English Language CUET Syllabus

What’s actually covered in the CUET English Language syllabus?

How should you prepare for the reading, writing and vocabulary sections?

Is NCERT enough, or do you need extra books and practice materials?

If you’re planning to appear for the CUET and English is one of your chosen subjects, these questions have probably crossed your mind. With thousands of students competing for limited seats in top universities, knowing exactly what to study and how to study it can make a real difference.

The English Language section of CUET (Common University Entrance Test) might look simple on the surface, but it tests a wide range of skills—from reading comprehension and vocabulary to grammar, analytical thinking, and verbal ability. It’s not just about knowing the language; it’s about using it smartly under timed conditions.

If you're also preparing for other subjects like Physics or Chemistry, be sure to check out the syllabi for these subjects to plan your studies effectively:

• CUET Physics Syllabus 2025 – Get the detailed breakdown of Physics topics.
• CUET Chemistry Syllabus 2025 – Explore the core topics covered under Chemistry.

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In this blog, we’ll break down the complete CUET English syllabus in a simple, easy-to-understand format. Whether you're aiming for top scores or just starting your prep, this guide will help you know what to focus on, what resources to use, and how to stay ahead of the curve.

Download the “English” CUET 2025 Syllabus

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What’s in the English Language CUET Syllabus

Preparing for the Common University Entrance Test (CUET) and feeling a little unsure about the English Language section? Don’t worry—we’ve broken down the complete syllabus in a way that’s clear, beginner-friendly, and focused on what really matters.

Whether English is your strength or a subject you’re working to improve, understanding what’s actually included in the CUET English syllabus is the first step to building a solid preparation plan.

Reading Comprehension

This is one of the most important parts of the English section. It tests how well you can understand, analyse and interpret written texts. You’ll be given short passages (around 200–250 words) followed by multiple-choice questions. These passages will fall into three types:

Factual Passages

These are based on real-world facts, data, reports, or information. They don’t include opinions or emotions—just clear, straightforward content. You’ll be asked questions like:

• What is the main idea of the passage?
• What fact is mentioned in paragraph 2?
• According to the passage, what is the cause of X?

Tip: Practise skimming and scanning techniques to quickly locate answers in factual texts.

Narrative Passages

These passages tell a story or sequence of events. They may include characters, settings, or real-life experiences. This section checks how well you can follow a plot or understand storytelling elements.

You might be asked:

• What happens after a certain event?
• What is the narrator’s tone?
• Which character shows courage or kindness?

Tip: Try reading short stories or personal essays to get a feel for narrative writing.

Literary Passages

This includes poetry or excerpts from novels, plays, or essays. These passages often use figurative language, tone, mood, and emotional expression. You’ll be tested on your ability to:

• Interpret metaphors or similes
• Identify the theme or message
• Understand the writer’s style

Tip: Read poems and classic literature. Don’t worry about memorising—just focus on understanding feelings and tone.

Verbal Ability

This section checks your language usage, vocabulary, sentence structure, and logical thinking. It’s not just about grammar rules—it’s about how you apply them while reading and writing.

Rearranging the Parts

You’ll get a sentence that’s been broken into parts or phrases. Your job is to put them in the correct order to make a meaningful sentence.

Example:

was / the weather / beautiful / yesterday

Correct sentence: The weather was beautiful yesterday.

Tip: Practise regularly and focus on sentence structure and connectors like “and”, “but”, “because”.

Match the Following

This could involve matching:

• Words with meanings
• Phrases with usage
• Idioms with their definitions

It checks your ability to link ideas and vocabulary.

Tip: Build a vocabulary list with meanings, examples, and usage in context.

Choosing the Correct Word

You’ll be given sentences with a blank, and you’ll need to pick the word that fits best—grammatically and logically.

Example:

She is very ____ about her career.

Options: serious / seriously / seriousness / serioused

Correct answer: serious

Tip: Learn parts of speech (noun, verb, adjective, adverb) and practise with examples.

Synonyms and Antonyms

You’ll need to identify words with similar meanings (synonyms) or opposite meanings (antonyms).

Example:

Synonym of “Happy” → Joyful

Antonym of “Brave” → Cowardly

Tip: Use flashcards and daily quizzes to improve word power.

