CUET-UG (Common University Entrance Test - Undergraduate) is conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) for admission to BA Honours and BA Programme courses at 45+ central universities, 30+ state universities, 20+ deemed universities and 100+ private universities across India. For humanities, CUET is the dominant gateway to Delhi University, JNU, BHU, AMU, Jamia, Hyderabad University, Visva-Bharati, Jadavpur and most central university BA programmes. With 15+ lakh applicants annually, it is the largest UG entrance test in India after JEE Main.
Exam Pattern
Mode:Online CBT (multi-shift, multi-day)
Duration:Per subject - 45 minutes (Section IA/IB languages), 45 minutes (Section II domain), 60 minutes (Section III general test)
Total Marks:Variable - depends on subjects chosen (up to 6 subjects + General Test)
Marking Scheme:+5 for correct, -1 for wrong (1/5 negative marking)
Sections
Section IA - Languages (13 languages: English/Hindi/etc.)
50 (attempt 40) Questions•200 Marks
Section IB - Optional Language (19 languages: Punjabi/Telugu/Malayalam/etc.)
50 (attempt 40) Questions•200 Marks
Section II - Domain Subjects (27 subjects: History/Pol Sc/Psychology/Sociology/Economics/etc.)
50 (attempt 40) per subject Questions•200 per subject Marks
Section III - General Test (mandatory for BA Programme/Honours)
60 (attempt 50) Questions•250 Marks
Syllabus
Languages (Section IA/IB)
Reading comprehension
Vocabulary, synonyms, antonyms
Verbal ability, sentence completion
History (Domain)
NCERT Class 12 - Themes in Indian History (Parts 1, 2, 3)
Political Science (Domain)
NCERT Class 12 - Politics in India Since Independence + Contemporary World Politics
Sociology (Domain)
NCERT Class 12 - Indian Society + Social Change & Development in India
Psychology (Domain)
NCERT Class 12 - Psychology
Economics (Domain)
NCERT Class 12 - Macroeconomics + Indian Economic Development
Geography (Domain)
NCERT Class 12 - Fundamentals of Human Geography + India: People and Economy
Subject-specific eligibility varies by university (e.g., DU BA Hons Economics requires Maths in Class 12)
No upper age limit for most universities
Indian and international applicants eligible
Important Dates
Notification & registration
February 2027 (tentative - confirm on official website)
Application deadline
March 2027 (tentative)
Exam window
May-June 2027 (multi-day, multi-shift)
Result announcement
July 2027 (tentative)
DU/JNU/BHU admissions
July-September 2027 (tentative)
Application Process
Register on cuet.samarth.ac.in
Fill application, select up to 6 universities, choose Section IA language, Section IB language (optional), Section II domain subjects (up to 6), and Section III General Test
Upload photograph, signature, Class 10/12 marksheets
Appear for CUET (multiple subjects across multiple days)
Universities release individual cut-offs and merit lists; apply separately to each university for admission
Centralised counselling (DU CSAS, JNU, Allahabad etc.) for seat allotment
💡 Preparation Tips
Focus on NCERT Class 12 books for chosen Domain Subjects - questions are NCERT-aligned
Practise General Test daily for current affairs and reasoning - read newspapers (The Hindu/IE)
Negative marking (-1 on +5, i.e., 20%) - skip questions you can't reliably eliminate options for
Choose Domain Subjects strategically - pick subjects you've studied in Class 11-12
Section IB (optional language) is an opportunity to score high if you're strong in a regional language
Time management - multiple sections across multiple days; plan your test schedule carefully
❓ FAQs
Which universities accept CUET-UG?
All 45 central universities (DU, JNU, BHU, AMU, Jamia, HCU, Pondicherry, etc.), 30+ state universities, 20+ deemed universities (TISS, Manipal etc.) and 100+ private universities. The full list is on the official CUET portal.
How many subjects should I choose?
Choose 1 language (Section IA) + 1 General Test (mandatory for most BA Programmes) + 4 domain subjects relevant to your target courses. For example, for DU Pol Science Hons: English + Pol Science + History + Economics + General Test.
Is CUET-UG harder than JEE/NEET?
CUET-UG is conceptually easier (NCERT-based) but requires breadth - students juggle 4-6 subjects vs. JEE/NEET's 3-subject focus. Time and subject choice strategy are the differentiators.
Can I take CUET for both BA and B.Sc/BBA?
Yes. CUET-UG covers all undergraduate streams. Take Mathematics in domain subjects for Economics Hons or B.Sc Maths; take Accountancy + Business Studies for B.Com Hons. Many students apply for cross-stream programmes.
What is the difference between CUET and CUCET?
CUCET (Central Universities Common Entrance Test) was the older test merged into CUET-UG in 2022. CUET is now the single entrance for all central universities under one umbrella.