CUET Mathematics Syllabus 2026
CUET Mathematics Syllabus 2026 — Unit-Wise Topics, Weightage & Strategy
Complete CUET UG Mathematics syllabus (Code 319) covering both Core Maths & Applied Maths options. Section A (common), Section B1 (Core), and Section B2 (Applied) with chapter-wise weightage.
Table of Contents
Mathematics in CUET 2026 — Overview
CUET Mathematics (Code 319) is required for B.Sc (Maths), B.Com (Hons), BBA, BCA, B.Sc (Computer Science), and many integrated programmes. It is one of the most versatile CUET subjects — accepted by both Science and Commerce programmes at DU, BHU, JNU, and 280+ universities.
Unlike other CUET subjects, Mathematics has a unique two-section structure: Section A (common for all) + a choice between Section B1 (Core Maths) and Section B2 (Applied Maths). The section you choose depends on what you studied in Class 12.
Paper Structure (Section A + B1/B2)
| Section | Content | Questions | To Attempt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Section A | Common topics (both Core & Applied) | 15 | All 15 (compulsory) |
| Section B1 | Core Mathematics | 35 | 25 (choose any 25) |
| Section B2 | Applied Mathematics | 35 | 25 (choose any 25) |
Important: You must choose either B1 or B2 — not both. If you studied Core Maths in Class 12, choose B1. If you studied Applied Maths, choose B2. Total MCQs attempted = 15 (A) + 25 (B1 or B2) = 40 out of 50.
Section A — Common Topics (15 Questions)
Section A covers topics that are common to both Core and Applied Mathematics syllabi:
| Topic | Key Concepts | NCERT Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Algebra | Matrices (types, operations, transpose), Determinants (properties, Cramer's rule, area of triangle) | Ch 3 & 4 |
| Calculus | Differentiation (chain rule, parametric, implicit), Integration (basic methods), Differential Equations (order, degree, variable separable) | Ch 5, 7, 9 |
| Probability | Conditional probability, Bayes' theorem, Random variables, Binomial distribution | Ch 13 |
| Linear Programming | Graphical method, Feasible region, Corner point method, Optimization problems | Ch 12 |
Section B1 — Core Mathematics (35 Questions, Attempt 25)
| Unit | Topics | NCERT Chapters |
|---|---|---|
| Relations & Functions | Types of relations, One-to-one & onto functions, Composition, Inverse Trigonometric Functions (domain, range, properties, graphs) | Ch 1 & 2 |
| Continuity & Differentiability | Continuity at a point, Derivatives of composite/implicit/parametric functions, Logarithmic differentiation, Mean Value Theorems | Ch 5 |
| Applications of Derivatives | Rate of change, Increasing/decreasing functions, Tangents & normals, Maxima & minima | Ch 6 |
| Integrals | Indefinite integrals (substitution, partial fractions, by parts), Definite integrals (properties, Fundamental Theorem) | Ch 7 |
| Applications of Integrals | Area under curves, Area between two curves | Ch 8 |
| Differential Equations | Order & degree, Formation of DE, Variable separable, Homogeneous DE, Linear DE | Ch 9 |
| Vectors & 3D Geometry | Vector algebra (addition, dot & cross product), Direction cosines, Equation of line & plane in 3D, Angle between line & plane | Ch 10 & 11 |
Section B2 — Applied Mathematics (35 Questions, Attempt 25)
| Unit | Topics |
|---|---|
| Numbers, Quantification & Numerical Applications | Modular arithmetic, Congruence modulo, Allegation & mixture, Boats & streams, Pipes & cisterns, Races & games, Partnership |
| Index Numbers & Time-Based Data | Index numbers (construction, types), Time series analysis, Components of time series, Moving averages |
| Financial Mathematics | Perpetuity, Sinking funds, Valuation of bonds, EMI calculation, Linear method of depreciation, Compound interest (compounded quarterly/monthly) |
Chapter-Wise Weightage (PYQ Analysis 2022–2025)
Section A Weightage
| Topic | Questions (out of 15) | Priority |
|---|---|---|
| Matrices & Determinants | 4–5 | ★★★ High |
| Calculus (basic) | 4–5 | ★★★ High |
| Probability | 3–4 | ★★★ High |
| Linear Programming | 2–3 | ★★ Medium |
Section B1 (Core Maths) Weightage
| Topic | Questions (out of 35) | Priority |
|---|---|---|
| Integrals (Indefinite + Definite) | 7–9 | ★★★ High |
| Applications of Derivatives | 5–7 | ★★★ High |
| Vectors & 3D Geometry | 5–7 | ★★★ High |
| Continuity & Differentiability | 4–5 | ★★ Medium |
| Differential Equations | 3–4 | ★★ Medium |
| Relations & Functions | 3–4 | ★★ Medium |
| Applications of Integrals | 2–3 | ★ Low |
Scoring Tip: In Section B1, you only need to attempt 25 out of 35 questions. Skip the hardest 10 and focus on your strongest topics. With the choice option, you can effectively avoid your weakest chapters.
How to Score 200+ in CUET Mathematics
Step 1: Master Section A First (Week 1)
- Section A has 15 compulsory questions — you cannot skip any
- Focus on Matrices, Determinants, basic Calculus, and Probability
- These topics are relatively easier and guarantee 75 marks (15 × 5)
Step 2: Build Depth in Top 3 B1/B2 Topics (Week 2–3)
- B1 students: Focus on Integrals, Applications of Derivatives, and Vectors & 3D — these 3 topics cover 17–23 questions
- B2 students: Focus on Financial Mathematics and Numerical Applications — these are formula-based and scoring
- Solve NCERT examples and back exercises for these chapters thoroughly
Step 3: PYQs + Speed Practice (Week 3–4)
- Solve all CUET Mathematics PYQs (2022–2025)
- Key skill: identifying the shortest method to solve each MCQ (options elimination, substitution)
- Time target: 40 questions in 50 minutes (10-minute buffer)
Step 4: Mock Tests (Week 4 onwards)
- Take 10+ full-length mocks on the CUET Gurukul CBT Simulator
- After each mock, note which Section B questions you skipped and why
- Target: 35+ correct out of 40 attempted = 175+ raw → 200+ with accuracy
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Section B1 and B2 in CUET Mathematics?
Section B1 covers Core Mathematics (NCERT Class 12 topics like Calculus, Vectors, 3D Geometry). Section B2 covers Applied Mathematics (Financial Maths, Index Numbers, Numerical Applications). You choose one based on your Class 12 subject.
Is CUET Mathematics harder than Board exams?
The difficulty is similar to CBSE Board level since both are based on NCERT. However, CUET is fully MCQ-based with negative marking, so time management and accuracy matter more than in Board exams.
Can I choose Applied Maths if I studied Core Maths in Class 12?
Technically yes, CUET allows you to choose either section regardless of your Class 12 stream. However, it is strongly recommended to choose the section matching your Class 12 preparation, as the content is directly from those NCERT textbooks.
How many questions should I attempt in CUET Maths?
You must attempt all 15 in Section A (compulsory) and 25 out of 35 in Section B. Total = 40 questions attempted out of 50. The choice in Section B lets you skip your weakest 10 questions.
Which topics are most important in CUET Mathematics?
For Section A: Matrices & Determinants and Probability. For Section B1 (Core): Integrals, Applications of Derivatives, and Vectors & 3D Geometry. These 5 topics cover roughly 65% of the paper.