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CUET English Syllabus 2025: Topics, Marking Scheme & Strategy

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Complete List of CUET English Syllabus 2025 with Weightage & Preparation Tips

The CUET English syllabus 2025 outlines the essential topics, exam structure, and reliable preparation strategies for aspirants targeting top universities through the Common University Entrance Test (CUET-UG). Set by NTA, this guide analyzes the official English language domain syllabus, highlighting recent changes, section-wise weightage, and curated resources needed for optimal performance in the CUET exam. Whether you are from Science, Commerce, or Arts, this content provides a clear path to mastering CUET English.


CUET English Syllabus 2025 Overview & Key Highlights

The CUET UG English syllabus evaluates comprehension, vocabulary, grammar, and literary aptitude, making it critical for candidates who wish to secure prestigious college admissions. NTA updates the English syllabus each year. For 2025, the structure ensures coverage of reading comprehension, correct word usage, and familiarity with literary devices, mapped closely to the required skill sets for undergraduate admissions in central and participating universities.


Topic-Wise Details: English Syllabus for CUET Exam

Below is a breakdown of the CUET English syllabus by key topics, ensuring coverage aligned with the official notice and previous year trends observed in major portals:


Section Main Topics Core Sub-Topics
Reading Comprehension
  • Factual
  • Literary
  • Narrative
  • Passage-based MCQs
  • In-context vocabulary
  • Inference & analytical skills
Literary Aptitude & Vocabulary
  • Synonyms & antonyms
  • Choosing correct words/phrases
  • Literary device identification
  • Idioms & phrases
  • Figures of speech
  • Word usage in context
Language Skills
  • Sentence structure
  • Grammar application
  • Error detection
  • Sentence rearrangement
  • Fill in the blanks

Exam Pattern, Question Format, and Marking Scheme

The English section in CUET UG falls under Section IA of the paper and consists primarily of multiple-choice questions. The table below summarizes the usual exam structure and weightage:


Exam Section No. of Questions Type Marking Scheme Duration
English Language (Section I-A) 50 (to attempt 40) MCQ +5 for correct
-1 for incorrect
45 minutes

Most questions are passage-based or vocabulary-driven, testing analytical, grammatical and literary knowledge. All questions follow an MCQ format, ensuring uniformity and ease of evaluation by the NTA.


CUET English Syllabus 2025: Topic-Wise Weightage Analysis

Going by recent exam analysis and response sheets, observations show the following approximate weightage for key English topics:


Topic Area Approx. No. of Questions Relevance
Reading Comprehension 18-22 High
Literary Aptitude, Vocabulary 12-15 Moderate
Grammar, Language Skills 8-12 Moderate
Others (Para jumbles, Error spotting) 4-8 Low/Moderate

Concentrate on comprehension and vocabulary, which together make up over 65% of the total English section marks in CUET.


Recommended Books and Study Resources for CUET English

Selecting the right sources ensures a focused approach to CUET English prep. Leading mentors and previous toppers recommend:


  • "High School English Grammar & Composition" by Wren & Martin – grammar clarity and practice
  • "Objective General English" by S.P. Bakshi – extensive MCQ and topic drills
  • NTA CUET Guide for English – detailed pattern, practice sets, sample questions
  • CUET English Question Bank by Vedantu – mocks based on up-to-date English syllabus
  • Sample and previous year CUET Previous Year Question Papers

Preparation Roadmap: Strategy & Study Plan

For CUET English 2025, top scorers typically follow a balanced study strategy:


  1. Start with fundamentals: Review grammar and essential vocabulary daily.

  2. Tackle comprehension: Attempt two passage-based MCQs every alternate day.

  3. Weekly revision: Set aside one hour per week for topic-wise review using CUET English Mock Test.

  4. Analyze errors: Log mistakes and doubts, referencing the CUET Answer Key after every practice paper.

  5. Simulate real papers: Attempt full-length English mocks under timed conditions.

Mistakes to Avoid and Pro Tips for Scoring High

CUET-UG aspirants often lose marks due to avoidable mistakes. Based on mentor analysis:


  • Ignoring topic-wise weightage and focusing only on grammar
  • Not practicing varied reading comprehensions (factual, literary, narrative)
  • Missing updates in the latest CUET syllabus or pattern changes
  • Poor time management in the English section
  • Tip: Build a vocabulary journal from daily reading and past CUET papers
  • Tip: Attempt at least one CUET Sample Paper weekly for sustained improvement

CUET UG English Domain: Eligibility & Pattern Insights

CUET English (Language Domain) in Section I is open to all streams. Eligibility requires candidates to have passed Class 12 from any recognized board. English scores can significantly influence the merit list for sought-after central universities, especially in B.A. and interdisciplinary programs. Understanding the CUET Exam Pattern not only demystifies section weightage, but also helps streamline practice.


