Is Language Test Compulsory for CUET Exam 2026?
Is Language Test Compulsory for CUET Exam 2026? No, it is not mandatory for all students. It depends on the course and university subject mapping. Some universities, like DU, require at least one language, while others may only need domain subjects. Always check eligibility before choosing CUET 2026 subjects.
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Many students who are planning to appear for CUET 2026 often ask one common question: Is Language Test Compulsory for CUET Exam 2026? This confusion usually happens while filling out the application form and selecting subjects. Since CUET allows multiple subject choices, students want to make sure they are choosing the correct combination.
The Common University Entrance Test (CUET) is conducted for admission into undergraduate courses in central and other participating universities across India. The exam includes different sections such as Language Test, Domain Subjects, and General Test. However, not every section is mandatory for all courses.
Understanding the Language Section in CUET 2026
Before answering Is Language Test Compulsory for CUET Exam 2026?, it is important to understand what the Language Section includes.
CUET 2026 is conducted in online mode. The CUET exam pattern consists of three main sections:
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Section I: Language Test
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Section II: Domain Subjects
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Section III: General Test
Each paper is of 60 minutes duration. Each section has 50 questions. All questions are objective type. Each paper carries 250 marks.
The Language Section checks your reading comprehension, vocabulary, grammar, and verbal ability. Students can choose from different languages such as English, Hindi, and other regional languages.
Earlier, students were allowed to choose more subjects. Now, students can choose up to 5 subjects in total. These subjects may include language, domain subjects, and a general test depending on the course requirements.
The language section plays an important role in some courses. Many universities consider language skills necessary for humanities and arts programs. Therefore, understanding your course requirements is very important.
Is Language Test Compulsory for CUET 2026?
Legally, the NTA does not force every student to pick a language. However, most top universities like Delhi University (DU) and Banaras Hindu University (BHU) make it a requirement for their merit lists.
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When it is Compulsory: If you want to study BA (Hons) in English, Hindi, or any Humanities subject at DU, you must take at least one language test.
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When it is Optional: For certain technical courses like B.Sc. (Hons) Agriculture at BHU, the university may only look at your scores in Domain Subjects like Physics, Chemistry, and Biology.
Important Points to Consider While Choosing CUET Subjects 2026
Choosing the wrong subjects can disqualify you from your dream college. Keep these points in mind for the CUET Exam 2026:
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Check Subject Mapping: Every university publishes a "Subject Mapping" list. This tells you exactly which CUET papers are needed for a specific degree.
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Language of Instruction: Even if not compulsory for merit, having a language score helps if your future medium of study is English or Hindi.
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The "Safety Net" Strategy: Many experts suggest taking at least one language. It opens doors to more universities and acts as a backup if you score lower in a domain subject.
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Class 12th Alignment: For 2026, you can choose subjects you did not study in Class 12th, but most universities still prefer that you stick to your school subjects.
Also Check: Is General Test Compulsory for CUET 2026
Should You Take a Language Test in CUET or Not?
If you are aiming for top-tier Central Universities, we highly recommend taking the Language Test. It is nearly impossible to get into the University of Delhi without a language score.
The ideal subject combination for the CUET Exam 2026 usually looks like this:
1 Language + 3 Domain Subjects + 1 General Test
This combination ensures you are eligible for the maximum number of courses across India. Always download the official 2026 brochure from exams.nta.ac.in to verify the latest rules for your specific target college.
Therefore, the answer to ‘Is Language Test Compulsory for CUET Exam 2026?’ is no. It is not mandatory for every student. It depends on the course and the university you choose. Make a clear strategy, select the correct subjects, and focus on preparation.
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