CUET – All You Need to know

The Common University Entrance Test (CUET) UG is a standardised exam, conducted by NTA (National Testing Agency) for undergraduate admissions in India, simplifying the application process by allowing students to apply to multiple universities with a single test score 

CUET – All You Need to know

The Common University Entrance Test (CUET) UG is a standardised exam, conducted by NTA (National Testing Agency) for undergraduate admissions in India, simplifying the application process by allowing students to apply to multiple universities with a single test score 

Eligibility

  • Educational Qualification: You should have completed your 12th grade (or equivalent) from a recognized board, minimum marks requirement varying from university to university
  • Age Limit: There is no specific age limit, but you should check the specific age criteria set by the universities you are applying to (however, the CUET score is only applicable for 1 year)

Medium of the Exam

  • Hybrid Mode – Computer-Based Test/ Pen & Paper (depends on the subject selected by the student)
  • Languages – Assamese, Bengali, English, Gujarati, Hindi, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, Punjabi, Odia, Tamil, Telugu, and Urdu.
  • Cities – Offered in 380 Cities including 26 cities outside India. (List of Subjects and Cities, 2024)
  • The CUET city intimation slip, released before the admit card, informs candidates of their exam centre location. To ensure exam integrity and prevent malpractices, the NTA issues the admit card only three days before the exam. However, the advance intimation slip allows candidates to arrange travel, accommodation, and other logistics in advance for their convenience. (Link to download: City Intimation Slip)

How to manage prep for both boards and CUET?

  • The CUET (UG) subject tests are based on the Class 12 syllabus so students don’t need to prepare separately for CUET. 
  • Preparing for the CUET (UG) will also help students get ready for their Board Exams, improving their overall understanding.

Application Process

Documents required for filling the application form : 

  1. Scanned passport size photograph
  2. Scanned image of signature
  3. Certificates in respect of PwBD/Category/ BPLCertificate, if applicable.

Documents to carry to the exam centre : 

  1. CUET Admit Card
  2. Undertaking downloaded from the NTA website 
  3. Original ID proof 
  4. Passport size photograph (same as the one uploaded on the application form) 
  5. Caste Certificate or PwBD certificate (if applicable)

PLEASE NOTE:

  • Students should go through the Information Bulletin of the desired University/Participating Institution, for the tests to be chosen, for the courses desired, before applying.
  • If a scribe has been allotted, the scribe must also carry an undertaking regarding educational qualification, etc, a passport-size photograph, and a valid government identity.

Exam Fees

(for 2024)

CATEGORIESFEES UPTO 3 SUBJECTS FEES FOR EACH ADDITIONAL SUBJECT
General₹ 1000₹ 400
OBC₹ 900₹ 375
SC/ST₹ 800₹ 350
Centres Outside India₹ 4500₹ 1800

Exam Structure

Section

  1. Section 1A & 1B : Languages
  • Candidate can choose from 33 languages
  • 40 out of 50 questions to be attempted for each language 
  1. Section 2 : Domain 
  • Candidate  can choose from 29 domain subjects
  • 40 out of 50 questions to be attempted for each subject 
  1. Section 3 : General test
  • 50 out of 60 questions to be attempted

Duration

Duration for all test papers would be 45 minutes except for mathematics/ applied mathematics, accountancy, physics, chemistry, economics, computer science/ information technology and general test – they will be for 60 mins.

Marking Scheme

  • Correct answer : +5 
  • Incorrect answer : -1
  • Unattempted question : 0

Syllabus

  • Language : Language to be tested through Reading Comprehension (based on different types of passages–Factual, Literary and Narrative, and Literary Aptitude and Vocabulary)
  • Domain subjects : As given on the NTA website Common University Entrance Test – CUET (UG)| India
  • General test : General Knowledge, Current Affairs, General Mental Ability, Numerical Ability, Quantitative Reasoning (Simple application of basic mathematical concepts Arithmetic / Algebra / Geometry / Mensuration / Statistics), Logical and Analytical Reasoning.
  • List of domain subjects, languages that candidates can opt for (for CUET UG 2024) : public-notice-for-cuet-ug-2024 (Page 3) 

PLEASE NOTE

  1. From all the languages/ subjects, candidate can choose a maximum of 6 subjects from all three sections.
  2. It is advisable for candidate to select at least 1 language and the general test .

List of Universities Under CUET

  • Over 46 Central Universities and 32 State Universities accept the CUET exam.
  • Some prominent universities which accept the CUET are:
  1. Delhi university 
  2. Jawaharlal Nehru University 
  3. Jamia Millia University
  4. Banaras Hindu University
  5. Delhi technological University 
  6. Dr B.R. Ambedkar University 
  7. Amity University 
  8. Bennett University 
  9. Galgotias University 
  10.  SRM university 

Pro Tips for Smart Studying

  • When to start studying? 
Time frameActivities 
6-12 months before the exams– Familiarise yourself with the exam pattern and syllabus
– Create a study plan
– Start studying foundational concepts in each subject
4-6 months before the exams– Intensify study routine
– Focus on practice papers and mock tests
– Analyse performance and adjust study plan as needed
2-3 months before the exams– Shift to intensive revision
– Focus on weaker areas
– Continue regular mock tests for time management and exam strategies
1 month before the exam – Finalise revisions
– Practice under timed conditions
– Review key concepts and exam logistics
  • Past Year Questions (PYQ’s):
    • Look at the past year’s trends to learn about exam difficulty levels and high-weightage topics in your chosen subjects. (Available on official CUET Website)
    • Prioritise the sections with more marks allocated.
  • TO-DO lists :
    • Keep a daily checklist of what to study, as it will help you not miss out on any topic.
    • Dedicate the first hour of your new day to revising previously covered topics.
    • Dedicate the final 30 minutes to reviewing your day’s accomplishments.
  • Prep material : 
  1. Use NCERT Books: Since the CUET syllabus aligns with the Class 12 curriculum, NCERT books are essential as they cover all possible question types and patterns. Practice with diverse question types as  NCERT questions prepare you for the varied question formats seen in CUET, including direct graphs and equations.
  2. Daily Newspaper Reading: Spend at least one hour daily reading a newspaper, with a focus on the editorial page. Note new vocabulary, idioms, and phrases from the newspaper. Look up their meanings, write down their usage, and find synonyms.
  3. Consult Additional Prep Materials: Use specific prep books available online or materials provided on the CUET website for additional practice and guidance. E.g. for maths, most students can refer to TS Grewal or RD Sharma.
  • Take Mock Tests: Regularly take mock tests to improve your time management and test-taking skills. 

Important Links

Sources

Last updated on : 17 September, 2024

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