CUET Exam Pattern 2026: Complete Guide for Class 12 Commerce Students

CUET (Common University Entrance Test) has become one of India's most important undergraduate entrance exams, replacing direct Class 12 cut-offs for admission to central universities including Delhi University, JNU, BHU, Hyderabad University and 260+ other institutions. If you're a Class 11 or 12 student planning to apply to a central university, understanding the CUET 2026 exam pattern is step one.

CUET 2026 Exam Pattern Overview

CUET is conducted by NTA (National Testing Agency) in computer-based mode. The exam has three sections:

• Section 1A / 1B – Language Tests: Reading comprehension, vocabulary, grammar in your chosen language(s)

• Section 2 – Domain Subjects: Subject-specific papers matching your Class 12 subjects (e.g., Accountancy, Business Studies, Economics, Mathematics for commerce students)

• Section 3 – General Test: Quantitative Reasoning, Logical Reasoning, General Knowledge and Current Affairs

Each section has 40–50 MCQ questions (typically attempt 40 out of 50). Marking scheme: +5 for correct, -1 for incorrect.

CUET 2026 Eligibility

• Class 12 pass or appearing students are eligible

• No minimum percentage requirement for appearing (individual universities set their own cutoffs)

• Age limit: Generally no upper age limit (check specific university requirements)

• You can appear for up to 6 domain subjects in CUET

CUET for Commerce Students: Which Papers to Choose

Commerce students targeting BA (Hons) Economics, B.Com (Hons), BBA or similar programmes should appear in:

• Language: English (Section 1A) — compulsory for most central universities

• Domain: Accountancy (strongly recommended for B.Com / BBA)

• Domain: Business Studies (for BBA, BA management programmes)

• Domain: Economics (for BA Economics, DU Economics Hons)

• Domain: Mathematics / Applied Mathematics (if targeting maths-heavy programmes)

• General Test: Required by most central universities as a third component

Key Colleges Accepting CUET

• Delhi University: All its undergraduate programmes (B.Com Hons, BA Eco Hons, BBA FIA, etc.)

• Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU): BA/MA integrated programmes

• Banaras Hindu University (BHU): All UG programmes

• University of Hyderabad: UG admissions

• Jamia Millia Islamia, AMU, Central University of Rajasthan and 260+ more

CUET 2026 Important Dates (Tentative)

• Application Form: February–March 2026

• Admit Card: May 2026

• Exam: May–June 2026 (Phase 1 and Phase 2)

• Results: July 2026

• University Admissions: July–August 2026

Always verify dates on the official NTA CUET website (cuet.samarth.ac.in).

How to Prepare for CUET General Test

• Quantitative Reasoning: Class 10 Maths level — percentages, ratio, basic algebra, data interpretation

• Logical Reasoning: Syllogisms, blood relations, directions, series

• General Knowledge & Current Affairs: Follow daily news; focus on last 6 months of events

• Language: Read editorials and practice comprehension passages daily

Headache Tutorials, Indore offers dedicated CUET preparation batches for Class 11 and 12 commerce students. We cover all CUET sections — Language, Domain Subjects and General Test — in structured, small-batch sessions both offline (Indore) and online. Parents are welcome to sit in on our demo class to see the approach firsthand. Call +91 90390 34903 or visit headachetutorials.com.