What CUET-UG is
CUET-UG (Common University Entrance Test for undergraduate admissions) is conducted by NTA. Central universities such as Delhi University, BHU, JNU and Jamia use it for most undergraduate programmes, and many state, deemed and private universities also accept it. For students who are not aiming at engineering or medicine, CUET is often the most important exam after Class 12.
Exam structure (recent pattern)
| Section | What it tests |
|---|---|
| Languages | Reading comprehension and language skills in English, Hindi and other languages |
| Domain subjects | Subject knowledge based on the Class 12 syllabus (Physics, Accountancy, History and more) |
| General Aptitude Test | General knowledge, current affairs, reasoning and quantitative aptitude |
In recent years candidates could choose up to 5 tests in total, each test had 50 questions to be answered in 60 minutes, and marking was +5 for a correct answer and −1 for a wrong one. NTA changes the structure from time to time, so read the latest information bulletin before you register.
Rank analysis, personalised college list and help through counselling rounds after Class 12.
How to choose your CUET subjects
This is where many students go wrong. Follow these steps:
- List your target programmes first, for example B.A. (Hons) Economics at DU or B.Com at BHU.
- Check each university's eligibility table: which language and domain subjects are needed for that programme.
- Choose subjects that cover the most programmes you want, and in which you can score well.
- Add the General Aptitude Test only if your target programmes require it (many B.Com, BBA and B.A. programmes at some universities do).
Pick subjects you studied in Class 12 wherever possible. Even if the rules allow other subjects, the domain tests are based on the Class 12 syllabus.
Preparing for CUET alongside boards
- Domain tests follow the NCERT Class 12 syllabus, so strong board preparation covers much of it.
- Practise MCQs; boards test writing, CUET tests speed and accuracy.
- Read a newspaper daily and practise reading comprehension for the language test.
- Take at least 10 timed mock tests in the last two months.
After the result: admission is a separate step
CUET gives you a score; each university runs its own admission process. Delhi University uses its own portal with preference filling and rounds, and other universities publish their own merit lists. Missing a university's registration deadline means missing that university, whatever your score. Make a calendar of portals and dates as soon as results are near.
Frequently asked questions
Is CUET compulsory for all universities?
No. Central universities mostly use it, and many others accept it, but some state and private universities admit students through Class 12 marks or their own tests.
Do Class 12 marks matter if I take CUET?
Universities usually set a minimum Class 12 percentage for eligibility, but selection is mainly based on CUET scores.
Can a science student take Commerce or Arts subjects in CUET?
Rules have allowed flexibility in some years, but each university decides what subjects it accepts for each programme. Check the eligibility for your target course.
General guidance only. Exam dates, eligibility, fees and scholarship amounts change every year: always check the official website before you apply.