CUET 2025 exam will be conducted in May/June 2025. Don't know how to prepare for the CUET English paper? Worry not! This guide will provide everything you need — CUET exam pattern, preparation tips, and recommended materials. Master reading comprehension, grammar, and vocabulary with expert strategies to ace the CUET English test!
CUET English Exam Preparation Tips
Common University Entrance Test (CUET) is a common platform for students aiming to secure admissions in central, state, and other CUET-participating universities across India. The exam evaluates a candidate's aptitude in different subjects, such as English. The CUET exam for the academic year 2025-2026 is expected to be conducted in May/June 2025, with the CUET UG Application to be released in February 2025. Students have around four months to begin their preparation. Given the high competition, students must have a solid preparation strategy to achieve success.
The CUET English paper is a critical part of the exam as it tests a student’s proficiency in reading comprehension, vocabulary, grammar, and verbal ability. Excelling in this section can significantly boost your overall CUET score. Students should focus on understanding the exam pattern, strengthening their basics, and practicing with CUET-specific material to perform well.
Check Out: CUET UG Notification 2025
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There is a 90% more chance of getting best college recommendations by sharing preferences.As the CUET 2025 exam approaches, now is the perfect time to start preparing for the exam along with the Boards. CUET includes three sections - Language, CUET Domain Subjects, and General Aptitude; and English falls under Section - I (Language). To attain a good CUET score and secure a seat in the desired CUET participating university/college, students need to understand the CUET exam structure and prepare a focused schedule accordingly. Check out the below space for a detailed roadmap on the preparation strategy for the CUET English Exam.
LATEST UPDATE: CUET UG 2025 Major Changes Announced; Check Deleted Subjects, Duration, Questions, Mode
CUET English Exam Pattern 2025
The National Testing Agency lays down the CUET UG exam pattern for all subjects and sections. Check out the below table for the CUET English Exam Pattern:
| Particulars |
Details |
|---|---|
| CUET Exam Conducting Body |
National Testing Agency (NTA) |
| Examination Mode |
Computer-Based Mode |
| Syllabus |
Available |
| Medium of Exam |
13 languages - English, Hindi, Urdu, Assamese, Bengali, Odia, Punjabi, Gujarati, Marathi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam |
| Number of questions |
50 questions (all compulsory) |
| Exam Duration |
60 minutes |
| Type of questions |
Multiple Choice Questions |
| Marking Scheme |
+5 for each correct answer -1 for each incorrect answer |
| CUET English Mapping for Courses |
Bachelor of Arts - English (Honours) |
Must Read: Stream-wise Best UG courses options through CUET: Engineering, Science, Commerce, Arts
Q: What is the difficulty level of the CUET exam?
The difficulty level of the CUET exam ranges from moderate to tough. Since the CUET UG exam is held for multiple subjects and slots, the difficulty level of the exam varies from subject to subject. Sometimes, the difficulty level may also vary for different slots. The difficulty level of exam is also relative and the same exam's level of difficulty may vary for different candidates. While for the well prepared candidates, the difficulty level will be low, for the underprepared students, the level of difficulty will be on the higher side.
Q: What is a good score in CUET UG?
On analysing the CUET UG cut off for the academic year 2024-25, scoring above 700 marks can be considered a good score in CUET UG. Candidates scoring above 700 may fall in the category of 95+ percentile. Candidates can get admission to top universities like University of Delhi, Banaras Hindu University, Jawaharlal Nehru University and other top central universities in the desired course. Given below is the range that is considered good for admission to top universities:
- Very Good Score: 700 and above
- Good Score: 650 and above
Score range between 400-649 is considered an average score. Admission on the basis of the average score can et into any decent college in India accepting CUET scores.
Q: How do I prepare for CUET UG and Board examinations?
The syllabus for CUET UG domain subjects will be based on class 12th to reduce the stress of preparing for both the exams. To prepare for CUET UG and Board examination, here are few important tips:
- Start early preparation for CUET UG and board exams. This will give you enough time to cover the syllabus, practice the questions, and get familiar with the exam pattern.
- Create a study plan: Once you are familiar with the syllabus for both exams, create a study plan that will help you cover all the topics in a systematic manner. Make sure to allocate enough time for each subject and topic.
- Focus on the subjects that you are struggling with. Consider taking a few practice CUET UG tests to see where you stand.
