The Common University Entrance Test (CUET) has become one of the most talked-about entrance exams in India. Launched by the National Testing Agency (NTA), it is now the main gateway for admission to undergraduate programs in many central, state, and private universities.
If you’re a student planning your higher education, here’s a clear guide on what CUET is, how it works, and how to prepa
re.
What Is CUET?
CUET (formerly CUCET) is a single national-level entrance test for admission to undergraduate, postgraduate, and research programs across participating universities.
It was introduced to:
✅ Provide a common platform for students across the country
✅ Reduce the pressure of multiple entrance exams
✅ Ensure fair and transparent admissions
As of now, it is mainly used for undergraduate (UG) admissions to central universities like Delhi University (DU), Banaras Hindu University (BHU), Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), Jamia Millia Islamia, Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), and many others.
Who Conducts CUET?
The National Testing Agency (NTA) is the official conducting body.
Website: cuet.samarth.ac.in
Mode: Online (Computer-Based Test)
Frequency: Once a year (usually around May-June)
Which Universities Accept CUET?
✅ All Central Universities (like DU, JNU, BHU, AMU)
✅ Many State Universities (depending on their policies)
✅ Selected Private Universities (opt-in basis)
✅ Some Deemed-to-be Universities
This means one CUET score can potentially be used to apply to multiple colleges and programs across India.
CUET Exam Pattern (UG)
CUET (UG) is divided into sections:
Section Details
Section 1A: Language 13 languages (choose 1) – English, Hindi, etc.
Section 1B: Additional Languages 20 languages (optional) if applying to programs with other language requirements
Section 2: Domain Subjects 27 subjects (choose up to 6) like Maths, Physics, Economics, History
Section 3: General Test Aptitude, general knowledge, current affairs, logical reasoning (optional, depending on the program)
You can mix and match subjects based on the university and program requirements.
How Many Questions?
Section Questions Time
Language 40 out of 50 45 minutes
Domain Subjects 40 out of 50 (each) 45 minutes per subject
General Test 60 out of 75 60 minutes
The questions are MCQ (Multiple Choice Questions), and the test is conducted in multiple slots depending on how many papers you select.
Syllabus
✅ Language Test
Reading comprehension, vocabulary, grammar, synonyms/antonyms, etc.
✅ Domain Subjects
Follows NCERT Class 12 syllabus. For example, if you choose Physics, the questions come from CBSE + State Board Physics syllabus.
✅ General Test
Numerical ability, quantitative reasoning, general knowledge, current affairs, logical and analytical reasoning.
How to Apply?
1️⃣ Register Online
Visit cuet.samarth.ac.in, fill in details, and create a login.
2️⃣ Select Courses & Universities
Decide which universities/programs you want to apply to and check their specific CUET subject combinations.
3️⃣ Upload Documents
Scanned photo, signature, certificates, category certificates (if applicable).
4️⃣ Pay Fees
Exam fee varies based on category and number of subjects.
5️⃣ Download Admit Card
Closer to the exam, you’ll get an admit card with exam center details.
CUET Preparation Tips
✅ Know the Exam Pattern
Download the official syllabus and pattern from NTA’s website.
✅ Stick to NCERT Books
For domain subjects, NCERT books are the best foundation. Supplement with reference guides if needed.
✅ Practice Previous Year Papers
Understand the type of MCQs asked, time management, and difficulty level.
✅ Mock Tests Are Key
Since the exam is online, practicing computer-based mock tests will help you get comfortable.
✅ Revise Regularly
Set a revision timetable, especially for factual subjects like History, Geography, and Economics.
✅ Stay Updated
For the general test, follow current affairs daily, especially for last 6–12 months.
Pros of CUET
✅ Single Exam, Multiple Colleges
One scorecard, many applications.
✅ Level Playing Field
Reduces overdependence on board exam marks, which vary across states and boards.
✅ Transparency
Centralized process reduces bias or backdoor admissions.
Challenges & Criticism
⚠ Increased Exam Pressure
Some argue CUET has simply replaced the board exam race with an entrance exam race.
⚠ Technical Issues
Since it’s an online exam, some students in rural areas face challenges with infrastructure and unfamiliarity.
⚠ Need for Coaching
The competitive nature has sparked a boom in CUET-specific coaching, adding to student stress and cost.
Should You Take CUET?
If you’re aiming for admission to a central university or participating institution, CUET is now mandatory. For example:
Delhi University admissions no longer rely on Class 12 marks alone; CUET scores decide cutoffs.
BHU, JNU, Jamia, and AMU use CUET for most UG programs.
However, some private universities (like Ashoka, Shiv Nadar, or OP Jindal) do not use CUET and have their own admission processes. Always check the university’s official website before applying.
Timeline & Important Dates
Stage Typical Timeline
Registration Opens February – March
Admit Card Release April – May
Exam Dates May – June
Results Declaration July
Counseling/Admissions July – August (varies by university)
Summary
Key Point Takeaway
What is CUET? National entrance exam for UG admissions
Who conducts it? NTA (National Testing Agency)
Which universities accept it? Central, some state, and private universities
How is it structured? Language + domain subjects + general test
Best way to prepare? NCERT syllabus + mock tests + previous papers
If you’re a Class 12 student or a drop-year aspirant, start preparing early and carefully track the updates on cuet.samarth.ac.in.
