NTA strictly prohibits the use of calculators in the CUET Exam for Commerce students. No on-screen/virtual or scientific calculators will be provided during the exam, which is scheduled between May 11-31, 2026. There is strict adherence to the CUET Exam guidelines, barring the use of any electronic or communication devices by students.
- Students will not be provided with on-screen calculators during the exam.
- These guidelines are the same for all academic streams; backgrounds in commerce or other subjects are not exempt.
- Commerce students must prepare for their exam, focusing on a strong mental-math approach to solve problems and perform manual calculations quickly.
- The exam centre will provide rough sheets for doing all the calculations and rough work.
- Students must write their Names and Application Number on the top of each Rough Sheet provided to them during the Examination.
“All calculations/writing work is to be done only in the Blank Sheets provided at the Centre in the Examination Room/Hall, and on completion of the test, candidates must hand over the rough sheets to the invigilator on duty in the Room/Hall.”
Source: Official Information Bulletin CUET UG 2026
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Alternatives for Calculator in CUET 2026 for Commerce Students
Students will have to perform all the calculations manually on the rough sheets provided at the exam centre. You should prepare in advance to optimize the use of rough sheets for solving numericals and avoiding any wastage of space.
Commerce students appearing for CUET UG 2026 can take note of the following preparation techniques to elevate their performance in the exam without calculators.
- Mental Math Techniques: Mastering tables, squares, and percentage fractions (e.g., 1/9= 11.11%) will help you to solve Accountancy interest calculations instantly without reaching for a calculator.
- Smart Use of Rough Sheets: Use the space provided on your rough sheets judiciously and keep your steps legible so you can trace errors in multi-step Economics problems without starting over.
- Approximation & Elimination: Rounding figures and using intelligent elimination techniques will help you discard unrealistic MCQ options without having to solve a problem sum fully.
- Strong Conceptual Clarity: In the Mathematics section, focus on identities, shortcuts, and formulas to arrive at the answer without solving bulky equations. Deep understanding of concepts will help you solve numericals with ease.
- Timed Practice (No Calculator): Solve mock tests using only a pen and paper within the actual CUET 2026 time limit. This builds your speed and ensures you don't panic without a calculator on exam day.
Source: Reddit
What will happen if you bring a calculator in CUET Exam Centre?
Students should strictly follow the CUET Exam guidelines and not bring any barred items in the examination centre. Failing to do so can result in the following actions;
- If a candidate engages in any unfair or comparable behaviors during, before, or following the exam, they will be booked under the Unfair Means case (UFM). A committee will be established to examine every UFM case.
- The NTA retains the right to take appropriate action in accordance with the protocols and standards; punishment or punitive measures will be applied according to the type of offense.
- The student may be debarred for up to 3 years in the future and shall also be liable for criminal action and /or any other action as deemed necessary.
Source: Official CUET Information Brochure
Ques. Is a calculator allowed in CUET Accountancy?
Ans: No. The NTA does not allow calculators or any electronic devices in the exam hall. This rule applies to every student, regardless of their subjects or stream.
How can students prepare and ace the CUET 2026 Exam without calculators?
Preparing for the CUET exam without a calculator might seem difficult, especially for commerce students with numerical-heavy subjects like Accountancy, Maths, and Economics. But don't worry—you can easily get ready by following these simple tips:
| Parameters | Preparation Tips |
|---|---|
| Mental Maths |
|
| Effective Use of Rough Sheets(The examination centre will provide students with rough sheets.) |
|
| Exam Temperament |
|
| Time Management |
|
| Rigorous Practice |
|
Ques. How to prepare for CUET 2026 commerce?
Ans: To prepare, finish your Class 12th NCERT syllabus thoroughly, focusing on Accountancy, Economics, and Business Studies. Practice MCQs daily and solve mock tests without a calculator to improve your speed and accuracy.
CUET 2026 Exam Day Guidelines
Students appearing for the CUET Examination must follow the instructions and refrain from bringing prohibited items to the exam center. Students must ensure they bring only permitted items and all important and valid documents to the centre.
| Permissible Items/Important Documents | Barred Items |
|---|---|
| Admit Card along with Self Declaration (Undertaking) | Communication devices like mobile phones, Bluetooth, Earphones, microphones, pagers, Health Band, etc. |
| One passport-size photograph (same as uploaded on the Online Application Form) | Any Watch/Wristwatch, Bracelet, Camera, etc. |
| Photo ID (School Identity Card/ PAN card/ Passport/ Aadhaar Card (With photograph)/E-Aadhaar with photograph/ Class 12 Board Admit Card with photograph/ Bank Passbook with Photograph) | Any item like textual material (printed or written), bits of paper, Geometry/Pencil Box, Plastic Pouch, Calculator, Pen, Scale, Writing Pad, Pen Drives, Eraser, Log Table, Electronic Pen/Scanner, etc. |
| PwD/PwBD certificate (for eligible students only) | Any ornaments/metallic items. |
| Transparent Ball Point Pen | Any food items opened or packed, water bottles, etc. |
| Sugar tablets/fruits (like banana/apple/orange) in case the candidate is diabetic. | Any other item that could be used for unfair means, communication devices like a microchip, camera, Bluetooth device, etc. |
Source: Official NTA Guidelines
Note:
- There won't be any arrangements made at the centers to store any of the candidates' belongings.
- To ensure proper frisking without causing the candidate any inconvenience while upholding the examination's sanctity, candidates wearing articles or objects of faith (customary, cultural, or religious) should arrive at the testing location at least two hours before the final reporting time.
Ques. Are jeans allowed in CUET Exam?
Ans. Students are generally recommended to wear light, comfy trousers instead of tight jeans with metal buttons. Metal buttons can slow down the security check and make frisking more difficult.
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