- Manage your time effectively. Practice answering questions under timed conditions so that you can get used to the pressure of the exam.
- Use the right resources. There are many resources available to help you prepare for the CUET UG and board exams. These include NCERT textbooks, practice questions, and mock tests. Use the resources that work best for you and that will help you improve your knowledge and skills.
CUET English Syllabus 2025
According to the revised CUET exam pattern, no optional questions will be given in the test paper, and candidates must attempt all the questions. With no choice in the questions, candidates must study more thoroughly to ensure they can answer as many questions as possible within 60 minutes. To prepare well for the exam, start with understanding the CUET 2025 English Syllabus given below:
- Reading Comprehension: There will be three types of passages (maximum 300-350 words):
- Factual
- Narrative
- Literary
- Verbal Ability
- Rearranging the parts
- Choosing the correct word
- Synonyms and Antonyms
- Vocabulary
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How to prepare for CUET 2025 English Test?
Preparing for the CUET English exam requires a well-structured approach that covers all aspects of the syllabus, from reading comprehension to grammar and vocabulary. Follow the given below strategies to excel in the CUET 2025 exam:
1. Understand the Exam Pattern and Syllabus: Ensure a clear understanding of the exam structure and syllabus. The CUET English paper generally includes reading comprehension, vocabulary, grammar, and verbal ability questions
- Reading Comprehension evaluates your ability to understand, interpret, and infer information from passages. Questions might include identifying the main idea, author’s tone, or conclusions.
- Vocabulary focuses on your knowledge of synonyms, antonyms, idiomatic expressions, and contextual usage of words.
- Grammar tests your understanding of language rules through sentence correction, error spotting, and rearrangement exercises.
- Verbal Ability demands analytical thinking to complete sentences, arrange paragraphs, or fill gaps logically.
2. Build a Strong Grammar Foundation: Grammar is the most important part of the CUET English Language Paper and being good at grammar is essential to perform well in the exam.
- Start revising grammar basics like parts of speech, subject-verb agreement, tenses, sentence structure, etc. A good grasp of the basics of grammar can ensure a strong foundation.
- To ensure you do not forget the basics, regularly solve grammar-focused exercises such as spotting errors, correcting sentences, active-passive voice, etc,.
- Don't forget to revise topics such as conjunctions, prepositions, and modifiers, as questions from these topics are often asked in the exam.
- Make sure to practice grammar regulalry to improve accuracy and build confidence.
3. Master Reading Comprehension: Reading comprehension helps evaluate your understanding of the text and your ability to answer questions related to it efficiently.
- Read editorials, newspapers, and online articles regularly to learn about different writing styles and topics. It will enhance your reading speed and comprehension skills.
- To do well in the reading comprehension section, make yourself good at skimming (reading quickly to get the main idea) and scanning (looking for specific details). These techniques will help you attempt questions in less time.
- Start with easy passages to get a hint of the types of questions asked and then move to complex passages. While reading the passage focus on identifying the theme, tone, and structure.
4. Expand Your Vocabulary: Work on your vocabulary as it is important to attempt questions on antonyms, synonyms, fill-in-the-blanks, idioms, etc.
- Make a habit of learning new words daily. Use vocabulary-building apps or dictionaries such as Word Power Made Easy.
- Memorizing the context is not enough. While reading a question, you should be able to understand every word's meaning to attempt the questions correctly. So make sure to work on it.
- Create your vocabulary notes, daily write words with their meanings, and examples, and revise them consistently to ensure you remember them.
5. Develop Time Management Skills: Time management is crucial for competitive exams like CUET, as you must balance speed with accuracy.
- Solve CUET previous years’ papers and mock tests within the allocated time limit to understand the actual exam environment.
- Start the exam with questions you are confident about to secure marks early, then move to more challenging ones. This prevents getting stuck on a single section.
- Do not give excessive time to one question. If you are unsure about the answer, leave it and move forward to maximize your overall CUET score.
6. Use Quality Study Materials: Along with regular study, the right material is also essential to score well in the exam.
- Refer to well-known books like Word Power Made Easy by Norman Lewis for vocabulary and Objective General English by S.P. Bakshi for grammar.
- Solve previous year's question papers to understand the exam’s question trends and difficulty levels.
- Regularly practice with these resources to sharpen your skills.
