What Is CUET?

Taking the CUET is one of the first steps to enter a central university. This entrance exam is available across India and in international testing centres. This article will discuss the CUET, the registration steps, where to take the test, and which universities require it. 

What is CUET?

Central University Entrance Test (CUET) is required for admission to specific programmes of participating central universities across India. The test gives students nationwide a standardised way to seek university access and prove their knowledge to admissions offers. Testing is for undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) programmes. The National Testing Agency administers the test, which the Ministry of Education sets up.

The computer-based exam consists of multiple-choice questions. NTA offers the CUET (PG) in English and Hindi, except for Sahitya and language papers. You can choose to take the CUET (UG) in one of the following languages:

• Assamese

• Bengali

• English

• Gujarati

• Hindi

• Kannada

• Malayalam

• Marathi

• Punjabi

• Odia

• Tamil

• Telugu

• Urdu

CUET (UG) scheme

The undergraduate CUET tests your knowledge of a variety of subjects and languages. In 2023, the exam is divided into three sections, and you can take a maximum of 10 subjects from all three sections. Choosing multiple subjects will allow you to apply to various streams in university. The three CUET sections are as follows:

• Section 1—Languages: You must attempt 40 out of 50 questions in the language of your choice. This section is subdivided into two parts. Section 1A contains 13 languages, and Section 1B includes 20 languages.

• Section 2—Domain: You can choose among 27 specific subjects, depending on the university programme you strive to enter. Depending on the domain, you must attempt 35 out of 45 or 45 out of 50 questions.

• Section 3—General Test: Take this section if you are applying to an undergraduate programme that requires a score from this section. You must attempt 50 out of 60 questions.

What languages are tested?

The two language sections of the CUET test your proficiency in languages commonly spoken in India and foreign languages. Questions assess your language knowledge based on reading comprehension, literary aptitude, and vocabulary. Here is a list of the 33 languages from which you can choose:

Section 1A:

• English

• Bengali

• Hindi

• Assamese 

• Gujarati 

• Malayalam  

• Kannada 

• Odia 

• Marathi 

• Tamil 

• Punjabi 

• Urdu 

• Telugu 

Section 1B: 

• Bodo 

• Arabic 

• Dogri 

• Chinese 

• German 

• French 

• Japanese 

• Italian 

• Konkani

• Kashmiri 

• Maithili 

• Nepali 

• Manipuri 

• Persian

• Russian 

• Santhali 

• Spanish 

• Sindhi 

• Tibetan 

• Sanskrit 

Which subjects does the CUET (UG) test?

You may choose one of the 27 subject-matter domains to measure your proficiency. Results from these domains are intended to help you qualify for admittance to the university programme you're interested in and are based only on the Class 12 syllabus. In 2023, the 27 domain-specific subjects on the CUET (UG) are:

What is the CUET (UG) General Test?

Section 3 of the CUET (UG) is the General Test intended for vocational, open eligibility, cross-stream, or other applicable purposes. You will take this part of the exam if the university you are applying to requires it for admission into an undergraduate programme. The areas measured in this section are:

• General knowledge

• Current affairs

• General mental ability

• Numerical ability

• Quantitative reasoning

• Logical and analytical reasoning

CUET (PG) scheme

You will take the CUET (PG) to enter a postgraduate Common University program. You can choose to be assessed in up to 20 test paper codes from the following domains:

• Common: 22 subjects

• Languages: 41

• Science: 30 subjects

• Humanities: 26 subjects

• MTech/Higher sciences: 12 subjects

• Acharya: 26 subjects

You'll complete 100 multiple-choice questions per paper. 

When and how do you register?

The official website for CUET posts the registration and testing dates each year. In 2023, CUET (UG) applications were accepted until 30 March, and the exam ran for several days beginning on 21 May. The NTA holds three slots per day for the CUET (UG). CUET (PG) lasts 120 minutes and is divided into two two-hour daily shifts.

You will register for the exam on the CUET official website. To select which subjects you should look at, please consult the university programme you hope to attend and take note of its entrance requirements. You'll also need to let me know which universities you plan to apply to facilitate sharing your results. You will have only one attempt per year to take the CUET.

Where do you take the CUET?

The CUET (UG) is held in over 380 cities in India and 24 international cities as of 2023, while testing centres for CUET (PG) are in 314 Indian cities and 24 global cities. Some cities where you can take your test are Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Chennai, Kanpur, Bhopal, Kolkata, and Jammu. You can select two cities to take the exam, but these will be limited to the state of your permanent residence. 

Which universities require CUET?

Students can pursue undergraduate and postgraduate degrees from 44 Central Universities in India. The Ministry of Education established the use of the CUET as an eligibility criterion for admittance into all Central Universities. Some examples of universities that require CUET are:

• Aligarh Muslim University

• Banaras Hindu University

• Central University of Jammu

• Central University of Kashmir

• Indira Gandhi National Tribal University

• Nagaland University

• University of Allahabad

• Mahatma Gandhi Central University

• National Sanskrit University

What is the cost?

NTA charges CUET (UG) fees based on the number of tests or subjects you take, the testing centre location, and your economic class, caste, tribe, gender, or disability. In 2023, CUET (UG) fees ranged from ₹650 to ₹1750 for testing centres within India and ₹3,750 to ₹11,000 for testing centres outside of the country [1].

For the CUET (PG), you will pay an application fee ranging from ₹700 to ₹1000 for up to three test papers depending on the above criteria as of 2023 [2]. If you take additional tests, you'll add ₹400 to ₹500 per test paper. Outside of India, CUET (PG) 2023 application fees are ₹5,000 for up to three test papers and ₹1,500 for each additional test paper. 

You will pay the fees online when you register for the exam.

Who can take CUET?

CUET has no age limit, but individual schools can set their own, so check your university's requirements before applying for the exam. The primary qualification for CUET (UG) is passing Class 12 or an equivalent examination or appearing in the year you apply for the CUET (UG). For the CUET (PG), you must have passed a bachelor's degree or equivalent exam or appear for one in the year of the CUET (PG).

Where can you find CUET practice tests?

Since the CUET (UG) questions are based on the Class 12 level, you will prepare well for the exam by completing your Class 12 syllabus. Similarly, your undergraduate studies will help you prepare for the CUET (PG). Additionally, the NTA provides mock tests you can take on its official website for both exams.

Get started on Coursera.

To prepare for the CUET, consider taking courses in areas you'd like to improve. You can explore several course options on Coursera to study science, maths, English, and many other subjects. For example, try the Algebra: Elementary to Advanced Specialisation to expand your maths knowledge and brush up on beginner to advanced Algebra.