Best CUET 2026 Expected Cutoffs (All Categories) + Exam Difficulty | CUETPlus

Best CUET 2026 expected cutoffs are likely to remain high across top central universities due to rising competition, limited seats, and normalization-based. To help determine what cut-offs might be in the future based on previous years’ trends and CUETPlus exam analysis, the target percentile for General category candidates applying to premier universities should be between 98-100. For candidates applying for seats through the EWS category, safe cut-offs could be between 96-98 percentile. Candidates applying for seats through the OBC category could expect safe cut-offs between 94-97 percentile in top colleges/universities.

Projected cut-offs for SC candidates will be around 85-92 percentile; ST candidates could expect cut-offs between 80-90 percentile, depending on how popular a course is and how many available seats are there. Expected high cut-off courses could include B.Com (Hons), B.A. Economics, B.Sc.

Computer Science. Students that are looking at CUETs will need to keep in mind that because CUET uses a percentile-based method of normalizing scores, their raw score could differ by shift. Therefore, students should also focus on scoring accurately and consider using the CUETPlus Cutoff Calculator to better gauge their likelihood of being able to gain admittance.

Why Best CUET 2026 Expected Cutoffs Prediction Is More Important Than Ever

CUET 2026 will be the stiffest competition ever because:

• Students have increased their desire to attempt CUET after realisation that it’s not a choice but a mandatory requirement to get into the best universities (i.e. Admissions into the best universities are only through CUET) — Huge increase in awareness of CUET among students as well as an increase from all CBSE/ISC/state boards.
• The number of high-scoring students is rising not due to the exam becoming easier, but due to enhancements in coaching/mock tests/organised preparation.
• There are not as many seats created by universities compared to the amount of registration; therefore the difference in seats vs. registrations is forcing universities to raise cut-offs.

As a result, the only way to say you passed CUET is not enough – you need to analyse the percentile you are in with respect to where you believe the difficulty will lie as well as what you think the cut-off will be.

Overall Difficulty Level of CUET 2026 (CUETPlus Prediction)

CUET 2026 is predicted by experts at CUETPlus to be MODERATELY difficult based on trends seen in CUETs held in 2022,2023, 2024, and 2025; including Comparably Difficult Questions aimed at separating the top 1-2% of Candidates.

The Cuet will not have extreme conceptual Questions but rather Questions that require Precision. Students who depend on Luck, Surface Reading and/or Cramming will find it Hard to achieve Higher Percentiles in the exam.

To put it in simpler terms:

If you were to describe the level of difficulty of the various types of Questions that will appear on Cuet 2026:

• Easy Questions – All Students will Attempt them.
• Moderate Questions – will Determine your Rank.
• Negative Marking – Will Punish Students for Inaccuracy in response.

This is why accuracy is more Important than attempt Counts in Cuet 2026.

Section-wise Difficulty Analysis for CUET 2026

Let’s analyze the expectancies of CUET 2015 to see how difficult it actually is as far as its test aspect is concerned.

Difficulty of Language (Section I)

The language papers (i.e., the two parts) will still have the same level of difficulty as in the previous years (CUET 2015) but students often underestimate them.

Reading comprehension will still dominate over everything else. The passages are not too difficult, but the possible answers will be worded similarly within the Congress of the United States. NCERT based vocabulary questions. Additionally, questions that test your understanding of Grammar will test your understanding of the concepts rather than what you’ve memorised.

Students that frequently read and practice RCs will learn to score very high marks in this area and are at a favourable opportunity to obtain a 99+ percentile in this section if they can maintain their accuracy.

CUETPlus Insight: Many students who are placed among the top rankers have lost their percentile because they made numerous silly errors when responding to fairly easy questions relating to the language.

Section II will Determine the Importance of Domain Subject in CUET 2026

The Domain Subject is very important in determining the cutoff for CUET 2026.

Most of the Science Domain Subjects (Physics, Chemistry, Math, Biology) will be Moderate to Hard according to what is covered by NCERT (the Line Charts) and as far as Formula Application is concerned. The Numerical Questions that may be asked will take up most of your time and the Answers Choices will be similar in nature.

The Commerce Domain Subjects (Accountancy, Business Studies and Economics) will fall in the area of Moderate Difficulty but will also contain lengthy questions and time constraints to complete.

The Humanities Domain Subjects will fall into the range of Easy to Moderate, however due to the extremely competitive nature of these subjects, any Wrong Answers will have a greater effect on your total Percentile and may possibly drop your Percentile Ranking significantly.