7. Take Regular Mock Tests: Mock tests simulate the actual exam environment, helping you evaluate your preparation.
- By taking mock tests under exam-like conditions can help you understand the exam format and boost your confidence.
- Analyze your performance after each test and identify the areas of improvement.
- Focus on the weak sections and simultaneously maintain your hold on the sections in which you are already strong.
- Make sure to consistently practice mock tests so you do not feel anxious on the exam day.
8. Practice with Sample Papers and Previous Year Questions: Sample papers and previous year question papers give you insights into the questions asked in the exam.
- Solve previous years' papers and sample papers to understand the question patterns and improve speed and accuracy.
- Take a look at the challenging questions repeatedly to understand the mistakes you made and avoid repeating them in the future.
- With previous years' question papers, you can also identify the frequently asked questions or topics and prioritize your preparation accordingly.
Check Out: CUET English Question Paper 2024
9. Stay Consistent and Motivated: Consistency is key to mastering any subject.
- Create a daily study timetable and include all topics of the syllabus. Break it into small manageable parts to ensure you do not exert yourself in one go.
- Set achievable targets to stay motivated like learning a certain number of words or completing specific grammar exercises daily.
- Maintain a positive mindset, reminding yourself of your goals and the rewards of your hard work.
10. Revise Regularly: It’s easy to forget what you’ve learned if you do not revise regularly.
- Allocate specific days or hours for revision every week. Go through your notes, vocabulary lists, and solved papers, and look for the topics where you need more study.
- Focus on weak areas, ensuring you address them before the exam.
- Use mock tests and quizzes as tools for active revision, helping you retain concepts better and refine your approach.
Also Read: CUET Preparation Tips 2025
Q: Can open students give CUET exam?
Q: What is the total score in CUET UG?
CUET UG total marks is 250 Marks for each subject. Candidates can chosoe upto five CUET subjects. Each subject's total marks will be 250 marks. The CUET total marks will be unform for all 37 subjects. Candidates can choose three to four domain subjects, one compulsory langauge and general test (optional).
Q: When should I start preparing for CUET UG?
The ideal time to begin the preparation for CUET UG may vary from person to person depending upon the familarity with the subject, understanding of the concepts, difficulty level of the subject and so forth. However, candidates are recomnmened to begin preparing for CUET UG along with the preparation of board examination. The CUET UG syllabus is similar to NCERT syllabus. Candidates must focus on solving CUET mock tests and CUET previous year question papers to become familar with the difficulty level of the exam. If a candidate has good familiarity with the subject must begin the preparation 3-4 months prio to exam date, whereas candidates must ideally start preparing for CUET UG 6 months prior to exam date. CUET UG 2025 exam will be held in May/June 2025.
Q: What is the desired score for the Hansraj College CUET?
Hansraj College admission to various UG courses is based on CUET UG scores followed by round-wise counselling. Delhi University conducts a centralised counselling process for the affiliated colleges. DU releases the merit lists for candidates who qualify for the cutoff. Hansraj College cut off 2023, the Round 1 closing score for the top courses including Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com. Hons.) is 99, the range for BA (Hons) is 80-99, for BSc (Hons) the range is 96-99 or the General category students belonging to All India Quota. Candidates aspiring for Hansraj College admission 2024 to UG courses, must have a valid score in CUET UG.
Q: Will CUET UG intimation slip mention exam centre?
No, CUET UG intimation slip will not mention the CUET exam centre details. On release of the CUET intimation slip candidates can know the state where the CUET exam for the candidate will be conducted. The complete details of CUET UG exam centre will be notified on release of CUET admit card. NTA will release the CUET UG 2025 hall ticket two to three days before the scheduled exam date.
CUET English Preparation for Non-Native Speakers
Preparing for the CUET English exam can be daunting for non-native English speakers but success can be achieved with the right strategies and consistent effort. Non-native English speakers often face challenges like lack of comprehension fluency, unfamiliarity with basic grammar rules, and limited vocabulary. However, a properly structured approach can overcome this shortcoming.
1. Start with the Basics of English: Building a strong foundation is crucial for non-native speakers.
- Learn Basic Grammar: Understand basic grammar concepts such as tenses, parts of speech, subject-verb agreement, and sentence structure. Study from books like High School English Grammar and Composition by Wren & Martin.
