CUET Exam

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The CUET Exam is a test to assess your ability to gain admission to various universities. As a candidate seeking admission to a renowned university of your choice, you should be equipped with all the information comprising the CUET Exam. Browse through the article for in-depth information about this competitive test.

What is the CUET Exam?

The Common University Entrance Test, i.e., CUET Exam, was introduced by the Ministry of Education. This test is a pathway for admissions to various undergraduate programmes in all Central Universities. The National Testing Agency, established in 2017, conducts the test. The organisation aimed to establish the vision of "one India, one topic”.

As the name suggests, the CUET Exam is a common test for admissions to over 45 Central Universities and over 250 Universities across India. Candidates seeking admission to any of these Universities should keep track of the exam dates announced and fill out the application form when it is released online.

What is New in the CUET Exam?

Certain amendments have been made to the existing CEUT Exam, and they are given below:

  • The format of the CUET UG Exam is changed to hybrid mode.
  • Fashion Studies and Tourism are added to the domain subjects.
  • The number of subjects for the CUET Exam is reduced from 10 to 6 by the National Testing Agency (NTA). The following options are provided to select the subjects:
    1. One language subject, one general test and four domain subjects.
    2. Domain subjects-3, , language subjects-2, and general test-1.
    3. .
  • The fee for the CUET UG online form has been revised.
  • The number of exam centres is reduced to 380 and comprises 354 centres within and 26 centres outside the country.
  • The CUET official website has been amended from cuet.smarth.ac to cuetug.ntaonline.in
  • The exams for a subject will be conducted by the NTA in a single day. This eliminates the process of normalisation of NTA scores.
  • The NTA has released the bulletin containing all the necessary information about the exam on its official website.
  • The exams will be conducted in three shifts in a day.

What are the CUET Exam Eligibility Criteria?

Aspiring candidates should be aware of the eligibility criteria NTA sets before applying for the CUET Exam. The candidate must have passed the 10+2 class from a recognised board. Apart from the essential eligibility criteria, the candidate has to satisfy the requirements mentioned below as well.

  • The candidate should be an Indian Citizen to participate in the CUET Exam.
  • There is no age limit stipulated (Satisfying requirements will suffice).
  • Should have passed 10+2 Standard with a minimum score of 50%.
  • Must have secured a minimum score of 50% in the last qualifying exam. The minimum score for candidates in the SC/ST and OBC-NCL categories is 45%.
  • Must have studied any of the following subjects in 12th Standard
    1. Agriculture
    2. Accountancy
    3. Art Education Sculpture
    4. Biology
    5. Anthropology
    6. Business Studies
    7. Chemistry
    8. Economics/Business Economics
    9. Computer Science
    10. Engineering Graphics
    11. Environmental Studies
    12. Entrepreneurship
    13. History
    14. Geography
    15. Home Science
    16. General Test
    17. Languages
    18. Legal Studies
    19. Mass Media/Mass Communication
    20. Mathematics
    21. Physics
    22. Physical Education
    23. Political Science
    24. Psychology
    25. Sociology
    26. Sanskrit

CUET Exam Highlights

The CUET Exam Highlights given below provide the details of the examination structure. This will enable the candidates to prepare and perform well in the exam.

 

Elements Details
Examination Level National Level
Authority conducting the Exam NTA
Examination Name CUET-Common University Entrance Test
Application Mode Online
Official website of CUET cuetug.ntaonline.in
Number of participating Universities 256
44 Central Universities
212 other Universities
Examination Mode Subjects with higher registration-OMR Computer-based tests for others
Nature of questions Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
Duration of Exam Slot 1: 9 am. to 11 am
Slot 2: 12.30 pm to 2 pm
Slot 3: 4 pm to 5.30 pm

CUET Exam Exam Application Process

The CUET application process involves registration for the exam, followed by filling out the application form. The process will be completed by paying the application fee. Candidates have to check the accuracy of the information provided before submitting the application form to avoid disqualification due to inconsistencies

Steps to Fill CUET Exam Application Form

The CUET Exam application form available online can be completed with the steps given below:

