CUET English Syllabus 2025: Check Weightage, Difficulty, Preparation & Best Books

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Shivalika Padhi

Updated 3+ months ago

The NTA has released the CUET English Syllabus 2025 on their official website in PDF Format. The CUET exams are scheduled from May 8 to June 1, 2025. The CUET English syllabus 2025 consists of five primary parts: verbal ability, grammar, vocabulary, reading comprehension, and parajumbles. Reading comprehension, which includes questions based on inference and factual, narrative, and literary passages, has the highest weight (36–40%). Vocabulary-related topics, including synonyms, antonyms, idioms, one-word substitutions, and spelling errors, take up 20–24% of the work. Grammar, including tenses, voice, narrative, error detection, and sentence improvement, all receive 20–24% of the weight. Verbal ability, which comprises fillers, analogies, and sentence completion, accounts for 10–12% of the total; parajumbles, or the rearranging of phrases, make up the remaining 10–12%.

CUET English Syllabus 2025 Download PDF Exam Pattern, Subject wise Weightage Important Topics Previous Year Question Papers

Candidates can review the syllabus and exam pattern to prepare for the CUET 2025 English exam. Understand the key subjects to prepare for and the CUET English syllabus. Also, view the marking scheme, last year's question paper, and top books for the CUET UG English exam here.

“With 75% of the 13.4 lakh students taking the CUET Exam, English had the most CUET registrations in CUET UG 2024. The CUET UG General test came in second.”

                                                                                                    CUET English Syllabus PDF Link 2025

CUET English Exam Pattern

With 13 different languages available for the CUET exam 2025—English, Hindi, Urdu, Odia, Punjabi, Assamese, Bengali, Marathi, Tamil, Telugu, Gujarati, Kannada, and Malayalam—candidates can select the one that works best for them. In order to provide a consistent and effective testing procedure across centers, it is conducted in a Computer-Based Test (CBT) modality. The test places a strong emphasis on domain knowledge because each candidate must attempt 50 required domain-specific questions. The marking method offers +5 marks for every successful answer, while 1 mark is subtracted for each wrong response, stressing precision combined with speed. The National Testing Agency (NTA), which is in charge of making sure that evaluation processes are impartial and open, plans and administers the test.

Elements Details
Medium of Exam 13 languages - English,Odia, Punjabi, Hindi, Urdu, Assamese, Bengali, Marathi, Tamil, Telugu,Gujarati, Kannada, Malayalam
Mode of Exam CBT (Computer-Based Test)
No of Questions 50 questions from domain (compulsory)
Marking Scheme For each correct Answer +5For each wrong response -1
CUET conducting body NTA (National Testing Agency)

What is the syllabus of English in the CUET exam?

The CUET Syllabus 2025's English portion addresses vocabulary, synonyms and antonyms, part rearranging, reading comprehension, verbal abilities, and other subjects. Reading comprehension, verbal ability, grammar, and vocabulary are all part of the CUET English curriculum 2025. Of the CUET 2024 questions, 40–45% were focused on reading comprehension. The Grammar section was very scoreable, with an accuracy rate of 85–90%.

CUET 2025 English Syllabus

Section I of the CUET paper contains English, one of the most important components of the CUET UG Exam. The CUET English Syllabus 2025 aims to assess your proficiency in a number of language domains, covering all significant ideas and adhering to the requirements of English honors programs. The CUET Syllabus 2025's English portion addresses vocabulary, synonyms and antonyms, part rearranging, reading comprehension, verbal abilities, and other subjects. The entire CUET English syllabus 2025 must be reviewed by candidates getting ready for the English language exam, and their preparation should be planned properly.

