For a good score in CUET UG 2026, you need to attempt 40-45 questions out of 50 for domain subjects and language with high accuracy. In the General Test, to get a good score of 200+ out of 250, you need to attempt 45-47 questions out of 50
Number of questions to attempt for a good score in CUET UG 2026 varies by subject difficult like :
- Languages (Section IA/IB) requires 35-40 attempts out of 50.
- Domain subject ( Section II) requires you to attempt 30-40 questions out of 50.
- General Test ( Section III) requires 30-35 question attempts out of 50.
To get an excellent score of 950+ out of 1000 or a good score of 600–750 out of 1000 in CUET UG 2026, candidates need to focus more on accuracy than speed.
- As the CUET UG 2026 exam has -1 mark for each incorrect answer, so you need to avoid guessing if you are not sure about the answer of any question.
- You can use the ‘Mark for Review” option to choose the important questions and try to solve about 30-40+ questions correctly in each section.
- A total score of 720 marks or above (across subjects chosen) is considered a good score for admission to top central universities like DU, JNU, and BHU.
- The paper of CUET UG 2026 Day 1 (May 11) was on moderate level of difficulty wherein questions for the Commerce Stream were very long, whereas those from the Arts Stream were more concept-oriented, which indicates that accuracy holds more value than speed.
Related Links:
- CUET UG 2026 Exam Begins, Check Live Updates
- 220 Marks in CUET 2026 English Percentile – Expected Rank & Colleges
- Check CUET 2026 Cutoff for DU, BHU, and JNU Course-wise Cutoff
What Is a Good Score in CUET UG 2026?
A good score in CUET UG 2026 depends on the target university and course. As per the 2025 cutoff data and competition analysis:
- A score of 235+ per subject is excellent and places the candidate in the top 1%. This score is required for the most selective DU courses like B.A. Economics (Hons) at SRCC or B.Sc. Psychology at LSR.
- 210 to 235 per subject is a genuinely good score that opens the majority of top DU, BHU, and JNU UG programmes for General category.
- A score of 185 to 210 per subject is competitive for mid-range programmes and is sufficient for most courses outside the most in-demand streams.
- Candidates must always check previous year cutoffs for their specific target course and university as the score that is "good" for one course may fall short for another at the same college.
| Score Range (Per Subject / 250) | Overall Score (Multi-Subject) | Classification | University Tier Accessible |
|---|---|---|---|
| 235 – 250 | 750+ (3 subjects) | Excellent | SRCC, Hindu College, LSR, Miranda House (DU) – Competitive programmes |
| 210 – 235 | 720 – 750 | Good | Top DU colleges, BHU, JNU, Jamia – Most UG programmes |
| 185 – 210 | 600 – 720 | Average – Good | Mid-tier DU, AMU, Central University programmes |
| 150 – 185 | 550 – 600 | Average | State universities, less competitive courses |
| 120 – 150 | 400 – 550 | Below Average | Limited central university options |
| Below 120 | Below 300 | Low | Private universities; generally insufficient for central universities |
Also Read:
- Check 800 Marks in CUET Percentile Out of 1250 Marks
- Check CUET UG 2026 Percentile vs Rank vs Admission Chances
Ques. What is a good score in CUET UG 2026 for DU admission?
Ans. For Delhi University (DU) admission through CUET UG 2026, a score of 720 or above in the relevant subject combination is generally considered a good score for most programmes. However, for the most competitive programmes such as B.Com (Hons) at SRCC, B.A. Economics (Hons) at Hindu College, or B.Sc. Psychology at LSR, candidates need scores in the 750 to 800+ range (out of 750 for a 3-subject combination) corresponding to the 99th percentile or above.
CUET UG 2026: How Many Questions to Attempt; The Maths of Negative Marking
You should understand the negative marking as it will help you to decide how many questions to attempt in CUET UG 2026.
- One wrong answer in CUET can cost you 6 marks because you lose the +5 marks you could have scored for a correct answer, and also get -1 mark for the incorrect response.
- To recover a single wrong answer, you need to answer 1.2 additional questions correctly.
- As per the CUET UG marking scheme, unattempted questions give 0 marks. So if you are unsure about the answer, then you need to skip it as it will be safer than guessing it wrong.
| Scenario | Correct | Wrong | Unattempted | Total Score | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Attempt all 50 (guessing on 10) | 40 | 10 | 0 | (40×5) – (10×1) = 190 | Score drops due to guesses |
| Attempt 44, skip 6 (unsure) | 42 | 2 | 6 | (42×5) – (2×1) = 208 | Better score despite fewer attempts |
| Attempt 46, near-perfect | 45 | 1 | 4 | (45×5) – (1×1) = 224 | Very good - 99th percentile range |
| Attempt all 50, high accuracy | 48 | 2 | 0 | (48×5) – (2×1) = 238 | Excellent - possible only with mastery |
Also Read:
Ques. Should I attempt all 50 questions in CUET UG 2026?
