CUET
University Admission
Updated on 2025
The Common University Entrance Test (CUET) is a National-level entrance exam conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) for admission into various undergraduate and postgraduate programs across Central, State, Deemed, and Private Universities in India. Held annually, the exam tests candidates in areas such as Languages, Domain-specific subjects, and a General Test, serving as a gateway to top-ranked colleges in India. Appearing for the CUET is often the first major step for students aspiring to pursue higher education at India’s most reputed institutions. With a single exam score, aspirants can apply to multiple colleges across the country — making it a centralised, merit-based selection tool. CUET has emerged as a pivotal examination simplifying the admission process for students nationwide. Prior to its introduction, candidates had to navigate numerous university-specific entrance tests, a cumbersome and often expensive endeavor. The CUET streamlines this by providing a unified platform, ensuring fairness and equal opportunity for all aspirants, regardless of their board or background. The examination is conducted entirely online as a Computer Based Test (CBT), promoting transparency and efficiency in the evaluation process. The examination structure is flexible, allowing candidates to select specific subjects aligned with their desired courses and university requirements. The syllabus for domain-specific subjects primarily adheres to the NCERT Class 12th curriculum, ensuring that students preparing for their board examinations also find synergy with CUET preparation. The exam's multiple-choice question (MCQ) format across all sections aids in objective assessment. Candidates can attempt the exam in any of the 13 available languages, fostering inclusivity and accessibility across diverse linguistic backgrounds. Typically, the application period for CUET opens in February and closes by March, with the examination usually conducted in May. Results are generally declared in June or July, allowing universities ample time for their subsequent admission processes. In recent years, CUET has witnessed a significant increase in participation, with over 11 lakh students appearing for the undergraduate exam in 2024, highlighting its growing importance. The cut-offs for admission vary widely across universities and programs, reflecting the diverse academic standards and competition for coveted seats. Successful performance in CUET is a critical step towards securing admission in a program of choice and building a strong academic foundation.
Full Name | Common University Entrance Test (CUET) |
Short Name | CUET |
Conducting Authority | National Testing Agency (NTA) |
Domain | University Admission |
Academic Level | Both UG and PG |
Acceptance Level | National |
Exam Type | National Level Entrance Exam |
Exam Mode | Online (Computer Based Test - CBT) |
Exam Frequency | Annual |
Application Period | February to March |
General Category Fee | Starts from ₹1000 (up to 3 subjects), increases with more subjects (e.g., ₹1500 for up to 7, ₹1750 for up to 10) |
Reserved Category Fee | Starts from ₹900 for SC/ST/PwBD/Third Gender categories, increases with more subjects (e.g., ₹1350 for up to 7, ₹1550 for up to 10) |
Typical Exam Months | May |
Result Declaration | June to July |
Score Validity | One Academic Year |
Component | Details |
---|---|
Total Papers | Varies by candidate's chosen subject combination (up to 10-20 subjects) |
Duration per Session | Typically 45-60 minutes per subject test, varying by paper |
Total Questions | Varies per subject; typically 40-50 questions to be attempted out of 50-60 total per subject |
Total Marks | Each subject is typically 200 marks (40 questions x 5 marks), General Test 250 marks (50 questions x 5 marks) |
Question Types |
|
Syllabus Based On | NCERT Class 12th syllabus for Domain-specific subjects |
Class Level Syllabus | 12th Grade for Domain Subjects |
Aims to standardize entrance for central universities, reduces burden of multiple exams, inclusive through multilingual options
Decentralized; universities release their own merit lists and conduct admission based on CUET scores
Counselling Body | No central counselling body; conducted by individual participating universities |
Domain of Acceptance | Various undergraduate and postgraduate programs across Central, State, Deemed, and Private Universities in India |
Qualifying the Common University Entrance Test (CUET) opens up admission opportunities at India’s most prestigious institutions, known for their academic excellence, robust industry connections, and stellar placement records. CUET serves as the primary gateway to all Central Universities across the nation, alongside numerous State, Deemed, and Private Universities, making it a critical exam for aspiring undergraduates. Among the most sought-after institutions are the University of Delhi (DU), Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), Banaras Hindu University (BHU), Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), and Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI). These universities offer a vast array of programs and are renowned for their quality education, vibrant campus life, and strong alumni networks. Admission to these premier institutions is highly competitive, requiring candidates to achieve strong scores in the CUET examination, with cutoff scores varying significantly across programs and colleges. For instance, top colleges under Delhi University often demand very high normalized scores for popular courses like B.Com (Hons) or B.A. (Hons) Economics. Graduates from these esteemed colleges are highly valued in the job market, securing diverse roles across various sectors. They often land positions in leading firms such as the Big Four consulting firms (Deloitte, EY, PwC, KPMG), major IT companies like TCS and Infosys, financial institutions like ICICI Bank and HDFC Bank, and prominent companies in the FMCG and media sectors. While specific figures are course and college dependent, average salary packages for graduates from these top institutions can range from ₹5 LPA to ₹15 LPA, reflecting the powerful return on investment provided by a degree from a top CUET-accepting university and the broad range of career opportunities available.
