CUET UG Exam: Complete Guide, Syllabus, Pattern, and Eligibility

The Common University Entrance Test for Undergraduate Programs (CUET UG) is a national-level entrance exam conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA). It serves as a unified gateway for admission into undergraduate degrees across all Central Universities (such as Delhi University, BHU, JNU, and Jamia Millia Islamia) along with prominent State, Deemed, and Private Universities across India.

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1. Key Highlights of CUET UG

Parameter Details
Conducting body National Testing Agency (NTA)
Exam mode Hybrid mode (Computer-Based Test / Pen & Paper based on registration volume)
Frequency Once a year (typically in May–June)
Question format Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
Marking scheme +5 for every correct answer; -1 for every incorrect answer (negative marking)
Participating universities 250+ Central, State, Deemed, and Private Universities

2. Eligibility Criteria

  • Educational qualification: Candidates must have passed Class 12 or be appearing for their Class 12 board examinations.
  • Stream eligibility: Open to students from all streams—Commerce, Science, and Humanities/Arts.
  • Age limit: There is no age limit specified by NTA for appearing in CUET UG; however, candidates must satisfy individual age/percentage criteria set by their target universities.

3. Exam Structure & Sections

CUET UG is structured into three primary sections:

Section 1: Language Test (1A & 1B)

  • Section 1A (13 Languages): English, Hindi, Bengali, Gujarati, Marathi, Tamil, Telugu, etc.
  • Section 1B (20 Languages): French, German, Spanish, Sanskrit, etc.
  • Test content: Reading comprehension (literary, factual, narrative), vocabulary, synonyms, and antonyms.
  • Questions: Attempt 40 out of 50 questions (45 minutes per language).

Section 2: Domain-Specific Subjects

Covers specific disciplines based on the Class 12 NCERT curriculum (such as Accountancy, Business Studies, Economics, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Political Science, and History).

  • Questions: Attempt 40 out of 50 questions (45 minutes per subject; extended to 60 minutes for calculation-intensive subjects like Accountancy, Mathematics, and Physics).

Section 3: General Test (GT)

Designed for degree programs requiring broad aptitude and general awareness.

  • Syllabus: General Knowledge, Current Affairs, General Mental Ability, Numerical Ability, Quantitative Reasoning (basic arithmetic, algebra, geometry), and Logical/Analytical Reasoning.
  • Questions: Attempt 50 out of 60 questions (60 minutes duration).

4. Application and Admission Workflow

  1. Online registration: Complete registration on the official NTA CUET portal and select your preferred subjects and universities.
  2. Subject selection: Choose domain subjects aligned with the specific eligibility mapping of your chosen courses (e.g., DU B.Com Hons typically mandates English + Mathematics/Accountancy + 2 other subjects).
  3. Admit card & examination: Download city intimation slips and admit cards, then sit for scheduled exam slots.
  4. Result & percentile score: NTA declares normalized NTA scores/percentiles.
  5. Counseling registration: Apply directly to individual university portals (e.g., DU CSAS Portal) using your CUET application number for seat allotment and verification.