After Class 12 (any stream)
CUET UG
The Common University Entrance Test (CUET UG) is conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA). It gives students of any stream a single exam for undergraduate admission to central universities and many state, private and deemed universities. Each university decides which tests it needs and sets its own admission rules.
Last reviewed October 2026
At a glance
- Conducted by
- National Testing Agency (NTA)
- Mode
- Computer-based test
- Parts
- Language tests, domain subject tests and the General Test
- Marking
- +5 for a correct answer, -1 for a wrong answer, 0 if left blank
- Duration
- About 60 minutes for each test in recent years
- Subjects you choose
- A limited number of tests, up to five in recent years
- Syllabus
- Domain subjects follow the Class 12 syllabus. The General Test covers general knowledge, reasoning and quantitative aptitude
- Leads to
- Undergraduate admission at participating universities
The structure
- Language tests: choose a language, such as English or Hindi, and others from the official list.
- Domain subjects: tests based on your Class 12 subjects, such as Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Mathematics, Accountancy, Economics, History and more. You choose those your target course asks for.
- General Test: current affairs, general knowledge, numerical ability and reasoning. Many courses require it.
The list of subjects and the number you can choose changes. Read the NTA information bulletin for your year.
How admission works
- There is no single national cut-off. Each university sets its own eligibility and selection rules and declares its own merit lists.
- Different courses ask for different test combinations, so check the website of each university you want.
- Your Class 12 result may also count towards eligibility.
How to choose your tests
- Start from the course you want, then check which tests each university requires for it.
- Choose domain subjects you are strong in and that match the course.
- Add the General Test if your target universities ask for it.
How to prepare
- 1
List your target courses and universities
Note the tests each one requires.
- 2
Revise the Class 12 syllabus
The domain subject tests are based on NCERT-style Class 12 content.
- 3
Practise the General Test
Build speed in reasoning and numerical questions and read current affairs regularly.
- 4
Take mock tests
Practise on a computer in the real timing and learn to manage negative marking.
How Gyan Sanchar can help
Talk to our mentors about your course and stream. They help students plan the stream, exams and colleges.
Frequently asked questions
Is there one national cut-off for CUET?
No. Each university decides its own admission rules and merit lists based on CUET scores.
Can I take CUET after any stream in Class 12?
Yes, but each course lists which domain subjects it needs, so match your subjects to the course.
Is the General Test compulsory?
It depends on the course and university. Check the requirements of each course.
Official sources
Dates, fees and eligibility are announced here. Always check the latest notice before you apply.
Gyan Sanchar is an independent coaching institute. It is not affiliated with, or endorsed by, the National Testing Agency, UPSC, the IITs or any other exam body. Exam names are used only to describe the exams.