CUET English Question Paper PDF, Download Previous Year Question Paper with Answers

CUET English Previous Year Questions

It has been observed that CUET candidates practising 10 Previous Year Question Papers usually finish papers 18 minutes earlier on average. We have provided below a few previous year questions for better practice. It is advised to learn important concepts first and then implement them while solving the CUET English previous year's question papers. Having said that, here are some questions that you must practice for the CUET 2026.

Question 1: Read the passage and answer the following questions.

There is a lovely story of a tree and a little boy who used to play in its shade. They had become friends. One day, the boy sat leaning against the trunk of the tree crying. He was hungry, "Eat my fruit" said the kind tree bending down one of its branches. The boy ate the fruit and was happy. The boy grew up. One day, he sat under the tree with an anxious look on his face. "What is the matter?" asked the tree, "I am going to marry and I want a house to live in," said the young man. "Cut down my branches and build your house," said the tree. The young man built a house with the branches of the tree. The young man became a sailor. One day, he sat under the tree with a worried look. "What is the matter?" asked the tree. "My captain is a cruel fellow. I want a ship of my own," said the sailor. "Cut down my trunk and build a ship." The sailor lost his ship and returned home as a helpless old man. On a cold winter's day, he stood where the tree once was, leaning on his stick and trembling with cold. "Make a fire of me, and warm yourself" said the stump of the tree. The stump of the unselfish tree burnt in the fire, softly humming a tune.

Question:

"The stump of the unselfish tree burnt in the fire, softly humming a tune." means:

(Select the right options from the given options)

A: Every tree sings when it is burnt.

B: The selfless tree felt no pain even in its acute suffering while dying, caring for others.

C: The frail and wonderful tree tried to forget its pain by humming.

D: The tree was a fool and humming as it did not realise it was dying.

Correct answer: (B) The selfless tree felt no pain even in its acute suffering while dying, caring for others.

Explanation

In the passage, the tree is portrayed as selfless, continuously sacrificing itself for the boy (who later grows into a man) without any selfishness or complaint. The phrase "softly humming a tune" reflects the tree’s peaceful acceptance and selflessness, even in its final moments as a stump. It implies that the tree, despite being in pain, continued to care for the man by offering itself to warm him, demonstrating its selfless nature.

Question 2: I must say that, beyond occasionally exposing me to laughter, my constitutional shyness has been of no great disadvantage to me. In fact. I can see that, on the contrary, it has been all to my advantage. My hesitancy in speech, which was once an annoyance, is now a pleasure. Its greatest pleasure has been that it has taught me the economy of words. I have naturally formed the habit of restraining my thoughts. And I can now give myself the certificate that a thoughtless word hardly ever escapes my tongue or pen. I do not recollect ever having had to regret anything in my speech or writing. I have thus been spared many mishaps and waste of time. Experience has taught me that silence is part of the spiritual discipline of a votary of truth. Proneness to exaggerate, to suppress or modify the necessary in order to surmount it. A man of few words will rarely be thoughtless in his speech: he will measure every word.

Question:

The author as a matured individual believes that his shy nature brought him

(Select the right answer from the options given below):

A: Significant advantage in life.

B: Unmatched joy and enchantment in life.

C: Disadvantages of performing rituals.

D: Media coverage.

Correct answer: (A) Significant advantage in life.

Explanation

The author reflects on how his constitutional shyness, which was once a source of annoyance, has actually turned out to be an advantage. It has taught him the "economy of words," which has led to him being careful with his speech and writing, avoiding thoughtless words and regrets. The author views his shyness as beneficial in many aspects of life, particularly in maintaining thoughtful and measured communication.

Question 3: After reading the following passage, answer the questions which follow:

I must say that, beyond occasionally exposing me to laughter, my constitutional shyness has been of no great disadvantage to me. In fact, I can see that, on the contrary, it has been all to my advantage. My hesitancy in speech. which was once an annoyance, is now a pleasure. Its greatest pleasure has been that it has taught me the economy of words. I have naturally formed the habit of restraining my thoughts. And I can now give myself the certificate that a thoughtless word hardly ever escapes my tongue or pen. I do not recollect ever having had to regret anything in my speech or writing. I have thus been spared many mishaps and waste of time. Experience has taught me that silence is part of the spiritual discipline of a votary of truth. Proneness to exaggerate, to suppress or modify the truth. Wittingly or unwittingly, is a natural weakness of man and silence is necessary in order to summon it. A man of few words will rarely be thoughtless in his speech: he will measure every word.

From the options given below, select the one which will answer the following question:

Experience has taught the author that

A: Silence is better than laughter to stay fit.

B: Silence is part of the spiritual discipline.

C: Silence is to be avoided at all costs.

D: Man can never attain silence.

