Explore CUET 2026 General Knowledge syllabus, topic-wise weightage, and a 7-step study plan to score high in Section III of the CUET exam.
What Is CUET 2026 General Knowledge Section?
The Common University Entrance Test (CUET) UG 2026, conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA), includes a vital General Test (Section III) — commonly known as the General Knowledge and Aptitude section. While optional, it is mandatory for admission to several top universities such as Delhi University, JNU, and BHU for certain courses.
This section tests students on General Knowledge (GK), current affairs, reasoning, and numerical ability. Out of 50 compulsory questions, around 15–20 are GK-based, covering both static and dynamic knowledge areas. Scoring well in CUET 2026 General Knowledge can significantly boost your overall percentile.
Key Topics in CUET 2026 General Knowledge
To perform well in CUET 2026 General Knowledge, focus on high-weightage themes drawn from national and international affairs. Here’s the topic-wise breakdown:
| Category | Key Sub-Topics | Approx. Weightage |
| Current Affairs | National & international events, awards, books/authors, summits, important days | 20–25% |
| Indian History & National Movement | Ancient, medieval, modern history, freedom struggle, reformers | 15–20% |
| Geography | Rivers, mountains, capitals, dams, world geography | 10–15% |
| Polity | Indian Constitution, governance, Panchayati Raj, political systems | 10–15% |
| Science & Technology | Space missions, inventions, discoveries, biology, chemistry basics | 10–15% |
| Economy & Environment | Indian economy, budget, environment, climate issues | 5–10% |
| Sports & Miscellaneous | Major tournaments, cultural heritage, personalities | 5–10% |
7-Step Preparation Strategy for CUET 2026 General Knowledge
1. Start Early and Build a Study Plan
Begin your CUET 2026 GK preparation by October 2025. Dedicate 1–2 hours daily, alternating between static GK (like history or polity) and current affairs (like government schemes or awards).
Use a weekly planner:
- Monday/Wednesday: Current Affairs
- Tuesday/Thursday: History & Geography
- Friday/Saturday: Polity & Science
- Sunday: Revision and Mock Tests
2. Stay Updated with Current Affairs
Nearly half of CUET 2026 General Knowledge questions come from recent events. Read The Hindu, Indian Express, or magazines like Yojana and Pratiyogita Darpan.
Follow reliable apps or portals such as Inshorts, Drishti IAS, or PIB for monthly compilations.
Focus on India-centric news, especially:
- New government policies and schemes
- Global summits or India’s foreign relations
- Awards, sports tournaments, and defense developments
3. Strengthen Static GK with Notes and Mnemonics
Static topics (history, geography, polity, science) can be memorized better through mnemonics and flashcards.
For example:
- “VIBGYOR” for rainbow colours in science.
- “FR” + “DPSP” for Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles in polity.
Use NCERT textbooks (Class 6–12) for foundational clarity, as CUET 2026 General Knowledge aligns closely with NCERT concepts.
4. Practice with PYQs and Mock Tests
Solve previous year CUET papers (2022–2025) to understand question trends.
Key focus areas:
- Nobel Prize winners
- UN & international organizations
- Indian Constitution articles
- Major space missions (ISRO & NASA)
Attempt 2–3 full mock tests weekly from reliable platforms like Toprankers, SuperGrads, or Physics Wallah. Analyze mistakes and focus on weak sections.
Time yourself — 50 questions in 60 minutes demands speed and accuracy.
5. Diversify Your Resources
Use a mix of online and offline materials:
- Books: Lucent’s General Knowledge, Manorama Yearbook 2026, Arihant GK 2026
- Magazines: Pratiyogita Darpan for monthly updates
- Websites: cuet.nta.nic.in for syllabus and updates, CUET.com for PYQs
- Apps: Anki for flashcards, Inshorts for quick news
Join Telegram or WhatsApp groups for daily GK quizzes to make learning interactive.
6. Smart Revision and Performance Tracking
Revise every Sunday. Use mind maps to connect topics — for example, link “Non-Cooperation Movement” with “Swadeshi Industries.”
Maintain a revision log of mistakes and review it in the final month.
If your mock score is below 70%, dedicate extra time to that section.
7. Time Management During CUET Exam
- Attempt GK questions first to gain quick marks.
- Avoid spending more than one minute per question.
- Mark difficult questions for review and return to them later.
- Always cross-check before final submission.
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Recommended Books and Resources for CUET 2026 General Knowledge
Best Books
- Lucent’s General Knowledge – Ideal for static GK
- Manorama Yearbook 2026 – Best for comprehensive coverage
- Arihant General Knowledge 2026 – Includes current affairs & quizzes
- Pratiyogita Darpan – Monthly magazine for current events
Online Resources
- Official Website: cuet.nta.nic.in
- Free PYQs & PDFs: CUET.com, Selfstudys.com
- Mock Tests: SuperGrads, Toprankers, PW App
Final Words
Consistent preparation and smart time management can help you score 35+ marks in CUET 2026 General Knowledge. Remember, GK is not just about memorizing facts — it’s about connecting knowledge with awareness.
Stay updated, stay curious, and practice daily. For official notifications, always check NTA’s CUET portal.
Good luck with your CUET 2026 journey!