What is the CUET?
The CUET Exam also known as Common University Entrance Test is a national-level entrance exam that is conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) for admissions to UG programs in various universities across India and is accepted by most of the top universities as well. So rather than writing different exams for different colleges or universities, students just write one exam, that is the CUET exam which makes it easier to apply to multiple universities. The CUET UG 2025 application form is available on the official website and the application forms were open from March 1st, 2025. Students can start applying and the last date to apply for this exam is March 23rd, 2025. The registration process of this exam is completely online and also the CUET 2025 exam will be a CBT - Computer Based Test and the CUET exam date is between May 8th and June 1st, 2025.
The test covers subjects like languages, domain specific subjects and general knowledge. This exam is available in multiple languages, so students from various backgrounds can clear and get admissions in their desired colleges. Over 200 universities accept the CUET scores, therefore, students have more options to choose from. Candidates who apply for this exam must make sure they meet the CUET 2025 eligibility criteria of the colleges or courses they are choosing. Based on the latest update, the CUET 2025 exam pattern has been revised. Read further for complete details of the CUET 2025 exam which is mentioned below.
CUET Exam Details
|
Feature |
Details |
|
Full Name |
Common University Entrance Test (CUET) |
|
Conducting Body |
National Testing Agency (NTA) |
|
Purpose |
Admission to UG Programs |
|
Exam Mode |
(Online Mode) Computer Based Test |
|
Exam Frequency |
Once a year |
|
Participating Universities |
Over 200 Universities |
|
Exam Duration |
Varies Based on the Subjects |
|
Number of Sections |
3 (Language Test, Domain-Specific Subjects, General Test |
|
Languages available |
13 Languages |
|
Eligibility |
10+2 (From a recognized board) |
|
Marking Scheme |
+5 for correct answer, -1 for incorrect answer |
|
Application Mode |
Online through the official NTA CUET website |
CUET 2025 Course List
|
Science |
|
CUET Exam Structure
The CUET Exam is basically divided into three sections:
- Language Test (Section 1A and 1B) - This tests reading comprehension, vocabulary and grammar in a chosen language. There are around 13 Indian languages in 1A and other languages in 1B.
- Domain - Specific Subjects (Section 2) - This covers specific subjects that are based on the course opted by the students.
- General Test (Section 3) - This tests general knowledge, reasoning, quantitative ability and current affairs. This might be required by some universities but can be optional.
CUET Eligibility Criteria
The main eligibility criteria is that the candidates applying for the CUET exam must have completed their 12th grade from a recognized board. There are no age limits, but some of the universities may have specific requirements. The minimum marks required usually varies based on the universities. But generally the minimum aggregate marks in 12th grade is 50%. The CUET exam is quite broad and diverse and is relevant for science, commerce and arts students as well.
CUET Exam Pattern
|
Section |
Number of Questions |
Question Type |
Duration |
|
Language Test |
50 |
MCQs |
60 mins |
|
Domain - Specific Subjects |
50 |
MCQs |
60 mins |
|
General Test |
50 |
MCQs |
60 mins |
CUET Exam Marking Scheme
The total marks for the CUET exam 2025 is 250 marks according to NTA. Below mentioned table shows the Marking scheme of the CUET Exam 2025.
|
Answer Type |
Marks Awarded |
|
Correct Answer |
+5 marks |
|
Incorrect Answer |
-1 Mark |
|
Unattempted Question |
0 Marks |
How to Apply for the CUET Exam?
The CUET Exam is a computer based test (CBT) and the application submission can be done online. Let’s have a look at the registration process:
- Visit the official website.
- Click on “Register” and fill in the personal details
- Upload the required documents. (Photographs, signature and the required educational certificates)
- Select the subjects as per your course preference. (According to the CUET UG 2025, students can choose up to five subjects from all sections)
- Pay the application fee online.
- Download the confirmation page and keep it for your future reference.
Application Fee for CUET Exam 2025
|
Category |
Up to 3 Subjects |
For Each Additional Subject |
|
General (UR) |
Rs. 1000 |
Rs. 400 |
|
PBC - (NCL)/EWS |
Rs. 900 |
Rs. 375 |
|
SC/ST/PwBD/ Third Gender |
Rs. 800 |
Rs. 350 |
|
Centers outside India |
Rs. 4500 |
Rs. 1800 |
CUET Syllbabus
The CUET Syllabus is based on NCERT textbooks of class 12 subjects and the CUET 2025 syllabus has been released online in PDF format and can be downloaded from the official website https://cuet.nta.nic.in/. This syllabus is as follows based on each section:
- Language Test - This includes grammar & vocabulary, reading comprehension and verbal reasoning.
- Domain - Specific Test - The syllabus are from the NCERT class 12 Textbooks based on the subjects chosen by the students
- General Test - This includes logical reasoning, General knowledge and Basic mathematics (quantitative aptitude)
Tips to Prepare for CUET
- It is quite important to first understand the syllabus. You need to know what type of questions might appear in the exam. Students can focus on NCERT textbooks and refer to previous years’ question papers.
- A study plan can help students focus better. Students can divide time for language, domain specific subjects and general tests.
- Another often recommended tip is to practice mock texts. Taking online tests helps students to stay familiar with the exam pattern.
- Since this is a computer based test, practicing the mock tests with a timer can add an advantage. You can get a clear picture of how much time to spend for each question and eventually improve your time management skills.
- Also, never forget to stay updated with current affairs. Read newspapers and stay updated with the trends and general knowledge
Conclusion
The CUET exam is a gamer-changer for admissions to top colleges in India. This exam is quite significant as it offers equal opportunities to students from various backgrounds. It makes the admission process simpler by replacing multiple entrance exams with a single and standardized test. By preparing well and staying updated following the right strategy, students can get admissions to top universities across India.
Along with the CUET there are several other entrance exams as well. For example you can take the NEET exam. But generally NEET is considered more difficult than CUET as its focus is quite narrower, more specialized syllabus and has a lot to do with medical sciences while CUET covers a broader range of subjects and is less competitive.
If you are planning to take the CUET Exams, apply sooner as the CUET UG 2025 registration process was open on March 1, 2025 and the last date to apply is March 22, 2025. Start preparing early and make use of your NCERT books, online resources and practice taking up mock tests and grab your opportunities of success.