CUET FAQ | Common University Entrance Test related Questions

What is CUET (UG)?

CUET (UG) stands for Common University Entrance Test UnderGraduate.
CUET (UG) will provide a single window opportunity to students to seek admission in any of the Central Universities (CUs) across the country.
CUET (UG) will provide a common platform and equal opportunities to candidates across the country, especially those from rural and other remote areas and help establish better connect with the Universities.
It is a single entrance test for admission to Central Universities and other participating Institutions which will be admitting the candidates to their UG courses based on the NTA Score secured by them in this test.
It is meant for admission to UG courses of Central Universities.   However many other Institutions also may also join CUET(UG). The list of participating Institutions is hosted on the NTA website https://cuet.samarth.ac.in

What does NTA stands for?

NTA stands for the National Testing Agency (NTA). It is established by Ministry of Education, MoE (Earlier known as Ministry of Human Resource Development-MHRD) as an independent/ autonomous, self-reliant and self-sustained premier testing organization.

How is CUET (UG) going to be helpful to a student ?

The Common University Entrance Test CUET (UG) will be helpful to a student in the following ways:-

1. In the past, students used to be under stress to secure more than 95% marks in Class XII Board Examination so as to get admission in the University of their Choice. With the introduction of CUET (UG), the stress on them for securing very high marks in the one and only Board Examination stands reduced.
2. Marks given by different Boards vary widely on account of the typology of questions and the scoring pattern. These things will now get standardized under CUET (UG).
3. The question paper pattern in CUET (UG) will be objective type comprising Multiple Choice Questions and hence evaluation will be objective. In this manner, subjectivity in evaluation of the descriptive type of papers in the traditional Class XII exams of different Boards will not handicap the candidates in getting admission to the University of their choice.
4. CUET (UG) will be held in the Computer Based Test (CBT) mode where result processing will be done through technology with no human intervention.
5. CUET (UG) will be based on Class XII syllabus and hence candidates of Class XII need not prepare for it separately.
6. In CUET (UG), students have a wide range of options-i.e. 27 subjects, 33 Languages and General Test to choose from. They can select the Subject/Language/General Test of their choice, as per the requirements of the University where admission is sought.
7. They can also choose any of the 13 languages specified therein as medium of their test

How will The Common University Entrance Test CUET (UG) address the diversity of the students across the country?

The Common University Entrance Test CUET (UG) will provide a common platform and equal opportunity across the country especially to those students coming from rural and urban areas including candidates from the three National Boards CBSE, AICSE and NIOS.
In CUET (UG), students have a wide range of options-i..e 27 subjects, 33 Languages and General Test to choose from. They can select the Subject/Language/General Test of their choice, as per the requirements of the University where admission is sought. They can also choose any of the 13 languages specified therein as medium of their test.

I secured 99% marks in Class XII but did not get admission in the desired university.

In the past, candidates had this grievance that though they scored 99% in Class XII, they could not get admission in the Universities of their choice. This was basically because of varied typology of questions and scoring pattern across different Boards in the country.
These things will now get standardized with the introduction of CUET (UG).
The question paper pattern in CUET (UG) will be objective type comprising Multiple Choice Questions and hence evaluation will be objective. In this manner, subjectivity in evaluation of the descriptive type of papers in the traditional Class XII exams of different Boards will not handicap the candidates in getting admission to the University of their choice.

How will I prepare for both CUET (UG) and the Board Examinations?

The syllabus for the subject/domain tests of CUET (UG) will be based on Class XII so that there is no pressure on the candidates to prepare for both the exams. The effort that would be required to do well at CUET (UG) will also help candidates to prepare well for their Board Examinations. Thereby, it would strengthen their learning.

Will the Board Exam become redundant now?

The basic eligibility criterion for entrance into Universities remains unchanged which is that a candidate must have passed the Class XII examination from any recognized Board or equivalent.
In fact marks in grade XII for eligibility will vary across programs and Universities.
Moreover Board examinations are achievement tests whereas CUET (UG) is a selection Test. Hence, Board Exams at Class XII level are not likely to become redundant. The basic eligibility criteria is a key factor for admission to all University and other examinations such as JEE & NEET at the National Level. The principles for University Entrance Exams will be similar. The National Testing Agency (NTA) will work to offer a high-quality Common Aptitude Test, as well as specialized common subject exams in the sciences, humanities, languages, arts and vocational subjects. These exams will test conceptual understanding and the ability to apply knowledge and shall aim to eliminate the need for taking coaching for these exams. Students will be able to choose the subjects for taking the test, and each university will be able to see each student’s individual subject portfolio and admit students into their programs based on individual interests and talents.

