CUET UG Psychology | UPS Education

Since its introduction, the Common University Entrance Test (CUET) has quickly become one of the most important and popular exams for students aspiring to pursue undergraduate programs in Psychology after finishing school in India. Conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA), CUET UG Psychology 2026 will serve as the main gateway to admission to the various undergraduate programs in the field of psychology at Central, State, and Several Private Universities.

If you’re preparing for a career in psychology, then CUET UG Psychology can open doors to top universities in India. By understanding exam pattern, syllabus and employing effective exam strategies, students can easily secure admission through CUET UG (Psychology), choose the university of their choice and build a strong foundation for a successful career in the field of Psychology.

CUET UG Psychology Exam Pattern

• Number of Questions: 50 Multiple Choice Questions — MCQs (Out of which any 40 need to be attempted)
• Marking Scheme: +5 for correct; -1 for incorrect; 0 for unanswered questions
• Mode of Exam: Computer-Based Test (CBT)
• Purpose: Admission into Undergraduate Programs (like BA/BSc Psychology, etc.)
• Eligibility: Cleared class 12th

Type of Questions

All the questions in CUET UG Psychology will be listed as Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs). However, within that format, students should expect different sub-types/styles of questioning, made to test both knowledge and application. These include:

• Direct MCQs: Straightforward, single-correct answer questions.
• Match-the-Following: Pair terms, theorists, or concepts with the correct descriptions.
• Statement-Based Questions: Identify which statements among a set are correct.
• Case/Scenario-Based MCQs: Apply psychological concepts to real-life or clinical situations.

CUET UG Psychology Syllabus

The CUET UG Psychology syllabus is aligned with the NCERT Class 12 Psychology curriculum. Students preparing for the exam should focus on the following key units:

1. Variations in Psychological Attributes
   • Intelligence, Aptitude, Creativity, Emotional Intelligence
2. Self and Personality
   • Theories of Personality, Self-concept, Assessment of Personality
3. Meeting Life Challenges
   • Stress and Coping, Psychological Well-being
4. Psychological Disorders
   • Types, Symptoms, Causes, and Therapies
5. Therapeutic Approaches
   • Psychodynamic, Behavioural, Cognitive, Humanistic, Biomedical
6. Attitude and Social Cognition
   • Attitude Formation, Prejudice, Social Influence
7. Social Influence and Group Processes
   • Conformity, Obedience, Cooperation, Competition, Leadership
8. Psychology and Life
   • Application of Psychology in Everyday Life, Human–Environment Relationship
9. Developing Psychological Skills
   • Communication Skills, Counselling Skills, Observation and Interviewing

Students should study the Class 12 textbook and revise key definitions and diagrams. But they should not just depend on the NCERT textbook, though; instead, they should also practice case studies, mock tests & previous year question papers to gain a comprehensive understanding of concepts and the subject.

Preparation Strategies & Previous Year Questions

Preparing for CUET UG Psychology requires a mix of conceptual clarity, consistent regular practice, and an understanding of the exam format.

How to prepare for CUET UG Psychology

1. Understand and Organize the Syllabus

• Get a clear idea of the topics with the help of syllabus (attached below), as the CUET UG entrance will be based on it.
• List all core psychology topics & keep your undergraduate notes easily accessible for revision.

2. Read Smart, Not Excessively

• Study relevant topics from standard textbooks and credible sources.
• Avoid overwhelming yourself by reading the same topic from too many books.
• Focus on conceptual understanding rather than rote memorization.

4. Make Effective Notes

• Write consolidated notes in your own words.
• Highlight key terms, theories, and researchers.
• Use active study techniques such as:
  • Pomodoro method
  • Mnemonics
  • Mind maps and flowcharts

5. Use Additional Learning Resources

• Attend lectures or watch conceptual videos for topics you find difficult.
• Audio-visual learning often helps clarify complex concepts better than self-reading.
• Connect with fellow aspirants and join a study group to discuss doubts and revise together.

6. Revise, Practice, and Analyze

• Revise your notes regularly, not just at the end.
• Practice MCQs topic-wise and then test yourself using mock tests.
• Identify weak areas and give them extra attention.
• Never hesitate to seek guidance or mentorship during your preparation.
• Ask doubts from your mentors regularly, and make sure to clear them with their help.

