CUET PG Exam Pattern 2026: Check Question Types, Time Duration & Marking in One Place

Many students who have completed their undergraduate programs must be dreaming of joining a top university for their postgraduation studies. For this, they need to appear for the CUET Exam, for which students are required to first go through the CUET PG Exam Pattern thoroughly. The exam conducting body, i.e., the National Testing Agency (NTA), every year releases the newly updated CUET PG Exam Pattern along with an information brochure at its official website. Students can also check the detailed Exam pattern in the article below.

CUET PG Exam Pattern 2026

The CUET PG exam is a national-level entrance test conducted for admission into postgraduate courses in central and other participating universities across India. As per the Latest CUET PG Exam Pattern, the exam is held in online mode and includes multiple-choice questions (MCQs). The paper usually has 100 questions, divided into two parts – General and Subject-specific. 

Students can apply for various PG courses like MA, MSc, MCom, MBA, MCA, and more through CUET PG. Some popular universities that accept CUET PG scores include Delhi University, Banaras Hindu University, Jawaharlal Nehru University, and Aligarh Muslim University. This exam helps students get admission to top universities based on their scores, making the process fair and transparent.

CUET PG Exam Pattern Highlights

All the students appearing for the upcoming CUET PG 2025 Exam can check the highlights of the latest Exam pattern in the table shared below:

CUET PG 2026 Marking Scheme

Before appearing for the CUET PG 2026, students must note that they should make sure to answer only those questions for which they know the correct answers. As in the NTA CUET PG Exam, there is a negative marking of 1 mark for each wrong attempt. Students can check the detailed marking scheme for the Central University Entrance Test for Postgraduate (CUET PG) below. They must also make sure to check the past year’s CUET PG Cut Off. 

• Total Number of Questions: 75
• Marks Awarded for Each Correct Answer: 4 marks
• Total / Maximum Marks: 300
• Marks Deducted for Each Incorrect Answer: 1 mark
• Marks for Unanswered / Un-attempted Questions: 0 marks

CUET PG Subject-Wise Detailed Exam Pattern 

The CUET PG exam follows a subject-wise pattern to help students focus better on their chosen field. Each paper includes 75 multiple-choice questions (MCQs) based on the subject selected by the student. The exam is held online and lasts for 90 minutes. Every correct answer gives 4 marks, while 1 mark is deducted for each wrong answer. No marks are given for unanswered questions. The total marks for the exam are 300. This subject-wise pattern makes it easier for students to prepare well and score better by studying topics related to their postgraduate course choice.

NTA CUET PG Exam Duration 

 As per the changes made in the year 2025, the CUET PG exam duration has now been set to 90 minutes. This change has led many students to revise their preparation strategies. Understanding the updated CUET PG exam pattern can help reduce stress and boost confidence on exam day. The paper carries a total of 300 marks. To perform well, students should prepare according to the new pattern and manage their time wisely during the test.

CUET PG Exam Preparation Tips

By simply following the below-mentioned CUET PG Preparation tips, students can kick-start their preparation process and secure their spot in the topmost central, state, deemed, and private universities.

Understand the Exam Pattern & Syllabus Thoroughly

• Know your domain-specific subjects and general paper requirements.
• Check the official NTA CUET PG Syllabus and stick to it.
• Break it down into strong, moderate, and weak topics.

Get the Right Study Material

• Use standard textbooks (like NCERTs for basics and graduation-level books for the domain).
• Refer to previous years’ papers, mock tests, and CUET-specific guides.
• Use curated YouTube channels or coaching content, but avoid resource overload.

Create a Strategic Timetable

• Allocate 70% time to core subjects, 20% to the General Test, and 10% to revision.
• Use the Pomodoro Technique or 45–15-minute cycles for focus.
• Start your day with revision or quick quizzes to keep retention active.

Practice Topic-wise Tests Regularly

• After completing each topic, attempt the MCQs to reinforce learning.
• Use apps/websites for daily quizzes and timed practice (GradeUp, Testbook, Unacademy, etc.).
• Maintain an "Error Log" notebook – track mistakes and revise them weekly.

Prioritize Previous Year Questions (PYQs)

• Analyze PYQs to identify trends: weightage of topics, question style, and difficulty.
• Aim to solve at least 3–5 years' CUET PG PYQs thoroughly—quality over quantity.

Master Time Management for the Real Exam

• Take full-length mock tests in a timed environment (simulate the actual exam).
• Focus on speed + accuracy—develop intelligent guessing techniques (like elimination).

Revise Smartly, Not Just Repeatedly

• Use short notes, formula sheets, and mind maps.
• Revise weekly in a spiral format: keep going back to older topics as you move forward.
• Practice flashcards or spaced repetition tools (e.g., Anki) for tough topics.

Work on Your General Aptitude (if applicable)

• For General Test: practice Quant, Logical Reasoning, English, and GK.
• Use GRE-style preparation books or CAT-level reasoning practice to boost your edge.

Stay Updated & Aware (for General Awareness Sections)

• Read daily current affairs (1-page summaries from sources like GKToday, AffairsCloud).
• Focus on the last 6–8 months of current events and static GK topics.

Stay Consistent, Positive & Exam-Ready

• Take breaks, sleep well, and avoid burnout.
• Join online groups/forums to stay motivated and exchange doubts.
• Believe in progress over perfection—one focused hour daily is better than 5 distracted ones.