Section Topics
Grammar TenseParts of speechNarrationFigure of speech Active and passive voiceClause
Vocabulary SynonymsAntonymsIdiomsPhrasesOne Word SubstitutionConfusing Words & Error spottingForeign Words
Verbal Ability Choosing the Correct WordRearrange Sentences/Parajumble
Reading comprehension There will be three types of passages (maximum 300-350 words):i. Factualii. Narrativeiii. Literary

Previous Years Questions (PDF Downlad)

The 2024 CUET English question paper is available here in PDF format. Additionally, you may download previous years' CUET English question papers.

YEAR PDFs
CUET Question papers 2024 Click Here
CUET Question papers 2023 Click Here
CUET Question papers 2022 Click Here
CUET Question Papers 2021 Click Here

Is NCERT enough for the CUET English exam 2025?

It is legitimate to presume that the NCERT books cover the test syllabus because the CUET syllabus corresponds with the Class 12 Board exam syllabus. Candidates should be aware that the CUET test evaluates students' comprehension of the material and their capacity to apply it in a variety of contexts.

Therefore, it is recommended that students consult a range of study resources and publications created for national competitive admission tests in order to adequately prepare and get a high score.

CUET 2025 English Syllabus Weightage:

Candidates are evaluated on a number of themes, each with a distinct weight, in the CUET 2025 English portion. Important subtopics including synonyms and antonyms, idioms and phrases, one-word substitutes, figures of speech, phrasal verbs, and identifying spelling mistakes are all included in vocabulary, which makes up 20–24% of the total. Additionally, grammar accounts for 20–24% of the total score and assesses skills such as question tags, active/passive voice, parts of speech, tenses, and storytelling (direct/indirect speech). Verbal ability, which has a weight of 10–12%, comprises matching-type problems, analogies, sentence completion, and word choice.

Topic Approximate Weightage Expected Number of Questions
Reading Comprehension 36-40% 18-20
Vocabulary 20-24% 10-12
Grammar 20-24% 10-12
Verbal Ability 10-12% 5-6
Rearranging Parts (Para Jumbles) 10-12% 5-6

What is the English core syllabus?

Grammar, vocabulary, verbal proficiency, and reading comprehension are all covered in the CUET English Core curriculum. With an emphasis on interpretation, correctness, and language usage, it includes passages, synonyms, idioms, Para jumbles, and Class 12 NCERT readings like Flamingo and Vistas.

CUET English Syllabus 2025, Topic wise Weightage

In CUET English Syllabus 2025 there are fifty questions in Section I of the CUET Exam. You simply need to respond to the 50 questions. To assist them in preparing properly, candidates who select English as their language should go over the topic-specific weighting in the table below.

Re - Arranging 3-5
Choosing the Correct Word 6-8
Grammar 3-5
Vocabulary 8-10
Reading comprehension 18-24

CUET 2025 English Syllabus Analysis (2024-2022)

From 2022 to 2024, the CUET English section has remained consistent in pattern with a few key trends. Vocabulary (10–14 questions) and sentence rearrangement (3–6 questions) appear regularly at an easy to moderate level. Spelling questions, though fewer (2–3), are generally difficult. Literary devices (2–4 questions) remain moderate. Reading Comprehension has increased in importance, now making up 15–20 easy-level questions. Grammar questions have also grown from 5 to 10, ranging from easy to moderate. Overall, strong skills in comprehension, vocabulary, and grammar are essential for scoring well.

Topic 2024 2023 2022 Analysis Difficulty
Vocabulary (Synonyms/Antonyms, One Word, Idioms) 10–12 Qs 12–14 Qs 10–12 Qs Consistent Easy-Moderate
Sentence Rearrangement / Para Jumbles 4–6 Qs 3–5 Qs 4–5 Qs Consistent Moderate
Spelling Correction / Misspelt Words 2-3 Qs 2 Qs 2-3 Qs Consistent Difficult
Literary Devices / Figures of Speech 3-4 Qs 3-4 Qs 2-3 Qs Consistent Moderate
Reading Comprehension (RC) 18-20 Qs 15-18 Qs 15-20 Qs Increasing Easy
Grammar (Error Spotting, Sentence Correction) 8-10 Qs 8-10 Qs 5-7 Qs Increasing Easy-Moderate

