How to Score 250+ in CUET PG English Literature?
Aiming for a top score in the CUET PG English Literature exam can open doors to admission in reputed universities. A score above 250 is competitive. Achieving this requires a smart, structured approach rather than just hard work. Here, we provide a detailed strategy on how to score 250+ in CUET PG English Literature. The details are mentioned, breaking down the syllabus, phases of preparation, and effective tips while taking the test. If candidates follow these CUET PG English Literature preparation tips, they will be helpful for them in achieving their target score.
It is important to understand the structure of the exam before starting preparation. Knowledge of the exam pattern helps to manage time and increase scores. The CUET PG English exam is held to test the knowledge of the subject. Truly, an understanding of the CUET PG English exam pattern is the first step to creating a winning strategy. It clears the marking scheme and the overall format of the question paper. This allows you to make changes to your preparation as per the specific requirements of the test.
Here is an overview of the exam pattern:
CUET PG English Exam Pattern 2026 | |
Particulars | Details |
Total Marks | 300 |
Total Questions | 75 MCQs |
Exam Duration | 90 Minutes |
Marking Scheme | +4 for each correct answer |
Negative Marking | -1 for each incorrect answer |
The official CUET PG English Literature syllabus is vast. A smart preparation strategy includes focusing on core areas that have carried more weightage in the past. Understanding this strategic breakdown is the first step in formulating an effective CUET PG English scoring strategy. By knowing which areas to give priority, you can set your study time more efficiently to maximize your performance. Based on an analysis of previous year trends, a larger number of questions have been asked on topics listed below.
CUET PG English Literature High Weightage Topic & Questions | |
Section(Core Area) | Average Number of Questions |
History of English Literature, Major Ages & Movements | 10-15 |
Literary Criticism & Theory | Around 10 |
Indian Literature in English & Translation | Around 15 |
World Literature American, European, Postcolonial, etc. | Around 10-15 |
Literary Devices, Trends, Events, and Translation | Around 10-15 |
A clear understanding of the base scores is very important if you want to set a realistic target. In competitive exams like the CUET PG, your score is an important factor. It helps you determine your admission into recognized institutions like DU, JNU, and BHU. Here is a general breakdown of what different score ranges mean in the CUET PG English exam in order to help you visualize the goal and strategize your preparation accordingly:
Good Score Range in English Literature | |
Score Category | Marks Range |
Excellent Score | 250+ |
Average Score | 190 - 240 |
Below Average Score | 180 and below |
Note: To achieve 250 marks, a candidate requires to give correct answers of around 62 to 70 questions.
While making a successful CUET PG English scoring strategy, it is important to select the right study material. Also, a broad understanding of literary history is important. Along with this, the right books will help you focus your efforts on the areas. An ideal book covers the syllabus and provides proper information about the most asked authors in CUET PG English. By combining standard textbooks for foundational knowledge, you can build an effective preparation plan.
Books for CUET PG English Literature | ||
Book Title | Author(s) | Focus Area |
A History of English Literature | Edward Albert | History of English Literature |
The Routledge History of Literature in English | Ronald Carter & John McRae | History of English Literature |
A Short History of English Literature | Andrew Sanders | History of English Literature |
Beginning Theory: An Introduction to Literary and Cultural Theory | Peter Barry | Literary Criticism & Theory |
A Glossary of Literary Terms | M.H. Abrams & Geoffrey Galt Harpham | Literary Terms |
The Norton Anthology of English Literature | M.H. Abrams, Stephen Greenblatt, et al. | Comprehensive (All periods) |
A History of Indian English Literature | M.K. Naik | Indian Writing in English |
An Objective History of English Literature Through Multiple-Choice Questions | B.B. Jain | Practice and Revision |
Objective English for Competitive Examinations | Hari Mohan Prasad & Uma Rani Sinha | Practice and Revision |
A well-structured plan is the basis of success. To master the Important topics for CUET PG English, this strategy properly separates your preparation into multiple phases. Making a strategy is important to ensure coverage of high-weightage topics and their proper revision. If you follow this plan sincerely, it will help you build the knowledge to achieve success in the exam.