CUETPlus would like to remind Domain Focused candidates to review all of the NCERT Material in Sequence, especially the Illustrations, Charts, Tables and Examples.

Assessing the Difficulty Level of General Test: Section III

The General Test is often the most difficult to determine difficulty on the CUET 2026; it appears that the level of difficulty will be moderate, but the questions may be somewhat confusing.

Quantitative aptitude isn’t necessarily too hard but is usually more time-consuming. Logical reasoning doesn’t rely on any formulas; however, it measures the quality of the student’s thoughts and ideas. General awareness is a combination of both static and current issues; the majority of students seem to struggle with this section.

This section has the most significant negative marking consequences; therefore, going into an exam without proper preparation can result in extremely low scores.

Understanding CUET Normalization: The Hidden Cutoff Factor

Many CUET candidates make the mistake of evaluating their performance based on raw scores.

The Common University Entrance Test (CUET) is offered in several shifts, and it uses normalization to be fair to all test-takers since each shift has a varying level of difficulty. Normalization gives you the following advantages.

• If you score lower on the raw score in a difficult shift, you will still receive a higher percentile.
• If you score higher on the raw score in an easier shift, you will receive a lower percentile.

CUETPlus has performed a study and found that using CUET normalization can change your percentile by as much as 2-5 points, which is significant at the top percentile cutoffs.

Because of these differences, you must use a percentile-based cutoff prediction rather than just raw marks.

Expected Score vs Percentile for CUET 2026

Based on CUET 2026, CUETPlus provides a realistic score-to-percentile correlation, based on trends seen in the normalisation process.

For domain-subject or language papers (weight = 20%).

• A normalised mark of around 195 to 200 will be equal to a percentile greater than 99.9 (highest possible in CUET).
• A score of 185 to 190 corresponds to a shifter of 99 to 99.5% (top 20%).
• A score of 170 to 180 equals a percentile of 97 to 98.5 (top 30%).
• A score of 150 to 160 corresponds to a percentile of 94 to 96 (top 40%).
• A normalised mark below 140 can be placed in the 90% percentile area, depending on the difficulty of the shift.

In general for the General Test (weight = 25%), the minimum normalised mark for 99% equals 225, and normalised marks between 200-220 can be placed into the percentile categories of 96% through 98%.

These scores are not mere guesses but are established based on the results of previous normalisation processes.

CUET 2026 Expected Cutoffs – Category-wise Analysis

The next thing to discuss is the part that people are most searching for and which is probably the most significant: CUET cutoff 2026 Expectations as per Categories.

Cut-Off Marks (UR) For The General Category:

Our prediction is that for the most prestigious of the central universities (DU, BHU, etc.,) the cutoff score for all Courses available in those Universities will continue to remain exceedingly high. The CUETPlus Prediction is 98% to 100% for the leading colleges and curricula. Mid-Tier Universities in the Central System may close out around a Std percentile of 94% to 97%, while all other Participating Colleges and Universities will probably close out at Std Percentiles of 88% to 93%.

Students in the General Category who are looking to apply for the prestigious colleges should consider that anything below 98% may be dangerous.

OBC Candidate Cutoff Scores

OBC Candidates’ CUET 2026 cutoff numbers should be marginally lower, depending on how seen by the university.

CUET universities most likely will close at the 95 to 97 percentiles. Mid-level Universities will likely close at the 90 and 94 percentiles, while Other Universities will likely allow a cutoff of approximately 82 and 89 percentiles.

CUETPlus recommends that OBC Candidates should aim for a minimum 95 cutoff percentile or higher for safer institutions.

SC Category Cutoffs

The SC Category cut-offs have huge variation due to demand for courses and number of seats available in each institution.

The highest cut-offs for most top tier universities were approx 88-92 percentile while some mid-tier universities were usually around 80-87 percentile, though there were still universities that offered admission at approximately 70-79 percentile cutoffs.

Meanwhile, courses that have huge demand such as Economics, Computer Science & B.Com (Hons), continue to have high cutoff scores even amongst categories of SC students.

Cut-Offs For ST Category

ST category cut-offs typically offer the lowest scores. However, competition among ST candidates has increased.

The cut-offs for the best universities will usually range from 85 to 90 percentile; those for average universities may range from 75 to 84 percentile; while the remaining universities may offer cut-offs of 65 to 74 percentile.

CUET Plus encourages ST candidates not to rely solely on minimum cut-off scores but instead strive for higher scores to have more options available when applying to schools.