How does CUET (UG) provide more flexibility and options for me to choose from?

In CUET (UG), a candidate may take maximum 09 tests in the following manner:

• 02 languages from Section IA and Section IB taken together, maximum of 06 Domain Subjects from Section II and General Test from Section III.
• OR Maximum of 03 languages from Section IA and Section IB taken together, maximum of 05 Domain Subjects from Section II and General Test from Section III.

What is the role of NTA in CUET (UG)?

NTA has been entrusted with the responsibility of conducting the CUET (UG).
Role of NTA is confined to registration of candidates, issue of admit cards, conduct of exam, host answer keys and invite challenges, finalise answer keys, process and declare results.
Eligibility, reservation, admission etc. are as per the rules and regulations of the respective Central University/ies/Participating Institutions.
NTA has no role in the admissions to the Participating Institutions.

Which Central Universities or Institutions are participating in this CUET (UG)?

Please refer to the NTA website https://cuet.samarth.ac.in for the complete list of participating Institutions.

Is it compulsory for a candidate who desires to join any Central University to appear in CUET (UG)?

Yes. A candidate who wants to get admission in any UG courses in any Central University or its affiliated colleges must appear in CUET (UG).
It has been mandated that admission to UG courses of Central Universities, will be done on the basis of NTA Score obtained in CUET (UG).

What is the structure of CUET (UG) Examination?

CUET (UG) offers a bouquet of Languages/Subjects/General Test covering most of the subjects/languages offered by most of the Universities.
Candidate has to choose the test he is required to appear in , as required for admission to the desired course in the desired University.
CUET (UG) will consist of the following 4 Sections:

• Section IA – 13 Languages
• Section IB – 20 Languages
• Section II – 27 Domain specific Subjects

Section III – General Test

Choosing options from each Section is not mandatory. Choices should match the requirements of the desired University.
To get broad features of CUET (UG) visit : cuet.samarth.ac.in

What is the syllabus for CUET (UG) – 2022?

Section IA & IB: Language to be tested through Reading Comprehension (based on different types of passages–Factual, Literary and Narrative [Literary Aptitude & Vocabulary]
Section II : As given on NTA website https://cuet.samarth.ac.in/
Section III : General Knowledge, Current Affairs, General Mental Ability, Numerical Ability, Quantitative Reasoning (Simple application of basic mathematical concepts arithmetic/algebra geometry/mensuration/stat taught till Grade 8), Logical and Analytical Reasoning

How do I choose the tests?

Before selecting the tests, you are advised to visit the website of the University/ies where admission is sought and read carefully the details relating to courses offered, eligibility, tests that should appear in, for admission to the desired course, reservation, admission policy, etc so that you have an idea which test is to be selected.
Your choice of subjects/Language/General test will depend on the requirements of the desired University/ies for the desired course.
You can opt for any one or more of the test as per the requirements of the University/ies desired.
Follow the Steps given below:

• Print List of University/ies given at Appendix-1 in the Information Bulletin.
• Select the University/ ies and Courses where you intend to take admission.

Visit the Website(s) of the University/ Universities and NOTE down the eligibility criteria for the Courses in which you intend to take admission (required Test/Subjects for appearing in CUET (UG) – 2022 This should be noted down for all University/ Universities and Courses where you intend to take admission.

• Select the required Test/Subjects for appearing in CUET (UG) – 2022 from the following:
  • A candidate has the option to choose any Language/Domain Specific Subject/ General Test or a combination thereof as may be required for admission to specified course/s of the desired University/ies while applying from following Sections:
    • Section IA – 13 Languages
    • Section IB – 20 Languages
    • Section II – 27 Domain Specific Subjects
    • Section III – General Test
  • It is not mandatory to choose any one or more of the tests stated above. The choice of tests would depend on the course/s opted by the candidate and the University/ies where admission is sought.
• The exam will be held in two slots as follows. Candidate can select Slot I or Slot or both the Slots as per the tests required to be opted as applicable to the desired course/s of the desired University/ies
• Slot-1                 : Upto 4 Tests/Subjects : Section IA  : One Language

Section II          : Two Domain-Specific Subjects Section III            : General Test

• Slot-2 : Upto 5 Tests/Subjects: Section IA & IB : One Language

Section II          : Maximum of Four Domain-Specific Subjects

OR Section IA & IB : Two Languages

Section II         : Maximum of Three Domain-Specific Subjects

The Undergraduate course I want to do, is not available in the list of 27 Domain Specific Subjects being offered in CUET (UG) – 2022? What should I do?

