Many students in India want to study in good colleges but they often get confused about entrance tests. One common question today is.
Is CUET compulsory for all UG and PG courses?” The answer is simple: CUET is a big exam for many central and other universities, but not for all colleges. A few colleges employ CUET scores for admission, while others employ their own entrance exam or offer admissions based on Class 12 marks. Hence, before applying, always confirm whether your dream college requires CUET or not. It is good to know this in advance so that you plan and prepare accordingly. Here you will know what is CUET, who has to write it, how to prepare and many more things — all in very simple words.
What is CUET?
CUET stands for Common University Entrance Test. It is an exam for those students who are looking to seek admission in undergraduate (UG) or postgraduate (PG) courses in central universities as well as in many state or private colleges. This exam is carried out by the National Testing Agency (NTA), a reliable exam agency. CUET simplifies life for students as they do not need to take so many entrance exams for various universities. With a single CUET score, you can sit for numerous colleges at once. This saves time, effort and money for parents and students. This is the reason why CUET is gaining popularity with each passing year. Most top institutions such as Delhi University, GGSIP University, Jamia Millia Islamia, Jawaharlal Nehru University etc. now accept CUET scores.
Eligibility Criteria for CUET Exam
CUET has some basic eligibility rules. These rules help you know if you can sit for the test or not. Always read these carefully before filling the form.
Basic Eligibility Requirements
For CUET UG, you must have passed Class 12 from a recognised board like CBSE, ICSE or state boards. Students who are giving their Class 12 exams this year can also apply. For CUET PG, you must have passed your UG degree from a recognised university. Final-year UG students can also apply for CUET PG.
Minimum Marks
Many universities do not set strict marks for CUET. But some top colleges may ask for a minimum percentage in Class 12 for UG or minimum marks in UG for PG. For example, some Delhi University courses may need 50% or 60% marks. So always check the college website or CUET brochure for exact cut-off marks.
Age Limit
There is usually no age limit to appear for CUET UG or CUET PG. Students of any age can apply as long as they meet the education rules. But a few special courses may have extra age rules, so check the course notice carefully.
Nationality
You must be an Indian citizen to apply. NRI and foreign students can also apply for CUET if the college allows it. Some universities have special seats for NRI or foreign students with extra rules.
Syllabus of CUET Exam
The CUET syllabus is simple because it mostly covers what you already study in school for Class 12. It has three parts — Language, Domain Subjects, and General Test.
Language
This part checks how well you know English or another language you choose. It has:
- Reading Comprehension: Short passages where you answer questions about stories or facts.
- Verbal Ability: Questions like rearrange sentences, choose the best word, or fill in the blanks.
- Vocabulary: Questions on synonyms, antonyms and word meanings.
Example: Read a small story and answer what the writer wants to say. Or pick the word that best completes the sentence.
Domain-Specific Subjects
This section checks what you know about the main subject you want to study. It includes subjects like:
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Maths
- Biology
- History
- Geography
- Political Science
- Accountancy
- Economics
- Business Studies
These topics follow the NCERT Class 12 syllabus, so students must revise their school books well.
General Test
This part checks your basic thinking skills. It has:
- General Knowledge and Current Affairs: News, events, sports, awards, science updates.
- General Mental Ability: Puzzles, simple patterns, basic logic.
- Numerical Ability: Easy maths like addition, subtraction, simple sums.
- Quantitative Reasoning: Topics like Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Mensuration and Statistics.
- Logical and Analytical Reasoning: Solve simple logical puzzles, find missing numbers, etc.
How to Apply for the CUET Exam?
Students can apply for CUET online only. Here are the steps to follow:
- Visit the official CUET website by NTA.
- Register with your email ID and mobile number.
- Fill the form with your details — name, address, education details.
- Select your course and university choices.
- Upload your photo, signature and any required documents.
- Pay the exam fee using net banking, card or UPI.
- Submit the form and save a copy of your confirmation page.
Always check all details twice before you click submit.
Preparation Tips for CUET-PG Exam
Scoring well in CUET PG needs smart study. Here are simple tips to help you get ready.
| Preparation Step | Description |
|---|---|
| Understand the Syllabus | First, read the full syllabus from the CUET website. Know which subjects you must prepare and what topics come under each subject. |
| Create a Study Schedule | Make a timetable. Write which topics you will study each day. Keep some time for breaks too. Stick to your plan daily. |
| Practice Previous Year Papers | Download old question papers and solve them. This shows you how questions are asked and helps you feel confident. |
| Take Mock Tests | Try online mock tests. Many websites give free practice tests. These help you check your speed and accuracy. |
| Focus on Weak Areas | Find topics you find hard. Spend extra time on these topics and ask teachers if you have any doubts. |
| Stay Updated | Read newspapers or watch news for current affairs. Make notes of important events. This helps in the General Test section. |
How and Where to Check CUET-PG Results?
After the exam, results come online. Here’s how to check:
- Visit the CUET NTA official website.
- Find the “CUET PG Result” link on the homepage.
- Enter your application number and date of birth.
- Click on submit. Your result will appear on the screen.
- Download your scorecard and take a printout for future use.
FAQs of Is CUET Mandatory for UG & PG Degree Courses?
Is it possible to apply for more than one M.Sc. program via CUET?
Yes, with your CUET PG score, you can apply for more than one M.Sc. program. Most universities let you select different subjects. Carefully fill your choices while applying.
What if I don't qualify for CUET?
Do not worry if you do not qualify. Private colleges give direct admission on the basis of your marks. A few universities also have a separate entrance test that you can attempt.
Is there any negative marking in the CUET (UG) exam?
Yes, there is negative marking in CUET UG. Marks are deducted for every incorrect answer. So carefully read questions. Answer only if you are confident to prevent marks being lost.
Who organises the CUET (UG) exam?
CUET UG exam is organized by the National Testing Agency (NTA). NTA is a government agency which also conducts other large exams such as NEET, JEE and UGC NET.
How many questions are available in the CUET UG language section?
Typically, the language section contains 50 questions. The number of questions may vary. Always refer to the official CUET notice to find out the exact number and marks.
Conclusion
CUET is a fair test that opens doors to many good universities in India. It helps students apply to many courses with one score. But CUET is not mandatory for all colleges yet. Some private or state colleges may not ask for it. So always check your chosen college’s admission rules. If CUET is needed, prepare early and study smart. Use good books, solve old papers, and keep calm on exam day. With the right plan and practice, you can score well and get into your dream college.