EWS Category Cutoffs

EWS cut-offs typically coincide very well with General, & are as follows:

The top universities will be closing roughly 96%-98% percentiles, while mid-range universities have an approximate closing value of 92%-95%. The other universities will range between 85% to 91% percentiles.

There is a large amount of underestimation of the competitors within EWS by many students, which results in losing out on many chances to obtain admissions.

Factors That Will Decide CUET 2026 Cutoffs

Multiple factors affect the CUET cut-off scores each year.

• each new applicant increases the overall number of people competing for admissions.
• if CUET 2026’s exams are easier than anticipated, it will have an overall impact on the respective cut-offs throughout the entire test period.
• seats within the best universities will always push the top percentiles higher because of limited availability.
• the popularity of certain courses will create an increased demand for those same degree programs. For example; BA Economics, B.Com (Hons) and B.Sc Computer Science will continue to have the highest overall cut-off percentages.
• the effect of normalisation can greatly alter a student’s chances of obtaining an admission when comparing raw scores.

University-wise Expected Cutoffs (Top Universities)

• The CUETPlus prediction for cut off marks at Delhi University will be between 98.5 to 100 percentiles for top colleges and courses assigned to the General category.
• BHU has predicted their cut offs for the General category will be in the 96-99 percentiles.
• JNU’s cut offs will be highly variable by course selection, but a 97+ percentile mark is a good starting point for General category applicants.

CUETPlus Final Strategy for CUET 2026 Aspirants

CUET 2026 is about more than simply taking an entrance examination. It’s about overcoming hurdles such as percentiles, Using Normalisation Techniques, tackling Competition etc. Thus now is the time for Candidates.Approaching Preparation Strategically rather than randomly Based on previous years Performance by leaders in CUET Preparation and Minimum Scores Required for Admission into Colleges Offering Degrees Via this Test: CUETPlus has developed the “Final” Strategic Approach to Preparing for CUET which Works.

1. Focus on your ability to answer Correctly rather than simply on completing the Syllabus

The Most Common Mistake made by CUET Candidates is only Trying to Complete Their Syllabus and Not Realizing That Attempts Do Not Count, But Accurate Responses Do Matter

A candidate with an accuracy of 90% Who Answers 35 Questions Will Always be ahead in the overall Light of Things Compared to a candidate Who Answers 45 Questions But Has Only 70% Accuracy.

Negative Marking is the “silent” killer of many candidates in CUET.

CUETPlus Advised Candidates to Answer only Questions Where They Are at Least 80%-85% Confident of Their Answer.

2. Use NCERT As Your Central Resource For Preparation, Not As A Reference Material

CUET is an NCERT Driven Examination And Not An Examination Driven By Coaching; Therefore, Most High Weightage Questions Have Come From NCERT Text, Examples, Diagrams, Tables and Summary Points Directly Or Indirectly.

Strategy In The Final Phase Of Preparation:

• Read All Of NCERT Line By Line Rather Than Just Highlighted Areas Of The Book
• Look Closely At The Examples Provided And Any Case Study/Boxed Information Included In Each Chapter
• Regularly Revisit Definitions As Well As The Key Terms Associated With Various Formulas

If It Appears In NCERT, Assume Most Likely That It Will Be Asked On The Exam.

3. Prepare for Percentile, Not Marks

Students Experience Anxiety after Mock exams Based on an Expected Score like 160 or 170

This way of thinking could be detrimental.

The CUET uses normalising and compares the performance of all students. Therefore your target should not be 200 points or less; it should be achieving the highest result possible on your shift.

Your Mindset for CUETPlus Needs to Change.

For Example, a Student who has Normalised 165 could achieve Higher than a Student who scores Raw 180.

• It Does Not mean that Tough Shift is Luck; It May Actually Be Your Advantage.
• Make Sure to Use Percentile Based Ranks When Assessing Mock Tests and Not Just Score.

4. Master High-Scoring Sections First

Not all areas offer the same value for your time and effort.

High Return on Investment Areas:

• Language Questions (Getting an easy score with a resulting high percentile)
• Strong Domain Based (Your own strong personal area)
• Predictable Content From the General Test

Cover these three sections first, then focus on lower scoring sections after you have secured your higher scores. All the while you must remain accurate in your high-scoring sections.

5. Mock exams should focus on quality instead of quantity

It is a waste of time to write 50 mock exams without reviewing them.

CUETPlus recommends that students do the following:

• Students should take 2-3 full-mock exams and spend time analyzing them.
• Students should track the mistakes and the topics where they are weak repeatedly.