Timeline of Preparation

After completing schooling, students generally have around 6–8 months to prepare for CUET UG (Psychology). Here’s a suggested roadmap that candidates can follow:

1. Months 1–3: Conceptual Clarity
   • Thoroughly revise the NCERT Class 12 Psychology textbook.
   • Focus on understanding core concepts, theories, and key definitions.
   • Make short notes for each unit to help with later revision.
2. Months 4–5: Application & Practice
   • Solve previous year question papers and sample papers.
   • Practice assertion–reason, match-the-following, and case-based questions.
   • Identify weak areas and revise them regularly.
3. Months 6–7: Mock Tests & Time Management
   • Take full-length online mock tests to improve speed, accuracy, and exam stamina.
   • Analyze performance after each test to identify mistakes and adjust your strategy.
4. Month 8: Final Revision & Quick Recall
   • Revise notes and key points thoroughly.
   • Focus on tricky concepts and units with higher weightage.
   • Practice a few timed mock tests for confidence and exam readiness.

Tip: Consistency is key; regular short study sessions are more effective than occasional long hours of study.

ALSO READ: How Much Time Does It Take To Prepare For Psychology Entrance Exams? A Realistic Guide for Students

Previous Year Questions for Practice

Questions from 2023 CUET UG Psychology Exam

Question 1: There is a general consensus among psychologists that intelligence is a product of complex interaction of __________ and ___________.

1. Heredity and learning
2. Heredity and environment
3. Culture and thought
4. Culture and heredity

Question 2: According to Morris, type D personality is –

1. High on patience
2. Prone to depression
3. Prone to cancer
4. High on energy

Question 3: Chemicals that carry messages across the synapse to the dendrite of a receiver neuron are called ___________.

1. Dendrite
2. Axons
3. Cell body
4. Neurotransmitters

Question 4: Meeku was pulled up by his teachers for missing classes to play cricket during school hours. To modify his behaviour, Meeku’s class-teacher applauded him every time his home work was submitted or when he answered in class. Gradually Meeku started enjoying his teacher’s class and stopped missing it. Which behavioural technique did the class teacher use?

1. Systematic desensitisation
2. Aversion therapy
3. Token economy
4. Positive reinforcement

Question 5: Read the passage and answer the following question:
Raunak always used to dislike and be afraid of reptiles. Once he was trying to wear his shoes when a lizard jumped out of it. Since then he started getting scared of lizards all the more. He could not control his fear when he saw a snake in his garden. His heart started pounding, he was sweating badly, he even fainted once when someone told him that there is a lizard under his chair. The very thought of any of these reptiles, generates in him an extreme level of fear. His mother took him to a doctor, who suggested that Raunak should meet a psychotherapist.
On the basis of above case study, identify the disorder Raunak might be suffering from –

1. Generalised anxiety disorder
2. Separation anxiety disorder
3. Phobia
4. Obsessive-compulsive disorder

Question 6: The tips to improve your listening skills include:

A. Be open to all ideas.

B. Respond in a hurry.

C. Control distractions.

D. Sit in a casual posture.

1. C, B only
2. A. B only
3. C, D only
4. A, C only

Question 7: The minimal group paradigm experiment was developed by

1. Milgram
2. Triplett
3. Tajfel and his colleagues
4. Sherif

Question 8: Research papers are mostly submitted on the last date declared by the department despite an advance announcement of more than fifteen days, what technique of compliance is this:

1. Obedience to authority
2. Foot in the door technique
3. The deadline technique
4. The door in the face technique

Question 9: The rationale behind _____________ therapy is that the client’s distress has its origins in the biological, psychological The rationale behind and social realms.

1. Logo therapy
2. Gestalt therapy
3. Cognitive behaviour therapy
4. Client-centred therapy

Question 10: The process of emotional unburdening by the client, which has healing properties is called:

1. Alleviating personal distress
2. Sharing
3. Catharsis
4. Informed consent

Questions from 2024 CUET UG Psychology Exam

Question 1: Individuals with high ____________ have been found to stop smoking the moment they decide to do so. What aspect of self is highlighted in this example?

1. Self-motivation
2. Self-esteem
3. Self-concept
4. Self-efficacy

Question 2: Which personality theorist emphasised on the concept of fully-functioning person and ideal self?

