CUET PG exam Pattern Explained-Sections, Marks & Weightage
Introduction: Why Knowing the Exam Pattern Is Crucial
One of the first steps every CUET PG 2026 aspirant must take is understanding the exam pattern. Knowing the number of questions, time allotted, marking scheme, and how topics are distributed helps you plan efficiently, avoid surprises, and optimize your approach.
In this blog, you’ll get:
• A clear picture of the format and structure of CUET PG 2026
• Detailed insight into sections, question types, language medium
• Explanation of marks, negative marking, and scoring rules
• Illustrative weightage by topic / subject
• Strategy tips on how to use the pattern to your advantage
Let’s begin.
Overview: Format, Duration & Mode
1 Mode & Medium
The CUET PG 2026 exam is conducted in computer-based test (CBT / online) format.
Most papers are bilingual (English & Hindi), except in language-specific tests where only one medium may apply.
2 Number of Questions & Total Marks
The test comprises 75 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs).
The total maximum score is 300 marks, meaning each question carries 4 marks for a correct answer.
3 Time Duration
You will have 90 minutes (1 hour 30 minutes) to complete all 75 questions.
This compressed timeframe means pacing is very important.
4 Marking Scheme & Negative Marking
Correct answer: +4 marks
Incorrect answer: –1 mark (negative marking)
Unattempted question: 0 marks (no penalty)
Structure & Sections: What the Paper Contains
1 Single Subject Paper
You choose a single test paper / subject code in which to appear
All 75 questions will be from that chosen subject’s domain
2 General / Aptitude Option
In certain cases, a General / Aptitude / General Paper is available as a test code
This paper may contain language, reasoning, and general awareness content
However, not all courses require it — refer to the 2026 notification
3 Uniform Question Format
All questions are MCQs (single best answer among options)
There is no formal partition into “Part A / Part B” — questions are mixed in difficulty and topics
The bilingual format applies across most parts (English & Hindi)
Marks & Weightage: How the Scoring Works
1 Marks Per Question & Total
Each question = 4 marks
75 × 4 = 300 total marks
2 Impact of Negative Marking
An incorrect answer yields –1 mark
Therefore, guess or attempt only if you can eliminate at least one option; otherwise, skipping is safer
Over the exam, avoid overguessing to preserve score integrity
3 Topic-Wise / Section Weightage (Indicative)
While the exam is uniform, internal distribution across topics within your subject often follows trends. For instance, in a law / LLB test code, one might see a breakdown like:
| Topic | Estimated % Weight |
|---|---|
| Quantitative / Arithmetic & Data Interpretation | ~ 30-35% |
| Logical Reasoning / Analytical Ability | ~ 18-22% |
| General Knowledge / Current Affairs / Polity / Economy / History | ~ 25-30% |
| English (Comprehension, Grammar, Vocabulary) | ~ 10-15% |
| Basic Computer / Tech Awareness | ~ 5-10% |
Use past papers in your subject area to refine these estimates.
Subject Code, Choice & Flexibility
1 Choosing Your Test Paper Code
In the application form, you will select one subject / test code
That will determine your 75-question exam paper
2 Multiple Test Codes (If Allowed)
Some years or institutions allow multiple subject codes, but the norm is now one
Always check the official notification of 2026 for allowance of multiple codes
3 Role of General / Aptitude Test
If present, the General Paper might act like a separate test code
Some universities place weight on this for admission in certain programs
Illustrative Split: What 75 Questions Could Look Like
Here’s a hypothetical distribution (for a social sciences / law / LLB aspirant) to help you visualize:
| Topic | No. of Questions | Marks | % Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quantitative / Arithmetic & Data Interpretation | 25 | 100 | ~33% |
| Logical Reasoning / Analytical Ability | 15 | 60 | ~20% |
| General Knowledge / Polity / Current Affairs / History / Economy | 20 | 80 | ~27% |
| English / Comprehension / Vocabulary | 10 | 40 | ~13% |
| Computer / Basic Tech Awareness | 5 | 20 | ~7% |
This yields 75 questions, 300 marks total. The real exam may deviate from this mix—but this gives you a working framework to plan around.
