Planning to appear for the Common University Entrance Test (CUET UG)? A thorough understanding of the exam structure, choice of subjects, question allocation, and specific domain breakdowns is vital for your preparation roadmap. Here is the complete breakdown based on the official notification.
Quick Application & Mode Highlights
- Official Website: Applications must be submitted strictly via online mode at cuet.nta.nic.in.
- Mode of Exam: Conducted completely as a Computer Based Test (CBT).
- Languages Available: Question papers are provided in 13 Indian languages (English, Hindi, Assamese, Bengali, Gujarati, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, Odia, Punjabi, Tamil, Telugu, and Urdu). Note: Language selection is permanent during registration.
Scheme of Examination
The core parameters governing the test papers, question volume, duration, and marking metrics are structured as follows:
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Subjects | 41 total options (13 Indian languages + 27 domain-specific subjects + 1 General Aptitude Test) |
| Choice of Test Papers | Candidates may choose up to a maximum of five (05) subjects (including languages and the General Test), irrespective of Class XII subject combinations. |
| Total Questions | 50 questions per test paper. All questions are compulsory. |
| Duration | 60 minutes for each test paper. |
| Shifts | Conducted in multiple shifts depending on applicant volume and subject choices. |
| Marking Scheme |
|
Subject Categories Overview
1. Languages (13 Options)
Designed to test linguistic capabilities. Available languages include:
2. Domain-Specific Subjects (27 Codes)
Academic subjects corresponding closely to the Class XII syllabus:
| Code | Subject Name | Code | Subject Name |
|---|---|---|---|
| 301 | Accountancy / Book Keeping | 315 | Home Science |
| 302 | Agriculture | 316 | Knowledge Tradition Practices India |
| 303 | Anthropology | 317 | Legal Studies |
| 304 | Biology / Biotech / Biochemistry | 318 | Mass Media / Mass Communication |
| 305 | Business Studies | 319 | Mathematics / Applied Mathematics |
| 306 | Chemistry | 320 | Performing Arts |
| 307 | Environmental Studies | 321 | Physical Education / NCC / Yoga |
| 308 | Computer Science / IP | 322 | Physics |
| 309 | Economics / Business Economics | 323 | Political Science |
| 310 | Engineering Graphics | 324 | Psychology |
| 311 | Entrepreneurship | 325 | Sanskrit* |
| 312 | Fine Arts / Visual Arts / Commercial Art | 326 | Sociology |
| 313 | Geography / Geology | 327 | Teaching Aptitude |
| 314 | History | 501 | General Test |
3. General Test (Code 501)
Comprises components measuring overall aptitude: English, Reasoning, Numerical Ability, Current Affairs, and General Knowledge.
Special Structural Case: Mathematics & Computer Science Domains
Certain technical domains feature a multi-section paper format to bridge curriculum variants (like Core vs. Applied or Computer Science vs. Informatics Practices).
Handling Computer Science & Informatics Practices
Although CS and IP are treated as separate school subjects, the examination groups them into a single domain registration. If you want to appear for CS, you register under the combined domain. Both tests run simultaneously in the same shift.
Handling Core & Applied Mathematics
Similarly, CBSE Core Mathematics and Applied Mathematics are grouped under the unified Mathematics Domain, broken down into standardized sections.
The 3-Section Paper Architecture
Exams under these special domains are divided strictly into three sections:
- Section A (Common Section - 15 Questions): Contains chapters/topics shared by both streams. Example: SQL for CS/IP, or 'Matrices' for Math. All candidates answer these 15 questions.
- Section B1 (35 Questions):
- For CS/IP Domain: Contains questions exclusively from the Computer Science syllabus (IP students must skip).
- For Math Domain: Contains questions exclusively from the Core Mathematics syllabus (Applied Math students must skip).
- Section B2 (35 Questions):
- For CS/IP Domain: Contains questions exclusively from the Informatics Practices syllabus (CS students must skip).
- For Math Domain: Contains questions exclusively from the Applied Mathematics syllabus (Core Math students must skip).