Ans. Not necessarily. While all 50 questions are compulsory in the sense that there are no optional questions, candidates should skip questions they are not confident about rather than guessing blindly. A smart approach is: attempt all questions where you know the answer or can eliminate 2 wrong options otherwise skip. This accuracy-first strategy consistently outperforms full-attempt strategies in CUET's negative marking environment. Candidates who attempted 42-46 questions with high accuracy in 2025 consistently outranked those who attempted all 50 with guesses.
CUET UG 2026: Good Attempts and Target Score Subject Wise
- The number of questions to attempt for a good score varies significantly by subject.
- High-scoring theory subjects need near-perfect accuracy, while analytical and calculation-heavy papers are more forgiving at the top end.
| Subject | Difficulty Level | Good Attempts (out of 50) | Target Score (out of 250) | Expected Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Psychology | Easy (High Competition) | 45 – 47 | 220 – 230 | 97th – 99th |
| Business Studies | Easy – Moderate | 45 – 47 | 220 – 230 | 97th – 99th |
| Political Science | Easy – Moderate | 44 – 46 | 215 – 225 | 97th – 98th |
| History | Moderate | 44 – 46 | 215 – 225 | 97th – 98th |
| Sociology | Moderate | 44 – 46 | 215 – 225 | 97th – 98th |
| English (Language) | Moderate | 43 – 46 | 210 – 225 | 97th – 98th |
| Economics | Moderate (Lengthy) | 43 – 45 | 210 – 220 | 97th – 98th |
| Accountancy | Moderate – Difficult | 42 – 45 | 205 – 220 | 97th – 98th |
| Biology | Moderate | 42 – 45 | 205 – 220 | 97th – 98th |
| Chemistry | Moderate | 42 – 45 | 205 – 220 | 97th – 98th |
| Physics | Moderate (Numerical-heavy) | 41 – 44 | 200 – 215 | 97th – 98th |
| Mathematics | Difficult (Calculation-heavy) | 40 – 44 | 195 – 215 | 97th – 98th |
| General Aptitude Test (GAT) | Moderate – Difficult | 40 – 43 | 195 – 210 | 97th – 98th |
| Computer Science / Informatics | Easy – Moderate | 43 – 46 | 210 – 225 | 97th – 98th |
| Geography / Geology | Easy – Moderate | 43 – 45 | 210 – 220 | 97th – 98th |
Note: All attempt counts above target the 97th to 99th percentile range: suitable for DU, BHU, and JNU admissions in competitive programmes. For the 93rd to 96th percentile, reduce the target by 3 to 5 correct answers per subject. Difficulty ratings are based on CUET 2025 student feedback and Day 1 May 11 2026 initial analysis.
Also Read:
Ques. Why do theory subjects like Psychology and Business Studies need more correct attempts than Mathematics?
Ans. Subjects like Psychology, Business Studies, and Political Science usually have very high competition because many students score above 230 marks due to their NCERT-based pattern. In these subjects, even one wrong answer can drop the percentile sharply, while in Mathematics and Physics, scores around 200–215 can still fetch nearly 97–98 percentile because fewer students score at the top level.
How Many Questions to Attempt for a Good Score in CUET UG: Reddit Discussion
One Reddit user asked whether candidates should attempt all 50 questions in CUET or play it safe by attempting only 35-40 questions if they are unsure about some answers.
Source: Reddit
Another user replied that candidates should skip questions they are not confident about, as one wrong answer leads to a -1 penalty along with the loss of +5 marks for a correct answer.
Source: Reddit
CUET UG 2026: Smart Attempt Strategy- Category Wise
The optimal attempt strategy differs based on how well a candidate has prepared, their target university, and the subject's difficulty.
- Rule 1: 3-Category Attempt Rule: Sort every question into three mental buckets: Sure (attempt immediately), Possible (attempt after Sure questions), Unknown (skip). Never attempt Unknown questions.
- Rule 2: 2-Option Elimination Threshold: Only attempt a question where you can eliminate at least 2 of the 4 options, as this increases your chance from 25% (random) to 50%, making the attempt statistically positive with negative marking factored in.
- Rule 3: Time Management: With 60 minutes for 50 questions, that is 72 seconds per question. Spend no more than 90 seconds on any single question.
- Rule 4: Finish Sure, Then Return: Answer all Sure questions first, then return to Possible questions with remaining time. Never spend extra time on Unknown questions.
| Candidate Profile | Recommended Attempts | Target Score | Strategy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Targeting Top DU (SRCC, Hindu, LSR) | 45 – 48 correct | 220 – 238 | Attempt only fully confident answers; skip anything doubtful; review all answers in remaining time |
| Targeting Good DU / BHU / JNU | 42 – 46 correct | 205 – 225 | Attempt questions where 1-2 options can be eliminated; skip pure guesses |
| Targeting Mid-Tier Central Universities | 38 – 43 correct | 185 – 210 | Attempt known + 50% elimination questions; skip fully unknown |
| Targeting State / Private Universities | 32 – 40 correct | 155 – 195 | Attempt known questions + reasonable guesses on familiar topics |
Check:
- Check CUET Marks vs Percentile Out of 1250
- 98 Percentile in CUET UG Marks Out of 1250 Marks
- Best Universities for 95 Percentile in CUET UG 2026
Ques. Does attempting all 50 questions guarantee a better score in CUET 2026?
