Securing admission into a top-tier Master’s program in Life Sciences requires a deep understanding. The CUET PG Life-Sciences Exam Pattern 2026 is a guide that provides a comprehensive breakdown of the exam schedule, marking scheme, and preparation strategies tailored for biological science aspirants.
The Common University Entrance Test (Postgraduate), or CUET PG, has emerged as the most critical assessment for students aiming to join prestigious institutions like Delhi University (DU), Banaras Hindu University (BHU), and Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU). For Life Sciences (Paper Code: SCQP17), the competition is particularly intense, necessitating a strategic approach to the updated 2026 exam format.
CUET PG Life-Sciences Exam Pattern 2026: Key Highlights
The National Testing Agency (NTA) is expected to maintain the streamlined exam structure introduced in recent cycles. The focus remains on domain-specific expertise rather than general aptitude for the core subject papers.
| Feature | Details |
| Exam Name | CUET PG (Life Sciences) |
| Conducting Body | National Testing Agency (NTA) |
| Paper Code | SCQP17 |
| Mode of Exam | Online (Computer-Based Test – CBT) |
| Total Questions | 75 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) |
| Total Marks | 300 Marks |
| Exam Duration | 90 Minutes |
| Language | English and Hindi |
Accurate Marking Scheme for CUET PG 2026
Understanding the marking scheme is vital for managing the high-stakes environment of the CBT. So the Accurate marking scheme according to the CUET PG Life-Sciences Exam Pattern 2026 are:
- Correct Response: +4 marks for every correct answer.
- Incorrect Response: -1 mark (negative marking) for every wrong answer.
- Unanswered Questions: 0 marks; no penalty for skipping a question.
- Dropped Questions: If a question is found technically incorrect and dropped, full marks (+4) are typically awarded to all candidates who attempted it, depending on NTA’s final policy.
CUET PG Life-Sciences Exam Schedule 2026 (Tentative)
While the official notification is still pending, the NTA (National Testing Agency) generally follows a consistent academic cycle. Below is the anticipated timeline for the 2026 session according to the CUET PG Life-Sciences Exam Pattern 2026 is :
- Release of Notification: Late November to December 2025.
- Application Window: 14 December 2025 to 14 January 2026.
- Admit Card Release: Early March 2026.
- Examination Dates: March to April 2026.
- Answer Key & Results: Late April to June 2026.
The exam is conducted in 2 to 3 shifts daily across various centers in India and abroad.
For more updates and regular notifications about the CUET PG Life-Sciences Exam Pattern 2026, visit the NTA Official Website.
Subject-Specific Syllabus: What to Study?
The CUET PG Life Sciences (SCQP17) syllabus is comprehensive, bridging various biological disciplines. According to the CUET PG Life-Sciences Exam Pattern 2026 candidates should prioritize these core areas :
A. Cell & Molecular Biology
- Structure and function of organelles, membrane transport, cell cycle, and apoptosis.
- DNA replication, transcription, translation, and gene regulation mechanisms.
B. Genetics
- Mendelian principles, gene mapping, mutations, and population genetics.
C. Biochemistry
- Structure and metabolism of biomolecules (proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, and nucleic acids), enzyme kinetics, and pH/buffer systems.
D. Ecology & Evolution
- Ecosystem dynamics, biodiversity conservation, and theories of evolution (Natural Selection, Speciation).
E. Physiology and Applied Sciences
- Plant and animal physiology, basics of immunology, and recombinant DNA technology (Biotechnology).
Merit List and Good Score in Life Sciences
According to the CUET PG Life-Sciences Exam Pattern 2026 Admission is not based on a centralized merit list. Instead, NTA provides scores to universities, which then release their own cutoffs and merit lists based on candidate preferences and seat availability.
Expected “Good Score” Benchmarks (Out of 300)
A “Good Score” is subjective but generally reflects the threshold for admission into top-tier Central Universities.
- General Category: 220 – 250+ (High demand for DU and BHU).
- OBC (NCL): 210 – 230.
- SC/ST: 170 – 210.
Documents Required for 2026 Application and Counseling
Preparation is not just about studying, it’s about administrative readiness. Some of the documents required according to the CUET PG Life Sciences Exam Pattern 2026 are:
Application Phase Checklist:
- Recent Passport-size Photograph (10 KB – 200 KB).
- Scanned Signature (4 KB – 30 KB).
- Category Certificate (SC/ST/OBC/EWS/PWD) in PDF format.
- Valid Photo ID (Aadhaar, PAN, or Passport).
Counseling Phase Checklist:
- CUET PG 2026 Admit Card and Scorecard.
- Class 10 & 12 Marksheets.
- Bachelor’s Degree Marksheets (All Semesters).
- Provisional/Degree Certificate.
Expert Preparation Strategy for Life Sciences
- Analyze Previous Year Papers (PYQs): According to the CUET PG Life-Sciences Exam Pattern 2026, Solve at least 3–5 years of papers to identify high-weightage topics like Genetics and Biochemistry.
- Focus on Concepts: Life science questions often test applied understanding rather than rote memorization.
- Time Management: With 75 questions in 90 minutes, you have roughly 72 seconds per question. Practice timed mocks to improve speed.
- Error Logging: According to the CUET PG Life-Sciences Exam Pattern 2026 maintain a notebook of mistakes from mock tests to avoid repeating them in the actual exam.
Conclusion
The CUET PG Life-Sciences 2026 Exam represents a vital opportunity for students to enter India’s top postgraduate biological programs. Success in this exam hinges on a clear understanding of the SCQP17 paper pattern, which emphasizes 75 domain-specific questions within a 90-minute window. By maintaining high accuracy to mitigate the -1 negative marking and aiming for a score above 220, candidates can significantly improve their chances of appearing on the first merit lists of premier universities like DU and BHU. Ensuring that all documentation is correctly formatted for the application and counseling phases is equally critical to prevent last-minute hurdles in the admission journey.
Also for further more updates, and learning matter or the recorded sessions to help you out in preparation of the CUET PG Life-Sciences Exam Pattern 2026 click here
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the paper code for Life Sciences?
The code for Life Sciences is SCQP17.
Can I apply for more than one subject?
Yes, candidates can typically choose up to 4 question paper codes, provided they meet the eligibility for each.
What is the minimum eligibility for Life Sciences?
Generally, a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field with at least 50% marks (45% for reserved categories) is required.
In what language is the paper conducted?
The Life Science paper is available in English and Hindi.
How long is the exam?
The duration is 90 minutes (1 hour and 30 minutes).
What is a safe score for JNU or BHU?
For top universities, a score above 240+ is considered very safe for the general category.
Is there negative marking?
Yes, 1 mark is deducted for every incorrect response.
Is there a general aptitude section in the 2026 exam?
Based on recent trends, the 2026 exam is expected to focus only on domain-specific questions (75 MCQs), with the general section (Part A) being removed.
Does NTA release a common merit list?
No, NTA only provides scorecards. Each university releases its own merit list based on scores and its specific admission criteria.
