CUET Psychology Syllabus 2026: Topics & Exam Pattern

Introduction

The CUET Psychology syllabus 2026 is designed to assess a student’s understanding of human behaviour, mental processes, and psychological concepts. Psychology is an important domain subject for students seeking admission into undergraduate programmes such as B.A./B.Sc. Psychology, Applied Psychology, Counselling, Social Work, and Behavioural Sciences through CUET UG.

The syllabus focuses on conceptual clarity, real-life application, and analytical understanding, aligned with the senior secondary curriculum.

CUET Syllabus for Psychology 2026

Unit 1: Variations in Psychological Attributes

• Introduction
• Individual differences in human functioning
• Assessment of psychological attributes
• Intelligence
• Theories of intelligence
• Individual differences in intelligence
• Culture and intelligence
• Emotional intelligence
• Special abilities
  • Aptitude — nature and measurement
• Creativity

Unit 2: Self and Personality

1. Introduction
2. Self and personality
3. Concept of self
4. Cognitive and behavioural aspects of self:
   • Self-esteem
   • Self-efficacy
   • Self-regulation
5. Culture and self
6. Concept of personality
7. Major approaches to the study of personality:
   • Type approaches
   • Trait approaches
   • Psychodynamic approach
   • Behavioural approach
   • Cultural approach
   • Humanistic approach
8. Assessment of personality:
   • Self-report measures
   • Projective techniques
   • Behavioural analysis

Unit 3: Meeting Life Challenges

1. Introduction
2. Nature, types and sources of stress
3. Effects of stress on psychological functioning and health:
   • Stress and health
   • General Adaptation Syndrome
   • Stress and immune system
   • Lifestyle
4. Coping with stress:
   • Stress management techniques
5. Promoting positive health and well-being:
   • Life skills

Unit 4: Psychological Disorders

1. Introduction
2. Concepts of abnormality and psychological disorders
3. Classification of psychological disorders
4. Factors underlying abnormal behaviour
5. Major psychological disorders:
   • Anxiety disorders
   • Obsessive-compulsive and related disorders
   • Trauma- and stressor-related disorders
   • Somatic symptom and related disorders
   • Dissociative disorders
   • Depressive disorders
   • Bipolar and related disorders
   • Schizophrenia spectrum and other psychotic disorders
   • Neurodevelopmental disorders
   • Disruptive, impulse-control and conduct disorders
   • Feeding and eating disorders
   • Substance-related and addictive disorders

Major psychological disorders:

• Anxiety disorders
• Obsessive-compulsive and related disorders
• Trauma- and stressor-related disorders
• Somatic symptom and related disorders
• Dissociative disorders
• Depressive disorders
• Bipolar and related disorders
• Schizophrenia spectrum and other psychotic disorders
• Neurodevelopmental disorders
• Disruptive, impulse-control and conduct disorders
• Feeding and eating disorders
• Substance-related and addictive disorders

Unit 5: Therapeutic Approaches

1. Introduction
2. Nature and process of psychotherapy
   • Therapeutic relationship
3. Types of therapies:
   • Behaviour therapy
   • Cognitive therapy
   • Humanistic–existential therapy
   • Factors contributing to healing in psychotherapy
   • Ethics in psychotherapy
   • Alternative therapies
4. Rehabilitation of the mentally ill

Unit 6: Attitude and Social Cognition

1. Introduction
2. Explaining social behaviour
3. Nature and components of attitudes
4. Attitude formation and change
5. Prejudice and discrimination
6. Strategies for handling prejudice

Unit 7: Social Influence and Group Processes

1. Introduction
2. Nature and formation of groups
3. Types of groups
4. Influence of group on individual behaviour:
   • Social loafing
   • Group polarization

CUET Psychology Exam Overview 2026

Below is an overview of the CUET UG Psychology examination:

• Exam Name: Common University Entrance Test (CUET UG)
• Subject: Psychology
• 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
• Syllabus Level: Senior secondary level
• Focus Areas: Psychological theories, human behaviour, and mental processes

The paper evaluates a student’s understanding of psychological concepts and their application in daily life.

CUET Psychology Preparation Strategy

Use the following preparation tips to score well in Psychology:

• Understand Concepts Clearly: Focus on theories, definitions, and applications.
• Study NCERT Thoroughly: NCERT Psychology textbooks are the most important resource.
• Use Real-Life Examples: Relating concepts to everyday behaviour aids understanding.
• Revise Key Terms & Theories: Many questions are definition and concept-based.
• Attempt Mock Tests: Regular CUET-style MCQs help improve accuracy and confidence.

Best Books for CUET Psychology 2026

NCERT books should be your primary resource, supported by CUET-focused practice material.

Recommended Books

Topics to Refer for CUET Psychology

Students should prioritise the following important topics:

• Nature and scope of psychology
• Methods of enquiry in psychology
• Learning, memory, and thinking
• Motivation and emotion
• Personality and intelligence
• Attitudes and social influence
• Stress, coping, and mental health
• Psychological disorders
• Therapeutic approaches
• Statistics and research methods (basic)

These topics are frequently tested and conceptually important.

Conclusion

The CUET Psychology syllabus 2026 is concept-driven and application-oriented. With strong NCERT-based preparation, regular revision, and consistent MCQ practice, students can perform well in this subject.

Psychology is a high-scoring subject for students who focus on conceptual clarity and practical understanding.

FAQs CUET Psychology 2026