This is the most important phase where you will cover the complete syllabus and build a strong conceptual base. This period is a very important duration of your entire preparation. Your primary goal is to cover the syllabus and establish a conceptual understanding of every topic. This phase is about building a strong knowledge base. Success here requires a sincere approach to focus on the following activities:
Consistent Learning: Attend regular classes and revise the topics covered on the same day.
3 Cycle Revision Rule: Follow a systematic schedule to revise prepared topics.
1st Cycle: Revise the topic on the day you study it.
2nd Cycle: Spend 20-30 minutes revising topics of the previous day before starting a new one.
3rd Cycle: Give at least one day in a week to revise everything you have studied that week.
Effective Making of Notes: Create short, concise notes and flashcards for important ages, movements, authors, and theories. Also, arrange them chronologically to build a mental timeline.
Once you have made a solid foundation, you can start testing your knowledge by solving problems. By preparing previous papers and mock tests, you will be able to know how to manage your time effectively. Your focus here should be on two main activities:
Solve CUET PG English previous year question Papers: Work on previous year question papers from CUET PG, UGC NET, and TGT/PGT English exams in order to understand question patterns and difficulty levels.
Regular Mock Tests: Practice CUET PG English mock tests regularly in a real exam environment to improve your speed, accuracy, and time management.
The final phase of revision is about recalling what you have learned. The goal is to ensure that key facts, dates, and theories are clear in your memory. Your efforts in these last days should be increased on the following high-impact activities:
Daily Revision: Revise chronology, key critics, and literary theories every day.
Memorization: Focus on learning important first lines, famous quotations, and genres of major works.
Broaden Your Scope: Give special attention to Indian, British, and World literature, as questions often go beyond the traditional British canon.
You must develop expertise in certain high-weightage areas to score above 250. A good list of Books for CUET PG English Literature can guide your study. Along with this, focusing on the most important topics is still very important for success. Candidates need to make these four pointers a baseline for their preparation:
History of English Literature: Chronology is very important here. Understanding the sequence of literary ages, movements, and their figures is important.
Literary Criticism & Theory: This section can be scored if you have clear concepts about major critics and their theories.
Indian Writing in English & Translation: This is a high-weightage area. Cover major authors, their works, literary awards, and significant translations.
World Literature: Develop a good understanding of major works and authors from American, European, and Postcolonial literature.
These proven techniques will help you stay calm, make smart decisions under pressure, and ensure that you convert your knowledge into the highest possible score. How you perform on exam day is just as important as your preparation. Here are some tips to stay calm and optimise your performance:
Avoid Blind Guessing: Use smart elimination techniques to narrow down options. Only make educated guesses if you can eliminate at least two choices.
Manage Your Time: Divide your exam time strategically.
Attempt the first 50 questions in the first 60 minutes.
Solve the remaining 25 questions in the next 20 minutes.
Keep the last 10-15 minutes for revision.
Use Aids: Create a timeline chart with authors, works, and dates for quick revision. Keep short definitions of key literary terms like "Aporia," "Mimesis," and "Defamiliarization" handy.
Achieving a 250+ score in CUET PG English Literature is very attainable with the right strategy. Success in the exam depends not only on knowledge but also on proper planning and consistent efforts. Before going into detailed preparation, students should identify their strengths and weaknesses. It will help them to focus on high-priority areas. Here is a summary of the action plan:
Understand the Exam: Start by completely analyzing the syllabus and exam pattern.
Systematic Completion: Aim to complete the syllabus within four months, with simultaneous revision.
Consistent Revision: Follow the 3-cycle revision rule without fail.
Start Small: Start with foundational topics to build a strong base before moving to more complex ones.
Practice Extensively: Solve previous year questions and mock tests in a simulated exam environment.
Smart Study Tools: Use flashcards and short notes for quick and effective revision.