Correct Answer: (B) Silence is part of the spiritual discipline.

Explanation

The author mentions that "Experience has taught me that silence is part of the spiritual discipline of a votary of truth," indicating that the practice of silence is a valuable part of one's spiritual and personal development. The author emphasizes the importance of silence as it helps in restraining thoughtless speech and is aligned with the pursuit of truth.

Question 4: After reading the passage, answer the questions that follow:

Unhappiness and discontent spring not only from poverty. Man is a strange creature, fundamentally different from other animals. He has far horizons, invincible hopes, creative energies, spiritual powers. If they are left undeveloped and unsatisfied, he may have all the comforts which wealth can give, but will still feel that life is not worthwhile. The great humanist writers, Shaw and Wells. Arnold Bennett and Galsworthy, who are regarded as the prophets of the dawn, expose the foibles, inconsistencies and weaknesses of modern life, but they ignore the deeper currents and sometimes misrepresent them. At any rate, they give nothing in their place. In the void left by the removal of tradition, morality and religion, others are putting in vague sentiments of race and power. The modern mind is shaped by Rousseau's Social Contract, Marx's Capital, Darwin's On the Origin of Species and Spengler's The Decline of the West. The outward chaos and confusion of our life reflect the confusion of our hearts and minds. Constitutions, says Plato, "are but the reflections in the outside world of the values which prevail in men's minds." There must be a change in the ideals we cherish, in the values we adopt, before we can give social expression to them. We help to secure the future only to the extent to which we ourselves are changed. What is missing in our age is the soul; there is nothing wrong with the body. We suffer from sickness of spirit. We must discover our roots in the eternal and regain faith in the transcendent truth which will order life, discipline discordant elements, and bring unity and purpose into it. If not, when the floods come and the winds blow and beat upon our houses. It will fall.

Question:

The author implies that if the eternal values and ideals are not regained, then

(Select the right option)

A: The world will be flooded.

B: The sky will fall.

C: Human civilization and society will be ruined forever.

D: The earth will get sucked into a black hole.

Correct Answer: (C) Human civilization and society will be ruined forever.

Explanation

The author emphasizes that without regaining eternal values and ideals, human civilization will suffer. The passage talks about how the lack of spiritual and moral grounding, the loss of tradition, and confusion in modern life will lead to societal ruin if the fundamental values are not restored. The phrase "when the floods come and the winds blow and beat upon our houses, it will fall" symbolizes the collapse of society without these ideals.

Question 5: After reading the passage, answer the questions that follow:

Unhappiness and discontent spring not only from poverty. Man is a strange creature, fundamentally different from other animals. He has far horizons, invincible hopes, creative energies, spiritual powers. If they are left undeveloped and unsatisfied, he may have all the comforts which wealth can give, but will still feel that life is not worthwhile. The great humanist writers, Shaw and Wells, Arnold Bennett and Galsworthy, who are regarded as the prophets of the dawn. expose the foibles, inconsistencies and weaknesses of modern life, but they ignore the deeper currents and sometimes misrepresent them. At any rate, they give nothing in their place. In the void left by the removal of tradition, morality and religion, others are putting in vague sentiments of race and power. The modern mind is shaped by Rousseau's Social Contract, Marx's Capital, Darwin's On the Origin of Species and Spengler's The Decline of the West. The outward chaos and confusion of our life reflect the confusion of our hearts and minds. Constitutions, says Plato, "are but the reflections in the outside world of the values which prevail in men's minds." There must be a change in the ideals we cherish, in the values we adopt, before we can give social expression to them. We help to secure the future only to the extent to which we ourselves are changed. What is missing in our age is the soul; there is nothing wrong with the body. We suffer from sickness of spirit. We must discover our roots in the eternal and regain faith in the transcendent truth which will order life, discipline discordant elements, and bring unity and purpose into it. If not, when the floods come and the winds blow and beat upon our houses. It will fall.

According to the author, unhappiness and discontent spring from

Select the right option.

A: Poverty alone.

B: Ignorance.

C: Poverty, along with the moral and spiritual degradation of man.

D: Mental turmoil.

Correct Answer: (C) Poverty, along with the moral and spiritual degradation of man.

Explanation

The author explains that unhappiness and discontent do not stem from poverty alone but also from the moral and spiritual degradation of man. He discusses how, despite having material wealth, a person may still feel that life is not worthwhile if their deeper spiritual and moral needs are not fulfilled.

Question 6: From the given options, select the pair of words which carries the same relationship to the given pair of words:

Respect: Regard

A: Stain: Spotless.

B: Ruin Repair.

C: Detest: Despite.

D: Regret Rejoice.

Correct Answer: (B) Ruin : Repair.

