Understanding CUET: The New Common University Entrance Test Explained. CUET is a national-level exam conducted by NTA for admission to undergraduate courses in central, state, private, and deemed universities across India. It simplifies the admission process by using a single test for multiple universities. Students from any background (arts, commerce, and science) can appear for this exam. If you want to know in detail about the CUET, its eligibility criteria, registration fees, exam pattern, and admit card, please keep reading the article.
Understanding CUET
The Common University Entrance Test for Undergraduates (CUET UG) is an entrance exam that is conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA). The exam is conducted to provide admission into central universities and other participant institutions towards a variety of undergraduate programs, namely arts, commerce, science, and vocational courses. This exam is conducted in computer-based mode (CBT).
CUET Overview
| Particulars | Details |
| Exam Name | Common University Entrance Test (CUET) UG |
| Conducting Authority | National Testing Agency (NTA) |
| Exam Frequency | Annually |
| Exam Mode | Online (Computer-Based Test) |
| Number of Candidates | More than 19 lakh candidates, approx |
| Total Subjects | 37 (13 languages, 23 domain subjects, 01 General Aptitude Test) |
| Language of Exam | 13 languages—English, Hindi, Bengali, Assamese, Odia, Punjabi, Marathi, Gujarati, Malayalam, Tamil, Telegu, Kannada, and Urdu |
| Test Pattern | Objective Type with Multiple Choice Questions |
| Exam Duration | Slot I: 9:00 am to 11.00 am Slot II: 12:30 pm to 2 pm Slot III: 4:00 pm to 5:30 pm |
| Exam Centre Cities | 354 cities across India and 26 cities outside India |
| Official Website | CUET UG |
CUET Eligibility Criteria
Candidates are required to meet the eligibility criteria set by NTA to apply for the CUET UG entrance exam. The eligibility criteria are as follows:
- Age Criteria: There is no age limit for appearing in the CUET exam. However, the candidates need to meet the age criteria (if any) of the university, institute, or organization to which they are willing to take admission.
- Nationality Criteria: To be eligible for the CUET Exam, applicants must comply with the following citizenship rules:
- The applicant must be a citizen of India.
- A constituent subject of Nepal, Bhutan
- A Tibetan refugee who landed in India before 1 January 1962 to make India their permanent home and reside there permanently.
- Pakistanis, Burmese, Sri Lankans, Kenyans, Ugandans, Tanzanians, Zambians, Malawians, Zaireans, Ethiopians, and people from Vietnam who permanently moved to India.
- Educational Criteria: Students must have passed their Class 12 or equivalent examination from a recognized board with a minimum score of 50% for general candidates and 45% for reserved categories.
Registration Fees
After filling out the CUET UG form, the candidates need to pay the CUET registration fee for the application form. To learn the fee structure of CUET UG, refer to the table below:
| Category | Upto three subjects (Expected) | For each additional subject (Expected) |
| General UR | INR 1000 | INR 400 each |
| OBC-NCL/EWS | INR 900 | INR 375 each |
| SC/ST/PwBD/Third Gender | INR 800 | INR 350 each |
| Centres outside India | INR 4500 | INR 1800 each |
CUET Exam Pattern
The major overview of the CUET Exam Pattern is given below:
| Particulars | CUET UG Exam Pattern | CUET PG Exam Pattern |
| Mode of Exam | Computer-Based Test (CBT) | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| Types of Questions | Objective type with Multiple Choice Questions | Objective type with Multiple Choice Questions |
| Number of Sections | Four | Two |
| Medium | English, Hindi, Assamese, Bengali, Gujarati, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, Odia, Punjabi, Tamil, Telugu, and Urdu | English and Hindi (Bilingual) except for language and Sahitya |
| Negative Marking | Yes | Yes |
| Marking Scheme | 5 marks awarded for the correct answers and one mark designated for every wrong answer | 4 marks awarded for the correct answers and one mark designated for every wrong answer |
CUET Application Process
To apply for the CUET, follow the simple steps given below:
- Visit the Website: Visit the official website of CUET.
- Registration: Click on the “Register” button and create your account to apply. Note the system-generated application number. Provide personal details to register and select a password, along with a security question and answer.
- Fill Out Details: Enter all the required information, such as personal details, academic qualifications, and contact information.
- Documents: Provide the necessary documents, such as your photograph, signature, and other required documents.
- Application Fee: Pay the exam fee online via net banking, credit card, debit card, or UPI. Processing charges and GST will apply.
Important Dates for CUET UG (Tentative)
| Particulars | Dates |
| CUET 2025 Registration Start Date | Feb 2025 |
| CUET 2025 Registration End Date | April 2025 |
| Application Correction Window | April 2025 |
| CUET Admit Card Release | Second week of May 2025 |
| CUET 2025 UG Exam | May 2025 |
| CUET 2025 Answer Key Release Date | Fourth week of June 2025 |
| CUET 2025 Result Date | June 2025 |
| Counselling Session | Last week of July 2025 onwards |
| Announcement of City of CUET UG 2025 exam | 30 April 2025 onwards |