CUET (Common University Entrance Test) UG

The CUET (Common University Entrance Test) is a national-level entrance examination conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) for admission to undergraduate programs in central universities and other participating institutions across India. CUET was introduced to bring uniformity to the admission process and reduce the dependency on board marks. Instead of varying admission criteria, CUET offers a common platform to evaluate all candidates based on a standardized test.

The CUET exam tests students in three sections: Language Proficiency, Domain-Specific Subjects, and General Aptitude. It is especially important for students aiming to get admission into prestigious central universities like Delhi University, BHU, JNU, AMU, and others. With rising cutoffs in Class 12 boards and differing assessment standards, CUET ensures a fair chance for all students, regardless of their educational background. Its centralized structure benefits students by reducing the pressure of multiple entrance exams and promotes equal opportunity based on merit and aptitude. Understanding CUET's structure, eligibility, syllabus, and preparation strategy is crucial for success. Students must focus on NCERT concepts, improve their reading and reasoning skills, and practice mock tests regularly to perform well in the CUET exam.

The CUET exam is conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA), an autonomous body under the Ministry of Education, Government of India. NTA is responsible for organizing fair, transparent, and standardized examinations across various disciplines.

CUET scores are accepted by a wide range of central universities and several state, private, and deemed universities. As of now, over 250 universities, including Delhi University, Banaras Hindu University (BHU), Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), Jamia Millia Islamia, and Hyderabad University, participate in the CUET admission process. Apart from these central universities, many state universities and private institutions have also opted to accept CUET scores for their undergraduate programs, recognizing the value of a unified admission system.

Each university may have its eligibility criteria and subject combinations, even though the admission is based on CUET scores. Therefore, it’s crucial for candidates to thoroughly check the specific university's admission guidelines and prepare accordingly. NTA provides detailed information on participating universities each year in its CUET Information Bulletin. Candidates are advised to visit the official CUET NTA website and the respective university websites for the latest updates. CUET not only simplifies the admission process but also provides students from rural and urban backgrounds a level playing field. With proper preparation and knowledge of the university selection process, CUET can be a gateway to top-tier Indian universities.

To appear for the CUET exam, candidates must fulfill the eligibility criteria laid down by the National Testing Agency (NTA) and the respective participating universities. Here's a breakdown of the standard eligibility requirements for undergraduate programs:

Educational Qualification:
Candidates must have passed Class 12 or an equivalent examination from a recognized board. Students appearing in their Class 12 exams in the current academic year are also eligible to apply.

Minimum Marks:
The minimum percentage required in Class 12 may vary based on the university and course. Some universities may require a minimum of 50% marks for general category students and 45% for reserved categories (SC/ST/OBC/PwD).

Age Limit:
There is no age restriction for appearing in the CUET UG exam. However, candidates must meet the age criteria specified by the university they are applying to, if any.

Subject Combinations:
Candidates must choose subjects in CUET that match the eligibility requirements of the course they want to pursue. For example, if a university requires Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics for a B.Sc. in Physics, candidates must take these subjects in CUET. It’s essential to visit the websites of the universities you're applying to for specific program details. CUET offers a standardized platform, but final admission depends on satisfying each university’s eligibility norms along with your CUET performance.

The CUET UG exam is structured to test students on their language skills, domain-specific knowledge, and general aptitude. It is conducted in a computer-based test (CBT) mode and is divided into three main sections:

Section I – Language:
This section is further divided into Section IA and IB. Candidates can choose from 13 languages in Section IA and 20 languages in Section IB. Questions assess reading comprehension, vocabulary, and grammar.

Section II – Domain-Specific Subjects:
Candidates can choose up to six domain subjects based on the course requirements of their chosen university. The syllabus is mostly based on the NCERT Class 12 curriculum. Each subject includes 50 questions, of which 40 must be attempted.

Section III – General Test (Optional):
This section includes questions from General Knowledge, Current Affairs, Numerical Ability, Logical and Analytical Reasoning, and Quantitative Aptitude. This is mainly required for professional courses or when specified by the university.

Key Features:

• The exam is held in multiple shifts.

• Each question is objective-type (MCQ).

• Each correct answer is awarded 5 marks, and there is a negative marking of 1 mark for each wrong answer.

Understanding the pattern helps students strategize their preparation and manage their time effectively. Candidates must choose subjects wisely based on the university and course requirements.

Applying for the CUET exam is a straightforward online process managed by the National Testing Agency (NTA). Here’s a step-by-step guide to help candidates complete their application:

Step 1: Visit the Official Website
Go to the official NTA CUET UG portal: https://cuet.samarth.ac.in

Step 2: Registration
Click on the “New Registration” button. Fill in the basic details such as name, email ID, and mobile number, and create a password. After submission, an application number is generated.

Step 3: Fill out the Application Form
Login using your application number and password. Fill in personal details, academic qualifications, exam center preferences, and the list of universities and programs you're applying for.

Step 4: Choose Subjects
Select your preferred language(s), domain subjects, and whether or not you’ll take the general test. Choose wisely based on the university and course you're targeting.

Step 5: Upload Documents
Upload scanned copies of your passport-size photograph, signature, and other required documents in the prescribed format.