CUET 2025 English: Topic - wise Weightage

Before entering the test room, students can be suggested to quickly review the material. To find out where the questions are most commonly asked in the CUET English question paper, go under the Important Topics. Reading comprehension, vocabulary (synonyms, idioms), grammar (error spotting, voice, speech), and verbal ability (para jumbles, sentence completion) are the main areas of attention for CUET 2025 English. Give vocabulary and understanding top priority since they are the most important. Improve your speed and accuracy by practicing PYQs.

Topic Approx. Weightage Expected Questions Details
Reading Comprehension 36–40% 18–20 Factual, Literary, and Narrative passages with inference, vocabulary in context, and tone-based questions.
Synonyms & Antonyms 8–10% 4–5 Context-based synonym/antonym identification from passages or standalone.
Idioms & Phrases 6–8% 3–4 Identify meanings or use in context.
One Word Substitution 4–6% 2–3 Choose the correct one-word equivalent for a phrase.
Spelling Errors 2–3% 1–2 Identify correct or incorrect spelling.
Fill in the Blanks 6–8% 3–4 Grammar- or vocabulary-based blanks (single/double fillers).
Error Spotting 8–10% 4–5 Identify grammatical mistakes in sentences.
Sentence Improvement 4–6% 2–3 Choose the best version of a sentence.
Active & Passive Voice 2–3% 1–2 Convert between active/passive.
Parts of Speech 4–5% 2–3 Identify or correct usage of nouns, verbs, adjectives, etc.
Para Jumbles (Sentence Order) 8–10% 4–5 Rearranging sentences to form a coherent paragraph.
Sentence Completion 4–5% 2–3 Logical and grammatical sentence completions.
Match the Columns 3–4% 1–2 Match phrases, meanings, or grammar elements.
Analogy-Based Questions 2–3% 1–2 Identify word pair relationships.

When will CUET English 2025 be conducted?

The CBT version of the CUET UG 2025 English exam is set to take place from May 8th to June 1st, 2025. The National Testing Agency's (NTA) comprehensive schedule will contain the precise time and date of the English test.

CUET English 2025 Eligibility

Criteria Details
Age Limit No upper age limit. Course-specific requirements may apply based on the university.
Academic Qualification Must have passed or appeared in Class 12 from a recognized board in any stream.
Minimum Marks (General) 50% in Class 12
Minimum Marks (SC/ST) 45% in Class 12
Stream Eligibility All streams (Science, Commerce, Arts), depending on the course requirements of each university.
University Requirements Each university has specific program-wise eligibility. Visit their official websites for details.
Admission Note Appearing for CUET or qualifying does not guarantee admission unless university-specific eligibility criteria are met.
GEN-EWS Certificate Required. Must be issued on or after Jan 1, 2025. If not available during registration, submit a declaration (Annexure-IB).
OBC-NCL Certificate Required. Must be issued on or after Jan 1, 2025. If not available during registration, submit a declaration (Annexure-IIB).
SC/ST Certificate Must submit a valid caste/tribal certificate as per government guidelines in the CUET 2025 application.

CUET English Syllabus 2025 Study Material

The CUET English Syllabus 2025 assesses reading comprehension, speaking skills, and language competency. To properly prepare for this section, it is important to focus on reading books that increase vocabulary, hone comprehension skills, and provide lots of practice through mock exams and previous years' examinations. The books and resources listed below are recommended for preparing for the CUET English section:

