If you are a student studying in India and now planning to go to college, then you must have heard the word “CUET”. It is an entrance exam you need to appear for and qualify to take admission in college for further studies.
If you think about what CUET is, why was It Introduced? And how does it work? Do your class 12 marks still matter? Then you are not alone, there are many students there who are confused about the CUET exam and think Is CUET Mandatory For UG And PG Degree Courses?
To get all your queries solved, we have come up with this blog. It doesn’t matter if you are applying for an undergraduate or a postgraduate course; this blog will help you to understand how CUET fits into your college plans. So, be ready to know about CUET 2025.
What Is CUET, And Why Was It Introduced? A Complete Overview
CUET stands for Common University Entrance Test. It is a national-level entrance exam conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA). The CUET examination was introduced to let students get rid of the burden of appearing for a separate entrance exam for each university that offers a single, common exam for students who want to apply to central universities and many other top institutions in India.
Before CUET was introduced, the admission process was different for every college. Each college or university had its own rules — some focused only on 12th-class board marks, others had separate entrance exams, and students had to apply separately. This created a lot of confusion and pressure, especially for students who didn’t come from metro cities or big schools.
CUET was introduced to make the admission process fairer and more transparent. No matter if you are from CBSE, ICSE, or state boards, everyone gets an equal chance through one common exam.
Is CUET Mandatory For UG and PG Degree Courses In 2025?
Yes, CUET is mandatory for most undergraduate (UG) courses in central universities like Delhi University, Banaras Hindu University, Jamia Millia Islamia, and many others. If you are aiming for a UG seat in any of these universities, then you will need to appear for CUET 2025. While your Class 12 marks might still be important in some places, your CUET score is what helps to get admission in your dream college.
For PG admissions, CUET is also mandatory for taking admission in many of the central universities, but not in all universities. Some of them still follow their own entrance exams and selection processes. So, it is not mandatory across the board for PG yet, but many universities are adopting CUET for PG courses, and the number is still growing.
In short, for UG admission, the CUET is mandatory, while for PG admission in PG it depends on the university. So, make sure to check the admission rules of the specific college or course you are aiming for, and if you don’t want to give the CUET exam, then you can take admission in online courses.
Do 12th Class Marks Matter For CUET 2025?
Yes, your class 12 marks do matter, but partially, which means you need to pass class 12th with the minimum required marks to be eligible to appear in the CUET examination. The minimum marks required are around 50%, although it can vary depending on the category and the university.
But if you haven’t scored well in your 12th board then don’t worry, your board marks are not used to decide your rank or admission if the college is accepting CUET scores. That means even if you did not score very high in your boards, you still have a good chance if you perform well in the CUET exam.
Some universities are still considering the board marks for tie-breaking or eligibility in specific courses, but overall, CUET carries more weightage in the admission process now. It is your performance in CUET truly decide whether you are getting into a college or not?
CUET 2025 Eligibility Criteria For UG & PG Courses
Eligibility Criteria For CUET UG Exam
- Candidates must have passed the Class 12 or equivalent from any recognised board in India.
- The candidates need to score a minimum of 50% marks on their marksheet.
- There is no age limit for the exam.
- Some universities have their norms with an age limit; you need to verify before submitting your application.
Eligibility Criteria For CUET PG Exam
- The candidates are required to have a bachelor’s degree or equivalent with a minimum of 55% in the marksheet.
- There is no age limit to appear for the CUET PG 2025 examination.
- Some universities have different norms with age limits. Candidates are advised to verify the age requirements of the university they wish to apply to before submitting their applications.
How To Register For CUET 2025: Step-by-Step Process
Step 1: Register Yourself
The first step is to visit the official website of NTA or directly to the CUET portal, and register yourself by providing your personal details, and you need to create a password and choose a security question. After successful registration you will get an application number, note it down for the future.
Step 2: Fill out the Application Form
Now login on the portal and fill in your personal application form by giving information related to your qualifications and choose the universities or programs you want to apply to. Also, select your preferred exam cities.
