CUET-UG 2025: From Exam to University Admission – A Complete Guide

1.  What is CUET-UG & Why is it Important?

·  CUET-UG (Common University Entrance Test for Undergraduates) is a national-level entrance exam

conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA).

·  It is mandatory for admission to Central Universities like Delhi University, BHU, JNU, AMU, and many top state, private, and deemed universities.

·  CUET ensures equal opportunity, transparent merit-based selection, and a single-window admission process for all students across India.

2.  When to Appear & Who Can Apply?

·   CUET-UG 2025 is for students who have passed or are appearing in Class 12.

·  The exam is usually held in May, and application forms are released around February.

3.  CUET-UG 2025: Syllabus & Exam Pattern

CUETUG Structure (Divided into 3 Sections) Section Section I Section II
Section III
Subjects Language Papers (IA & IB) Domain-Specific Subjects (27 subjects)
General Test (optional but required by many universities)
Details
13 Languages in IA, 20 Languages in IB. Choose up to languages total.
3
Choose up to 6 subjects depending on course/university requirements.
requirements.
Includes General Awareness, Reasoning, Maths, and Current Affairs.
Includes General Awareness, Reasoning, Maths, and Current Affairs.

 CUET-UG Structure (Divided into 3 Sections)

Detailed Paper Pattern

Parameter                                                                          Details

Parameter                                                                          Details

Mode of Exam                                                   Computer-Based Test (CBT)

Question Type                            Objective Type – Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

Language of Paper                                   English + chosen language (if applicable)

Duration                                      Varies – Each section has a separate timing slot

Marking Scheme

+5 marks for each correct answer

-1 mark for each incorrect answer

Subject-Wise Syllabus

Section I – Language Paper

Skills Tested:

·        Reading Comprehension (Factual, Literary, Narrative)

·        Vocabulary

·        Grammar (basic)

·        Literary Aptitude

Languages Offered:

IA – English, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada, etc. IB – German, French, Spanish, Arabic, etc.

Section II – Domain-Specific Subjects

Choose subjects relevant to your intended UG course. Subjects include:

·        Accountancy

·        Biology

·        Business Studies

·        Chemistry

·        Computer Science

·        Economics

·        Geography

·        History

·        Mathematics

·        Physics

·        Political Science

·        Psychology, etc.

Syllabus: Based on Class 12 NCERT curriculum of respective subjects.

Section III – General Test

Topics Covered:

·        General Knowledge

·        Current Affairs

·        Numerical Ability (Class 8 to 10 level)

·        Logical and Analytical Reasoning

·        Quantitative Aptitude

·        General Mental Ability

4.  When & How to Start CUET-UG 2025 Preparation?

Ideal Time to Start:

Start your CUET-UG preparation at least 6 months before the exam for a strong foundation and consistent practice.

Preparation Strategy:

·  Study NCERT Books Thoroughly:

Especially for Domain-Specific Subjects and General Test topics.

· Understand the Exam Pattern:

Know the structure of each section – Language, Domain Subjects, and General Test.

·  Practice with Mock Tests & PYQs:

Attempt mock tests regularly and solve previous year question papers to build speed and accuracy.

·  Use Online Platforms:

Use trusted ed-tech platforms for quizzes, sectional tests, doubt solving, and live classes.

·   Crash Courses (for Last-Minute Boost):

Enroll in CUET-specific Crash Courses (4–8 weeks) that offer:

o    Fast-track syllabus coverage

o    Daily practice & revision

o    Live doubt-solving sessions

o    Full-length mock tests

·   Coaching & Mentorship (Optional):

If required, seek expert guidance for specific subjects or paper strategies.

5.  Shortlisting Universities & Courses – CUET-UG 2025

More than 280 universities across India are accepting CUET-UG 2025 scores for undergraduate admissions. These universities fall under different categories:

University Categories:

1.     Central Universities (47)

o    Funded by the Central Government and known for their academic excellence and national recognition.

    Top Central Universities include:

§  University of Delhi (DU) – Popular for Arts, Commerce, and Science courses.