Resource / Book How to Study
Wren & Martin's High School English Grammar and Composition Focus on one grammar topic daily. Practice both theory and exercises. Use the answer key to self-evaluate and reinforce concepts.
Objective General English by S.P. Bakshi Ideal for MCQ practice. Divide chapters by topic (grammar, vocabulary, comprehension). Practice with a timer for speed and accuracy.
Word Power Made Easy by Norman Lewis Do 1–2 sessions (30 minutes) daily. Follow the structured format—don't skip revision parts. Excellent for building a strong vocabulary base.
30 Days to a More Powerful Vocabulary by Wilfred Funk & Norman Lewis Follow the 30-day plan as outlined. Take 15–20 minutes a day. Helps enhance contextual vocabulary through root-based learning.
Quick Learning Objective General English by R.S. & Vikas Aggarwal Use for fast revision. It is student-friendly—ideal for brushing up common grammar rules and solving mixed exercises.
CUET (UG) Mock Tests Attempt 1 full-length mock every 2–3 days. Analyze errors and focus on weak areas. Build test-taking stamina and strategy.
Previous Years’ Questions (PYQs) Solve PYQs topic-wise first, then as full tests. Understand question trends and difficulty level. Revise commonly asked concepts.
English Reading Comprehension by RPH Editorial Board Practice 1–2 comprehensions daily. Focus on inference-based questions and improving reading speed. Highlight new vocabulary.
Online Resources & Practice Tests Use official NTA mock portals, apps like Testbook/Adda247/Unacademy for daily practice, timed quizzes, and subject-wise mini tests. Stay consistent.

What should I study for CUET English?

To prepare properly you need to start from the very beginning i.e. understanding the syllabus then afterwards try to go through the Pyqs. To get conceptual understanding one must consider the above mentioned books. The following topic wise division will help prepare better for CUET English 2025.

CUET English 2-Month Preparation Plan

Here's an 8-week preparation plan for CUET English, focusing on grammar, vocabulary, reading comprehension, and practice strategies. You have almost eight weeks to prepare effectively, especially because the English portion is largely predictable. This study schedule, which is divided into weeks, includes daily recommendations, pointers, and areas to concentrate on;

Weeks Main Focus Areas Daily Activities Tips
Weeks 1–2 Build the Basics 1–2 RC passages (timed) 1 para jumble + 1 cloze test10–15 vocab/idiom reviewGrammar from PYQs/sample papers15-min quick revision Make a notebook for vocab & tricky grammarUse color coding or flashcards
Weeks 3–4 Start Practicing More Study 1–2 grammar topics + 10 related questionsLearn 15–20 new vocabulary words1 small RC passageRevise 2–3 literary devicesDo topic-wise PYQs (grammar/vocab) Track mistakes and guessing patterns
Weeks 5–6 Practice Under Time Pressure 1 full English section test every other dayReview & analyze each testSpeed drills: 10 grammar Qs in 7 minsReview vocab flashcards1–2 RCs/para jumbles daily Use timers for practiceNote where marks are lost
Weeks 7–8 Final Touches (Speed & Accuracy) 1 mock test or 30-min section testImmediate reviewRevise 20 vocab words10 mixed-topic MCQsChill: quiz/video on grammar/lit devices Use error notebook dailyFocus on accuracy over new topics

CUET English Topic Wise Previous Year Questions

Vocabulary

  • Synonyms & Antonyms
  • One Word Substitution
  • Idioms & Phrases
  • Spelling corrections

Note which words/phrases are repeatedly asked in past years.

1. Choose the correct synonym of the word "benevolent":

A. Kind

B. Cruel

C. Lazy

D. Arrogant

Answer: A

2. Choose the one word for: “A person who speaks many languages.”

A. Linguist

B. Orator

C. Polyglot

D. Philologist

Answer: C

3. Find the correctly spelled word:

A. Mischievious

B. Mischievous

C. Misheivous

D. Mischivious

Answer: B

Grammar & Usage

  • Error spotting
  • Sentence improvement

Fill in the blanks (with grammar focus)

Note PYQs often repeat grammar rules like subject-verb agreement, articles, and prepositions.