The CUET English section isn’t just a memory test. It’s designed to check how well you can use English in real situations—whether you’re reading an article, understanding a story, writing an email, or solving a grammar question.

Focus on understanding, application and practice—not just memorising rules.

CUET English Topic-Wise Weightage – What to Focus On and Why It Matters

If you’ve chosen English as your language subject in the CUET exam, it’s important to know where to put your energy. With 50 questions in Section IA, understanding the topic-wise weightage can really help you plan your preparation effectively.

Instead of randomly covering topics, you can prioritise the ones that carry more marks based on previous CUET papers. Here's a breakdown that shows what areas are usually asked and how often they appear.

Note: The topic-wise weightage below is based on analysis from past CUET English question papers. Actual distribution may vary slightly from year to year, but the overall trend remains similar.

CUET English – Topic-Wise Weightage Overview

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Let’s break it down in simple terms:

Reading Comprehension – Your Top Priority

Since this section usually has the highest number of questions, you should practise at least one passage daily. Focus on:

• Finding answers quickly
• Understanding tone and meaning
• Concluding the passage

Tip: Read editorials or short stories regularly to improve your reading speed and accuracy.

Vocabulary & Word Usage – A Daily Habit

Questions on synonyms, antonyms, word meanings, and idioms come up consistently. Building your vocabulary little by little every day will make a huge difference.

Tip: Use flashcards, apps, or a personal word diary to learn 5–10 words daily.

Sentence Rearrangement & Grammar – Test Your Logical Flow

These questions check how well you understand sentence structure and logical order. Grammar-based questions like error spotting or fill-in-the-blanks also test your grasp of English rules.

Tip: Practise rearranging jumbled sentences and revise common grammar rules weekly.

Match the Following & Spelling Correction – Scoring Boosters

Though fewer in number, these are usually straightforward and great for scoring quick marks if you’re well-prepared.

Tip: Focus on commonly misspelled words and build familiarity with idiomatic expressions.

Knowing the CUET English topic-wise weightage lets you study smarter, not harder. Don’t just study everything randomly. Instead, focus more time on reading comprehension and vocabulary while also keeping up with grammar and sentence-based questions.

The goal isn’t to memorise everything—it’s to understand the types of questions and practise regularly, based on what matters most in the actual exam.

How to Prepare Effectively Using the English Syllabus

Preparing for CUET? Choosing English as one of your subjects? Then, the first step is to understand how to use the English syllabus as your guide, not just a list of topics. This article will walk you through exactly how to turn that syllabus into a solid study plan—one that’s practical, stress-free, and effective.

Step 1: Know What’s in the Syllabus

Before diving into any books or practice papers, make sure you clearly understand the CUET English Language syllabus. It's divided into three main sections:

• Reading Comprehension with factual, narrative, and literary passages
• Verbal Ability – including sentence rearrangement, choosing the right word, and matching questions
• Vocabulary – synonyms, antonyms, and word usage

Why it matters: Knowing these categories helps you avoid wasting time on topics that aren’t even part of the test.

Step 2: Turn Each Syllabus Topic into a Study Task

Now that you know what to study, the next step is to break down each section into daily or weekly goals. For example:

• For Reading Comprehension: Read one passage a day and answer questions
• For Verbal Ability: Practise 5–10 sentence rearrangements or fill-in-the-blanks daily
• For Vocabulary: Learn 5 new words each day with meanings, synonyms, antonyms, and example sentences

Pro tip: Use the syllabus as a checklist. Tick off topics as you master them—it keeps your progress visible and motivating.

Step 3: Use the Syllabus to Create a Weekly Plan

Let the syllabus guide your timetable. Here’s a sample weekly plan based on CUET English topics:

• Monday: Reading Comprehension (Factual) + 5 new vocabulary words
• Tuesday: Grammar rules (subject-verb agreement, tenses) + sentence rearrangement
• Wednesday: Reading Comprehension (Narrative) + synonyms/antonyms
• Thursday: Verbal ability practice (match the following, choosing correct words)
• Friday: Reading Comprehension (Literary) + quick revision
• Saturday: Full-length mock test
• Sunday: Rest or light review

Why this works: It ensures full syllabus coverage without feeling overwhelmed.

