CUET UG: Eligibility and Exam Pattern Explained

What CUET UG is

CUET UG (the Common University Entrance Test for undergraduate admission) is a national, computer-based entrance test conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA). It was introduced in 2022 so that a single common test could be used for undergraduate admission instead of each university running its own test or cut-off.

Central universities admit through CUET UG for most undergraduate programmes, and a growing number of state, deemed and private universities accept the score as well. The syllabus is based on the NCERT Class 12 curriculum.

Who can apply (eligibility)

Any candidate who has passed, or is appearing in, the Class 12 (or equivalent) examination from a recognised board can appear for CUET UG. There is no upper age limit to take the test itself.

The important point: eligibility for a particular programme — the minimum marks, the required subjects, and any age rules — is set by each university, not by the test. So you can appear for CUET, but admission to a specific course depends on meeting that university's criteria. Always check the eligibility for each programme you want on the university's own admission page.

• Passed or appearing in Class 12 from a recognised board
• No upper age limit for the test itself
• Programme eligibility (marks, required subjects) is set by each university
• Category and reservation rules follow each university's policy

How the test is structured

CUET UG is conducted as a Computer-Based Test (CBT). The paper is organised into broad parts: a language section, domain-specific subject sections, and a general test. You choose your languages and domain subjects to match the requirements of the courses and universities you are targeting.

The number of subjects you may select, the number of questions, the marks and the time allowed are set in the official information bulletin each cycle and have changed in the past, so confirm the current pattern before you plan.

• Languages — choose from the listed languages
• Domain subjects — choose subjects aligned to your target courses
• General Test — general knowledge, reasoning and basic numeracy
• Computer-based; your subject choices map to your target programmes

Marking and choosing subjects wisely

Because each university maps specific CUET subjects to each programme, the subjects you pick matter as much as your score. Before registering, list the courses you want, note the exact CUET subjects each one needs, and choose accordingly.

The marking scheme — including how marks are awarded and whether negative marking applies — is published in the official bulletin each year, so read the current rules rather than relying on a previous cycle.

Where to confirm the current rules

CUET UG is governed by the NTA information bulletin, released afresh each cycle with the exact eligibility, subject list, pattern, marking and important dates. The University Grants Commission (UGC) also publishes guidance on the test. Treat the figures here as a structural overview and confirm every specific on the official sources before you register, because these rules change from year to year.