Identify the error:

1. Choose the correct sentence:

             A. He don’t know the answer.

             B. He doesn’t knows the answer.

             C. He doesn’t know the answer.

             D. He not know the answer.

             Answer: C

2. "Each of the players have a unique style."

              A. Each

              B. Of the players

              C. Have

              D. No error

              Answer: C (Should be "has" instead of "have")

Literary Devices / Figure of Speech

  • Metaphor, Simile, Personification, etc.

Some questions in PYQs come from this section, especially in RCs or direct MCQs.

Q1. "The wind whispered through the trees."

Which figure of speech is used here?

              A. Simile

              B. Personification

              C. Alliteration

              D. Hyperbole

              Answer: BPersonification (wind is given human ability to whisper)

Q2. "She was as brave as a lion in the battlefield."

Identify the figure of speech:

             A. Metaphor

             B. Simile

             C. Irony

             D. Apostrophe

Answer: B – Simile (uses “as” to compare)

Rearranging Sentences / Para-jumbles

  • Arrange jumbled sentences to form a meaningful paragraph.

Note Seen in almost every CUET English paper.

  1. Rearrange the following sentences into a logical sequence:

P: It was a strange sound that made him uneasy.

Q: John paused for a moment.

R: He had never heard anything like it before.

S: The silence that followed was even more terrifying.

Correct sequence:

             A . Q P R S

             B. Q R P S

             C. P Q R S

             D. R Q P S

             Answer: A

Reading Comprehension (RC)

  • Types of passages: Factual, Literary, Narrative, and Discursive
  • Question types: Inference-based, tone/attitude, vocabulary in context, main idea, etc.

Practice RCs from previous papers—this is a high-weightage area.

“Over the years, scientists have noted the rising temperature of the Earth’s atmosphere and oceans. This warming has been linked to an increase in carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases produced by human activities. The consequences include melting glaciers, rising sea levels, and extreme weather conditions.”

Q1. What is the main cause of global warming as per the passage?

             A. Natural changes in climate

             B. Increase in rainfall

             C. Greenhouse gases from human activities

             D. Volcanic eruptions

             Answer: C

Q2. What is NOT mentioned as a consequence of global warming?

       A. Extreme weather

       B. Ocean acidification

       C. Melting glaciers

       D. Rising sea levels

       Answer: B

*The article might have information for the previous academic years, which will be updated soon subject to the notification issued by the University/College.

CUET 2025 : 4 Answered Questions

Ques. My CUET total score is 280 out of 750, so which colleges should I go to?

Scoring 280 out of 750 in CUET will restrict your choices among the highly competitive central universities to some extent. But you have many more opportunities waiting for you at state, private, and part of the central universities—if you are willing to accept a range of courses and destinations. 280 out of 750 is equal to approximately 37%. Top-tier colleges such as DU, BHU, and JNU typically have their cutoffs significantly higher, typically even beyond 600, which makes it impossible to secure admission into their more demanding courses with this marking. But this doesn't leave you with nothing! There are plenty of other decent colleges with lower cutoffs and equally good education. Some Central and State Universities have comparatively lower competition, like the Central University of Haryana, Central University of Karnataka, Dr. Harisingh Gour Vishwavidyalaya (Sagar), Mahatma Gandhi Central University etc. They can offer admissions in general courses like BA, BSc, or BCom. Private Colleges and Universities The majority of the best private colleges accept CUET scores and offer relaxed cutoffs. Examples are colleges like KCC Institute of Technology & Management and other state board-associated private universities. University Type Likelihood of Admission Courses Likely Available Top Central Universities (DU, BHU, JNU, AMU) Very unlikely None (cutoffs much higher) Mid-/Lower-Tier Central/State Universities Possible General BA, BSc, BCom, etc. Private Universities/Colleges Good Wide range, including vocational Keep visiting the official university websites for the latest CUET cutoffs and admission rules. Applying to more than one university can work in your favor. Get ready to accept alternative campuses and pathways; sometimes the best opportunities can surprise you....Read More
Answer By Muskan Agrahari 27 Jun 25
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Ques. Which subject is considered for determining the CUET cutoff for admission to HNBGU?

