Syllabus Breakdown for CUET-UG 2025
Covering every morsel of the CUET-UG 2025 syllabus is non-negotiable for aspirants aiming to top the exam. This SEO-friendly, in-depth guide provides a comprehensive section-wise breakdown of Language Tests, Domain-Specific Papers, and the General Test, along with topic weightage, high-yield concepts, study strategies, recommended resources, revision plans, and expert tips to ensure you leave no concept unmastered.
Syllabus Overview & Exam Alignment
The Common University Entrance Test (CUET-UG) 2025, conducted by the NTA, is a computer-based exam that standardizes admission into undergraduate programmes across Central and participating universities. CUET-UG evaluates candidates through three key sections:
Section | Papers | Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Language Tests | Section IA (Language 1), Section IB (Lang 2, optional) | 50 MCQs | 250 | 60 mins each |
Domain-Specific Papers | Up to 5 subjects of your choice | 50 MCQs/subj | 250/subj | 60 mins each |
General Test | Reasoning, Quantitative Aptitude, GK | 50 MCQs | 250 | 60 mins |
Marking Scheme: +5 for correct, −1 for incorrect, 0 for unattempted.
Normalization: Scores are equated across multiple shifts to ensure fairness.
Total Effort: Plan study hours proportionally to the number of papers you intend to take.
Section-Wise Weightage & High-Yield Topics
To maximize your score efficiency, focus on areas with historically higher question frequencies:
Section | Approx. % of Total CUET Marks | High-Yield Areas |
|---|---|---|
Language Tests | 20 % | Reading Comprehension, Grammar (Error Correction), Vocabulary |
Domain Papers | 60 % | Core NCERT Concepts + Application-Based MCQs |
General Test | 20 % | Logical Reasoning (~20 Qs), Quantitative Aptitude (~15 Qs), GK (~15 Qs) |
Section I – Language Tests Detailed Breakdown
Syllabus
Reading Comprehension
Language Usage & Grammar
Vocabulary & Verbal Ability
Topic | Key Focus |
|---|---|
RC Passages | Inference, main idea, tone, vocabulary-in-context |
Grammar | Error detection, sentence completion, para-jumbles |
Vocabulary | Synonyms/Antonyms, idioms, one-word substitutions |
Verbal Ability | Jumbled sentences, fill-in-the-blanks |
High-Yield Strategies
RC: Practice 8–10 passages/week; underline keywords; write one-line summaries.
Grammar: Solve 200+ questions/month from Wren & Martin; maintain a “Grammar Notebook.”
Vocabulary: Learn 5–10 words/day via Word Power Made Easy; use flashcards and original sentences.
Section II – Domain-Specific Papers Detailed Breakdown
You may select up to five papers; each paper requires deep NCERT grounding plus application practice.
Physics
Class XI (40 %): Kinematics, Laws of Motion, Thermodynamics, Waves
Class XII (60 %): Electrostatics, Current Electricity, Optics, Modern Physics
High-Yield: Gauss’s Law, Kirchhoff’s Laws, Lens Formula, Photoelectric Effect
Chemistry
Class XI (45 %): Stoichiometry, Atomic Structure, Equilibrium, Kinetics
Class XII (55 %): Electrochemistry, Coordination Chemistry, Organic Reaction Mechanisms
High-Yield: Nernst Equation, Reaction Mechanisms, Percentage Yield
Mathematics
Class XI (50 %): Sequences & Series, Binomial Theorem, Limits & Derivatives
Class XII (50 %): Integral Calculus, Vectors, Probability, 3D Geometry
High-Yield: Integration Techniques, Eigenvalues, Probability Formulae
Biology
Class XI (45 %): Cell Biology, Plant & Human Physiology, Diversity
Class XII (55 %): Genetics, Biotechnology, Ecology & Environment
High-Yield: Mendelian Laws, PCR Process, Photosynthesis Pathways
Study Strategies for All Domains
NCERT First: Annotate every example and in-text highlight.
Reference Drills:
Physics – H.C. Verma; Chemistry – O.P. Tandon; Maths – R.D. Sharma; Biology – Trueman’s.
Formula/Reaction Flashcards: Write one per card with 2 examples.
Weekly Mini-Mocks: 25 Qs in 30 mins per subject; review errors immediately.
Section III – General Test Detailed Breakdown
Syllabus
Logical & Analytical Reasoning (≈20 Qs)
Quantitative Aptitude (≈15 Qs)
General Awareness (≈15 Qs)
Component | Focus Areas |
|---|---|
Reasoning | Series, analogies, blood relations, coding–decoding, syllogisms |
Quants | Arithmetic shortcuts, basic algebra, data interpretation |
GK | Current affairs, awards, sports, science & tech updates |
High-Yield Tactics
Reasoning: One new puzzle type daily; maintain error log.
