To prepare for CUET, understanding the exam pattern is crucial. It consists of three parts: language, domain-specific, and general tests. The exam assesses your ability to apply high school knowledge accurately.
Understanding CUET
The Common University Entrance Test (CUET) is an all-India exam conducted by NTA for admissions to undergraduate and postgraduate courses in 283 central and state universities in India.
Eligibility and Reservation Criteria for CUET
Undergraduate Programs:
- General: Minimum 50% in Class 12
- SC/ST: Minimum 45% in Class 12
Postgraduate Programs:
- General: Minimum 55% in graduation
- SC/ST/OBC/PwD: Minimum 50% in graduation
Specific Requirements for BMS/BBA/BBE-FIA:
- Subject Combination: One language from List A, Mathematics, and Section III (General Test)
- Selection: Based on CUET scores in the specified subjects
Application Guidelines:
- Apply to three universities and select three program combinations in the CUET form.
Reservation Quotas:
- SC: 15%
- ST: 7.5%
- OBC (Non-Creamy Layer): 27%
- PwD: 5%
Key Dates
Event | Dates (Tentative) |
---|---|
CUET UG exam | May 15 to 24, 2025 |
Release of CUET answer key 2024 | June 2025 |
Objection window opened for CUET UG retest answer key | June 2025 |
Release of CUET final answer key | July 2025 |
Declaration of CUET result 2024 | July 2025 |
CUET Overview
Category | Details |
---|---|
Conducting Body | National Testing Agency (NTA) |
Official Site | NTA CUET-UG |
Examination Duration | Slot I: 8:30 am - 10:30 am Slot II: 12:00 pm - 2:30 pm Slot III: 3:30 pm - 6:30 pm |
Sections | 3 Sections (IA & IB, II, III) |
Number of Questions | Section IA & IB: 40 (out of 50) Section II: 40 (out of 50) Section III: 50 (out of 60) |
Max Marks | 1250 |
Difficulty Level | Equivalent to Class 12th |
Application Fee
Category | Up to Three Subjects | Each Additional Subject |
---|---|---|
General UR | INR 1000 | INR 400 |
OBC-NCL/EWS | INR 900 | INR 375 |
SC/ST/PwBD/Third Gender | INR 800 | INR 350 |
Paper Pattern
Section | Subjects/Tests | Questions | To be Attempted | Duration |
---|---|---|---|---|
Section IA | 13 Languages | 50 | 40/50 | 45 minutes per language |
Section IB | 20 Languages | 50 | 40/50 | 45 minutes per language |
Section II | 29 Domain Subjects | 50 | 40/50 | 45 minutes for 23 domains 60 minutes for 6 domains* |
Section III | General Test | 60 | 50/60 | 60 minutes |
*The six domains comprise Accountancy, Economics, Physics, Computer Science/Information Practices, Chemistry, and Mathematics/Applied Mathematics.
Marking Scheme
- Correct: +5 marks
- Incorrect: -1 mark
- Unattempted: No penalty
- Dropped/Incorrect Questions: +5 marks for all
List of Languages/Domain Specific Subjects/General Test:
CUET will be conducted in Hybrid Mode, combining Pen & Paper and/or Computer-Based tests.
Section 1: Language (1A & 1B) 33 languages in total | Section 2: Domain-Specific Test Choose up to 6 out of 29 available tests | Section 3: General Test - Aptitude | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
1A (Choose 1 of 13 Languages): Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, Gujarati, Odiya, Bengali, Assamese, Punjabi, English, Hindi, Urdu |
1B (Choose 1 of 20 Languages): French, Spanish, German, Nepali, Persian, Italian, Arabic, Sindhi, Kashmiri, Konkani, Bodo, Dogri, Maithili, Manipuri, Santhali, Tibetan, Japanese, Russian, Chinese, Sanskrit |
B1: Accountancy, Anthropology, Biology, Biotechnology, Biochemistry, Business Studies, Chemistry, Computer Science, Economics, Environmental Science, Geography, Geology |
B2: Agriculture, Engineering Graphics, Entrepreneurship, Knowledge Tradition, Fine Arts, Mass Media, Physical Education, Performing Arts, Teaching Aptitude, Tourism, Fashion Studies |
General Knowledge, Current Affairs, Mental Ability, Numerical Ability, Quantitative & Logical Reasoning. Note: A maximum of 10 subjects can be chosen from all sections |
CUET Pattern
Admission based on English, 1 Domain, and General/Aptitude Test |
---|
BMS, BBA (FIA), & BBE |
One language from List A, Mathematics/Applied Mathematics, and GT |
5-Year Integrated Journalism Program |
Combination 1: English (List A) + General Test Combination 2: Hindi (List A) + GT |
B.A. (Hons.) Multimedia & Mass Communication |
One language from List A + One subject from List B1/B2 + Section 3 (GT) |
B.Tech (IT & Mathematical Innovation) |
One language from List A + Mathematics/Applied Mathematics + GT |
Ideal CUET Combination
1. | English |
2. | Mathematics/Applied Mathematics |
3. | Two Domain Subjects |
4. | General Test (Recommended by NTA) |
*This combination covers about 90% of Delhi University seats
Question Format
Section 1: Language (1A & 1B) | Language will be tested through Reading Comprehension (covering Factual, Literary, and Narrative passages) and Vocabulary Questions: 40 out of 50 to be attempted Duration: 45 minutes per language |
