What is CUET?
The **Common University Entrance Test (CUET)** is an all-India entrance examination conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) for admission to various Undergraduate (UG) and Postgraduate (PG) programs offered by Central Universities and other participating universities across India.
Introduced to streamline the admission process, CUET provides a single window opportunity for students to gain entry into a wide array of courses, reducing the burden of multiple entrance exams. It aims to create a level playing field for all students, irrespective of their board examination scores.
CUET (UG) Exams
Eligibility Criteria
- **Educational Qualification:** Candidates must have passed the 10+2 / equivalent examination from a recognized Board.
- **Age Limit:** No age limit to appear for CUET (UG). However, candidates must meet the age criteria of the specific university they are applying to.
Syllabus Overview
The CUET (UG) exam is broadly divided into three sections:
- **Section IA & IB (Languages):** Reading Comprehension (Factual, Literary, Narrative), Literary Aptitude, Vocabulary. Candidates can choose up to 3 languages.
- **Section II (Domain-Specific Subjects):** Based on the Class 12 NCERT syllabus for chosen subjects. Candidates can choose up to 6 domain subjects.
- **Section III (General Test):** General Knowledge, Current Affairs, General Mental Ability, Numerical Ability, Quantitative Reasoning, Logical & Analytical Reasoning.
Application Process
The application for CUET (UG) is an online process, typically involving:
- **Registration:** Create an account on the official NTA CUET (UG) portal.
- **Fill Application Form:** Provide personal, academic, and contact details. Select desired universities, courses, and test paper combinations.
- **Upload Documents:** Scan and upload recent photographs and signatures.
- **Fee Payment:** Pay the application fee online through Credit/Debit Card, Net Banking, or UPI.
- **Confirmation Page:** Download and print the confirmation page for future reference.
*Always refer to the official NTA CUET (UG) website for the most accurate and updated information.*
CUET (PG) Exams
Eligibility Criteria
- **Educational Qualification:** Candidates must hold a Bachelor's Degree from a recognized university. Specific eligibility criteria vary per program and university.
- **Age Limit:** No age limit for appearing in CUET (PG). Age criteria are set by individual universities.
Syllabus Overview
The CUET (PG) exam generally consists of 100 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs), divided into two parts:
- **Part A (25 Questions):** General knowledge, verbal ability, quantitative aptitude, and analytical skills.
- **Part B (75 Questions):** Domain-specific questions based on the chosen subject for the postgraduate program.
*The syllabus for Part B is highly specific to the chosen subject (e.g., Physics, Chemistry, English Literature, etc.).*
Application Process
Similar to CUET (UG), the CUET (PG) application is also online:
- **Registration:** Create an account on the official NTA CUET (PG) portal.
- **Fill Application Form:** Enter personal, academic, and contact information. Select universities and desired PG courses.
- **Upload Documents:** Upload scanned photographs and signatures.
- **Fee Payment:** Pay the application fee online.
- **Confirmation Page:** Download the confirmation page for record-keeping.
*Always check the official NTA CUET (PG) website for the most accurate and updated information.*
Important Dates (Tentative - Based on Previous Cycles)
| Event | CUET (UG) | CUET (PG) |
|---|---|---|
| Online Application Start | February/March | December/January |
| Application Deadline | March/April | January/February |
| Correction Window | April | February |
| Admit Card Release | May | March |
| Examination Dates | May/June | March |
| Result Declaration | July | April |
*These dates are purely indicative. Please check the official NTA CUET websites for exact and confirmed dates.*
Step-by-Step Application Guide
Common Steps for UG & PG
- **Visit Official Website:** Go to cuet.nta.nic.in for UG and pgcuet.samarth.ac.in for PG.
- **New Registration:** Click on "New Candidate Registration" and provide basic details like name, email, mobile number to generate login credentials.
- **Fill Application Form:** Log in with generated credentials and fill out the detailed application form including personal, educational, and communication details.
- **Choose Exam & University Preferences:** Select the desired exam (UG/PG), subjects, and universities/courses you wish to apply for. Be careful with combinations.
- **Upload Documents:** Upload scanned images of your passport-size photograph and signature as per specified dimensions and format.
- **Review and Verify:** Carefully review all entered information before final submission. Make corrections if needed during the correction window.
- **Pay Application Fee:** Proceed to pay the application fee online using available payment gateways (Credit/Debit Card, Net Banking, UPI).
- **Download Confirmation Page:** After successful payment, download and print the confirmation page. This is crucial for future reference.
Important Tips for Applicants
- **Read Information Bulletin:** Thoroughly read the official information bulletin for your specific exam (UG/PG) before applying.
- **Check Eligibility:** Ensure you meet the eligibility criteria for both the CUET exam and the specific programs/universities you are targeting.
- **Keep Documents Ready:** Have all necessary documents (mark sheets, ID proof, photograph, signature) ready in digital format.
- **Strong Internet Connection:** Use a stable internet connection to avoid interruptions during application.
- **Proofread Carefully:** Double-check all details before submission, especially personal information and subject choices.
- **Save Confirmation Page:** This is your proof of application.
- **Stay Updated:** Regularly visit the official NTA CUET websites for the latest announcements, admit card releases, and result updates.
- **Helpline:** In case of issues, use the official helpline numbers or email provided by NTA.