Qualifying the Common University Entrance Test (CUET) opens doors to some of the most prestigious institutions in India and unlocks access to high-growth career opportunities across sectors. This national-level examination serves as a single window for admission to undergraduate programs in hundreds of universities, including all Central Universities, various State Universities, Deemed Universities, and Private Universities. Studying at these institutions offers unparalleled academic reputation, access to highly qualified faculty, and world-class infrastructure, setting a strong foundation for a successful future. The broad acceptance of CUET scores means aspirants can target a diverse range of programs, from arts and humanities to sciences and commerce. While specific placement packages vary significantly by program and university, graduates from top institutions accepting CUET scores often secure competitive roles in leading firms. Depending on the course and institution, average salary packages can range from ₹5 LPA to ₹15 LPA, showcasing a strong return on investment in terms of career growth and earning potential. Alumni find opportunities in dynamic industries like technology, consulting, finance, and consumer goods, recruited by companies like Deloitte, TCS, Wipro, ICICI Bank, and various start-ups. The programs offered align with in-demand career domains, providing opportunities for internships, research, and projects that are crucial for professional development. Furthermore, gaining admission to these nationally recognized institutions enhances chances for scholarships, international exchange programs, and future higher studies, including postgraduate courses abroad. CUET stands as a strategic launchpad, empowering aspirants to embark on a lifelong journey of academic and professional success, providing a standardized pathway to quality higher education.
Common University Entrance Test (CUET) continues to evolve each year to stay aligned with modern academic frameworks and career readiness expectations. The 2024 edition of the exam introduced several key changes that candidates should be aware of, reflecting a continuous effort to enhance accessibility and efficiency. A significant update for CUET UG 2024 was the adoption of a hybrid examination mode, combining Computer-Based Test (CBT) for subjects with high registrations and Pen & Paper (OMR) mode for others, particularly in smaller cities, aiming to reduce logistical challenges. The maximum number of subjects a candidate could opt for was reduced from ten to six, including one or two languages, three or four domain-specific subjects, and the General Test, thereby reducing the overall burden on students. The examination window was also shifted earlier, primarily taking place in mid-May, allowing for a more streamlined admission process. While specific changes for the 2025 or 2026 editions are not officially announced by the National Testing Agency (NTA), the body consistently reviews and refines the exam pattern, syllabus, and administrative procedures based on feedback and evolving educational landscapes. These continuous improvements underscore the exam’s growing importance and its commitment to providing a robust and equitable platform for university admissions across India.
Official Website | https://cuet.samarth.ac.in/ |
Official Email | cuet-ug@nta.ac.in |
Helpline Numbers | 011-40759000 |
Information Brochure | NA (Changes annually, available on official portal during application window) |
Year | Applicants (in lacs) |
---|---|
2023 | N/A |
2022 | N/A |
2024 | N/A |
The Common University Entrance Test (CUET), a pivotal national-level examination administered by the National Testing Agency (NTA), facilitates admissions to diverse undergraduate and postgraduate programs across a wide array of Indian universities. Candidates typically apply between February and March, with the examination usually held in May. Results are generally declared by June or July, setting the stage for subsequent university admission processes. The application fee starts from ₹1000 for general category candidates, varying based on the number of subjects chosen. For reserved categories like SC, ST, PwBD, and Third Gender, the fees begin at ₹900. Prospective applicants must ensure they meet the specific eligibility criteria set by their target universities for their desired courses, as CUET itself sets only general age and educational qualifications. Required documents typically include academic certificates, identity proof, and category certificates where applicable. All submissions are made online, and candidates must accurately fill out the application form to avoid common mistakes such as incorrect personal details or subject choices. Score validity for CUET is limited to one academic year, meaning the score is applicable only for admissions in the cycle immediately following the examination. The exam is a Computer Based Test (CBT) featuring Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs). The number of questions varies per subject, with candidates typically attempting 40-50 questions out of a total of 50-60 in each subject test. Each correct answer carries 5 marks, while an incorrect answer results in a deduction of 1 mark. The admission process is decentralized; universities release their own merit lists and conduct counselling based on the normalized CUET scores. It is crucial for applicants to adhere to the application timeline and guidelines to ensure timely submission and a successful application for the upcoming academic session.
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