Recent Changes & Pattern Evolution
Over the past years, CUET PG has undergone a few shifts:
Duration reduced from past longer durations (e.g., 105 minutes) to 90 minutes. (As per CUET PG pattern sources)
The number of questions and marking scheme have remained more stable (75 questions, +4 / –1)
The role and structure of the General / Aptitude component have been refined in recent cycles.
Uniform bilingual medium (English & Hindi) has become more standard.
Because the pattern evolves, always refer to the official 2026 notification for final confirmation.
Strategic Insights & Implications for Your Preparation
Understanding the pattern is only half the battle—here’s how to leverage it:
1 Prioritize High-Weight Topics
Based on your subject’s weight distribution, allocate more time to high-yield areas
But don’t neglect smaller sections—maintain balance
2 Time per Question & Pacing
90 minutes for 75 questions → average ~ 72 seconds each
Use a two-pass strategy: first sweep easy ones, then return to tougher ones
3 Skipping vs Attempting
Only attempt when you can eliminate at least one option
Skip when entirely unsure
Maintain a list of skipped questions to revisit if you have spare time
4 Mock Tests & Pattern Familiarity
Regular full-length mocks will help you internalize pacing, question diffusion, time management
Analyze your mocks: where you lost time, where your errors are clustering
Simulate exam conditions (timed, no interruptions)
5 Revision & Balanced Coverage
- Use spaced repetition to revisit topics periodically
- Build concise notes, flashcards, cheat sheets for quick revision
- In final days, don’t try heavy new topics—revise, mock, consolidate
Subject Variation & Custom Weightage
While the overall scheme is uniform, subject-specific variations do exist:
- Technical / Science / Maths subjects may have more computational / problem-solving questions
- Humanities / Social Sciences may lean more on theory, interpretation, case-based questions
- Some subjects may include application-based MCQs to test depth
- The General / Aptitude component’s presence or weight may vary
For subjective / theoretical courses like History, Political Science, Philosophy, although the exam is MCQ-based, the domain knowledge questions will emphasize conceptual clarity, context, interpretation, and analytical understanding more than pure computation.
Therefore, for subjective domains, your preparation should emphasize deeper understanding, linking ideas, comparative perspectives, interpretations, and ability to handle nuance in MCQs.
Tailor your study plan to the patterns seen in past exams in your specific subject code, and adjust weight estimates accordingly.
Staying Updated & Validating Your Info
Because CUET PG pattern can change:
Always check official NTA / CUET PG notifications / information brochure
Compare changes to past years, note any shifts (time, question count, negative marking)
Adjust your strategy if and when changes are announced
Trust only official sources and announcements
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Will every subject include General / Aptitude / GK section?
A: Not necessarily. Whether a General Paper is included depends on the notification or program requirements.
Q2. If I take the General Paper, do I lose subject questions?
A: Usually not. You’d still receive all 75 questions in your chosen paper (general or subject). Confirm with the 2026 brochure.
Q3. What’s the qualifying mark?
A: Cutoffs / qualifying marks vary each year, depending on subject, number of takers, competition.
Q4. Is skipping better than blind guessing?
A: Yes — unattempted questions incur no penalty. Blind guesses risk negative marks.
Q5. If a question is later deemed flawed, how is it handled?
A: Typically, during the final key / answer key process, exam authorities adjust scoring (e.g. awarding marks to all) to ensure fairnes
Conclusion
Grasping the CUET PG 2026 exam pattern — 75 MCQs, 300 marks, 90 minutes, +4 / –1 scheme, domain-based structure — gives you a strong foundation to plan your preparation. Use pattern knowledge to:
• Allocate time smartly
• Prioritize high-yield topics
• Pace your attempt rate
• Strategize skipping / revisiting
• Train via mocks under real exam conditions
And because you now also know how subjective / interpretive domains may lean, you can tailor your preparation accordingly.
Always stay alert for official updates to the pattern in 2026. With clarity on structure and a committed study approach, you’ll approach the exam with confidence and direction.
Connect With Us
If you’re serious about CUET 2026 and want expert guidance to get into your dream college, reach out to Stargate Education. Call us at 7210032621 and our team will help you with all the details, demo sessions, and batch timings.
We’re here to guide you every step of the way!
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