Business Studies Syllabus for CUET (UG) (305)

Introduction

The CUET Business Studies syllabus 2026 is designed to evaluate a student’s understanding of core management and business concepts taught at the senior secondary level. Business Studies is a popular domain subject among commerce aspirants aiming for admission into top central and participating universities through CUET UG.

The syllabus is primarily based on the Class 12 Business Studies curriculum, with a strong focus on conceptual clarity, practical application, and analytical thinking. Students who have studied Business Studies in Class 12 will find the syllabus familiar, but strategic preparation is essential due to the objective nature of the CUET exam.

CUET Syllabus for Business Studies 2026

Unit I: Nature and Significance of Management

• Management – concept, objectives, importance.
• Nature of management; Management as Science, Art, Profession.
• Levels of management – top, middle supervisory (First level).
• Management functions – planning, organising, staffing, directing and controlling.
• Coordination – nature and importance.

Unit II: Principles of Management

• Principles of Management – meaning, nature and significance.
• Fayol’s principles of management.
• Taylor’s Scientific Management – Principles and Techniques.

Unit III: Business Environment

• Business Environment – meaning and importance.
• Dimensions of Business Environment – Economic, Social, Technological, Political and Legal.

Unit IV: Planning

• Meaning, features, importance, limitations.
• Planning process.
• Types of Plans – Objectives, Strategy, Policy, Procedure, Method, Rule, Budget, Programme.

Unit V: Organising

• Meaning and importance.
• Steps in the process of organising.
• Structure of organization – functional and divisional.
• Formal and informal organisation.
• Delegation: meaning, elements and importance.
• Decentralization: meaning and importance.
• Difference between delegation and decentralisation.

Unit VI: Staffing

• Meaning, need and importance of staffing.
• Staffing as a part of Human Resources Management.
• Steps in staffing process.
• Recruitment – meaning, process and sources, Merits and demerits of internal and external sources of recruitment.
• Selection – meaning and process.
• Training and Development – meaning, need, methods – on the job and off the job methods of training.

Unit VII: Directing

• Meaning, importance and principles.
• Elements of Direction:
  • Supervision – meaning and importance
  • Motivation – meaning and importance, Maslow’s hierarchy of needs; Financial and non- financial incentives.
  • Leadership – meaning, importance, style- authoritative, democratic and laissez-faire.
  • Communication – meaning and importance, formal and informal communication; barriers to effective communication, how to over come the barriers?

Unit VIII: Controlling

• Meaning and importance.
• Relationship between planning and controlling.
• Steps in the process of control.

Unit IX: Business Finance

• Business finance – meaning, role, objectives of financial management.
• Financial decisions: investing, financing and dividend-Meaning and factors affecting.
• Financial planning – meaning and importance.
• Capital Structure – meaning and factors.
• Fixed and Working Capital – meaning and factors affecting their requirements.

Unit X: Financial Markets

• Concept of Financial Market
• Money Market: Concept, instruments.
• Capital market and its types (primary and secondary market)
• Stock Exchange-Functions, trading procedure.
• Depository services and demat account.
• Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) – Objectives, Functions.

Unit XI: Marketing

• Marketing – meaning, functions, role and philosophies.
• Distinction between marketing and selling.
• Marketing mix – concept and elements:
  • Product – nature, classification, branding, labeling and packaging
  • Physical distribution: meaning, role; Components
  • Channels of distribution, – meaning, types, factors determining choice of channels.
  • Promotion – meaning and role, promotion mix, Advertising, Personal selling sales promotion and public relation, Role of Advertising, objections to Advertising.
  • Price: factors influencing pricing.

Unit XII: Consumer Protection

• Meaning and concept.
• Meaning, Importance of consumer protection.
• The Consumer protection Act,2019. [http://egazette.nic.in/WriteReadData/2019/210422.pdf]
• Consumer rights.
• Consumer responsibilities.
• Who can file a complaint?
• Ways and means of consumer protection – Consumer awareness and legal redressal with special reference to Consumer protection Act 2019, Remedies available.
• Role of consumer organizations and NGOs.

CUET Business Studies Exam Overview 2026

Here is a brief overview of the CUET UG Business Studies exam for 2026:

• Exam Name: Common University Entrance Test (CUET UG)
• Subject: Business Studies
• Conducting Authority: National Testing Agency (NTA)
• Exam Level: Undergraduate
• Mode of Examination: Computer-Based Test (CBT)
• Question Type: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
• Medium of Paper: Multiple languages (including English & Hindi)
• Syllabus Level: Class 12
• Focus Areas: Management principles, business environment, finance, marketing, and consumer protection

The exam tests both theoretical knowledge and real-life application of business concepts.

CUET Business Studies Preparation Strategy

Follow these focused preparation tips to score well in CUET Business Studies:

• Stick to NCERT: Read NCERT textbooks line by line, as most questions are directly or indirectly based on them.
• Understand Concepts, Don’t Memorise: CUET questions are application-based, especially from management and marketing chapters.
• Practice MCQs Regularly: Solve chapter-wise MCQs to understand question framing and improve accuracy.
• Revise with Notes & Flowcharts: Use summary notes, tables, and diagrams for quick revision.
• Attempt Mock Tests: Regular mocks help with time management and identifying weak areas.

Best Books for CUET Business Studies 2026

Choosing the right books is crucial for effective preparation. NCERT should be your primary resource, supported by limited reference material.

Recommended Books

Tip: Avoid too many reference books; focus on quality revision + practice.

Topics to Refer for CUET Business Studies

While preparing, students should give special attention to the following high-priority areas:

• Principles of Management (Fayol & Taylor)
• Business Environment
• Planning, Organising, Staffing, Directing & Controlling
• Financial Management & Financial Markets
• Marketing Mix and its elements
• Consumer Rights and Protection
• SEBI and stock exchange basics
• Case-based and assertion–reason questions

These topics are frequently tested and carry significant conceptual weight.

Conclusion

The CUET Business Studies syllabus 2026 closely aligns with the Class 12 curriculum, making it manageable for students with a structured approach. A strong focus on NCERT textbooks, regular MCQ practice, and conceptual clarity can help students score high in this domain subject.

With the right preparation strategy and timely revision, Business Studies can become a high-scoring subject in CUET UG 2026.

FAQs CUET Business Studies 2026