If you are planning to pursue a bachelor’s or master’s degree, you must have heard of CUET. However, do you know that there is another important exam called IPU CET for taking admission in undergraduate and postgraduate courses, while both the exams serve the same cause, but there is a difference between the two.
CUET is accepted by many central universities across India, while IPU CET is conducted by Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University for its affiliated colleges.
So, in this blog, we will be doing CUET vs IPU CET, what’s the difference, by comparing it’s exam pattern and courses offered by both the exams, so that you can decide which one you should choose?
What is CUET?
The CUET is also known as the Common University Entrance Test, it is a national-level entrance test introduced by the UGC to make the admission process simple. Instead of applying for each university separately, students can apply for a single entrance test to get admission to many colleges across the nation.
CUET makes it easier and fairer for students from different states and different backgrounds who want to get admission in popular universities like DU, JNU, and BHU. With CUET, students can apply for many different courses such as arts, science, commerce, and others.
What is IPU CET?
Indraprastha University Common Entrance Test is popularly known as IPU CET. It is an exam conducted by Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University (GGSIPU) in Delhi. Unlike the CUET exam, this exam focuses on students who want to take admission in a course or college offered by Indraprastha University and its affiliated colleges.
The main purpose of IPU CET is to select students for professional and academic programs like BBA, B.Tech, BCA, law, MBA, and many others. This exam helps the university shortlist eligible candidates based on their scores. It is mainly for students who wish to study in colleges under IPU, especially those who want to stay or study in Delhi.
CUET vs IPU CET: Exam Pattern
CUET Exam Pattern
Particulars | Details |
Mode of Examination | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
Language of Question Paper | You can answer the paper in 13 languages including Hindi and English |
Total Subjects | You can choose from 37 subjects. These include:
|
Total Questions | 50 questions per test paper (all compulsory). |
Duration of Each Test | 60 minutes per test paper. |
Shifts | The exam will be conducted in multiple shifts based on the number of candidates and subjects. |
Marking Scheme |
|
Question Type | Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs). |
IPU CET Exam Pattern
Category | Details |
Sections | Varies depending on the course (e.g., Physics, Chemistry, Maths for B.Tech; English, Logical Reasoning, etc., for MBA) |
Duration | 150 minutes (2 hours 30 minutes) |
Total Marks | 400 marks |
Language of Answer | English only |
Mode of Examination | Online (Computer-Based Test) |
Marking Scheme | +4 for each correct answer, −1 for each incorrect answer |
Section-Wise Time Limit | No fixed sectional time limit |
Which Courses Are Offered Through CUET and IPU CET?
Both CUET and IPU CET offer admissions to a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses, but the options and scope are different in each exam.
Courses Offered Through CUET:
CUET is accepted by many central and participating universities across India, making it suitable for students from all streams. Some common courses include:
- Undergraduate Programs:
- A. (Hons.) in subjects like Economics, Political Science, History, English, etc.
- Sc. (Hons.) in Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Life Sciences, and more
- Com (Hons.)
- BBA/BMS (in universities that accept CUET for management)
- Postgraduate Programs:
- A., M.Sc., M.Com, and other master’s degrees (for PG CUET aspirants)
Courses Offered Through IPU CET:
IPU CET is mainly focused on professional and technical programs offered by GGSIPU and its affiliated colleges. Some popular courses include:
- Undergraduate Programs:
- BBA
- BCA
- Tech
- Sc. Nursing
- BJMC (Bachelor of Journalism & Mass Communication)
- Ed
- BA LLB / BBA LLB
- Postgraduate Programs:
- MBA
- MCA
- Tech
- Ed
- LLM
In short, CUET is ideal if you are looking for academic programs across multiple universities, while IPU CET is better suited for students aiming to pursue professional courses specifically in Delhi-based colleges under IPU.
CUET vs IPU CET - What's the difference?
Particulars | CUET | IPU CET |
Exam Scope | It is a National-level entrance test for admission in multiple universities | It is a University-level test for admission to IPU and affiliates |
Number of Participating Universities | Over 250 universities are participating in this exam | Only Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University and its colleges are participating in this exam |
Courses Offered | It offers academic courses across various streams (UG & PG) | It offers professional and technical courses (engineering, management, law, and medical) |
Exam Format | It has a Computer-based online test with multiple sections | It has an online or offline test, a fixed format depending on the course |
Duration | The duration typically varies from 45 minutes to 3 hours based on the subjects | It has fixed 2.5 hours per exam |
Marking Scheme | +5 for correct answers, −1 for incorrect | +4 for correct answers, −1 for incorrect |
Purpose | The main purpose of this exam is to take admission to multiple universities across India | The main goal of this exam is to take admission to courses only under IPU |
CUET or IPU CET – Which One Should You Choose?
Choose CUET If… | Choose IPU CET If… |
You want to take admission to multiple central or participating universities across India, giving you wider options. | You are specifically interested in getting admission to Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University and its affiliated colleges |
You prefer academic courses such as B.A., B.Sc., B.Com, or postgraduate programs offered by various universities. | You want to pursue professional courses like B.Tech, MBA, Law, or Medical fields, mainly available at IPU and its colleges. |
You like the idea of a flexible exam pattern where you can choose subjects based on your stream or interest. | You are comfortable with a fixed exam format designed specifically for your chosen course. |
You are open to studying in different cities or states across India, not limited to one location. | You prefer to study in Delhi or nearby areas in the National Capital Region (NCR). |
You prefer a fully computer-based online exam that can be taken from anywhere in the country. | You don’t mind taking the exam either online or offline, as per the course requirement by IPU. |
Your goal is to explore a wide variety of academic courses and universities to find the best fit for your career. | Your focus is on specialised professional courses with a clear career path, mostly offered by IPU and its affiliates. |
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Summing Up
So, CUET vs IPU CET – What’s the difference? Simply understand it in this way, CUET is for students who want to apply to many universities across India and want to look for a variety of academic courses. It gives you more choices and flexibility.
And on the other hand, IPU CET is best for those who want to study professional courses like B.Tech, MBA, Law, or Medical in colleges under Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University, mainly in Delhi.
To choose the best exam, you have to think about what you want to study, where you want to study, and what your future goals are. Once that’s clear, choosing between CUET and IPU CET becomes much easier.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q.1 What is CUET?
Ans. CUET (Central Universities Entrance Test) is an entrance exam for undergraduate programs in central universities across India.
Q.2 What is IPU CET?
Q.3 Are CUET scores accepted by all central universities?
Ans. Most central universities accept CUET scores, but it’s best to check individual university requirements.
Q.4 Which college is best after CUET?
Ans. There’s no single “best” college after CUET, as the ideal choice depends on your specific goals, academic interests, and preferred course
Q.5 Can I use CUET scores for private universities?
Ans. CUET scores are primarily for central universities; private universities may have their own entrance exams or criteria.
