CUET PG Exam Guide

What is CUET PG?

CUET PG (Common University Entrance Test — Postgraduate) is a national, computer-based entrance test conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA). It was introduced so that students seeking admission to postgraduate programmes across central universities and many other participating institutions would have a single, standardised test to take — rather than separate entrance tests for each university.

The score is accepted for PG admission across a large and growing number of central, state, deemed and private universities. The exact list of participating universities and the programmes they fill through CUET PG is published on the official portal each cycle.

How is it different from CUET UG?

CUET UG is for undergraduate (Class 12 level) admission, while CUET PG is for admission to postgraduate programmes and requires a completed or in-progress bachelor's degree. The two tests are separate examinations with different syllabuses, application portals, and result cycles. Candidates should take care to register for the correct test on the official NTA portal.

• CUET UG — for undergraduate admission; Class 12 pass or appearing required
• CUET PG — for postgraduate admission; bachelor's degree required
• Both conducted by NTA; different syllabuses and application windows

Eligibility and who should appear

Candidates who have completed a bachelor's degree (or are in their final year) in the relevant subject discipline can apply for CUET PG. Precise eligibility — minimum percentage, subject requirements, and whether final-year candidates are allowed — is set each year in the official information bulletin and varies by programme and university. Always confirm the exact criteria on the official NTA site before applying.

Exam structure and format

CUET PG is conducted in computer-based test (CBT) mode. Each paper is subject-specific and typically contains multiple-choice questions drawn from the relevant postgraduate subject area. The exact number of questions, sections, duration and marking scheme are set in the official notification and can vary by subject paper. Check the current information bulletin for the paper-specific details applicable to your programme.

NTA usually provides official practice tests on its portal, which is a reliable way to familiarise yourself with the CBT interface.

Universities and programmes

The CUET PG score is used by a wide range of institutions — central universities, state universities, deemed universities and private universities — for admission to PG programmes in arts, science, commerce, social sciences, law, and several professional fields. The list expands each year as more institutions participate.

Each participating university sets its own cut-off and merit process independently of NTA; NTA's role is limited to conducting the test and declaring results. Always check the admission portal of the specific university you are targeting for its cut-off and merit process. No admission is guaranteed by any score.