your total CUET score and increase your chances of getting accepted into the program of your choice.

CUET Exam Pattern 2026

The CUET exam pattern includes 3 sections as mentioned below: 

Criteria	Language Test	Domain Test	General Test
Mode	Online	Online	Online
Duration	60 minutes	60 minutes	60 minutes
Type of Questions	Objective	Objective	Objective
Total test papers	13	23	1
Number of Questions (to be attempted)	50 questions out of 50	50 questions out of 50	50 questions out of 50
CUET Exam Total Marks	250	250	250

Read: Is General Test Compulsory for CUET

Is Language Test Compulsory for CUET? 

To answer, is it compulsory to choose language in CUET exam? The answer is NO! Language Test is an optional paper, but selecting at least one language is still advisable. Here's an example: 

If you select BA (Hons.) Political Science at the University of Delhi, the required subject combination would be: 

• Any one from Section I
• Any three from Section II

In the above case, taking the language test is compulsory. 

Conversely, for a course such as B.Sc. (Hons.) Agriculture at Banaras Hindu University, the subject mapping is as follows: 

• Any three subjects from Section II 

In the above case, taking the language test is not compulsory. 

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Important Points to Consider While Choosing CUET Subjects

As the answer to the question 'Is it compulsory to choose a language in CUET exam' is NO, you may now ask how to choose the 5 subjects for UG admission. Here's how you must do it: 

1- Check Specific University Requirements

• While the language test is optional at the national level, individual universities may require it for their CUET courses. 
• It is important to review the eligibility criteria and specific exam pattern for each university and course you're applying to. 

2- Check Your Proficiency Level

• You must not opt for any language without understanding your proficiency and confidence in it. 
• To increase your score, try to choose common languages like Hindi or English or the one you are comfortable with. 

Should You Take a Language Test in CUET or Not?

While learning is language test compulsory for CUET or not, you may get confused after learning whether to take it or not as it is optional. In this case, consider the following factors: 

• Your language proficiency level
• The specific courses and universities you are targeting
• Your overall academic profile
• Your confidence about other subjects in the CUET exam pattern

If you are unsure about the subject combination, the ideal CUET subject combination must look like:

1 Language Test + 2/3 Domain Tests + 1 General Aptitude Test

Read in detail about no. of attempts in CUET 

Key Takeaways

Now you know the language test in CUET is not always compulsory. But you must still check the rules for your course and college. Learn the exam pattern, make a plan, and practice with mock tests.

• The CUET language test is not compulsory for all courses.
• Always check the eligibility rules for your chosen course and university.
• Understand the exam pattern and make a simple study timetable.
• Practise CUET mock tests to improve your score.