1. Eysenck
2. Maslow
3. Rogers
4. Freud

Question 3: While judging a personality pageant, raters gave high scores to contestants who were already famous because of their presence in popular T.V. serials or advertisments and tended to give low scores to those who were not so popular. This phenomena is called

1. Rosenthal effect
2. Halo effect
3. Recency effect
4. Primacy effect

Question 4: Beth, aged 18, has been trying to keep a secret from her family and friends. She is a binge eater. When others are not around, she gorges on cakes, ice cream and other food so fast that she hardly has time to chew. Once she begins there is no stopping until her stomach aches. After her binge, Beth feels disgusted with herself and makes herself vomit, then takes a double dose of laxative. Her life is totally dominated by her obsession with food. Beth is suffering from which disorder?

1. Conduct disorder
2. Anorexia Nervosa
3. Body Dysmorphic Disorder
4. Bulimia Nervosa

Question 5: While singing during school assembly you can see that some children are singing whereas some are only moving their legs or not singing at all. This phenomenon can be explained by :

1. Social Motivation
2. Social Facilitation
3. Social Loafing
4. Social Inhibition

Question 6: Which one of the following is not a core/basic skill in the field of psychological services.

1. Counselling skills
2. Leadership skills
3. Communication skills
4. Psychological testing skills

Question 7: Find out the correct statements about alternative therapies :
(A.) Yoga is an ancient Indian technique detailed in the Ashtanga Yoga of Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras.
(B.) Alternative therapies are treatment possibilities to the conventional drug treatment or psychotherapy.
(C.) Sudarshan Karma Yoga does not benefit individuals with anxiety and depression but helps substance abuse.
(D.) There are many alternative therapies like cognitive behaviour therapy and rational emotive therapy.
(E.) Vipasana meditation is also known as mindfulness based meditation.
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

1. (C), (D) & (E) only
2. (A), (B) & (C) only
3. (B), (C) & (D) only
4. (A), (B) & (E) only

Question 8: The concept of ‘Balance’ in Attitude Change is explained below. Identify the correct options :
(A) Fritz Heider described this change in the form of P-O-X triangle, which explains relationship between the aspects.
(B) P is the person whose attitude is being studied. O is another person, X is the topic towards which attitude is studied.
(C) Attitude changes if there is a state of imbalance between P-O, O-X, P-X attitude.
(D) Imbalance is found when all three sides are positive.
(E) Balance is found when all three sides of the P-O-X triangle are negative.
Choose the correct answer from the options given below :

1. (A), (D) & (E) only
2. (A), (B) & (D) only
3. (A), (B) & (C) only
4. (A), (B) & (E) only

Question 9: An adolescent started therapy a week back. Based on formulating the adolescent’s problem, the therapist feels that the boy will be capable of arriving at solutions through a process of personal growth. The therapist’s approach to therapy is in an accepting environment. Identify the type of therapy being provided :

1. Psychodynamic
2. Cognitive
3. Behavioral
4. Existential

Question 10: Before running a marathon, David experiences a sudden surge of energy, heightened awareness and excitement, which he recognizes as a precursor of good performance on the ground. Identify the term in which David’s feelings can be categorized :

1. Frustration
2. Distress
3. Eustress
4. Strain

Questions from 2025 CUET UG Psychology Exam

Question 1: Anxiety disorders have been linked to low activity of the neurotransmitter.

1. Cortisol
2. Gamma Aminobutyric Acid
3. Serotonin
4. Dopamine

Question 2: Which model emphasises that ‘psychological disorders are the result of learning maladaptive ways of behaving’?

1. Humanistic-existential model
2. Psychodynamic model
3. Behavioural model
4. Cognitive model

Question 3: In an upscale food delivery chain, the delivery persons are given badges for timely food delivery at the end of each month. Bonus is given annually in exchange for six such badges. The company has therefore been able to retain most of its employees and get better returns year after year. Which behavioural technique is being used to reinforce delivery personnel?

1. Token economy
2. Negative reinforcement
3. Differential reinforcement
4. Modelling

Question 4: Aparna went to her college counsellor with her problem that was causing her sleepless nights. Later, she realized that the counsellor had shared the details with the staff of the college. Aparna’s faith was completely shaken, and she resolved never to trust any counsellor. Which one of the following ethics has been breached by the counsellor?