§  Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) – Known for Social Sciences and Language programs.

§  Banaras Hindu University (BHU) – Renowned for a wide range of disciplines including Science, Arts, and Theology.

§  Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) – Offers traditional and modern courses with a strong historical legacy.

2.     State Universities (41)

o    Operated and funded by State Governments.

o    They serve regional educational needs and offer a mix of professional and academic courses.

o    Example: Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University (Delhi), Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University (Lucknow).

3.     Deemed Universities (30)

o    Granted "Deemed-to-be-University" status by UGC.

o    These are high-performing institutions with autonomy in administration.

o    Example: Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), Indian Maritime University, etc.

4.     Private Universities (154)

o    Privately managed institutions with UGC approval.

o    Offer modern infrastructure and diverse courses with industry-oriented curriculum.

o    Examples:

§  Shiv Nadar University

§  Ashoka University

§  Amity University

§  BML Munjal University

How to Shortlist Universities & Courses:

·  Step 1: Check Eligibility

Go through the official websites of the universities you're interested in. Verify:

o    Course eligibility

o    Required CUET subject combinations

o    Minimum qualifying marks

·   Step 2: Understand CUET Cut-Offs

Each university will release its own CUET 2025 cut-offs based on course popularity and seat availability. Check previous year trends if available.

·   Step 3: Match With Your Interests

Choose universities and courses based on your:

o    CUET score

o    Career goals

o    Preferred location and infrastructure

o    Course faculty and placements

6.  CUET-UG 2025 Form Filling – Step-by-Step Guide

When are CUET-UG Forms Released?

CUET-UG 2025 application forms are expected to be released in February 2025 on the official website – cuetug.ntaonline.in.

The application window generally remains open for 3 to 4 weeks.

How to Fill CUET-UG 2025 Form – Step-by-Step

1.     Visit Official Website:

Go to cuetug.ntaonline.in

2.     New Registration:

Click on “New Registration” and enter:

o    Personal details

o    Mobile number & Email ID

o    Create password and security pin

3.     Fill Application Form:

o    Enter academic qualifications

o    Select the preferred universities and programs

o    Choose your language paper(s), domain-specific subjects, and general test (if required)

4.     Upload Documents:

o    Passport-size photograph

o    Signature

o    Category certificate (if applicable)

o    PwD certificate (if applicable)

5.     Pay Application Fee:

Pay online using:

o    UPI

o    Debit/Credit Card

o    Net Banking

(Fee varies by category and number of subjects chosen)

6.     Submit & Download Confirmation Page:

After successful payment, submit the application, and download/save the confirmation page for future reference.

Tip: Double-check all details before submission. Use a valid and active email and phone number.

7.  CUET-UG 2025 Result & Admission Process – Step-by-Step

Once the CUET-UG 2025 exam is conducted, NTA will release the result and scorecard on its official website.

Step-by-Step Process After CUET-UG Result

Step 1: Check Your Result

·        Visit cuetug.ntaonline.in

·        Log in using your Application Number and Date of Birth

·        Download and print your CUET-UG 2025 scorecard

Step 2: Explore Participating Universities

·       Around 280+ universities participate in CUET-UG, including:

o    Central: DU, BHU, JNU, AMU, etc.

o    State, Private, and Deemed Universities

·     Visit the official websites of your preferred universities to check:

o    Courses offered

o    CUET-based eligibility

o    Subject combinations required

o    Cut-off trends

Step 3: Apply to Preferred Universities

·        Universities will release their individual admission portals

·        Fill separate admission forms for each university you're targeting

·        Upload your CUET scorecard and required documents

Step 4: Participate in Counselling

·        Many universities will conduct online counselling

·        Key stages:

o    Choice filling and preference locking

o    Seat allotment result

o    Upload documents and pay admission fees

o    Confirm seat

Step 5: Final Admission

·    Once the seat is confirmed, complete final admission steps:

o    Fee payment

o    Document verification

o    Joining formalities

Important Tips:

·        Track university-specific deadlines closely

·        Choose your courses wisely based on cut-offs and interest

·        Keep all original documents ready for counselling