Step 4: Combine Theory with Practice

Just reading grammar rules or vocabulary lists won’t help unless you apply them. For every topic in the syllabus:

• Read the concept
• Practise questions from mock tests or previous papers
• Review your answers and learn from your mistakes

Example: If the syllabus includes “choosing the correct word”, don’t just memorise rules—solve real questions and see where you go wrong.

Step 5: Use Recommended Resources Based on the Syllabus

Make sure the books and materials you’re using match the English syllabus exactly. Some helpful resources include:

• NCERT English textbooks (for basic comprehension and literary texts)
• Previous CUET papers and mock tests
• CUET-focused English preparation books from trusted publishers
• Online quizzes and daily vocabulary builders

Tip: Avoid materials that are too advanced or too broad—they’ll waste your time.

For further practice, check out:

• CUET Mock Test Paper – To get a feel for the exam pattern and assess your readiness.
• CUET Previous Year Question Papers – To understand the types of questions asked and practice accordingly.

Think of the CUET English syllabus as your roadmap. If you follow it closely, plan your studies around it, and revise it regularly, you’ll be able to study smarter—not harder. Consistency, not cramming, is the key.

So, instead of asking, “What do I study today?” let the syllabus answer that for you. Trust it, use it, and build your preparation around it—and you’ll be on the right track to score well in the CUET English section.

FAQs

1. What is included in the English syllabus?

The English syllabus includes two main areas:

• Reading Comprehension: Based on factual, narrative, and literary passages (200–250 words).
• Verbal Ability: Covers rearranging parts of sentences, matching the following, choosing correct words, and vocabulary-related questions like synonyms and antonyms.

2. How do I download the CUET English syllabus PDF?

You can download the official CUET English syllabus PDF from the NTA CUET official website (https://cuet.samarth.ac.in) under the “Syllabus” section. Navigate to the English subject link to get the detailed PDF.

3. What topics are covered in the English CUET syllabus?

The important topics include: 

Reading Comprehension:

• Factual passages
• Narrative passages
• Literary passages

Verbal Ability:

• Sentence rearrangement
• Matching phrases/sentences
• Vocabulary usage (choosing correct words)
• Synonyms and antonyms

4. How can I prepare for the CUET UG English syllabus?

Preparation tips:

• Practice reading comprehension daily using editorials, stories, or factual reports.
• Enhance vocabulary by noting new words and their meanings.
• Use books and resources specifically designed for CUET English (see recommended books below).
• Solve mock tests and previous year papers to build accuracy and time management.

5. What is the structure of the English syllabus for CUET?

The CUET English section is structured around:

• Three short passages (200–250 words) with questions testing comprehension, inference, vocabulary, and grammar.
• Verbal ability tasks like rearranging sentences, matching information, and vocabulary-based MCQs.

6. Where can I find the latest updates for the CUET syllabus for english?

Visit the official CUET portal (https://cuet.samarth.ac.in) or the NTA website (https://nta.ac.in) regularly for any updates, notifications, and changes in the English syllabus or exam pattern.

7. What are the recommended books for the CUET syllabus for english?

Some useful books include:

• NCERT English Textbooks (Class 11 & 12) – for literary comprehension practice.
• “Objective General English” by S.P. Bakshi – for vocabulary and verbal ability.
• Educart’s CUET English Guide – tailored specifically to the CUET syllabus and pattern.

8. How does the English syllabus CUET differ from other entrance exams?

CUET English focuses more on comprehension and basic verbal ability rather than advanced grammar or essay writing. The questions are more application-based, and the syllabus is strictly aligned with NCERT-level proficiency, unlike exams like CLAT or IPMAT which may include critical reasoning or analytical writing.

9. Is there a specific guide for CUET English syllabus preparation?

Yes, there are subject-specific guides available such as:

• Educart’s CUET UG English Guide
• Educart’s CUET Mock Tests These guides include syllabus-wise theory, practice questions, sample papers, and previous year questions.

10. How can I prepare effectively for the English section of CUET?

• Focus on comprehension skills by reading daily and summarising passages.
• Work on grammar and vocabulary through dedicated exercises.
• Practice sentence rearrangement and matching tasks from question banks.
• Take timed mock tests to simulate exam conditions and improve speed and accuracy.