Step 6: Pay the Application Fee
Pay the application fee online through credit/debit card, UPI, or net banking. The fee varies based on the number of subjects chosen and category (General/OBC/SC/ST/PwD).

Step 7: Submit and Download Confirmation
After fee payment, submit the form and download the confirmation page for future reference.

Double-check all information before final submission. Any mistakes may lead to disqualification or incorrect results.

The CUET syllabus is based primarily on the NCERT curriculum of Class 12, especially for domain-specific subjects. The exam is divided into three sections, and the syllabus is as follows:

Section I – Language:
Comprehension passages, vocabulary, grammar, synonyms-antonyms, and verbal ability. Focus on reading comprehension and contextual word usage.

Section II – Domain Subjects:
Candidates must prepare for domain-specific subjects (like Physics, Chemistry, Business Studies, History, etc.) based on Class 12 NCERT textbooks. Questions will be conceptual and application-based.

Section III – General Test:
Covers Logical Reasoning, Numerical Ability, Quantitative Aptitude (basic Math), General Knowledge, and Current Affairs. Reference books like RS Aggarwal and Lucent GK are helpful.

Preparation Tips:

• Start with NCERT textbooks for domain subjects.

• Read newspapers and current affairs magazines daily for the general test.

• Solve previous year's papers and CUET mock tests regularly.

• Manage time for each section and subject.

• Create a study plan focusing on weak areas.

Mock tests and time-bound practice are key to mastering the CUET syllabus. Focused preparation aligned with your target university's subject requirements is essential.

As of now, the CUET UG exam is conducted once a year by the National Testing Agency (NTA). Typically, the examination is held between May and June, after the conclusion of Class 12 board exams. The official notification and application process usually begin in February or March.

The reason for conducting the exam once a year is to streamline the admission process across central universities and provide a fair, unified opportunity to students from different educational boards.

However, students and educators have expressed interest in holding CUET twice a year, similar to JEE Main. This would give students an additional chance in the same academic session. Though there is no confirmation yet, the idea is under consideration by education authorities.

Since CUET is a highly competitive exam and held only once, students should aim to give their best attempt by preparing thoroughly in advance. Missing the exam or scoring low may delay your admission by a year, so it’s important to treat the single attempt seriously.

Candidates are advised to regularly check the official CUET portal and NTA website for any updates regarding the frequency of the exam in future academic sessions.

Yes, absolutely. Candidates who are currently appearing in their Class 12 board examinations or awaiting results are eligible to apply for the CUET UG exam. This provision ensures that students can apply for undergraduate programs without any delay in their academic progression.

When filling out the application form, such students must select the "Appearing" option in the academic details section. Once the results are declared, students must meet the eligibility criteria set by their chosen university, including the minimum marks requirement.

It’s important to note that qualifying the CUET exam alone does not guarantee admission. Final admission is subject to:

• Fulfilling the minimum percentage criteria set by universities.

• Submission of original Class 12 marksheet during counseling or admission.

If the student fails to meet the university's eligibility criteria after the board results are declared, even a good CUET score won’t secure admission.

Hence, students must simultaneously prepare diligently for both board exams and CUET. Focus on NCERT books, especially for domain-specific subjects, as this will help in both exams.

Choosing the right study materials is crucial for scoring well in CUET. Here's a subject-wise list of the best books and resources:

For Domain Subjects:

• NCERT Textbooks (Class 12) – Most Important

• Oswaal CUET Question Bank

• Arihant CUET Series (subject-specific guides)

For Language Proficiency:

• “High School English Grammar & Composition” by Wren and Martin

• Practice passages and comprehension from CBSE guidebooks

• Mock papers from Arihant or MTG

For General Test (Section III):

• “Quantitative Aptitude” by RS Aggarwal

• “Lucent’s General Knowledge”

• “Analytical Reasoning” by MK Pandey

• Current affairs magazines and daily newspaper reading

Online Resources:

• NTA’s official website for syllabus and mock tests

• YouTube channels offering free CUET preparation tutorials

• CUET-specific apps for practice quizzes and revision

Preparation Strategy:
Make a subject-wise study plan and follow it consistently. Start early, revise regularly, and practice mock tests weekly. Focus on time management and accuracy. Always prioritize NCERT textbooks, especially for domain knowledge.

The CUET score is calculated based on the number of correct and incorrect answers in each section. Here’s how the scoring works:

• Each correct answer earns +5 marks.

• Each incorrect answer results in a deduction of 1 mark (–1).

• Unattempted questions carry no marks.

After the exam, the raw scores are normalized if the test is conducted in multiple shifts to ensure fairness. The normalized scores are then used to prepare the CUET scorecard, which is shared with the universities selected by the candidate during registration.

Each university uses the CUET score based on its own admission policy:

• Some give weightage to all three sections.

• Others consider only domain-specific subjects.

• Some may have a cutoff or merit list based on CUET scores.

Universities release their merit lists or counseling schedules after receiving CUET results. Candidates are then invited to apply based on their preferred course and eligibility.

CUET scores play a critical role in admission to top institutions. Hence, a high CUET score can give students a strong edge, especially in competitive programs like B.Com, BBA, BA Economics, and B.Sc. in central universities.