The Common University Entrance Test (CUET) has transformed undergraduate admissions in India. Introduced in 2022 by the National Testing Agency (NTA), CUET is now the primary gateway to undergraduate programmes at all 45 central universities in India, including Delhi University, JNU, BHU, Hyderabad Central University, and many more.
This guide covers everything you need to know about CUET 2025 — from registration to result interpretation.
What Is CUET?
CUET (UG) is a centralised entrance examination that determines admission to undergraduate programmes across central universities and several state and deemed universities. Before CUET, DU, BHU, and other central universities used Class 12 cut-offs (sometimes above 99%) for admission. CUET introduces a standardised entrance test to make admissions more equitable.
Key facts:
- Conducted by: National Testing Agency (NTA)
- Mode: Computer-Based Test (CBT)
- Medium: 13 languages (English, Hindi, and 11 regional languages)
- Duration: Varies by paper (up to 3 hours 15 minutes per session)
Participating Universities in 2025
CUET scores are accepted by:
- 45 Central Universities (including DU, JNU, BHU, AMU, JMI, Hyderabad Central University)
- Several State Universities (varies by state)
- Deemed and Private Universities (many have opted in)
CUET 2025 Exam Structure
CUET UG is divided into three sections:
Section IA & IB — Languages (Compulsory)
- Section IA: 13 languages (candidates must choose the language of their syllabus)
- Section IB: 19 additional languages
- Questions: 50 MCQs (attempt 40)
- Tests: Reading comprehension, verbal ability, literary aptitude
Section II — Domain Subjects
- Candidates choose domain subjects relevant to their programme
- Available subjects: 27 (Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Accountancy, Economics, History, Geography, Political Science, Psychology, and more)
- Questions: 50 MCQs per subject (attempt 40)
- Duration: 45 minutes per subject
Section III — General Test
- Required for programmes not covered by specific domain subjects (B.A., BBA, B.Com general, etc.)
- Topics: General Knowledge, Current Affairs, General Mental Ability, Quantitative Reasoning, Logical Reasoning
- Questions: 75 MCQs (attempt 60)
- Duration: 60 minutes
How Many Subjects Can You Choose?
- Maximum 6 domain subjects can be attempted
- Choose subjects based on the requirements of programmes and universities you're applying to
- Always check each university's specific domain subject requirements
Marking Scheme
| Correct Answer | +5 marks |
|---|---|
| Incorrect Answer | -1 mark (negative marking) |
| Unattempted | 0 marks |
CUET 2025 Registration Process
Step 1 — Visit the Official Portal
Go to cuet.samarth.ac.in (official CUET portal by NTA).
Step 2 — Create an Account
Register with your email ID and mobile number. You will receive login credentials.
Step 3 — Fill the Application Form
- Personal details
- Class 12 board and roll number
- Language selection (Section IA/IB)
- Domain subject selection (Section II)
- General Test selection (Section III)
- Exam city preferences (up to 4 cities)
Step 4 — Upload Documents
- Recent passport-size photograph (white background)
- Signature
- Class 10 certificate (for date of birth verification)
Step 5 — Pay the Application Fee
| Category | Fee (up to 3 subjects) | Per Additional Subject |
|---|---|---|
| General/OBC/EWS | ₹650 | ₹150 |
| SC/ST/PwBD | ₹550 | ₹150 |
| Other countries | ₹3,000 | ₹700 |
Payment via net banking, credit/debit card, or UPI.
Programme-Wise Subject Requirements
Different programmes at central universities require different CUET domain subjects:
| Programme | Required Domain Subjects | General Test |
|---|---|---|
| B.Sc. (Physics, Chemistry, Maths) | Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics | Not usually required |
| B.Sc. (Biology) | Physics, Chemistry, Biology | Not usually required |
| B.Com (Hons) | Accountancy, Business Studies | Some universities require |
| B.A. Economics | Economics, Mathematics | Some universities require |
| B.A. History | History | General Test (at most universities) |
| BBA | Business Studies | General Test (mandatory) |
| B.A. (General) | Relevant language + subjects | General Test |
Always check the programme-specific requirements of each target university.
Preparation Strategy for CUET 2025
For Domain Subjects
- CUET domain subject questions are based on the NCERT Class 12 syllabus
- Master your Class 12 NCERT textbooks thoroughly
- Focus on application-based MCQs, not just theory recall
- Solve previous year CUET question papers and NTA mock tests
For General Test
- Current Affairs: Read national newspapers (The Hindu, Indian Express) for 3 months prior
- General Knowledge: Focus on Indian polity, history, geography, economy
- Quantitative Reasoning: CBSE Class 10 Mathematics level
- Logical Reasoning: Practice series, analogies, coding-decoding
For Language Paper
- Reading comprehension under time pressure
- Practice summarisation and inference questions
- Vocabulary in context
How CUET Scores Are Used for Admission
Each university uses CUET scores differently:
- Merit list based on CUET score only — Many central universities create admission merit lists purely based on CUET scores (not Class 12 marks)
- CUET score + Class 12 marks — Some programmes combine both in a specified ratio
- CUET as eligibility + interview/portfolio — For some design, music, or law programmes, CUET qualifies you for a further stage
The admission process happens directly on each university's own portal after CUET results are declared.
Frequently Asked Questions
For most central universities, CUET score is the primary admission criterion. However, Class 12 marks are used as an eligibility criterion (minimum 50% or equivalent required). Additionally, some universities may use Class 12 marks to break ties in merit lists.
Yes. Students currently in Class 12 can appear for CUET. You will need to submit your Class 12 marksheet during the university admission process. Many universities offer provisional admission to Class 12 appearing students.
CUET UG is for undergraduate admissions (after Class 12). CUET PG is a separate examination for postgraduate admissions (after graduation). They have different syllabi, structures, and registration processes.
There is no attempt limit for CUET UG. You can appear every year until you gain admission or no longer wish to. Your best CUET score can be used for the year in which you appeared.
Key Dates (Indicative for 2025)
| Event | Indicative Date |
|---|---|
| Application Open | March 2025 |
| Application Deadline | April 2025 |
| Admit Card Download | May 2025 |
| Examination | May–June 2025 |
| Result Declaration | July 2025 |
| University Admission Process | July–August 2025 |
Always confirm exact dates at cuet.samarth.ac.in
Official Resources
- CUET Portal: cuet.samarth.ac.in
- NTA Official Site: nta.ac.in
- NTA Helpdesk: 011-40759000 / 011-69227700
- NTA Practice Tests: nta.ac.in/Mock-Test
CUET represents a significant democratisation of university admissions in India. With the right preparation focused on NCERT content and consistent mock test practice, students from any board — CBSE, state boards, NIOS — have an equal opportunity to earn admission to India's finest central universities.
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