CUET PG
Postgraduate Studies
Updated on 2025
The Common University Entrance Test (CUET) for Postgraduate Programmes (CUET PG) is a National-level entrance exam conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) for admission into a wide array of Postgraduate programs across Central, State, Deemed, and Private Universities in India. Held annually, the exam tests candidates in areas such as subject-specific knowledge based on their chosen program and serves as a gateway to top-ranked colleges in India. Appearing for the CUET PG 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. The CUET PG is an online Computer Based Test (CBT) designed to assess the aptitude and subject-specific knowledge of candidates. Each paper, tailored to a specific postgraduate discipline, consists of 75 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ) and is allotted a duration of 105 minutes. The maximum marks for each paper are 300, with a marking scheme that includes negative marking for incorrect responses. The examination offers a vast range of subject choices, covering diverse fields such as Sciences, Humanities, Commerce, Languages, Law, Yoga, Education, and Fine Arts, with the syllabus for each subject primarily based on the Graduation Level of study. This comprehensive coverage ensures that candidates from varied academic backgrounds can find relevant programs. The typical examination window for CUET PG falls in March, with the application period usually commencing in December and concluding by February. This consistent annual schedule allows aspirants ample time for preparation. Post-examination, results are generally declared within one to two months, facilitating timely progression to the admission process. Over the years, CUET PG has gained significant traction, witnessing a steady increase in the number of participating universities and student applications, which in turn influences the cut-off trends across different categories and courses. The examination aims to provide a uniform platform for postgraduate admissions, reducing the need for students to appear for numerous individual university entrance tests, thereby streamlining the admission landscape. It offers unparalleled convenience and access to a broad spectrum of academic opportunities across India’s leading educational institutions.
Full Name | Common University Entrance Test (CUET) for Postgraduate Programmes |
Short Name | CUET PG |
Conducting Authority | National Testing Agency (NTA) |
Domain | Postgraduate Studies |
Academic Level | PG |
Acceptance Level | National |
Exam Type | National Level Entrance Exam |
Exam Mode | Online (Computer Based Test - CBT) |
Exam Frequency | Annual |
Application Period | Typically December to February (Specific to 2024 cycle: 26 December 2023 to 10 February 2024) |
General Category Fee | INR 1200 (for up to 2 subjects), INR 600 (for each additional subject) |
Reserved Category Fee | INR 1000 (for SC/ST/PwBD/Third Gender, up to 2 subjects), INR 500 (for each additional subject) |
Typical Exam Months | March |
Result Declaration | Typically within 1-2 months after exam (Specific to 2024 cycle: 13 April 2024) |
Score Validity | One Academic Year |
Component | Details |
---|---|
Total Papers | Multiple, based on subject choices (up to 10 test papers per candidate) |
Duration per Session | 105 minutes (1 hour 45 minutes) per paper |
Total Questions | 75 questions per paper |
Total Marks | 300 marks per paper |
Question Types |
|
Syllabus Based On | Graduation Level |
Class Level Syllabus | Graduation |
Standardized entrance for various central and participating universities, significantly reduces the burden of appearing for multiple individual university entrance exams.
Each participating university releases its own merit list and conducts its distinct counselling and admission process based on CUET PG scores.
Counselling Body | Individual Participating Universities |
Domain of Acceptance | Various Postgraduate Disciplines including Arts, Science, Commerce, Law, Management, Education, etc. |
Official Website | https://pgcuet.samarth.ac.in/ |
Official Email | cuet-pg@nta.ac.in |
Helpline Numbers | 011-40759000 |
Information Brochure | https://pgcuet.samarth.ac.in/NTA/Info_Bulletin_PG_2024.pdf |
Year | Applicants (in lacs) |
---|---|
2024 | 7.68 |
2022 | 6.67 |
2023 | 8.7 |
The Common University Entrance Test for Postgraduate Programmes (CUET PG) serves as a crucial national-level examination for admission to postgraduate courses across numerous Indian universities. Conducted annually by the National Testing Agency (NTA), the application timeline for the upcoming session typically spans from December to February, though candidates should vigilantly check the official website, pgcuet.samarth.ac.in, for precise dates and notifications. For the 2024 cycle, applications were accepted from late December 2023 to early February 2024, with exams held in March and results declared in April. Prospective applicants must ensure they meet the specific eligibility criteria for their chosen postgraduate programs, which generally require a bachelor's degree from a recognized university. There is typically no upper age limit for appearing in CUET PG. The application process involves online registration, filling out the detailed form with personal and academic information, uploading necessary documents like photographs and signatures, and paying the application fee online via various digital modes. General category candidates are required to pay INR 1200 for up to two subjects, with an additional INR 600 for each extra subject. For SC/ST/PwBD/Third Gender candidates, the fee is INR 1000 for up to two subjects, and INR 500 for each additional subject. Important instructions for candidates include carefully selecting their desired test paper codes as per their chosen postgraduate program and thoroughly reviewing the information bulletin. Common mistakes to avoid include incorrect subject selection and missing application deadlines. The CUET PG examination pattern involves 75 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) per paper, to be completed in 105 minutes. Scores obtained in CUET PG are valid for admission only for the academic year in which the examination is conducted. Following the result declaration, individual participating universities conduct their distinct counselling and admission processes based on the CUET PG scores, so aspirants must apply separately to their preferred universities.
Chat with us