  • Access the official website of CUET i.e., cuetug.ntaonline.in.
  • Enter the details required in the registration form, such as personal, educational, and contact details. Personal details include the following:
    1. Name of the candidate
    2. Name of Father/Mother/Guardian
    3. Date of Birth
    4. Nationality and Gender
    5. Type of Identity Proof and ID number
    6. Contact Details like current address/permanent address/
  • On completing the registration form, the candidates will receive the login details on their registered email ID and mobile number.
  • Candidates can access the CUET application form with the login credentials provided by the NTA.
  • Complete the application form with the required details. The personal information entered in the registration form have to be repeated, and additional details have to be provided.
    1. Disability Status
    2. Name, Qualification, and Profession of Father
    3. Name, Qualification, and Profession of Mother
    4. Annual Income
    5. Domicile Status
    6. Residential Status
    7. Preparation Mode
    8. Study Medium in qualifying exam
  • Along with personal details, the following columns also have to be filled. Qualification Details that comprise
    1. Status of the result
    2. Year of Passing
    3. School type and place of schooling
    4. Country, State, and District of qualifying exam
    5. Name of the Board
    6. Roll Number
    7. Maximum Grade/Score & CGPA/Marks/Percentage
  • The Quota and category details also have to be provided.
  • Choose the exam centre preferred from the dropdown.
  • The programme and University have to be selected.
  • For the six subjects chosen, provide the medium to attempt the exam.
  • The candidate should upload a copy of the disability certificate(wherever applicable), the latest passport-size photograph and signature in the prescribed format.
  • Proceed to pay through any available payment gateways and submit the application form.
  • The candidate can then take a printout of the duly completed application form for future reference.

Candidates should preserve hard copies of all the documents related to the CUET Exam.

CUET Exam Application Fee

The CUET Exam application process will be completed only on payment of the application fees. The application fee can be paid online using any available payment modes, such as credit card, debit card, UPI, PayTM, or net banking. The subjects chosen, the category the candidate belongs to, and the centre chosen will be the basis for charging the application fee. The candidate must pay the application within the stipulated timeline to avoid disqualification. The fee structure for the CUET Exam is given below:

 

Number of subjects opted Category Application Fee (In Rs)
Up to 3 subjects General (UR) 700 to 1000
OBC-NCL-(EWS) 700 to 900
SC/ST/PwBD/Third Gender 600 to 800
Centres Abroad 3000 to 4500
For every additional subject General (UR) 300 to 400
OBC-NCL-(EW) 300 to 375
SC/ST/PwBD/Third Gender 300 to 350
Centres Abroad 1500 to 1800

CUET Exam Preparation Tips

Preparing well for an exam is paramount. And so it is for the CUET Exam. Understanding the pattern of questions, practising to complete the questions under each section within the given time, etc., are important to attending the exam confidently and coming out with flying colours. Here are some preparation tips the candidate must follow to perform well in the exam.

Understand the Syllabus

With equal opportunity to gain admission to their preferred colleges/universities, candidates must put in effort and meticulously plan to prepare for the exam. Comprehending the syllabus is the first step to understanding the domain subjects. The syllabus can be downloaded from the official website of CUET. Also, referring to CUET preparation books will make the preparation more effective.

Prepare a Study Plan

Prepare a study plan. Allot a slot for each subject within the available time. Follow the timetable diligently. A conscious effort to stick to the timetable will help the candidates to be thorough in all the subjects and realise their dream of procuring admission to their dream colleges.

Solve Question Papers

Solving the question paper within the given time is an achievement. For this, the candidate should solve question papers from previous years. This will give a better understanding of the exam pattern, the questions format, and the important areas majorly covered. With sufficient knowledge of the exam pattern, the candidate can score well.

Take Mock Tests

The candidates should take mock tests, which are available on the official website. Here, the candidates will understand their strengths and weaknesses. Taking mock tests weekly will help them gain confidence and attend the exam without apprehension.

Prepare Notes

Creating a habit of preparing small notes while revising the subjects is a good habit. This will help with the last-minute revision. Candidates who meticulously follow the preparation tips will undoubtedly score well in the exam and realise their dreams.

CUET Exam Pattern

Sections Questions under the Section Time allotted Type of Questions
Section IA 50 questions in each language, out of which 40 have to be attempted. Each language is allotted 45 minutes. Reading comprehension of Narrative, Literary and Factual passages (testing Vocabulary and Literary Aptitude)
Section IB
Section II 40 out of 50 questions have to be attempted. Each domain-specific subject will be allotted 45 minutes For MCQs, input text can be used.  The NCERT class 12 syllabus will be the basis for Multiple Choice Questions
Section III 60 out of 75 questions have to be attempted The time allotted will be 60 minutes Input text can be used for MCQs. Questions on General Knowledge, General Mental Ability, Current Affairs, Quantitative Reasoning, and Numerical Ability (involve the simple application of mathematical concepts taught in 8th Standard. Arithmetic/Algebra/Geometry/mensuration

 

Section 1A has 13 languages, Section IB has 19 languages, Section II has 27 domain-specific subjects, and Section III is a General Test.

