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CUET Business Studies Preparation 2026: Study Plan, Unit-wise Strategy, Books & PYQs

Author : Chetanya Rai

January 31, 2026

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Overview: To score 250/250 in the CUET Business Studies syllabus, you only need a balanced CUET Business Studies preparation strategy with consistent efforts and hard work. Get insight into the preparation tips, recommended books, and valuable resources to score full marks in this exam.

Unsurprisingly, business studies is a tricky study area; if you don't go prepared with a solid strategy and preparation method, you will likely face challenges. 

  • Most of the questions in the CUET Business Studies paper are NCERT-based, as seen in previous years.
  • The competition will likely grow in 2026, and it's essential to devise a smart CUET Business Studies preparation strategy to crack the exam.

How to Prepare for CUET Business Studies 2026

The Common University Entrance Test (CUET) has become a popular gateway for aspiring business students. The first step in CUET business studies preparation is a thorough understanding of the syllabus.

  • Familiarize yourself with the key topics and their weightage so you can allocate your study time accordingly.
  • There are 13 major units, each of which is then divided into smaller sections.

CUET Exam Pattern for Business Studies

Particulars Details
Total Questions 50
Questions needed to be answered  50
Total Marks  250
Marking Scheme 5 marks for each right answer
-1 for each wrong answer
Question Type MCQ
Exam time duration 60 minutes

Check the CUET Business Studies Syllabus PDF HERE 

CUET Business Studies Preparation 2026

After reading the syllabus, the next step should be to assess your strengths and shortcomings. This will help you organise your preparation routine more logically and efficiently.

  • Create a Study Plan: Develop a personalized CUET study plan, considering your strengths, weaknesses, and available time.
  • Prioritize Topics: Identify high-weightage topics and allocate more time to them.
  • Choose the expert-recommended books: Select books that provide clear and easy explanations, sample questions, and practice papers for each chapter.
  • Make CUET Business Studies Notes: Summarize key points and concepts in your own words.
  • Practice Regularly: Attempt at least 8-12 mock tests and the previous year's papers monthly to track your performance in short intervals and improve timely.
  • Join Study Groups: Collaborate with other students to discuss concepts and clarify doubts. It will also boost your confidence. 
  • Exam Analysis: Review the exam analysis for previous years to learn the type of questions asked in the exam. 

The number of questions for each question type asked in the Business Studies exam over the years is listed below:

  1. Definition-based
  2. Concept-based
  3. Application-based
  4. Case Study/Based on a Paragraph
  5. Statement/Assertion-Reasoning
  6. Match the Following

30-Day CUET Business Studies Preparation Plan (Unit-wise)

This plan works best if you study 2–3 hours/day. Keep your base concept from NCERT and convert it into MCQ accuracy using mocks and PYQs.

Daily Structure (Repeat Everyday)

  • 60–75 min: NCERT concept and short notes (definitions, steps, differences)
  • 45–60 min: 35–50 MCQs (mix of concept, application, and case study)
  • 20–30 min: Revision of yesterday’s notes and error log

Week-wise Targets

Week Units to Cover Practice Focus
Week 1 Management Basics + Principles + Business Environment Definitions, principles, environment-based case questions
Week 2 Planning + Organising + Staffing Steps/process, sequencing, recruitment/selection MCQs
Week 3 Directing + Controlling + Business Finance Motivation/leadership/communication + numeracy-free finance concepts
Week 4 Financial Markets + Marketing + Consumer Protection Match the following, case studies, marketing mix, CPA basics + full revision

Last 5 Days Rule: No new chapters. Only mocks, revision, and cover weak areas.

CUET Business Studies Syllabus 2026 (Official) – Unit-wise (305)

Unit I: Nature and Significance of Management

  • Management – concept, objectives, importance.
  • Nature of management; Management as Science, Art, Profession.
  • Levels of management – top, middle, supervisory (First level).
  • Management functions – planning, organising, staffing, directing and controlling.
  • Coordination – nature and importance.

Unit II: Principles of Management

  • Principles of Management – meaning, nature and significance.
  • Fayol’s principles of management.
  • Taylor’s Scientific Management – Principles and Techniques.

Unit III: Business Environment

  • Business Environment – meaning and importance.
  • Dimensions of Business Environment – Economic, Social, Technological, Political and Legal.

Unit IV: Planning

  • Meaning, features, importance, limitations.
  • Planning process.
  • Types of Plans – Objectives, Strategy, Policy, Procedure, Method, Rule, Budget, Programme.

Unit V: Organising

  • Meaning and importance.
  • Steps in the process of organising.
  • Structure of organization – functional and divisional.
  • Formal and informal organisation.
  • Delegation: meaning, elements and importance.
  • Decentralization: meaning and importance.
  • Difference between delegation and decentralisation.

Unit VI: Staffing

  • Meaning, need and importance of staffing.
  • Staffing as a part of Human Resources Management.
  • Steps in staffing process.
  • Recruitment – meaning, process and sources; merits and demerits of internal and external sources of recruitment.
  • Selection – meaning and process.
  • Training and Development – meaning, need, methods – on the job and off the job methods of training.

Unit VII: Directing

  • Meaning, importance and principles.
  • Elements of Direction:
  • Supervision – meaning and importance.
  • Motivation – meaning and importance, Maslow’s hierarchy of needs; financial and non-financial incentives.
  • Leadership – meaning, importance, style – authoritative, democratic and laissez-faire.
  • Communication – meaning and importance, formal and informal communication; barriers to effective communication, how to overcome the barriers.