---|---|
Section 2: Domain Test | MCQs based on NCERT Class 12 syllabus Questions: Attempt 40 out of 50 in all Domain subjects Duration: 45/60 minutes per Domain subject |
Section 3: General Aptitude Test | General Knowledge, Current Affairs, Mental Ability, Numerical Ability, Quantitative Reasoning (basic math, arithmetic, algebra, geometry, statistics), Logical and Analytical Reasoning Questions: Attempt 50 out of 60 Duration: 60 minutes |
Syllabus
Subject | Syllabus |
---|---|
English Language | 1. Comprehension Passages (theme, word meanings) 2. Grammar (sentence correction, fill-in-the-blanks) 3. Vocabulary (synonyms, antonyms) |
Numerical Ability | 1. Arithmetic 2. Number system 3. Basics of algebra 4. Modern math |
General Awareness & Current Affairs | 1. Static general knowledge 2. Current Affairs (national & international) |
Logical & Analytical Reasoning | 1. Syllogisms 2. Logical sequences 3. Analogies 4. Series 5. Directions 6. Clocks & calendars 7. Seating Arrangements 8. Puzzles |
After CUET UG Results
After results are declared, Central Universities will release admission processes, CUET cut-offs, and eligibility criteria. Eligible candidates can then secure a seat and participate in counselling for their chosen UG course.
PRATHAM Test Prep CUET Offerings
Section 1: Language
English preparation through Concept-Builder Classes and Study Material
Section 2: Domain Specific
Comprehensive Study Material for 15 Domain Subjects: Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Business Studies, Accountancy, Mathematics, Applied Math, History, Political Science, Economics, Psychology, Geography, Legal Studies, Sociology, Mass Communication
1. | NCERT-based chapter-wise e-lectures covering all concepts and CUET-relevant questions |
2. | Chapter-wise summaries of all 15 domain subjects for revision, including key concepts and case studies as per NTA syllabus |
3. | Chapter-wise question banks for all 15 domain subjects, including important questions and case studies as per NTA pattern |
4. | Practice quizzes for all 15 domain subjects covering all topics |
Section 3: General Test/Aptitude
Preparation with Concept-Builder Classes covering Logical Reasoning, General Awareness, Current Affairs, Numerical Ability, etc
Mock Tests: 25 mocks covering 15 domain subjects, based on the latest CUET pattern
Frequently Asked Question
The language test assesses grammar, reading comprehension, literary aptitude, and vocabulary. Focus on building grammar concepts and practicing through worksheets, quizzes, and mock tests.
The domain specific tests will require you to complete reading the NCERT books of class 11th and 12th. You must be clear on the topics that have been discussed and then work on case-study based questions to further test your knowledge of concepts. After that you can pick questionnaires, mock tests and topic-specific tests to prepare yourself for the real exam.
The general test covers current affairs, static GK, LR, and basic Math. Develop a habit of reading daily current affairs and one static GK topic. Start with basic concepts in LR and QA, then practice worksheets regularly. Mock tests are crucial for identifying strengths and weaknesses, so practice as many as possible and analyze your performance.
Candidates can take up to 9 tests: 2 languages from Section IA and IB, 6 Domain Subjects from Section II, and the General Test from Section III.
OR
Combination 2: Choose up to 3 languages from Section IA and IB, 5 Domain Subjects from Section II, and the General Test from Section III. For Delhi University, eligibility often requires a language from IA and IB, two domain subjects, and the General Test. Select domain subjects that align with your course and strengths.
The examination will be held on multiple days, with three shifts scheduled each day, as per NTA.
Your Class 12 marks are separate from CUET. You need a minimum of 50% aggregate and the required subjects for your chosen course. Only your CUET score matters for admission. Entrance exams assess your knowledge differently from board exams, so with proper preparation, you can excel in CUET, regardless of your board exam scores.
Central Universities this year will prepare the merit list on the basis of CUET score obtained by the candidates from the given subject combinations of a required course. Appropriate proration will be done because the weightage of all CUET sections is not the same.
Some students succeed without coaching, while others need it for consistency and quality preparation. Coaching provides the right materials and guidance, helping you save time and build on your current knowledge with experienced faculty.
You can take this mock test and check your preparation compared with other candidates. Here,
https://www.prathamonline.com/CUET.php
Get Personalised Counselling
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