To excel in the highly competitive CUET PG Life-Sciences Preparation 2026, candidates must master a vast syllabus while navigating a challenging marking scheme. This guide provides an in-depth strategy, detailed syllabus breakdown, and expert revision tips to help you secure a top rank for the SCQP17 paper.
The CUET PG Life-Sciences Preparation 2026 is the gateway for students aiming to join prestigious Master’s programs at institutions like Delhi University (DU), Banaras Hindu University (BHU), and Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU). With the removal of the General Aptitude section, the 2026 exam focuses exclusively on 75 domain-specific questions, making deep subject knowledge more critical than ever.
CUET PG Life-Sciences 2026: Exam Pattern Highlights
Before diving into study materials for the CUET PG Life-Sciences Preparation 2026, understanding the “battleground” is essential for effective preparation.
- Mode of Exam: Online Computer-Based Test (CBT).
- Total Questions: 75 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs).
- Total Marks: 300.
- Duration: 90 minutes (1 hour 30 minutes).
- Marking Scheme: +4 for every correct answer; -1 for every incorrect answer.
- Subject Code: SCQP17 (Life Sciences).
CUET PG Life-Sciences Preparation 2026 syllabus for M.Sc
The CUET PG Life-Sciences Preparation 2026 Syllabus for M.Sc is also divided into multiple domains:
- Zoology & Human Genetics will be covering topics like Cell Biology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Ecology, and Evolution.
- Statistics & Data Science is expected to cover topics like Statistics, Computing, and Data Science methods .
- Atmospheric Science will be covering topics such as meteorology, atmospheric processes, and climatology.
- Soil Science and Plant Biotechnology are expected to be covering the topics like soil properties, conservation and plant sciences.
Comprehensive CUET PG Life-Sciences Preparation 2026 Syllabus
The CUET PG Life-Sciences Preparation 2026 syllabus for SCQP17 is vast, spanning from microscopic cellular processes to macroscopic ecological systems.
A. Techniques & Chromatin Structure
- Biophysical Techniques: Principles of chromatography, spectroscopy, microscopy, electrophoresis, centrifugation, and blotting.
- Molecular Tools: PCR and radioisotope techniques.
- Genomic Architecture: Organization of chromosomes in prokaryotes and eukaryotes, centromeres, telomeres, and the concept of the gene.
B. Biochemistry & Biotechnology
- Biomolecules: Structure and function of proteins, DNA, carbohydrates, and lipids.
- Metabolism: Bioenergetics, Glycolysis, TCA cycle, ETS, and fatty acid oxidation.
- Genetic Engineering: Recombinant DNA technology, gene cloning, and applications in medicine/industry.
- Cell Culture: Animal and plant cell culture techniques.
C. Microbiology & Molecular Genetics
- Microbial Diversity: Bacterial reproduction and the significance of microbes in agriculture.
- Immunology: Antigens, antibodies, complement systems, immunity, and vaccines.
- Genetics: Principles of inheritance, linkage, crossing over, and chromosomal aberrations.
- Molecular Biology: DNA replication, transcription, translation, and DNA repair.
D. Plant & Animal Sciences
- Botany: Bryophytes, Pteridophytes, Gymnosperms, Angiosperms, and Photosynthesis.
- Zoology: Characteristics of vertebrates/invertebrates, human physiology, endocrinology, and diseases like cancer.
High-Weightage Important Topics for CUET PG Life-Sciences Preparation 2026
While every topic is part of the syllabus, certain areas traditionally carry more weight in the SCQP17 paper. Focus your efforts here for maximum ROI:
- Cell & Molecular Biology: Expect heavy questions on replication, transcription, and translation.
- Biochemistry: Focus on enzyme kinetics and metabolic pathways like the TCA cycle.
- Genetics: Mendelian genetics and chromosomal aberrations are frequently tested.
- Ecology & Evolution: Natural selection and ecosystem dynamics.
Revision Strategy for CUET PG Life-Sciences Preparation 2026 : The 3-Phase Plan
Success in CUET PG Life-Sciences Preparation 2026 requires a structured timeline.