Explanation

"Respect" and "Regard" are synonymous words, meaning they have a similar or equivalent meaning. Similarly, "Ruin" and "Repair" represent two opposite concepts, where "Ruin" means destruction and "Repair" means fixing or restoring, forming an opposite relationship.

Question 7: From the given options, select the pair of words which carries the same relationship to the given pair of words:

Resolute: Determined

A: Appease: Frighten.

B: Hinder : Assist.

C: Bustle: Motionless.

D: Miniature: Small.

Correct Answer: (D) Miniature : Small.

Explanation

"Resolute" and "Determined" are synonyms, meaning they have a similar or equivalent meaning. Similarly, "Miniature" and "Small" also carry a synonymous relationship, as "Miniature" refers to something small or smaller in size.

Question 8: Rearrange the given groups of words to make a meaningful sentence:

A. no part of this publication may be

B. in any form without the written permission

C. of the publisher of the book

D. reproduced, stored or transmitted

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

A: B, A, C, D

B: B, D, A, C

C: A, D, B, C

D: C, D, A, B

Correct Answer: B, D, A, C

Explanation

The sentence, when rearranged correctly, reads:

"No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored or transmitted in any form without the written permission of the publisher of the book."

Question 9: From the given options, select the one which is similar in meaning to the given word

"NOURISH"

A: Negate

B: Nurture

C: Neglect

D: Native

Correct Answer: (B) Nurture.

Explanation

"Nourish" means to provide with the necessary substances for growth and health, which is similar in meaning to "Nurture," which means to care for and encourage the growth or development of something.

Question 10: From the given options, select the one which most correctly explains the given expression:

"To pull one's socks up"

A: To depart

B: To make an effort to improve one's performance

C: To try something new and strange

D: To wear a pair of new socks

Correct Answer: (B) To make an effort to improve one's performance.

Explanation

The expression "To pull one's socks up" means to make an effort to improve one's performance or work harder, typically after realizing that improvement is needed.

CUET English Official Question Paper with PDF

Students preparing for the CUET 2026 English Exam can review past papers to spot question trends and understand what to expect. The CUET English Question Paper 2026 helps aspirants familiarise themselves with the exam style and allows them to practice anytime. By solving previous CUET 2026 English Questions, students can learn the marking scheme and avoid negative marking. Go through the table below to get download links for CUET English Question Paper PDFs.

Key Topics & Weightage in CUET English Paper

For students preparing for the CUET 2026 English Exam, understanding the important topics and their weightage is crucial. Going through the CUET English Question Paper 2026 helps aspirants familiarise themselves with the types of questions and the overall structure of the exam, making their preparation more focused and effective.

1. Reading Comprehension (30–35%)

Reading comprehension forms the largest portion of the paper. Students should practise passages regularly to improve understanding and speed. Using the CUET English Paper 2026 allows aspirants to attempt realistic exercises anytime. This section tests comprehension, inference, and analytical skills. Also, consistent practice with the CUET English Question Paper 2026 ensures students can answer accurately while managing their time efficiently during the exam.

2. Grammar & Vocabulary (25–30%)

Grammar and vocabulary questions appear frequently. Focusing on common rules, idioms, and phrases helps build confidence. Reviewing the CUET 2026 English Questions from previous exercises strengthens understanding. Clear knowledge of grammar and a wide vocabulary is essential to score well in this section.

3. Verbal Ability / Usage (15–20%)

Verbal ability evaluates sentence structure, meaning, and word usage. Practising CUET English practice questions 2026 improves speed and accuracy. Regular practice with the CUET English Question Paper 2026 also trains students to identify patterns, making it easier to handle tricky questions during the actual exam.

4. Synonyms & Antonyms (10–15%)

This section tests your vocabulary and ability to identify similar or opposite meanings. Following the CUET English syllabus 2026 ensures that aspirants cover all necessary words and topics. Practising consistently with CUET English Question Paper 2026 makes it easier to answer confidently in the exam.

5. Para Jumbles & Sentence Rearrangement (10–15%)

This section measures logical sequencing and understanding of context. Reviewing the CUET previous year English question paper 2026 helps students recognise common jumble patterns. Practising regularly ensures accurate and fast solving during the exam.

6. Error Detection / Spotting (5–10%)

Error detection questions require attention to grammar and sentence construction. Using the CUET English exam pattern 2026 as a guide helps students manage time and approach questions strategically. Regular practice with the CUET English Question Paper 2026 improves accuracy and builds confidence in handling this section under exam conditions.

Understanding the CUET English Question Paper Format

It is important to understand the question paper format to prepare well for the CUET 2026 English Exam. Checking the CUET English Question Paper 2026 helps students familiarise themselves with different question types and the overall flow of the exam. Knowing the format of the CUET English Question Paper 2026 in advance makes it easier to plan practice sessions and approach each section confidently.

