Preparing for Class 11, Class 12 board exams, and CUET UG simultaneously may sound overwhelming. Different syllabi, different exam patterns, so much pressure… right? But here’s the good news:
All three share the same foundation – your NCERT Class 11 & 12 concepts.
With the right plan, you can handle them smartly, not stressfully. This blog will guide you on how to balance boards and CUET preparation while enjoying your school life too!
Table of Contents
Why Simultaneously Boards and CUET Preparation is a Must
|
Exam |
Purpose | Focus | Based On |
|
Class 11 & 12 |
Academic foundation | In-depth learning | NCERT |
| Boards | Score for college eligibility | Theory + presentation |
Class 12 NCERT |
| CUET (UG) | Entrance for central universities like DU, BHU, JNU, etc. | Concept + speed + accuracy |
NCERT + practice |
The best part is strong NCERT = Good Board scores + High CUET marks + UG admission advantage. So, instead of preparing separately, integrate everything from Day 1 of Class 11.
Step-by-Step Strategy: Class XI, XII Boards, & CUET Together
Step 1: Begin with the NCERT textbook and thoroughly learn the concepts. The NCERT will be your main textbook for:
- CUET preparation for the domain subject
- Class 12 Boards exam
- Class 11 exam
How to study:
- Go through the complete class XI, XII Boards, and CUET syllabus
- Read every chapter line-by-line (do not miss anything)
- Keep a small notebook for formulas, dates, definitions, etc.
- Practice all the NCERT exercises and the unit
Step 2: Build an effective 80-20 and 60-40 preparation plan
When in class XI, Spend 80% of study time on school subjects and 20% time on CUET skills. During class XII, spend 60% time on school subjects and 40% time on CUET skills, like:
- English language (Grammar & RC passages)
- General Test (if your target universities require it)
- Extra practice questions for speed and accuracy
Your weekly study division:
|
Activity |
Time |
|
Class lectures + revision |
12-13 hours/week |
|
CUET English + GT prep |
6-7 hours/week |
| NCERT question practice |
3-4 hours/week |
| Mock tests (starting Class 12) |
1-2 hours/week |
Step 3: Practice Higher Difficulty Questions for CUET (when you are in class 12).
Boards test your knowledge. CUET UG tests your application. So, merely going through the NCERT is not enough; additionally:
- Solve Chapter-wise MCQs
- Solve PYQs (Previous Year Questions)
- Attempt domain-specific mocks
Step 4: Work on English Daily (15-30 minutes)
CUET English is a high-scoring subject. However, many students lose marks just because of a lack of practice.
Work on:
- Reading comprehension
- Synonyms/antonyms
- Grammar basics
- Para jumbles
- Read 1 article daily (news/sports/science)
- Note 5 new words + meaning + synonym + antonym
Preparing for English takes no extra stress, but gives a massive edge in CUET scores.
Step 5: Strengthen CUET General Ability Test (GAT).
Important topics include:
- Logical reasoning
- Direction & analogy questions
- Basic maths (Class 8–10 level)
- General knowledge & current affairs
Smart sources:
- Daily headlines (10 mins)
- Reasoning practice apps/websites
- CUET reasoning PYQs
Best Study Strategy Subject-wise
|
Subject |
Focus for Boards | Focus for CUET |
|
Accountancy / Physics / Economics |
Numerical presentation and steps | Speed + MCQ solving |
|
Business Studies / Political Science |
Long answers, examples |
Fact-based & assertion-reason questions |
| Biology / History | Diagrams + structured responses |
Key terms, dates, match the following |
| English | Writing skills |
RC + grammar + vocabulary |
Preparation Booster: Smart Notes Matter
Every syllabus requires a curated prep strategy to grasp and ace. Adopt a separate approach and create two kinds of notes:
For Class XI & Boards:
- Long answers with headings & diagrams
- Pointers for explanation
- Sample questions
For CUET UG:
- Concept maps
- One-liner facts
- Quick formula sheets
- Use sticky notes & highlighters
A Sample Weekly Study Plan (Class 11 & 12)
|
Day |
Focus Area |
|
Monday |
School subjects + English vocab |
|
Tuesday |
Domain MCQs + NCERT exercises |
|
Wednesday |
General Test + revision |
| Thursday |
English + speed test |
| Friday |
Board preparation (long answers) |
| Saturday |
MCQs + Chapter test |
| Sunday |
Rest + light revision (1–2 hrs only) |
Important things to remember:
- Sleep well
- Avoid late-night stress
- Keep Sundays mostly free
Bonus Tips to Maximize Scores (Class XI, CI, & CUET)
Classes XI, XII, & CUET UG are high-stakes exams and especially CUET UG, which is very competitive too. Students must adopt all possible strategies and bonus tips as well to boost their preparation and maximize their scores. Some tips are mentioned below:
- Take help from teachers/coaching if concepts feel tough
- Do not pile up doubts – clear them instantly
- Revise every week
- Join a study group (peer motivation!)
- Be aware of the CUET university list
- Keep track of university preferences (domains required for CUET)
Avoid the following:
- Mugging at the last moment
- Ignoring English or reasoning
- Studying only from guides or YouTube shorts
- Comparing your progress with others
Conclusion
Balancing Class 11, Class 12 Boards, and CUET together is absolutely possible. You don’t need to study more – you just need to study smart. A genuine top-up would be if students can enroll in a comprehensive class XI, XII, & CUET online coaching to boost their prep.
Believe in your abilities, stick to the plan, and stay consistent, not perfect. Your journey to top universities like Delhi University, JNU, BHU, and many more starts today.
All the best,
Team CL-CUET!
