CUET 2025: Beginner’s Guide to Central University Admissions

What is CUET?

Hey there! CUET stands for Common University Entrance Test, and it’s the exam you take to get into undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) programs at central universities in India, like Delhi University, JNU, or BHU. It’s a single test that replaces individual university exams, making it easier to apply to many colleges at once. The exam is run by the National Testing Agency (NTA), and around 15 lakh students take it every year. If you want to study at a top university, CUET is your gateway!

A Little History of CUET

CUET was introduced in 2022 as part of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 to create a fair and unified admission process for central universities. Before CUET, each university had its own entrance test or used Class 12 marks, which led to inconsistencies. The first CUET UG exam in 2022 had some delays due to technical issues, but by 2023, it became smoother. Now, over 200 universities (including central, state, and private ones) accept CUET scores, making it a key exam for higher education in India!

Who Can Apply for CUET?

Here’s what you need:

• Education:
  • For UG: You need to have passed Class 12 (or be in Class 12 in 2025).
  • For PG: You need a bachelor’s degree (specific subjects may be required depending on the course).
• Age: There’s no age limit for most programs, but some universities may have specific rules.
• Number of Attempts: You can try as many times as you want—no limit!

What Will You Study? (Syllabus)

CUET is flexible—you pick the subjects based on the course you want. Here’s how it works:

• CUET UG:
  • Section IA & IB (Languages): English or other languages (like Hindi, Tamil) with reading comprehension, grammar, and vocabulary.
  • Section II (Domain-Specific): Subjects you studied in Class 12—like Physics, History, or Economics.
  • Section III (General Test): General Knowledge (current affairs, history), Quantitative Aptitude (math like percentages), and Logical Reasoning (puzzles).
• CUET PG: Focuses on your bachelor’s degree subjects—like BA English (literature, grammar) or B.Sc. Physics (mechanics, optics).

How the Exam Works (Exam Pattern)

CUET is a computer-based test (CBT):

• CUET UG:
  • Section IA & IB: 40 out of 50 questions, 200 marks, 45 minutes each.
  • Section II: 40 out of 50 questions per subject, 200 marks, 45 minutes each (up to 6 subjects).
  • Section III: 50 out of 60 questions, 250 marks, 60 minutes.
• CUET PG: 75 out of 100 questions, 300 marks, 105 minutes (subject-specific).
• All questions are multiple-choice (MCQs). Correct answers give 5 marks, wrong answers deduct 1 mark.

What’s Happened Before? (Past Trends)

Here’s what past exams show:

• In 2024, about 14 lakh students took CUET UG, and around 2 lakh took CUET PG.
• General Test in UG often has current affairs—like a 2024 question on the Paris Olympics.
• Domain subjects stick to Class 12 NCERT—like a Chemistry question on organic reactions.
• Toppers usually score 90%+ in their chosen subjects to get into top universities like DU.
• Many students struggle with time management since you can’t go back to sections once the time is up.

Latest Updates for CUET 2025

Here’s the latest as of May 26, 2025:

• CUET UG 2025 is scheduled for May 15-31, 2025. Results for CUET UG 2024 were announced on July 28, 2024.
• CUET PG 2025 will be held in March 2025, with applications closing soon (opened in January 2025).
• No syllabus changes, but NTA reduced the number of subject choices for UG to 6 (down from 10).
• Over 250 universities will accept CUET scores in 2025, including new private universities.

How to Prepare for CUET 2025 (Beginner Tips)

Here’s how to start:

• Focus on NCERT: For domain subjects, study Class 12 NCERT books—like Physics by NCERT for science students.
• Improve Language Skills: Practice reading comprehension and grammar for the language section. Use “English Grammar” by Wren & Martin.
• Practice General Test: Solve math (percentages, ratios) and reasoning (puzzles) with “Quantitative Aptitude” by R.S. Aggarwal.
• Read the News: For General Knowledge, read The Hindu for current affairs.
• Take Mock Tests: Practice with CUET mock tests on the NTA website or platforms like Testbook.
• Make a Study Plan: Study 4-5 hours a day. Spend 2 hours on domain subjects, 1 on language, and 1 on the General Test.
• Stay Positive: CUET is new for many, but with practice, you’ll get better. Keep trying!

Where to Find More Help (External Links)

• Official CUET Website – Check dates, syllabus, and results here.
• Shiksha – Easy tips for CUET beginners.

Final Words

CUET 2025 is your chance to study at India’s top central universities! It’s a competitive exam, but with the right preparation, you can succeed. Focus on NCERT, practice daily, and believe in yourself. You’re on your way to a great education!