The subjects considered for the CUET cutoff at HNBGU depend on the course you’re applying for.  – For B.Tech courses: Your CUET scores in Physics, Chemistry, and Math are considered.  – For B.Sc. (like Agriculture, Horticulture, Biology, etc.): Subjects like Biology, Agriculture, Chemistry, or Math will be used—whichever is relevant to the course.  – For BA/B.Com or other non-science courses: The university verifies particular subjects needed for that course (listed in their subject mapping). Example:  B.Sc. Horticulture ? CUET score in Biology or Agriculture B.Tech CSE ? CUET score in PCM BA (any subject) ? Depends on the subject you select (like History, Political Science, etc.) Admission Type Eligible After Entry Year Notes Regular BCA 10+2 or Diploma 1st Year Any stream; some colleges require math/CS. Lateral Entry BCA 3-yr Diploma (CS/IT) 2nd Year Depends on the college’s rules & recognition...Read More
Answer By Muskan Agrahari 27 Jun 25
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Ques. VIPS give preference through Cuet 2025 rank

Vivekananda Institute of Professional Studies (VIPS ) , Delhi, does not give direct preference to CUET 2025 ranks for admission in the first round.  The Common Entrance Test (CET), administered by GGSIPU for the majority of courses, is the main method of admission. CUET Rankings Used: VIPS uses the merit list based on CUET scores to fill any open seats after the CET merit list has been exhausted. Courses offered Course Duration Eligibility Entrance Exam Total Fees (Approx.) B.Tech (CSE, AI & ML, etc.) 4 years 10+2 with PCM JEE Main/IPU CET 5.3–5.6 lakh BCA 3 years 10+2 with 50% IPU CET 2.9–3.1 lakh BBA 3 years 10+2 with 50% IPU CET 3.1–3.2 lakh B.A. LL.B. 10+2 with 50% CLAT/IPU CET 5.1–5.3 lakh BBA LL.B. 5 years 10+2 with 50% CLAT/IPU CET 5.1–5.3 lakh B.Com (Hons.) 3 years 10+2 with 50% IPU CET 2.99 lakh BA (Hons.) 3 years 10+2 with 50% IPU CET 2.99 lakh BAJMC (Journalism) 3 years 10+2 with 50% IPU CET 3.1–3.2 lakh MCA 2 years Graduation with 50%, Math at 10+2 or UG level IPU CET/NIMCET 2.8–3.0 lakh MBA 2 years Graduation with 50% CAT/CMAT/IPU CET 2.8–3.0 lakh LL.M 1 year LL.B. with 55% IPU CET 1.39 lak...Read More
Answer By Vinima Bhola 03 Jul 25
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Ques. I got low marks in CUET, but my UG marks and board marks fit the eligibility criteria. Is there any way I can get into NIT?

No, NIT admissions are not based on CUET scores. NITs accept only JEE Main scores for UG courses such as B.Tech. No matter how well you've done in your Class 12th board and have fulfilled the eligibility criteria, CUET is not acceptable for NIT admission. Here’s what you need to know: Criteria NIT Admission Requirement Entrance Exam JEE Main only CUET Score Not accepted Class 12th Marks Minimum 75% or top 20 percentile in respective board If your goal is to get into an NIT, appearing for JEE Main is a must.   If you have performed decent in CUET, you can attempt to get admission to top central universities and other colleges that accept CUET scores for B.Tech or other undergraduate degrees.  – Delhi University (DU)  – Banaras Hindu University (BHU)  – Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University  = Aligarh Muslim University and similar institutions....Read More
Answer By Muskan Agrahari 25 Jun 25
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Fees Structure

Structure based on different categories

CategoriesState
General1750
sc1650

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