 

The CUET Exam will be conducted in two shifts. The first shift comprises one language and two domain-based subjects. The second shift shall consist of 4 domain-specific subjects and one optional language.

 

The domain-specific subjects include:

  • Accountancy/Book Keeping
  • Biology/Biological Studies/Biochemistry/Biotechnology
  • Computer Science/Informatics Practises
  • Business Studies
  • Economics/Business Economics
  • Chemistry
  • Legal Studies
  • Geography/Geology
  • History
  • Engineering Graphics
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Home Science
  • Mathematics
  • Environmental Science
  • Physical Training/NCC/Yoga
  • Knowledge Tradition and Practises of India
  • Political Science
  • Physics
  • Psychology
  • Sociology
  • Agriculture
  • Mass Media/Mass Communication
  • Teaching Aptitude
  • Fine arts/Visual Arts (Sculpture/Painting) Commercial Arts
  • Performing Arts-a) Dance (Kathak/Bharatnatyam/Odissi/Manipuri/Kathakali/Kuchipudi b) Drama-Theatre c) Music General (Carnatic/Hindustani/Rabindra Sangeet/Percussion/Non-Percussion
  • Anthropology
  • Sanskrit

 

The language test subjects include:

  • Tamil
  • Kannada
  • Telugu
  • Malayalam
  • Gujarati
  • Marathi
  • Odiya
  • Bengali
  • Punjabi
  • Assamese
  • Hindi
  • Urdu
  • English

 

The optional language subjects include:

  • French
  • German
  • Spanish
  • Nepali
  • Italian
  • Persian
  • Arabic
  • Sindhi
  • Konkani
  • Kashmiri
  • Dogri
  • Maithili
  • Bodo
  • Manipuri
  • Tibetan
  • Japanese
  • Russian
  • Chinese
  • Santhali

Marking Scheme of CUET Exam

The marking scheme for the CUET Exam is set by the NTA (National Testing Agency) and released on the official website of CUET. Knowing the CUET Exam pattern and the marking scheme is an integral part of preparing for the Exam. The marking scheme set for the CUET Exam is given below:

  • 5 marks for every correct answer.
  • 1 mark will be deducted for the wrong answer.
  • No mark will be deducted for unattended questions.

CUET Exam Admit Card

On registration for the CUET Exam, NTA will issue an Admit Card for the candidate which can be accessed on the CUET website i.e., cueug.ntaonline.in. Carrying the Admit Card to the examination centre is mandatory for establishing the identity of the candidate.

 

Steps to Download

Follow the steps given below to download the Admit Card from the CUET website.

  • Access the official website of CUET.
  • Click on the ‘Download Admit Card’ option.
  • The Admit Card window will be displayed on the next screen.
  • Enter the CUET Application ID and date of birth in the designated space.
  • Tap on the ‘Login’ option.
  • The NTA CUET Admit Card will be seen on the screen.
  • Download the Admit Card and generate multiple printouts for future reference.

 

What Your Admit Card Says

Why is the Admit Card so important, and why is it mandatory to carry it to the exam centre? The reason is that it has the following details that are required to ensure that you are the right candidate and are at the right exam centre.

  • Name of the candidate
  • Name of the parent
  • Roll number
  • Gender
  • Date of birth
  • Date of the exam and exam centre
  • Time of the exam
  • City of exam
  • Name of exam centre with address
  • Duration of the exam
  • Photograph
  • Important guidelines of the exam

CUET Login

After completing the application process, the CUET login details will be sent to the candidate's email address and mobile number. The login details are required for further processing and so have to be preserved carefully. Checking the application status, downloading the Admit Card, checking the results, etc., will all require login credentials.

Exam day Guidelines

The candidates must follow some essential guidelines before and during the exam on the exam day. The details are given below:

Before the Exam

  • Candidates should have a good 7 to 8 hours sleep before the exam day.
  • They should check the documents and the things to carry/not to carry before leaving for the exam centre from home.
  • They should reach the centre 1 to 2 hours before the reporting time to avoid last-minute confusion, though entry into the examination room is permitted only 30 minutes before the exam commences.
  • Before reaching the exam centre, they should affix the latest passport-size photograph to the admit card.

During the Exam

The following are the guidelines that candidates should follow during the exam for seamless performance.