1. Professional competence
2. Informed consent
3. Confidentiality of the client
4. Respect for human rights and dignity

Question 5: Ananya is pursuing the science stream and aims to be a doctor some day. However, Ananya strums her guitar and sings along whenever she is free. Although she is not a great singer, her spirits lift when she sings along. What is this attribute called?

1. Intelligence
2. Aptitude
3. Personality
4. Interest

Question 6: The ability to monitor one’s own and other’s emotions, to discriminate among them and to use the information to guide one’s thinking and actions is called:

1. Abstract intelligence
2. Social intelligence
3. Emotional intelligence
4. Interpersonal intelligence

Question 7: Identify the facets of intelligence in the Indian tradition from the following options :
(A) Cognitive capacity
(B) Social competence
(C) Emotional competence
(D) Individualistic orientation
(E) Entrepreneurial competence
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

1. (A), (C), (D) and (E) only
2. (A), (B), (C) and (D) only
3. (B), (C). (D) and (E) only.
4. (A), (B), (C) and (E) Only

Question 8: According to Jung’s analytical psychology, ‘God’ and ‘Mother earth’ are examples of :

1. Basic anxiety
2. Superiority complex
3. Superego
4. Archetypes

Question 9: The client-centered therapy developed by Carl Rogers is based on:

1. Humanistic approach
2. Psychodynamic approach
3. Cognitive approach
4. Behavioural approach

Question 10: Tendency of the subject to agree with items irrespective of their content is called:

1. Extreme response bias
2. Acquiescence
3. Halo effect
4. Social desirability

CUET UG Psychology Coaching – Essential or Optional?

For many students, structured guidance, expert mentorship, and collaborative learning make a really big difference, especially when it comes to motivation, time management, and mastering tricky concepts. This is where the coaching institutes play a very supportive role.

There are many available options, but among them, UPS Education has earned the reputation of being the best in the field of psychology coaching. They provide:

• CUET UG-focused study resources and Test series.
• We also provide specialized online classes for the CUET UG Psychology.
• Regularly test you with their CUET UG-focused Mock Tests with constant feedback on how to improve.
• Provide personalized mentorship and guidance to strengthen your weak areas.

ALSO READ: List of RCI-recognised Institutions for BSc Clinical Psychology (Hons) in 2025

Conclusion

With the CUET UG exam for psychology, students in India now have a single national-level gateway to pursue psychology at top universities across the country. By strategically preparing with the help of practice papers and mock tests, students can increase their chances of clearing the exam. A strong foundation in CUET UG Psychology can be the first step toward a rewarding career in mental health, research, education, and beyond.

Dedication, smart strategy, and consistent practice aren’t just routines; they’re the power that pushes you forward. Make them your launchpad — Dr. Arvind Otta.

ALSO READ: CUET PG Psychology Entrance | UPS Education

FAQs

1. What is CUET UG Psychology, and why is it important?

CUET UG Psychology is a national-level entrance exam conducted by NTA for admission into undergraduate psychology programs. It serves as a single gateway for students aspiring to pursue psychology at top universities in India.

2. What is the exam pattern of CUET UG Psychology 2026?

The exam consists of 50 multiple-choice questions (MCQs), of which any 40 need to be attempted. Correct answers earn +5 marks, wrong answers incur -1, and unanswered questions score 0. The exam is computer-based.

3. Which syllabus is covered in CUET UG Psychology?

The syllabus is aligned with NCERT Class 12 Psychology and includes units like Variations in Psychological Attributes, Self and Personality, Psychological Disorders, Therapeutic Approaches, Social Cognition, and more.

4. How can I prepare effectively for CUET UG Psychology 2026?

Focus on conceptual clarity using NCERT textbooks, practice with mock tests, attempt previous year questions, make revision notes, and follow a structured preparation timeline (6–8 months recommended).

5. Do I need coaching for CUET UG Psychology 2026?

Coaching can help with structured guidance, motivation, time management, and mastering difficult concepts. However, if your concepts are clear and you have a strong foundation, self-study is sufficient.

6. Are there tricky questions I should be aware of?

Yes, assertion–reason, match-the-following, and case-based questions often test the application of concepts. Regular practice of such question types is recommended.

7. What resources or books should I refer to for CUET UG Psychology?

Primarily NCERT Class 12 Psychology textbooks. Supplement with previous year papers, sample papers, and trusted psychology reference books for practice and better conceptual understanding.

ALSO READ: How To Start Preparing For Psychology Entrances

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