- Work on Pronunciation and Phonetics: Listen to English audio materials and podcasts, or watch English news channels to understand the pronunciation. Apps like Duolingo or the British Council’s LearnEnglish can help with spoken language nuances.
- Use Beginner-Friendly Material: Start with simple texts, children’s books, or beginner-level English newspapers to slowly build comprehension skills.
2. Focus on Vocabulary Development: Expanding your vocabulary is vital for both reading comprehension and writing sections.
- Daily Word Learning: Set a target to learn 5–10 new words daily. Focus on their meanings, usage, synonyms, and antonyms.
- Contextual Learning: Instead of just memorizing, learn words through their usage in sentences or stories. It will help you remember the words for a long time.
- Use Flashcards and Apps: Vocabulary apps like Vocabulary.com, Quizlet, or WordUp are excellent for interactive learning.
- Practice Commonly Used Words: Start with high-frequency words often used in exams and everyday English.
3. Enhance Reading Comprehension Skills: Reading comprehension can be challenging for non-native speakers, but regular practice can significantly improve performance.
- Read Daily: Read articles from English newspapers (e.g., The Hindu, Indian Express) and focus on editorials for diverse topics.
- Understand Instead of Memorizing: Try to grasp the meaning and context of passages instead of merely focusing on words you don’t know.
- Practice Skimming and Scanning: Learn skimming and scanning to save time during the exam.
- Summarize What You Read: Read a passage and write its summary in your own words. This improves retention and comprehension.
4. Work on Grammar Through Practice: Grammar is a major component of the CUET English paper, with consistent practice you can turn it into a scoring section.
- Take Grammar Quizzes: Solve online grammar quizzes or exercises daily to reinforce learning.
- Correct Your Mistakes: When practicing, analyze errors in your answers to understand your weak areas.
- Learn Sentence Construction: Practice forming sentences using new grammar rules and vocabulary words to build fluency.
5. Improve Listening and Speaking Skills: Listening and speaking are essential for developing overall English proficiency.
- Engage with English Media: Watch movies, TED Talks, or documentaries in English with subtitles. Gradually move to watching without subtitles to test comprehension.
- Practice Speaking: Converse with friends or join language exchange platforms like HelloTalk to practice speaking English in real-world contexts.
- Record Yourself: Record your reading aloud or speaking practice to identify pronunciation or fluency issues.
6. Solve Previous Year Papers and Mock Tests: Familiarity with the CUET English question format can reduce exam stress and improve confidence.
- Practice Past Papers: Solve CUET English question papers from previous years to understand question types and difficulty levels.
- Simulate the Exam Environment: Take mock tests under timed conditions to build exam stamina and manage anxiety.
- Analyze Performance: Identify strengths and weaknesses from mock tests and work on areas needing improvement.
7. Use Bilingual Resources If Needed: Non-native speakers may benefit from materials that explain concepts in their native language.
- Bilingual Grammar Guides: Use books or online resources that provide grammar explanations in your native language alongside English examples.
- Translate and Learn: Translate challenging English passages into your native language to grasp the meaning, then re-translate them back into English for practice.
8. Stay Consistent and Seek Help When Needed: Consistency is the key to mastering English, especially for non-native speakers.
- Daily Practice Routine: Dedicate specific hours to reading, grammar, and vocabulary practice daily.
- Join a Class or Group: Enroll in an English course or join a study group to learn collaboratively and stay motivated.
- Get Feedback: Ask teachers, friends, or mentors to review your writing or speaking skills and provide constructive feedback.
9. Build Confidence Through Incremental Goals: Learning a new language is a gradual process, and small wins keep you motivated.
- Set Short-Term Goals: Start with easily achievable targets, such as understanding a short article or writing a basic paragraph.
- Celebrate Progress: Acknowledge improvements, no matter how small, to stay motivated.
10. Stay Positive and Patient: Improving English skills takes time, especially for non-native speakers. Maintain a positive mindset and stay patient with yourself as you progress. Remember, consistent effort yields results and every small step brings you closer to success in the CUET English exam.
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Recommended Books for CUET 2025 English Exam
The CUET English exam is a crucial component of CUET UG exams, evaluating a candidate's proficiency in reading comprehension, grammar, vocabulary, and verbal ability. To ace this section, choosing the right study material is essential. Well-structured and comprehensive books help strengthen your basics and provide ample practice through exercises and CUET mock tests.