Quants: Master mental-math shortcuts; timed drills (20 Qs/15 mins).
GK: Maintain a daily “GK Diary”; weekly quizzes via apps.
High-Yield Concepts & Formulas
Domain | Example Formula/Concept |
|---|---|
Physics | v2=u2+2asv2=u2+2as, E=14πε0qr2E=4πε01r2q |
Chemistry | ΔG=ΔH−TΔSΔG=ΔH−TΔS, K=[C]c[D]d[A]a[B]bK=[A]a[B]b[C]c[D]d |
Mathematics | ddxxn=nxn−1dxdxn=nxn−1, ∫xn dx=xn+1n+1∫xndx=n+1xn+1 |
Biology | DNA replication steps, PCR cycle stages |
Study Tip: Revise your formula/concept sheet for 5 minutes daily to reinforce retention.
Revision Roadmap & Checklists
Phase | Duration | Activities |
|---|---|---|
Phase I | Months 1–3 | NCERT reading; concept notes; grammar & RC foundation |
Phase II | Months 4–6 | 200+ MCQs/week per paper; weekly full-paper mocks |
Phase III | Months 7–8 | Mixed mocks (all papers); error-log deep dives |
Phase IV | Final 4–6 weeks | Flashcards; timed sectional drills (25 Qs/30 mins); rapid revision |
Checklist:
NCERT chapters: ✔
Reference doubts: cleared
Mocks completed: 20+
Error journal: up-to-date
Diagrams & formulas: daily practice
Common Pitfalls & How to Avoid Them
Pitfall | Solution |
|---|---|
Ignoring NCERT as “basic” | Read NCERT line-by-line; annotate key points |
Overloading on too many books | Stick to 1–2 references per paper |
Skipping daily revision | Schedule 5 mins/day for flashcards |
No error analysis | Maintain an “Error Journal”; review weekly |
Poor time management in mocks | Simulate exam timing in every full-length test |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. How do I balance Language and Domain prep?
Alternate days—dedicate 3 days/week per Domain, 2 days/week for Languages and General Test.
Q2. Are NCERTs sufficient for Domain papers?
NCERT covers ~80% of core concepts; supplement with one key reference book per subject.
Q3. How many mocks should I aim for?
At least 20 full mocks covering all chosen papers, with detailed error analysis after each.
1. Domain Paper Structure & Weightage
Each chosen paper consists of 50 MCQs (250 marks) to be completed in 60 minutes. While you may select any five subjects, this guide focuses on five high-demand streams:
Subject | Class XI Portion (%) | Class XII Portion (%) | Approx. Weightage |
|---|---|---|---|
Physics | 40 | 60 | 25 % |
Chemistry | 45 | 55 | 25 % |
Mathematics | 50 | 50 | 25 % |
Biology | 45 | 55 | 15 % |
Economics | 50 | 50 | 10 % |
2. Physics – Chapter-Wise Breakdown
Chapter | Key Concepts | High-Yield Subtopics |
|---|---|---|
Units & Measurements | SI units; dimensional analysis; error estimation | Significant figures; least-count errors |
Kinematics & Laws of Motion | Displacement; velocity; Newton’s laws | Projectile motion; friction problems |
Work, Energy & Power | Work–energy theorem; power; conservation laws | Variable force work; power curves |
Rotational Dynamics & Gravitation | Torque; moment of inertia; Kepler’s laws | Rolling motion; escape velocity |
Thermodynamics & Kinetic Theory | Laws of thermodynamics; gas laws; Maxwell distribution | Carnot efficiency; mean free path |
Oscillations & Waves | SHM; wave equation; Doppler effect | Resonance; wave superposition |
Electrostatics & Current Electricity | Coulomb’s law; Gauss’s law; Ohm’s law | Capacitor networks; Kirchhoff’s laws |
Magnetism & Induction | Biot–Savart; Ampère’s law; Faraday’s law | RL circuits; Lenz’s direction |
Optics | Reflection/refraction; interference; diffraction | Lens formula; Young’s double-slit |
Modern Physics & Electronics | Photoelectric effect; nuclear decay; semiconductors | Photoelectric equation; logic gates |
Study Strategy:
NCERT + H.C. Verma: First build concepts in NCERT, then deepen problem-solving with H.C. Verma.