Phase 1: Conceptual Building (Months 1–3)
- Use standard textbooks (e.g., Lehninger for Biochemistry, Cooper for Cell Biology) to build a foundation to successfully complete the phase 1 of CUET PG Life-Sciences Preparation 2026.
- Prepare handwritten notes for “Techniques” and “Metabolism” as these require frequent visualization.
Phase 2: Intensive Practice (Month 4)
- Solve Previous Year Papers (PYQs) to understand question trends.
- Focus on the marking scheme: train yourself to skip questions where you are unsure to avoid the -1 negative marking.
Phase 3: Revision & Mock Tests (Final Month)
- Take full-length mock tests to build stamina for the 90-minute CBT environment.
- Review your “formula and diagram” notebook daily, especially for Plant Sciences and human physiology.
What is a “Good Score” in Life Sciences?
A “Good Score” is relative to the university you desire. For top-tier colleges, you should aim significantly above the qualifying percentile.
| Target University Level | Expected Safe Score (Out of 300) |
| Top Tier (JNU, BHU, DU) | 220 – 250+ |
| Mid Tier (Central/State Unis) | 200 – 219 |
| Lower Tier / Private Unis | 180 – 199 |
Documents Required for CUET PG 2026
Ensure your administrative work is ready alongside your studies to avoid last-minute stress.
- Identity: Government Photo ID (Aadhaar, PAN, or Passport).
- Education: 10th, 12th, and Graduation mark sheets.
- Examination: CUET PG 2026 Admit Card and Scorecard (after result).
- Category: Valid SC/ST/OBC/EWS certificates in the prescribed PDF format (max 1 MB).
Expert Tips for Exam Day
- Time Management: You have 1.2 minutes per question. If a question takes more than 2 minutes, move on.
- Accuracy Over Attempts: Aiming for 55–60 highly accurate questions is better than 75 attempts with 20 errors.
- Read Carefully: Watch for “Except,” “Not,” or “Incorrect” in question stems, which are common in Life Science papers.
How to Crack CUET PG Examination
Here are the few tips:
- Students should go through exam pattern and structure of the test.
- Create monthly timetable.
- students should get hold of some of the best books for CUET PG preparation.
- After completing the syllabus, they should take regular mock tests and analyze their performance. Solving previous years’ question papers will also expose them to the topics and question types to expect in the actual exam.
Conclusion
Preparing for the CUET PG Life-Sciences 2026 Exam is a marathon that rewards consistency and conceptual clarity. By mastering the 75 core questions in the SCQP17 paper and aiming for a target score above 220, you can secure admission to India’s premier biological science departments. Remember to balance your intensive study of Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry with regular mock tests to sharpen your accuracy. Stay updated with the NTA’s official notifications by visiting the NTA’s Official Website and keep your documentation ready for a smooth admission journey in 2026.
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 are the passing marks for CUET PG 2026?
While cutoffs vary, the expected passing range for the General category is 220–240 marks out of 300.
Are there any age limits for the exam?
NTA has no upper age limit for CUET PG, but individual universities may have specific criteria.
When will the 2026 results be declared?
Results are tentatively expected in June 2026.
Where can I find the official syllabus PDF?
You can download the subject-specific syllabus from the official NTA website at exams.nta.ac.in/CUET-PG/.
What is the format for the category certificate?
Certificates must be in PDF format and usually under 1 MB in size.
Can I apply for Biotechnology with the Life Sciences code?
Many universities accept SCQP17 for Biotechnology, but you must check the specific eligibility of each university.
How to Crack CUET PG Examination?
Here are the few tips:
- Students should go through exam pattern and structure of the test.
- Create monthly timetable.
- students should get hold of some of the best books for CUET PG preparation.
- After completing the syllabus, they should take regular mock tests and analyse their performance. Solving previous years’ question papers will also expose them to the topics and question types to expect in the actual exam.
What is the subject code for Life Sciences?
The subject code for Life-Sciences is SCQP17.
Is negative marking applicable to all questions?
Yes, every incorrect response results in a -1 mark deduction.
