The Common University Entrance Test (CUET) is a national-level entrance examination conducted for admission to undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) courses across Central Universities and numerous state, private, and deemed universities in India. Introduced by the National Testing Agency (NTA), the CUET aims to provide students with a common platform and equal opportunity for admission to India’s leading universities, including Delhi University (DU), Banaras Hindu University (BHU), Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), Hyderabad University, JNU, and many others.
With the increase in competition for top universities, CUET has become a crucial gateway for students aspiring to secure seats in highly reputed institutions.
Why CUET Exam Was Introduced?
Before CUET, different universities conducted separate entrance tests or relied on Class 12th board marks, which resulted in:
- High cut-off pressure
- Unequal evaluation standards across boards
- Limited opportunities for students from rural regions
CUET solves these issues by providing:
- A single entrance test for multiple universities
- A standardized and transparent selection process
- Reduction in dependency on board percentage alone
CUET Exam Highlights
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | CUET (Common University Entrance Test) |
| Conducting Body | National Testing Agency (NTA) |
| Mode of Exam | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| Frequency | Once a year |
| Courses Offered | UG & PG Admissions |
| No. of Participating Universities | 250+ Universities (Central + State + Private + Deemed) |
| Question Type | MCQ (Multiple Choice Questions) |
| Medium | 13+ Languages |
| Official Website | https://cuet.samarth.ac.in |
Participating Universities under CUET
Some major CUET participating universities include:
- Delhi University (DU)
- Banaras Hindu University (BHU)
- Aligarh Muslim University (AMU)
- Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU)
- Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI)
- University of Hyderabad
- Jadavpur University (for some courses)
- Central University of Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, etc.
- Several State and Private Universities
CUET Exam Eligibility Criteria
For Undergraduate (UG) Courses
| Criteria | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Educational Qualification | Must have passed Class 12th or equivalent |
| Minimum Marks | No minimum percentage required (University specific rules apply) |
| Age Limit | No age limit |
For Postgraduate (PG) Courses
| Criteria | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Educational Qualification | Bachelor’s degree in relevant discipline |
| Minimum Marks | Varies by university |
| Age Limit | No age limit |
CUET Exam Pattern (UG)
CUET UG consists of three sections:
| Section | Description | Questions | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Section I (A/B) | Language Test | 40 out of 50 | 45 min |
| Section II | Domain-Specific Subjects (Science, Commerce, Arts Streams) | 40 out of 50 | 45 min per subject |
| Section III | General Test (GK, Reasoning, Quant, Current Affairs) | 60 out of 75 | 60 min |
Students can choose:
- Up to 2 Languages
- Up to 6 Domain Subjects
- General Test (Optional) depending on course requirement
CUET UG Syllabus Overview
Language Test
- Reading comprehension
- Vocabulary
- Grammar usage
Domain Subjects
Syllabus is same as Class 12 NCERT, including:
- Physics, Chemistry, Biology
- Mathematics, Applied Math
- Business Studies, Accountancy, Economics
- History, Geography, Political Science
- Computer Science, Psychology, etc.
General Test
- Logical and Analytical Reasoning
- Quantitative Aptitude (Class 10 level)
- General Knowledge & Current Affairs
CUET UG Application Process
- Visit official website: https://cuet.samarth.ac.in
- Register using email and phone number
- Fill personal and educational details
- Select exam cities and subjects
- Upload required documents
- Pay application fee online
CUET Exam Preparation Strategy
| Area | Strategy |
|---|---|
| Syllabus Coverage | Focus on Class 12 NCERTs thoroughly |
| Practice | Solve PYQs and mock tests daily |
| Time Management | Allocate fixed hours for each subject |
| Revision | Weekly and monthly revision cycles |
| Accuracy | Avoid guesswork; negative marking applies |
CUET Exam Books Recommendation
- NCERT Textbooks (Class 12)
- Arihant CUET Guidebooks
- Oswaal CUET Mock Test Series
- Previous Year Question Papers
CUET Exam FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
1. What is CUET Exam?
CUET is a national-level entrance exam conducted by NTA for admission to UG and PG programs in Central and other universities.
2. Is CUET compulsory for Delhi University?
Yes, admission to all courses at DU is strictly based on CUET scores.
3. What subjects should I choose in CUET?
Choose subjects based on:
- Course requirements
- University eligibility criteria
4. What is the exam mode of CUET?
CUET is conducted in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode.
5. Is there negative marking in CUET?
Yes, −1 mark for every wrong answer.
6. How many times can I attempt CUET?
There is no limit on the number of attempts as long as eligibility criteria are met.
7. Does board percentage matter?
CUET score matters for admission, but some universities may require a minimum board percentage.
8. Can I apply for multiple universities using CUET score?
Yes, the CUET score is accepted by many universities.
9. What is a good CUET score for DU?
Generally 650+ is considered a strong score for top DU colleges.
10. Which language mediums are available?
English, Hindi, Bengali, Punjabi, Gujarati, Marathi, Tamil, Telugu, Urdu, Malayalam, Assamese, Kannada, Odia.
11. How many subjects can I take in CUET UG?
Up to 10 subjects (including languages, domain subjects, and general test).
12. Is coaching necessary for CUET?
No, but guided preparation can help improve scores.
Conclusion
The CUET exam has emerged as a standardized and fair admission pathway to top universities in India, reducing dependency on board exam scores and offering equal opportunities for students from diverse educational backgrounds. With proper planning, NCERT-based preparation, and consistent practice, securing a high CUET score is achievable.