Unit VIII: Controlling

  • Meaning and importance.
  • Relationship between planning and controlling.
  • Steps in the process of control.

Unit IX: Business Finance

  • Business finance – meaning, role, objectives of financial management.
  • Financial decisions: investing, financing and dividend – meaning and factors affecting.
  • Financial planning – meaning and importance.
  • Capital Structure – meaning and factors.
  • Fixed and Working Capital – meaning and factors affecting their requirements.

CUET university list 2026

Unit X: Financial Markets

  • Concept of Financial Market.
  • Money Market: concept, instruments.
  • Capital market and its types (primary and secondary market).
  • Stock Exchange – functions, trading procedure.
  • Depository services and demat account.
  • Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) – objectives, functions.

Unit XI: Marketing

  • Marketing – meaning, functions, role and philosophies.
  • Distinction between marketing and selling.
  • Marketing mix – concept and elements:
  • Product – nature, classification, branding, labeling and packaging.
  • Physical distribution: meaning, role; components; channels of distribution – meaning, types, factors determining choice of channels.
  • Promotion – meaning and role, promotion mix; advertising, personal selling, sales promotion and public relation; role of advertising, objections to advertising.
  • Price: factors influencing pricing.

Unit XII: Consumer Protection

  • Meaning and concept.
  • Meaning, importance of consumer protection.
  • The Consumer Protection Act, 2019.
  • Consumer rights.
  • Consumer responsibilities.
  • Who can file a complaint?
  • Ways and means of consumer protection – consumer awareness and legal redressal with special reference to Consumer Protection Act 2019; remedies available.
  • Role of consumer organizations and NGOs.

Valuable Resources for CUET Business Studies Preparation

  • NCERT Textbooks: Read NCERT books first. They help you understand the basics of Business Studies.
  • Reference Books: Use one good CUET Business Studies guide book for more details and extra practice questions.
  • Online Resources: Use websites and apps for notes, videos, and practice tests.
  • Previous Year's Papers: Analyze the previous year's question papers to identify frequently asked questions and scoring topics.
  • Mock Tests: Practice with CUET mock tests regularly to assess your preparation and identify areas for improvement.

cuet exam results

cuet exam results

What is the CUET Study Plan for Business Studies?

This is a suggested study plan for CUET Business Studies preparation. You must:

  • Try to study 2 units daily and then give 0.5-1 hour daily for revision. 
  • Understand the underlying principles and concepts rather than memorizing facts.
  • Try to solve 2-4 CUET previous year question papers to track your progress regularly.
Daily Hours Topics Things to do
0.5-1 hour Principles & Importance of Management  Read NCERT, make notes, and solve practice questions
0.5-1 hour Business Environment Read NCERT, analyse case studies, and watch videos
0.5-1 hour Planning and Organising Make mind maps, practice diagrams, and solve questions
0.5-1 hour Staffing and Directing Create flashcards, discuss with a study group, and solve MCQs
1-2 hours Controlling and Financial Management Learn definitions and practice questions from sample papers
1-2 hours Marketing and Consumer Protection Read case studies, analyse examples, and solve 5-8 questions
1 hour Revision Review notes, practice mock tests, and solve previous years' papers

How to Make CUET Business Studies Notes 2026? 

Taking notes is a crucial skill that will help you throughout your CUET preparation. You can make thorough and well-organized notes by following the points mentioned below:

  • Organize your notes using headings, subheadings, and bullet points.
  • Avoid writing lengthy sentences. Focus on the main points and relevant supporting points.
  • Use diagrams, charts, and mind maps to enhance understanding and recall.
  • Use highlighters or bold text to emphasize important terms and definitions.
  • Summarize key points from textbooks or other resources.
  • Assign different colors to different topics or categories for better understanding.

CUET Business Studies Preparation Books

The right CUET preparation books are essential for a clear and strong understanding of every concept. The experts-recommended books for CUET Business Studies preparation are: 

  • NCERT Class 11 Business Studies Textbook Part I
  • NCERT Class 11 Business Studies Textbook Part II
  • NCERT Class 12 Business Studies Textbook Part I
  • NCERT Class 12 Business Studies Textbook Part II
  • Supergrads CUET UG Business Studies Comprehensive Series

Key Takeaways

Without losing any more time, go through the entire business studies syllabus for CUET and start your CUET business studies preparation as soon as possible. 

  • Familiarize yourself with the key topics and their weightage.
  • Create a study plan that considers your strengths and weaknesses.
  • Focus on CUET Business Studies important topics and allocate more time to them.
  • Use clear structures, visuals, and colors while taking notes.
  • Solve CUET previous year papers and mock tests to assess your progress regularly.
  • Refer to NCERT textbooks, reference books, online materials, and CUET mock tests.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many units are covered in the CUET Business Studies Syllabus?

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What is the syllabus for business studies in CUET?

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How to prepare for CUET business studies?

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How many questions are there in CUET business studies?

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Is CUET based on 12th syllabus?

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Is CUET NCERT level?

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About the Author

Faculty
Chetanya Rai

Communications Executive (CUET)

Chetanya Rai is a Content Writer with over two years of experience, known for creativity and storytelling. Also, he loves writing personal finance content through which he helps readers understand money management, budgeting, and investing in a simple yet relatable way.... more

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