With CUET 2025 approaching, students must focus on books that cater to the exam’s requirements. This guide lists some of the best resources to prepare effectively for the CUET English section, covering all aspects of the syllabus. These books, authored by experts and trusted by aspirants, are tailored to improve your conceptual clarity, accuracy, and speed.
- Word Power Made Easy by Norman Lewis
- Objective General English by S.P. Bakshi
- High School English Grammar and Composition by Wren & Martin
- English Language Comprehension Skills by Arihant Experts
- CUET 2025 English Guide by Oswaal Books
- Reading Comprehension for Competitive Exams by Disha Experts
- Idioms, Phrases, and Proverbs with Usage by Oxford
Read More:
- CUET Preparation Books 2025
- CUET 2025 Difficulty Level
- Strategy to Manage CUET exam preparation along with Boards
- Last Minute Preparation Tips for CUET 2025
FAQs on CUET English Exam Preparation
Q. What is the syllabus for the CUET English Exam?
Ans. The CUET English exam tests your proficiency in various aspects of the language. Here’s a breakdown:
- Reading Comprehension: Passages that require you to identify the main idea, tone, and inferences.
- Vocabulary: Questions on synonyms, antonyms, idiomatic expressions, and contextual word usage.
- Grammar: Exercises focusing on error detection, sentence correction, and sentence structure.
- Verbal Ability: Tasks such as paragraph rearrangement, cloze tests, and completing sentences logically.
To excel, understand these components thoroughly and focus on improving your weaknesses.
Q. How do I manage time effectively during the CUET English exam?
Ans. Effective time management can make a significant difference in your CUET English score. Follow these tips:
- Prioritize Easy Questions: Start with questions you’re confident about, ensuring you secure marks early.
- Set Time Limits: Allocate specific time to each section—e.g., 10 minutes for reading comprehension and 5 minutes for grammar.
- Avoid Getting Stuck: If a question seems too time-consuming, move on and return to it later if time permits.
- Practice Timed Tests: Regularly practice with mock tests under timed conditions to improve your pace and accuracy.
This strategy helps you maximize your score without rushing or making errors.
Q. How can I improve my vocabulary for the CUET English exam?
Ans. Building a strong vocabulary is essential for excelling in CUET English. Here’s how:
- Daily Learning: Memorize 5–10 new words daily along with their synonyms, antonyms, and usage in sentences.
- Use Vocabulary Apps: Apps like Quizlet and Vocabulary.com make learning interactive and engaging.
- Contextual Reading: Read newspapers, novels, and online articles to understand how words are used in context.
- Maintain a Journal: Keep a notebook to record new words, idioms, and phrases you come across. Regular revision of this list ensures better retention.
A rich vocabulary enhances not just your performance in direct vocabulary questions but also your comprehension and verbal ability.
Q. How can I practice reading comprehension for CUET?
Ans. Reading comprehension can be challenging, but consistent practice can help you ace it. Here’s how:
- Read Widely: Explore editorials, opinion pieces, and essays on varied topics like politics, science, and culture to familiarize yourself with diverse writing styles.
- Practice with Passages: Solve at least 2–3 comprehension passages daily, focusing on speed and accuracy.
- Analyze Mistakes: Review your answers to understand where you went wrong and how to improve.
- Understand Question Types: Practice inferential, vocabulary-based, and tone-identification questions, as these are commonly asked.
Regular practice not only enhances your reading speed but also sharpens your analytical skills, essential for tackling comprehension passages effectively.
Q. What are some common mistakes to avoid during CUET English preparation?
Ans. Avoiding common pitfalls can significantly enhance your preparation:
- Neglecting Basics: Ensure a strong foundation in grammar before moving to advanced topics.
- Ignoring Mock Tests: Regular testing is crucial for identifying weaknesses and improving performance.
- Overlooking Revision: Frequent revision ensures you retain what you’ve learned.
- Focusing Only on Theory: Practical application through exercises and tests is essential for effective learning.
- Poor Time Management: Plan your preparation and exam strategy to make the most of your time.
By avoiding these mistakes and following a structured preparation plan, you can maximize your chances of excelling in the CUET English exam.
Nupur is an experienced content writer with a specialized focus on Commerce students. Over the past three years, she has crafted engaging and insightful materials to help learners excel in their studies. Outside of ... Read Full Bio
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