CUET PG 2026 Exam Pattern, Marking Scheme, Negative Marking & Latest Paper Pattern (Complete Details)
CUET PG 2026 Exam Pattern, Marking Scheme, Negative Marking & Latest Paper Pattern, Complete Details - The National Testing Agency (NTA) has officially released the CUET PG 2026 exam pattern along with the information brochure. Candidates who are preparing for the Common University Entrance Test for Postgraduate (CUET PG) must carefully understand the latest paper pattern before starting their preparation. The exam pattern helps students plan their strategy, manage time efficiently, and select the right study materials.
The CUET PG 2026 exam will consist of 75 multiple-choice questions to be completed within 90 minutes. The total marks for the exam are 300, and the exam will be conducted in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode. Candidates must also note that the exam follows a negative marking system, where 1 mark is deducted for every incorrect answer.
In this article, you will get complete details about the CUET PG 2026 exam pattern, marking scheme, negative marking, exam duration, and step-by-step method to calculate your score.
KEY POINTS
NTA has released the official CUET PG 2026 exam pattern.
The exam will be conducted in CBT (Computer-Based Test) mode.
Total 75 questions will be asked.
Exam duration is 90 minutes.
Total marks are 300.
+4 marks for each correct answer.
-1 mark for each incorrect answer.
No marks for unanswered questions.
CUET PG 2026 Exam Pattern
Understanding the CUET PG exam pattern is extremely important for candidates who want to score high in the examination. The National Testing Agency (NTA) conducts the CUET PG exam for admission into postgraduate courses offered by Central Universities and other participating institutions across India.
As per the latest update, the CUET PG 2026 exam will follow the same structure as the previous year. The exam duration has been reduced from 105 minutes to 90 minutes, and Part A (General Aptitude Test) has been removed. The question paper will now consist only of domain-specific questions.
The exam is tentatively expected to be conducted in March 2026 for around 157 subjects. The difficulty level of the exam is generally moderate, but competition remains high as lakhs of candidates appear every year.
CUET PG 2026 Exam Pattern Highlights
CUET PG is considered one of the most competitive entrance examinations for postgraduate admissions in India. In the previous session, nearly 6 lakh candidates appeared for the exam, indicating intense competition.
Here are the major highlights of the CUET PG 2026 exam pattern:
Mode of Examination: Computer-Based Test (CBT)
Total Questions: 75
Total Marks: 300
Exam Duration: 90 Minutes
Question Type: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
Marking Scheme: +4 for correct answer, -1 for wrong answer
No marks for unattempted questions
CUET PG Paper Pattern 2026
Below is the detailed table of the CUET PG 2026 paper pattern:
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Mode | Computer Based Test |
| Question Type | Multiple Choice Questions |
| Medium of Exam | English and Hindi (Bilingual) |
| Section | Domain-Based Questions |
| Number of Questions | 75 |
| Maximum Marks | 300 |
| Exam Duration | 90 Minutes |
| Marking Scheme | +4 marks for correct response |
| Negative Marking | -1 mark for incorrect response |
CUET PG 2026 Marking Scheme
The CUET PG 2026 exam includes a negative marking system. Therefore, candidates must attempt questions carefully and avoid random guessing.
Here is the detailed marking scheme:
Total Questions: 75 MCQs
Total Marks: 300
Correct Answer: +4 marks
Incorrect Answer: -1 mark deducted
Unattempted Question: No marks awarded or deducted
Since 1 mark is deducted for every wrong answer, candidates should attempt only those questions where they are reasonably confident. Blind guessing may reduce your overall score.
How to Calculate Marks in CUET PG 2026
After the exam, candidates can estimate their probable score using the official answer key. Follow the steps below to calculate your CUET PG 2026 score:
Step 1: Count the total number of correct answers.
Step 2: Multiply the number of correct answers by 4.
Step 3: Count the total number of incorrect answers.
Step 4: Multiply the number of incorrect answers by 1.
Step 5: Subtract the negative marks (wrong answers) from the marks obtained for correct answers.
Step 6: The final result will be your estimated CUET PG 2026 score.
Example Calculation:
If a candidate attempts:
60 correct answers
10 wrong answers
5 unattempted
Then,
60 × 4 = 240
10 × 1 = 10 (negative marks)
Final Score = 240 – 10 = 230 marks
Conclusion
The CUET PG 2026 exam pattern is straightforward but highly competitive. The exam consists of 75 domain-specific multiple-choice questions for a total of 300 marks, to be completed within 90 minutes. With a marking scheme of +4 for correct answers and -1 for incorrect answers, candidates must focus on accuracy along with speed.
Before starting preparation, make sure to thoroughly understand the latest CUET PG 2026 paper pattern. Choose the right study materials, practice mock tests regularly, and improve your time management skills to maximize your score.
Stay updated with official notifications from NTA and begin your preparation strategically to secure admission to your desired postgraduate program.
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