Please check with the University where the course is offered to find out the tests that should be taken in CUET (UG) – 2022 for the purpose of admission to that course.

What will be the level of question for CUET (UG)?

All questions in various testing areas will be benchmarked at the level of Class XII only. Students having studied Class XII Board syllabus would be able to do well in CUET (UG).

How many attempts can I give in CUET (UG) ?

Will a student be allowed to take exams in several subjects listed under Section II so as to apply to various streams?

Yes. An applicant can opt for one or more combinations of the following: a)Language Test

• Domain subject test
• General Test

He may opt up to a maximum of 6 subject tests   in order to apply to different applicable streams that require these subjects for being eligible.
They should have studied these subjects at grade XII or as prescribed by a particular University under their eligibility conditions for a particular program.
He may also opt upto a max of 3 languages for Language Test In addition they can take the General Test as well.
However, the third language chosen needs to be in lieu of 6th domain specific Subject chosen by the candidate – as applicable. Please refer to Information Bulletin, hosted on NTA website for more details.

What is the maximum number of tests that can be chosen by a candidate?

The maximum number of tests to be taken remains 9 only i.e. 2 Languages+6 Domain Specific Subjects+1 General Test OR 3 Languages+5 Domain Specific Subjects+1 General Test: flexibility being provided to help a candidate apply for many Universities depending on their eligibility conditions)

I want to apply to affiliated college of a Central University, do I have to appear in CUET (UG) for that?

Yes. For getting admission in Central Universities CUET (UG) Score is compulsory. Admission in affiliated colleges will also be based on CUET (UG) Score only.

How do I apply for CUET (UG) – 2022?

You can submit your online Application Form for CUET (UG) at https://cuet.samarth.ac.in/. Please check the NTA website for the registration dates. Candidates who wish to appear for CUET (UG) are advised to go through the Prospectus of the desired University/ Universities/Participating Institution, for the tests to be chosen, for the courses desired, before applying.

What documents or certificates do I need to upload along with the Application Form?

Candidates need to upload the following with the application form:

• Scanned images of photograph and signature
• Certificates in respect of PwD/Category/BPL Certificate as applicable.

The documents / certificates etc., shall be verified directly at the time of admission by the University.

How can I pay Application Fee?

You can pay the exam fee online using
SBI/ Canara Bank/ ICICI Bank/ Paytm payment gateways through Debit Card/Credit Card/Net Banking/UPI/ Wallet.
You need to keep proof of fee paid.
In case the Confirmation Page is not generated after payment of fee, the transaction will stand cancelled and the amount will be refunded for the credit of your account. However, you will have to make another transaction, in case the Confirmation Page is not generated and you want to appear in the test.

Am I required to submit two applications forms if I want to apply for two separate Universities?

No. You are required to submit only one application, even if you apply for more than one University or Participating Institution.

Am I required to submit two applications if I want to apply for more than one course/test?

No. You are required to submit only one application, even if you apply for more than one course in the same University/different Universities. First, identify the Subjects/Language/General Test, which the Universities, where admission is sought, requires for admission to the desired course, from the Prospectus of the respective Universities.
Thereafter you can choose the test/s, as applicable, in the same form subject to the maximum permitted.
It is your responsibility to ensure that the tests chosen by you are in line with what is required for the courses or Universities where admission is sought. Multiple applications by the same candidate are not permitted. Each candidate is required to submit only one application

Can I use my friend’s email address when registering for CUET (UG) ?

No, you need to use a valid and unique email address of applicant only as all exam related communications will be made through registered e-mail ID and/or SMS only. In addition, you will not be able to change or edit the mobile number and email address on the Application Form later as these particulars are fixed.

After final submission of the application, whether there will be a facility for editing the applicants’ details till the closing date of online application?

Candidates will be permitted to edit the details filled by them before final submission of the Application Form.
However, after submission they will not be able to edit any details.
An online facility for making corrections will be made available through the “Correction window”, as per details given in the Information Bulletin. Candidates may make necessary corrections (in specified fields permitted) during correction period through the Correction Window. Candidates are advised to be in touch with the NTA website https://cuet.samarth.ac.in for updates in this regard.