CUET 2026 Languages (IA & IB) Syllabus features two parts, Section IA and Section IB. For Section IA, you will be required to opt for one of 13 languages. Additionally, for Section IB, you are required to opt for one of the 20 available regional languages.

CUET 2026 Languages (IA & IB Syllabus): The Language section of the CUET 2026 exam is divided into two parts: Section IA and Section IB. You must choose one language from the 13 options in Section IA and one from the 20 languages listed in Section IB. To score well in the entrance exam, you need to be thoroughly familiar with the CUET 2026 Languages (IA & IB) syllabus. You should carefully go through and master the prescribed syllabus, which can be downloaded from this article, before starting your preparation. The CUET UG 2026 exam will be conducted between May 11 and May 31, 2026.
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CUET 2026 Exam: Overview
CUET serves as a common selection gateway for admission to undergraduate courses offered by central universities. Earlier known as the Central University Common Entrance Test, the exam has now been renamed the Common University Entrance Test. Through CUET, you can seek admission to over 45 central universities, along with 10 private universities and several state universities. Based on your performance, you may secure admission to institutions such as Visva-Bharati University, Jawaharlal Nehru University, the University of Delhi, Banaras Hindu University, Aligarh Muslim University, Jamia Millia Islamia, and other participating universities.
CUET 2026 will be conducted in 547 cities across India and at 24 international centres. You will be able to choose your preferred language from the 13 options provided by the NTA. The entire examination will be held in three shifts.
CUET 2026 Languages (IA& IB Syllabus)
Candidates are suggested to click on the links below to download the PDF of Languages (IA& IB Syllabus).
CUET Languages Sections of IA & IB are mentioned below:
Section Name | No. of Languages | Languages Offered |
|---|---|---|
Section IA | 13 | English, Hindi, Assamese, Bengali, Gujarati, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, Odia, Punjabi, Tamil, Telugu, Urdu. |
Section IB | 20 | Arabic, Bodo, Chinese, Dogri, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Kashmiri, Konkani, Maithili, Manipuri, Nepali, Persian, Russian, Santhali, Sindhi, Spanish, Tibetan, and Sanskrit. |
According to the latest notification of NTA, the questions for the language section will be categorised into following 6 segments:
Reading Comprehension: The questions of this section will be from three types of passages, each one comprising 300-350 words - Factual, Narrative, Literary
Verbal Ability
Rearranging the Parts
Choosing the Correct Word
Synonyms and Antonyms
Vocabulary
It will be compulsory for you to attempt 40 questions out of 50, and you will get 45 minutes to solve Section IA. The sole purpose of this language test is to evaluate your comprehension and fluency in your chosen language.
Also check:
| CUET Syllabus 2026 | CUET 2026 History Syllabus |
|---|---|
| CUET 2026 General Syllabus | CUET 2026 Economics Syllabus |
CUET 2026 Exam Pattern
You can check the CUET 2026 exam pattern from the table provided below. It includes the nature of questions, the total no. of questions, the duration of the exam, the assessment method, and other information related to the CUET 2026 exam.
CUET 2026 Exam Segments | Tests | No.of Questions Asked | No.of Questions to be Attempted | Time Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Section IA | 13 Languages | 50 | 40 | 45 Minutes |
Section IB | 20 Languages | 50 | 40 | 45 Minutes |
Section II | 29 Domain-centric Tests | 50 | 40 | 45 Minutes for each subject |
Section III | General Tests | 75 | 60 | 1 Hour |
The first two of the four segments listed above cover the Language Syllabus. Section IA includes 13 languages from which you can choose any one. Section IB includes 20 languages and is specifically designed for pursuing an undergraduate degree in the NTA-designated special languages.
Read Also : List of Universities Accepting CUET 2026 Score
CUET 2026 Language Test Preparation Tips
Considering the significance of the CUET 2026 examination, you must adopt a well-planned and strategic approach while preparing for all the domains. To help you score well in the exam, listed below are some important preparation tips for the CUET 2026 Language (IA & IB) syllabus:
Divide Equal Time into 6 Categories
You should distribute your preparation time evenly across the six categories mentioned in the NTA language syllabus. It is advisable for you to create a dedicated study schedule for each category on which you will be assessed. This structured approach will help you progress systematically in your preparation. For example, you can allocate around half an hour to each of the following sections for learning and practice:
Reading Comprehension
Verbal ability
Rearranging the parts
Choosing the correct words
Synonyms and antonyms
Vocabulary
This method will help you develop your skills in the above-mentioned sections gradually.
Understand Practical Reasons
You should first clearly understand what is expected of you in the CUET 2026 Language Test. Without this clarity, your preparation may not be effective. Go through the CUET Language syllabus carefully and align your preparation with the prescribed exam pattern.
Practice Wisely
You must focus on consistent and smart practice. Make sure you study each section thoroughly and regularly solve model test papers. This will help you assess the quality of your preparation and identify areas that need improvement.
Improve Vocabulary
Along with referring to a good grammar book, you should work on strengthening your vocabulary by learning new words and using them in daily conversations and writing. Reading newspapers, books, and magazines can help you build a strong and diverse vocabulary base.
Timely Practice
You should attempt mock tests within a fixed time, whether they are online or in printed format. Regular timed practice will boost your confidence and help you accurately evaluate your preparation level before the exam.
Best Books for CUET 2026 Language (IA & IB Syllabus)
You must have some of the most recommended books in hand for the preparation for the CUET 2026 exam. A list of books is provided below for CUET 2026 Language IA syllabus:
Books | Publishing House |
|---|---|
Oswal NTA CUET (UG)10 Sample Question Papers English (Section IA Language) | Oswal Books |
Educart English Section - 1 A NTA CUET UG Entrance Exam Book 2026 Final Revision | Educart |
CUET 2026 Syllabus for All the Papers
The syllabus for all the papers of CUET 2026 is provided in the table below:
Read Also: CUET B.Com Cutoff 2026 - List of Universities and Colleges, Fee Structure
For exam and admission-related assistance, dial our helpline number 1800-572-9877(toll-free number). Visit CollegeDekho for the latest information on CUET 2026.















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