In summary, aligning your efforts with the CUET English syllabus 2025 is crucial for exam success. Focus on practice, targeted revision, and reliable mock tests to maximize your English score and boost your admission chances. Stay updated via authentic NTA bulletins and prepare systematically to achieve your target percentile.


FAQs on CUET English Syllabus 2025: Topics, Marking Scheme & Strategy

1. What is the syllabus of English in CUET exam?

The CUET English Syllabus covers core language skills to test comprehension, grammar understanding, and literary appreciation. The updated syllabus for CUET English as per the latest guidelines generally includes:

  • Reading Comprehension – Passages (factual, narrative, literary)
  • Verbal Ability – Analogies, synonyms, antonyms
  • Grammar – Fill in the blanks, error detection, sentence correction
  • Literary Aptitude – Questions based on literature, figures of speech
  • Vocabulary – Word meaning, usage in context
Students should refer to the official CUET English syllabus PDF for a detailed breakdown. The exam tests fundamental English skills relevant for higher education.

2. What should I study for CUET English?

To prepare for CUET English, focus on core areas including grammar, comprehension, and vocabulary. Key topics to study are:

  • Reading Comprehension – Practice passages and inferential questions
  • Grammar – Tenses, voice, articles, prepositions, subject-verb agreement
  • Vocabulary – Synonyms, antonyms, idioms, phrases
  • Verbal Ability – Sentence rearrangement, error spotting
  • Literary Devices – Identification and application
Use CUET English sample papers, official syllabus PDFs, and recommended books for targeted revision.

3. Is CUET English difficult?

CUET English is generally considered of moderate difficulty if students have a good command over basic grammar and comprehension skills. Exam features include:

  • Syllabus aligned to senior secondary (Class 12) standard
  • Questions are objective and direct, based on reading passages and grammar
  • Regular practice and syllabus understanding make it manageable
Consistent revision and mock tests help maintain accuracy and confidence.

4. What is the syllabus of CUET?

The CUET exam syllabus includes three main sections:

  • Section I: Language (English and other languages)
  • Section II: Domain-specific subjects (as per class 12 syllabus)
  • Section III: General Test (Aptitude, logical reasoning, and current affairs)
Each section follows the latest NCERT class 12 syllabus guidelines. For CUET English, focus on comprehension, grammar, and vocabulary topics.

5. What are the important topics in CUET English syllabus 2025?

Some of the most important topics in the CUET English syllabus 2025 include:

  • Reading comprehension passages with factual, narrative, and literary content
  • Grammar usage: Tenses, Modals, Voice, Error spotting
  • Vocabulary: Synonyms, Antonyms, Phrasal verbs, Idioms
  • Verbal ability: Sentence rearrangement, one-word substitutions
  • Literary terms and figures of speech
Prioritize practicing each area using updated study materials and model papers.

6. Is the CUET English syllabus the same for UG & PG?

The CUET English syllabus for UG is largely based on class 12 board standards and focuses on reading, grammar, and vocabulary. For PG courses, the syllabus may involve deeper literary analysis and advanced comprehension. Always confirm with the official exam notification for syllabus updates relevant to your level (CUET UG or PG).

7. Does the CUET English syllabus change every year?

The core CUET English syllabus remains similar each year, with occasional changes in pattern or emphasis announced by NTA. Regularly refer to the official notification for CUET English Syllabus PDF for the latest updates. Major sections like comprehension, grammar, vocabulary are consistent across years.

8. How can I download the CUET English syllabus PDF?

CUET English syllabus PDFs are available for free on the official CUET/NTA portal and top education platforms. Steps to download:

  • Visit the official CUET/NTA website
  • Find the syllabus section for UG/PG
  • Click on ‘English syllabus PDF’ link
  • Download and save for your reference
Always use the most updated PDF for your preparation year.

9. Which books are best for CUET English preparation?

Recommended books for CUET English combine syllabus coverage and practice questions. Top choices:

  • NCERT Class 12 English textbooks (Core and Elective)
  • Practice papers from Oswaal, Arihant, MTG
  • CUET English Previous Year Question Papers
  • Section-wise grammar and vocabulary workbooks
Select study material based on the latest CUET English syllabus.

10. What is the best strategy to score high in CUET English?

A focused strategy helps maximize your CUET English score:

  • Study each section of the syllabus: comprehension, grammar, and vocabulary
  • Regularly take mock tests and previous year papers
  • Improve your reading speed and accuracy
  • Revise grammar rules and important word lists
  • Analyze mistakes and practice weak areas
Maintain a study schedule aligned to the official CUET English syllabus for best results.