  • They should find and occupy their seat immediately upon entering the room.
  • Candidates should check if the questions on their computer screen are about the subjects selected on their admit card. If not, it should be immediately brought to the notice of the invigilator.
  • They should not engage in any unfair means to attempt the exam. This will disqualify them from attending the exam.
  • All calculations should be done only on the rough sheets. The rough sheets should be handed over to the invigilator upon completing the exam.

CUET Exam Examination Centers

Candidates have to give the choice of their exam centres in the application form. They can choose up to 3 centres. Details of the centres are available on the official NTA CUET website. There are 380 CUET exam centres in all. Out of them, 354 exam centres are within India, and 26 are outside India.

Candidates can check for the availability of preferred exam centres from the CUET website and then select the ones that are most convenient for them. No changes are allowed after submitting the application form. So, the candidates should examine the centres available carefully before they put forth their choice in the application form.

Documents Required and Things To Carry On CUET Exam Day

Certain specifications are laid out regarding the documents required and things permitted/not permitted to the CUET exam centre on the exam day. The details are given below:

 

Documents Required

The following documents should be carried to the exam centre:

  • Printed Admit Card downloaded from the NTA CUET official website along with duly-filled self-declaration/undertaking
  • Extra passport-size photographs (latest)
  • Valid Photo ID Cards
  • The PwBD certificate as issued by a designated medical officer.

 

Things to Carry

  • A transparent ballpoint pen
  • Admit card with self-declaration or undertaking downloaded from the official CUET website.
  • Extra photographs
  • Transparent water bottle
  • Sanitizer
  • Candidates who are diabetic should carry sugar tablets or fruits like apples, oranges, or bananas).
  • The PwBD certificate as issued by a designated medical officer.

 

Things Not to Carry

  • Electronic Devices
  • Any kind of study material
  • Pencil box/Geometry box/pouch/scale
  • Jewellery of any kind
  • Goggles and wallet or handbag

CUET Answer Key

NTA will release a provisional answer key after a few days of conducting the CUET exam, which can be downloaded from the official NTA CUET website, cuetug.ntaonline.in. The candidates can verify the answers and raise objections if they are found incorrect. NTA will assess the objections and release the final answer key on the CUET official website.

Steps to Download the Answer Key

Here is a step-by-step guide to download the answer key.

  • Access the official CUET website.
  • Click on the ‘CUET UG Answer Key’ option.
  • Provide the date of birth and roll number in the slot provided.
  • Tap on the ‘login’ tab.
  • The NTA CUET answer key in pdf format will appear on the screen.
  • The candidates can check the answers and get their scores.

CUET Answer Key

The CUET result is the outcome of the candidate's performance. The results released by NTA will be online and can be accessed on the NTA CUET website. The date of birth and application number will be required to download the result from the website. The result will also include the candidates' scores, which they can use to gain admission to any of the participating Universities.

 

How to check CUET result

To check the CUET result available released in the online mode, the candidates have to follow the steps given below:

  • Visit the NTA CUET website.
  • Choose the ‘Click to view CUET Scorecard’ option.
  • Key in the date of birth, roll number, and the programme applied for.
  • A verification code will be generated. Enter the verification code.
  • Click on the ‘Login’ tab
  • The CUET result with the rank and qualifying status of the candidates will be displayed on the screen.

 

Details Mentioned in the CUET Result

The following information will be mentioned in the CUET result:

  • Category
  • Roll Number
  • Subject Code
  • Name of the subject
  • Qualifying rank and status
  • Gender
  • Score attained.

CUET Cut-Off and Selection Process

The CUET cutoff for various Universities and programmes will be in scores, marks, and percentiles. The cutoff depends on the universities, courses, and the category of the applicants and will generally differ. The factors affecting the CUET cutoff are the complexity of the exam, the total number of applicants, and the seats available. The participating Universities will announce the CUET cutoff separately for the General, SC, ST, and OBC categories. The candidates can check the CUET cutoff for various exams on the official CUET website.

Selection is purely based on merit. Candidates who score higher than the stipulated cut-off score will gain admission to the desired course.

CUET Counselling

The Universities participating in the CUET exam will conduct counselling online. Candidates who have scored above the cutoff stipulated and qualified for admission can register for counselling through the university's website. The admission will be based on the candidate's rank and seat availability. The first phase of the counselling will be conducted online, and the second phase will be offline so that the candidate can go to the institution in person. Candidates with the highest score in the CUET exam will be preferred for the counselling process.

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