After each mock exam, students should ask themselves the following questions:

1. Why did I get that question wrong?
2. Was it due to a concept, an error or a lack of time?
3. Did I really need to try that question at all?

You will make progress after you have taken the exam, not during.

6. Managing Your Time is a Strategy Rather Than a Skill

The reason why CUET papers seem so long is that students find themselves spending too much time on difficult or wrong questions rather than focusing on the easy ones.

For this reason, my final strategy is:

1st Round – Answer the ‘sure-fire’ questions;
2nd Round – Answer the ‘Moderately Difficult’ questions, And;
3rd Round – Do not waste time trying to figure out/guess the unknown (wrong) answers.

If you cannot discern the answer to a question in 60–70 seconds, leave it for later. CUET will reward those who can answer quickly and efficiently, rather than struggle.

7. General Test – Quality Over Quantity

The majority of students lose points on the General Test.

• Make smart guesses for General Knowledge questions
• Use logic when answering Reasoning and Quantitative questions
• Do not answer questions about current events with little knowledge or understanding

Even the highest scoring students will leave between 5-8 questions unanswered on the General Test. This practice is common and demonstrates sound judgment.

8. Aim for Safe Percentiles Rather than Cutoff Numbers

Do not target a specific cutoff. Because of competition, increased difficulty and the sit matrix, cutoffs will change each year.

Safe Targets According to CUETPlus:

• General / EWS: 98.5th Percentile+
• OBC: 95th Percentile+
• SC/ST: 85-90+ Percentile

These buffers protect you from unexpected normalization results and difficult shifts.

9. Mental Discipline Is as Important as Preparation

Mental discipline is just as critical, if not more critical than preparing itself.

There are several ways that students can prepare themselves in the final days leading to the exam:

• Don’t cram last-minute information.
• Prepare to review only those items you reviewed previously, not anything that is new to you.
• Get adequate sleep prior to test day.

A mentally disciplined student who has prepared to 90% will perform better during the exam than a stressed-out student who has prepared for 100% of the syllabus.

10. Post-Exam Strategy Matters Too

Keep in mind that there’s an important aspect of the application process that occurs after taking the examination.

• CUET Result Tracking
• College & Cutoff Predictor
• Strategic Option Filling During Counseling

Many students who receive high percentiles find they lose an available seat due to inadequate filling of their course preferences.

Call to Action – CUETPlus

To Get a Realistic Prediction instead of False Hope:

1. Use the CUETPlus Cut-off Calculator to see your chances right now.
2. Attend the CUETPlus Results & Counselling Webinar and learn how to fill in the correct preferences and best optimise your seats.

The CUET is Competitive; however, With Proper Strategy, It Can Be Won.

Rely on CUETPlus. Prepare Effectively. Get Accepted into the Top Universities.

Frequently Asked Questions About the CUET 2026

Q1: What is expected to be the level of difficulty of the CUET 2026?

Moderate with much higher competition than CUET 2025; therefore, stricter cutoff values.

Q2: What is considered a safe percentile for students who are taking the CUET 2026?

Safe percentiles would generally be greater than 98.5 for the General/EWS categories, greater than 95 for the OBC category and greater than or equal to 85-90 for the SC/ST categories.

Q3: Will the CUET 2026 cutoffs be higher than those for CUET 2025?

Yes. The CUET 2026 cut off are anticipated to be slightly higher due to a larger number of registrants in conjunction with less number of seats available for applicants.

Q4: Is it better to focus on my raw score or percentile for the CUET?

When preparing to take the CUET, the percentage is more important than the raw score; as CUET uses a process of normalisation across multiple shifts throughout the test day(s).

Q5: Could a student with a percentile of 95 be accepted into a top DU college?

For those applicants under the General category, 95 is typically not enough to qualify for the best colleges/courses within Delhi University.

Q6: Do students who qualify for category reservation receive lesser dawt-diusthanegts for CUET?

Yes. The CUET cutoffs vary significantly based on applicant categories (General vs. OBC vs. SC vs. ST, etc.).

Q7: Is there any specific area/courses that has higher CUET cutoffs than others?

The courses of B.Com (Hons), BA Economics, B.Sc Computer Science, and Political Science are among the highest cut-off scores.

Conclusion CUETPlus

The student who will win CUET 2026 will not necessarily be the one who studies the hardest but rather the one who studies the smartest, attempts wisely, and scores on a percentile scale.

If you spend time on your NCERT, maintain accuracy, do your mock analysis and remain calm in your execution, you will ultimately be able to gain admission to top colleges and universities.

Prepare To Be Clear. Execute with Confidence.
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