The CUET 2026 Mathematics syllabus, as specified by the National Testing Agency (NTA), will include the whole of the NCERT Class 12 Mathematics curriculum. The Common University Entrance Test (CUET UG) is a centralized admission examination. It provides all aspiring students across the nation with an equitable opportunity to secure placements in their preferred undergraduate programs at the country’s most esteemed universities and colleges.
Table of Contents
CUET 2026 Maths Syllabus
Candidates must possess a comprehensive understanding of the CUET Exam Pattern for mathematics. The new format consists of 50 multiple-choice questions, all of which must be answered. The CUET Maths examination has a duration of 60 minutes, allowing students one hour to promptly respond to all questions. The detailed CUET Mathematics Syllabus needs to be understood.
CUET 2026 Mathematics Syllabus
| Unit | Area | Topics Covered (Combined from A1 + B1 + B2) |
| Unit I | Algebra / Numbers / Relations & Functions | Matrices & Algebra: Concept, types, equality, transpose, symmetric & skew symmetric matrices; algebra of matrices; matrix addition, scalar multiplication, non-commutativity; multiplicative properties; invertible matrices; adjoint and inverse; solving linear equations (2-3 variables) using inverse; determinants up to 3×3, minors, cofactors, properties, area of triangle. Relations & Functions: Types of relations (reflexive, symmetric, transitive, equivalence); one–one & onto functions; inverse trigonometric functions (domain, range, principal values, graphs). Numbers & Quantification (Applied): Modular arithmetic; congruence modulo; allegation & mixture; numerical inequalities; boats & streams; pipes & cisterns; races & games; real-life numerical problems. |
| Unit II | Calculus – Part 1 (Differentiation) | Continuity & Differentiability: Continuity, differentiability, chain rule; derivatives of inverse trigonometric functions; exponential & logarithmic differentiation; parametric and implicit differentiation; second-order derivatives. Higher Order Derivatives (Applied): Higher derivatives, derivatives of parametric forms, implicit functions. Applications of Derivatives: Rate of change, tangent & normal, increasing/decreasing functions, maxima/minima (first & second derivative test), marginal cost & revenue, real-life optimization problems. |
| Unit III | Calculus – Part 2 (Integration & Differential Equations) | Integration: Indefinite integrals of simple functions; methods—substitution, partial fractions, by parts; definite integrals, properties, evaluation; fundamental theorem of calculus. Applications of Integration: Area under curves (lines, circles, parabolas, ellipses); consumer surplus & producer surplus (Applied Math). Differential Equations: Order, degree, general & particular solutions; variable separable; homogeneous equations; linear differential equations; formulation and verification; simple applied models (growth & decay). |
| Unit IV | Vectors & 3D Geometry / Probability Distributions | Vectors: Scalars & vectors; types of vectors; magnitude & direction; direction cosines & ratios; position vectors; section formula; scalar (dot) product & vector (cross) product. 3D Geometry: Equation of a line (cartesian & vector form); direction ratios/cosines; skew lines; shortest distance; angle between lines. Probability Distributions (Applied): Random variable; probability distribution of discrete variables; expectation; variance; binomial, Poisson, normal distribution (properties, mean, variance, standard variate). |
| Unit V | Probability / Index Numbers & Time Series | Probability (Maths): Conditional probability; multiplication theorem; independent events; total probability; Bayes’ theorem; random variable. Index Numbers & Time-Based Data (Applied): Time series; components of time series; univariate time series analysis; secular trend; methods of measuring trend. |
| Unit VI | Linear Programming / Inferential Statistics | Linear Programming (Maths + Applied): Terminology – constraints, objective function, feasible/infeasible regions (bounded & unbounded); graphical solution method (two variables); optimal feasible solutions; formulating LPP for real-life situations; types of LPP. Inferential Statistics (Applied): Population & sample; sampling methods (simple & systematic random sampling); parameters vs statistics; statistical significance; central limit theorem; hypothesis; null/alternate hypothesis; degrees of freedom; T-test (one-sample & two independent samples). |
| Unit VII | Financial Mathematics | Perpetuity & sinking fund; EMI (methods of calculation); rate of return; nominal rate; compound annual growth rate (CAGR); linear method of depreciation; cost, residual value & useful life of an asset. |
| Unit VIII | Applied Mathematics – Advanced LP / Probability | Linear Programming (Extended Applied): Mathematical formulation; graphical method for inequalities; identifying feasible & infeasible regions; optimal solutions. Additional Probability Concepts: Variance, SD, distributions, expectation
(covered above but also extended here). |
Important Topics for CUET Maths 2026
Answering 50 questions by knowing the important topics of CUET Mathematics can help you score 250/250 in the exam. Here is a detailed list of topics that have importance for the CUET 2026 Maths Exam.