Formula Flashcards: One card per formula—write derivation outline + two sample problems.
Weekly Simulation: 25-question timed quizzes to improve accuracy under pressure.
3. Chemistry – Chapter-Wise Breakdown
Branch | Class XI Topics | Class XII Topics | High-Yield Topics |
|---|---|---|---|
Physical Chemistry | Stoichiometry; Thermodynamics; Equilibrium; Kinetics | Solutions; Electrochemistry; Surface chemistry | Gibbs free energy; Nernst equation |
Inorganic Chemistry | Periodicity; Chemical bonding; s-Block elements | p-Block; d-/f-Block; Coordination compounds; Metallurgy | Ligand field theory; IUPAC nomenclature |
Organic Chemistry | Basic principles; Hydrocarbons (alkanes to alkynes) | Haloalkanes; Alcohols; Carbonyl compounds; Biomolecules; Polymers | SN1 vs. SN2; Markovnikov’s rule |
Study Strategy:
NCERT Annotation: Highlight in-text “Important” pointers.
Reference Drill: P. Bahadur for kinetics, O.P. Tandon for inorganic, Morrison & Boyd for organic.
Reaction Maps: Draw mechanism flow-charts; review five daily.
Mini-Mocks: 20 MCQs per branch twice a week; track accuracy and revise.
4. Mathematics – Chapter-Wise Breakdown
Topic | Subtopics | High-Yield Focus |
|---|---|---|
Sets & Functions | Relations; types of functions; inverse & composite | Domain–range mapping |
Sequence & Series | AP/GP; special series; sigma notation | Sum formulas; series tests |
Binomial Theorem | General term; middle term; expansion techniques | Binomial coefficients |
Limits & Derivatives | Definition; continuity; derivative rules | Tangent & normals applications |
Integral Calculus | Indefinite & definite integrals; area under curves | Integration by parts |
Differential Equations | First-order; second-order linear | Solution methods |
Coordinate Geometry | Straight line; circle; parabola; ellipse; hyperbola | Distance & section formulas |
Vectors & 3D Geometry | Vector operations; lines & planes in space | Scalar triple product |
Probability | Conditional probability; distributions | Binomial & Poisson models |
Matrices & Determinants | Types; inverse; Cramer’s rule; eigenvalues | Characteristic equations |
Study Strategy:
NCERT + R.D. Sharma: Master core examples then tackle advanced problems.
Formula Sheet: Two-sided: formulas on one side, worked examples on the other.
Timed Drills: 15 questions in 30 minutes, twice weekly.
Error Log: Note trap questions; revisit pre-mock.
5. Biology – Chapter-Wise Breakdown
Section | Class XI Topics | Class XII Topics | High-Yield Areas |
|---|---|---|---|
Diversity & Taxonomy | Five-kingdom classification; plant & animal taxonomy | — | Key characteristics of phyla |
Cell Biology | Biomolecules; cell organelles; transport mechanisms | — | Mitochondrial function |
Plant Physiology | Photosynthesis; respiration; water/mineral transport | Plant reproduction; growth regulators | Calvin cycle vs. Z-scheme |
Human Physiology | Digestive, circulatory, respiratory, excretory systems | Endocrine regulation; human reproduction | Nephron mechanism; hormone feedback |
Genetics & Evolution | Mendelian laws; chromosomal theory; speciation | Molecular genetics; evolutionary mechanisms | Punnett squares; Hardy–Weinberg |
Biotechnology & Welfare | Genetic engineering; tissue culture | Recombinant DNA; applications in health & agriculture | PCR steps; plasmid vectors |
Ecology & Environment | Ecosystem structure; biogeochemical cycles; biodiversity | Environmental issues; conservation strategies | Carbon/nitrogen cycles |
Study Strategy:
NCERT + Trueman’s: Annotate diagrams; label every part in color margins.
Diagram Drills: Draw ten times each: neuron, dicot stem, PCR process.
Concept Maps: Link physiology with biochemical principles.
Weekly Quizzes: 25 questions mixing MCQs and diagram labels.
6. Revision Plan & Expert Tips
Weekly Cycle:
Day 1–3: New chapters + summary notes
Day 4–5: Topic-wise MCQs + flashcards
Day 6: Timed mini-mock (50 MCQs/60 m)
Day 7: Error-log review + diagram redraw
Monthly Marathon:
2–3 combined domain tests (200–250 MCQs)
Detailed performance analysis; reschedule weak topics
Final Month Blitz:
Daily flash sessions (formulas, reactions, definitions)
Sectional timed drills (25 Qs/30 m) every other day