1. Reading Comprehension

This section tests how well students understand and interpret passages.
"Read the passage and answer: What is the main idea of the author in the second paragraph?"
Students can practise using the CUET English Paper to get used to passages of varying lengths and difficulty. Regular practice improves speed, comprehension, and accuracy.

2. Grammar & Vocabulary

Grammar and vocabulary questions assess sentence structure, word usage, and idioms.
"Choose the correct form of the verb: She _____ to the market every morning."
Solving CUET 2026 English Questions from previous year papers helps students spot common patterns and understand tricky grammar rules.

3. Verbal Ability / Usage

This section evaluates sentence completion, context, and meaning.
"Fill in the blank with the most appropriate word: Despite the rain, the event continued _______."
Practising CUET English practice questions 2026 strengthens understanding of sentence logic and improves accuracy in choosing the correct words.

4. Synonyms & Antonyms

This section tests vocabulary knowledge and word relationships.
"Select the synonym for ‘benevolent’: a) kind b) cruel c) lazy d) strict"
Following the CUET English syllabus 2026 ensures students cover all essential words and can tackle these questions confidently.

5. Para Jumbles & Sentence Rearrangement

This section measures logical sequencing and clarity.
"Arrange the following sentences to form a coherent paragraph:
A) He went home. B) He finished his work. C) He took a short nap."
Reviewing the CUET previous year English question paper 2026 helps students recognise common patterns and practise efficiently.

6. Error Detection / Spotting

This section requires spotting grammatical or contextual errors in sentences.
"Identify the error in the sentence: She doesn’t like coffee in the morning."
Referring to the CUET English exam pattern 2026 helps students manage time and approach these questions strategically during the exam.

Smart CUET English Preparation Tips

Smart preparation is essential to excel in the CUET 2026 English Exam. Reviewing the CUET English Question Paper 2026 early helps students identify question types, patterns, and difficulty levels. The CUET 2026 preparation tips allow them to plan their study sessions strategically rather than practising randomly.

1. Reading Comprehension

Focus on understanding the author’s tone, main ideas, and logical flow of passages. Instead of reading every line in detail, train your eyes to identify keywords and context clues that help answer questions quickly. Using the CUET English Paper 2026 PDF for practice helps students improve reading speed and comprehension efficiency.

2. Grammar & Vocabulary

Prioritise high-frequency grammar topics such as tenses, prepositions, and subject-verb agreement. Expand vocabulary by learning root words, prefixes, and suffixes instead of memorising long lists. Solving CUET 2026 English Questions enables aspirants to focus on areas that are tested more often, reducing time spent on less important rules.

3. Verbal Ability / Usage

Understand sentence structure, idiomatic expressions, and logical connections between ideas. Practising CUET English practice questions 2026 trains students to apply rules in context rather than relying on rote memorisation. This approach improves accuracy and decision-making under time pressure.

4. Synonyms & Antonyms

Develop vocabulary strategically by focusing on commonly tested words and their meanings. Following the CUET syllabus for english ensures that students cover relevant words and avoid wasting time on rarely tested vocabulary. Regular review strengthens retention and recall during the exam.

5. Para Jumbles & Sentence Rearrangement

Identify the opening and closing sentences first, then focus on linking sentences logically. Reviewing the CUET previous year English question paper 2026 helps students spot recurring patterns and develop efficient sequencing strategies that save time.

6. Error Detection / Spotting

Instead of guessing, systematically eliminate options by checking grammar rules, verb forms, and sentence flow. Understanding the CUET exam pattern allows students to allocate time effectively, making this section less intimidating and improving accuracy.

CUET UG 2026 English Mock Test with Solution PDF

Facilitates mock-test analysis beneficial to improve Scorecards, along with understanding exam pattern is a combination for a guaranteed win in CUET 2026. Attempting more mock tests ensures more credibility among students to pass the CUET 2026 exam with positive results. Familiar exam formats by attempting mocks reinforce stronger memory building during the exam. Career360 also launched an e-book to provide one solution for PYQS, MCQS, and more study resources on one platform.

CUET 2026 Chapter-wise English Mock Test

Thorough preparation demands practice through mock tests. The candidates can refer to the CUET 2026 English mock test articles written by experts based on the CUET English syllabus.

CUET UG 2026 English e-Book

The CUET UG 2026 English e-book provides a comprehensive collection of Previous Year Questions to help students familiarise themselves with the types of questions asked in the exam. Studying the CUET English Question Paper 2026 helps them to understand the latest exam pattern and learn how to approach different sections effectively.

Regular practice with these questions improves accuracy, boosts confidence, and helps students develop a clear strategy for time management during the actual CUET 2026 English Exam.