CUET-UG (Common University Entrance Test) is the entrance test for undergraduate admission at central universities such as Delhi University, JNU, BHU and Jamia, and at many state, deemed and private universities that choose to use it. The National Testing Agency (NTA) has run it every year since 2022. Your score replaces Class 12 marks as the main basis for admission at these universities.
Who needs CUET-UG
You need it if you want a BA, B.Sc, B.Com or similar degree at a central university. Many other universities also accept it, so one test can cover several applications. Check each university's admission notice to see whether it uses CUET.
How the test is structured
CUET-UG is computer-based and made up of separate tests you pick from:
- Languages — to test reading and language ability
- Domain subjects — papers matching Class 12 subjects, such as accountancy, physics or history
- General aptitude test — general knowledge, reasoning and quantitative ability, needed for some programmes
NTA sets the limit on how many tests you can choose each year, so plan your list carefully.
Choosing the right subjects
This is where most mistakes happen. Each programme at each university decides which CUET subjects it accepts. For example, an economics honours programme may require mathematics, while a BA programme may accept any combination.
Before you register:
- List the programmes you want at each university.
- Open each university's admission notice and note the CUET subjects required for each programme.
- Choose the combination that keeps the most of your target programmes open.
After the result: register with each university
Your CUET score does nothing on its own. Each university runs its own admission process:
- Delhi University uses its Common Seat Allocation System (CSAS). You register on the CSAS portal, pick colleges and programmes in order of preference, and seats are allotted in rounds.
- JNU, BHU and others have their own portals, merit lists and deadlines.
Students lose seats every year because they took CUET but missed a university's registration window. Put every university's deadline in your calendar the day the admission notices come out.
Common mistakes
- Choosing subjects without checking programme requirements
- Missing a university's separate registration deadline
- Not accepting an allotted seat or paying the fee within the given time
- Assuming CUET applies to professional courses like MBBS or B.Tech at IITs (it doesn't — those use NEET-UG and JEE)