Ans. No. Attempting all 50 questions reduces your score if any of those attempts are guesses. Attempting 44 questions with 42 correct and 2 wrong gives a score of 208 marks, while attempting all 50 with 40 correct and 10 wrong gives only 190 marks, a 18-mark difference in favour of the more disciplined strategy. The board exam habit of attempting every question is one of the most common mistakes CUET candidates make, especially those appearing for the first time.
CUET UG 2026: H Smart Attempt Strategy: Reddit
One Reddit user asked whether the “attempt all questions” pattern in CUET is a good or bad change and whether it could lower cutoffs.
Source: Reddit
In response, some users said it increases pressure in the English and General Test due to negative marking, while others felt it reduces confusion over question selection but may hurt underprepared students who guess answers.
Source: Reddit
CUET UG 2026: Safe Score and Attempt Count, Target College Wise
Safe scores for CUET UG 2026 admission vary significantly by the college and course being targeted. The following benchmarks are based on 2025 CUET cutoff trends.
| Target University / Course | Safe Score (Per Subject) | Total Safe Score (3 Subjects) | Attempts Needed per Subject |
|---|---|---|---|
| SRCC DU - B.Com (Hons) | 240+ | 800+ | 47–48 correct, max 1 wrong |
| Hindu College DU - B.A. Economics | 235+ | 780+ | 46–47 correct, max 2 wrong |
| Lady Shri Ram DU - B.Sc. Psychology | 240+ | 780+ | 47–48 correct, max 1 wrong |
| Hansraj College DU - B.Sc. Mathematics | 230+ | 760+ | 45–47 correct, max 2–3 wrong |
| BHU - B.Sc. / B.A. Programmes | 210 – 225 | 720 – 750 | 42–45 correct, max 3–5 wrong |
| JNU - B.A. / B.Sc. Programmes | 200 – 220 | 700 – 730 | 41–44 correct, max 4–6 wrong |
| AMU / Jamia - Most UG Programmes | 190 – 210 | 630 – 700 | 38–42 correct, max 6–8 wrong |
| Central University General Programmes | 170 – 195 | 600 – 650 | 35–39 correct |
Also Check:
| CUET UG 2026 Cutoff for BHU | CUET UG 2026 Cutoff for DU |
| CUET UG 2026 Cutoff for JMI | CUET UG 2026 Cutoff for AU |
Ques. How many questions should I attempt in CUET UG 2026 to get into DU?
Ans. For most Delhi University (DU) courses, candidates should aim for 42–46 correct answers per subject with very few wrong attempts. For top colleges like SRCC, Hindu, and LSR, candidates usually need around 45–48 correct answers per subject, so maintaining high accuracy is important
CUET UG 2026: Time Management During the Exam
With 60 minutes for 50 questions, each question gets an average of 72 seconds. Effective time distribution directly impacts how many questions are attempted with accuracy.
- Subjects like Mathematics, Accountancy, and Economics may take more time because of calculation-based questions, so candidates should manage time carefully and avoid getting stuck on one question.
- In theory, subjects like History, Political Science, and Sociology, most questions can be answered quickly, leaving enough time for revision, and candidates should avoid changing answers unless they are fully sure.
| Phase | Time Allocation | Questions | Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phase 1 - First Pass | 30 – 35 minutes | All 50 questions (quick pass) | Attempt Sure questions instantly; flag Possible; skip Unknown |
| Phase 2 - Second Pass | 15 – 20 minutes | Flagged Possible questions | Apply elimination strategy; attempt only if 2+ options can be ruled out |
| Phase 3 - Review | 5 – 10 minutes | Attempted answers | Double-check answers for careless errors; do NOT change an answer unless fully sure |
Also Read:
CUET UG 2026 Good Attempts: Official PDFs Last 3 Years
| Year | Document | Download Link |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | CUET UG 2026 Subject-wise Score and Percentile Statistics (Expected July 2026 with Result) | Official Portal (Active After Result) |
| 2025 | CUET UG 2025 Subject-wise Highest Score and Percentile Data PDF (Result: July 4, 2025) | View on NTA Official Site |
| 2024 | CUET UG 2024 Subject-wise Score and Percentile Statistics PDF | View on NTA Official Site |
Note: In CUET UG 2025, only 2,847 candidates achieved 100 percentile in one or more subjects (significantly fewer than 2024), reflecting a tougher paper and the removal of optional questions. Good attempt benchmarks are based on official NTA score statistics from 2024–2025 and expected 2026 trends. Links updated as official documents are released.
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