Important Topics for CUET Maths 2026
| Unit | Important Topics |
| Algebra | • Matrices (basic operations, inverse, transpose) • Determinants (up to 3×3, properties) • Solving linear equations using matrix inverse • Relations & Functions (types, one–one, onto) • Inverse trigonometric functions (domain, range, graphs) |
| Calculus – Differentiation | • Continuity & Differentiability • Chain rule, implicit & parametric differentiation • Second-order derivatives • Applications of Derivatives: increasing/decreasing, maxima/minima, rate of change • Tangent & normal (Applied) • Marginal cost & revenue (Applied) |
| Calculus – Integration | • Standard integrals • Methods: substitution, partial fractions, by parts • Definite integrals (properties + evaluation) • Area under curves (lines, circle, parabola) • Consumer/Producer Surplus (Applied) |
| Differential Equations | • Order & degree • Variable separable method • Homogeneous DE • Linear differential equations • Growth & decay model (Applied) |
| Vectors & 3D Geometry | • Dot product & cross product • Direction cosines & ratios • Equation of a line (cartesian & vector) • Angle between lines • Skew lines & shortest distance |
| Probability | • Conditional probability • Multiplication theorem • Independent events • Total probability & Bayes’ theorem • Random variable basics |
| Probability Distributions (Applied) | • Binomial distribution (mean, variance) • Poisson distribution (mean = variance) • Normal distribution – Z-scores • Expectation, variance, SD of a random variable |
| Statistics (Applied) | • Population vs sample • Sampling methods (simple, systematic) • Parameters vs statistics • Central Limit Theorem (conceptual) • t-test basics (one-sample & two-sample) |
| Financial Mathematics | • EMI formula • Perpetuity & sinking fund basics • Rate of return & nominal rate • CAGR • Linear depreciation |
| Linear Programming | • Formulating constraints • Graphical method (two variables) • Feasible/infeasible/bounded regions • Optimal solution |
Best Books for CUET 2026 Maths Exam
To prepare well for CUET UG in mathematics or applied mathematics, it is crucial to choose the best books for CUET 2026 Maths Exam that follow the most recent syllabus, clearly explain concepts, and provide practice in the appropriate format. Experts advise starting with the standard NCERT Class 11-12 mathematics textbooks; in addition to that foundation, a reliable option is R.D. Sharma’s book on mathematics, which is recognized in expert lists as an essential resource for CUET-UG mathematics preparation. The optimal approach is to establish your foundational knowledge using NCERT, subsequently enhancing your comprehension and problem-solving skills through R.D. Sharma, with an emphasis on new CUET-style MCQs, timed exercises, and comprehensive mock examinations to refine speed and precision.
Preparation Strategy for CUET 2026 Mathematics Exam
PHASE 1: Foundation Building (Weeks 1-2)
Objective: Build conceptual clarity in the most fundamental and high-scoring topics.
Focus Areas:
- Matrices and Determinants
- Relations and Functions
- Continuity and Differentiability
- Inverse Trigonometric Functions
What to Do:
- Study NCERT and practice basic to moderate MCQs
- Maintain a formula list for matrices, determinants, and derivatives
- Solve at least 15–20 concept-based questions daily
PHASE 2: Core Calculus Mastery (Weeks 3-5)
Objective: Cover the largest section of the CUET paper with depth and accuracy.
Focus Areas:
- Applications of Derivatives
- Indefinite Integrals (all methods)
- Standard Integrals
- Definite Integrals + Properties
- Area Under Curves
- Differential Equations
What to Do:
- Build a dedicated calculus notebook (formulas, standard integrals)
- Practice 25–30 MCQs on Calculus daily
- After finishing each chapter → attempt a short topic test
- Ensure comfort with property-based and conceptual questions
PHASE 3: Conceptual & Applied Modules (Weeks 6-7)
Objective: Strengthen moderate-difficulty and application-based sections.
Focus Areas (Mathematics):
- Vectors and 3D Geometry
- Probability (conditional probability, Bayes’ theorem)
Focus Areas (Applied Mathematics, if applicable):
- Probability Distributions (Binomial, Poisson, Normal)
- Financial Mathematics (EMI, CAGR, Depreciation)
- Inferential Statistics (sampling, t-test, CLT)
- Time Series and Index Numbers
What to Do:
- Practice formula-driven MCQs for vectors, 3D, distributions, and financial maths
- Solve mixed question sets (20–25 daily)
- For applied maths, focus on conceptual accuracy rather than long calculations
PHASE 4: Linear Programming + Final Consolidation (Week 8)
Objective: Complete remaining modules and shift fully into exam-oriented training.
Focus Areas:
- Linear Programming (graphical method)
- Revisit all weak chapters.
- Full-length revision tests
What to Do:
- Practice at least 5–6 graphical problems (LP) using constraints
- Attempt two full-length mocks this week
- Use an error notebook to revise repeated mistakes
- Strengthen calculation speed and pattern recognition
PHASE 5: Final Revision Phase (Last 10–15 Days Before Exam)
Objective: Convert preparation into maximum accuracy during the actual exam.
Focus Areas:
- Formulas from Calculus, Matrices, Integrals, Vectors, and Probability
- Mixed chapter MCQs
- Previous-year CUET questions
What to Do:
- Attempt one mock every alternate day
- On non-mock days, revise only important formulas and notes
- Do not start new chapters; focus on strengthening known ones
- Rely on repeated practice of weak areas
Conclusion
With all top Central Universities now accepting CUET UG scores for admission, the competition is tougher than ever. That’s where Career Launcher (CL) steps in. Our expertly curated CUET Online coaching programs are designed to give you a winning edge through holistic preparation, personalized guidance, and proven strategies – helping you secure your dream university seat with confidence.
All the best,
Team CL-CUET!