Step 3: Upload Required Documents
After filling the application form now you will need to upload documents, including a passport-size photograph, a scanned signature, and your marksheet.
Step 4: Pay the Application Fee
After uploading your documents, you are required to pay the exam fee online using Net Banking, UPI, Debit/Credit Card, etc.
Step 5: Download the Confirmation Page
Once your payment is successful, you’ll see a Confirmation Page. If not, check with your bank or try again later. Save and print the Confirmation Page after payment for future reference.
How Is CUET Different From Other Entrance Exams In 2025?
CUET exam is quite different from other exams, it is a single exam for admission in multiple central, state and even some private universities across the country. It is easy for students; instead of writing separate entrance tests for each college, students can apply and appear for a single entrance exam.
Unlike exams like JEE or NEET that are for specific fields (engineering or medicine), CUET is for general UG and PG programs like BA, BSc, BCom, MA, MSc, and other courses. It’s more about testing your subject knowledge and general aptitude rather than your problem-solving skills.
Also, CUET aims to create a fairer system, especially for students from state boards who often feel left out because of the high cut-offs in top universities. The main idea behind the CUET exam is to shift the focus from just board marks to actual performance in a common test, so everyone gets an equal chance.
How Does CUET Affect Your College Choices? A Complete Analysis
- Your CUET score matters more than board marks now:
Earlier, admissions were based on merit, which means you get admission based on how much you scored in your previous examination. But now, after CUET has come, your CUET scorecard has become the main factor.
- You can apply to multiple universities with one exam:
CUET is accepted by many central, state, and private universities. Instead of appearing for separate entrance exams for each college, now you just need to take a single CUET exam and use your score to apply to several institutes. This makes the admission process much simpler and more student-friendly.
- More fairness for students from all education boards:
Different school boards have different marking systems. CUET brings everyone to the same level by testing students through one common exam. So, no matter if you are from CBSE, ICSE, or a state board, your chances depend on your CUET performance, not on your board’s marks.
- It helps reduce the pressure of unrealistic cut-offs:
Remember when DU used to have cut-offs like 99%? That was stressful for almost every student. With CUET, admissions are more balanced because everyone is judged based on the same test.
- You need to plan your subject choices smartly:
Since CUET is course-specific, you will need to select the right subjects while filling out the form. Your choices should match the requirements of the courses and universities you are targeting, so it’s important to plan.
Is CUET 2025 A Fair System For Students Across India?
Yes, the CUET 2025 is fairer as compared to the older admission process. It gives an equal chance to all students from all boards and regions. This reduces the dependency of your college admission on your boards and UG score.
It helps students from strict boards or rural areas compete equally with others. Since CUET is used by many top universities, you don’t need to appear for different entrance tests, which also reduces stress.
However, there are still some challenges, like internet issues or a lack of resources in remote areas. So, while CUET is a fair step forward, it still needs improvement to be better for everyone.
Check Out Our UG And PG Courses
Summing Up
So, is CUET mandatory for UG and PG degree courses? The answer is yes, CUET is now required for both undergraduate and postgraduate admissions. It has been introduced to bring fairness and transparency to the college admission process.
Now it doesn’t matter if you are from a metro city or a small town, CUET gives everyone an equal chance to prove themself. While it doesn’t completely replace board exam marks, it does reduce their weightage. There are still a few challenges, but overall, CUET is a positive change. With the right preparation, you can take full advantage of this new system.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q.1 Can I get admission in PG without CUET?
Ans. Yes, it is possible to get PG admissions without the CUET exam. Some state and private universities, do not require CUET scores for their PG programs.
Q.2 Can I go to Delhi University without CUET?
Q.3 Does CUET have negative marking?
Q.4 What are the benefits of CUET?
Ans. CUET provides a streamlined admission process, merit-based admissions, and reduced stress for students by having a single entrance test.
Q.5 Can I prepare for CUET and other entrance exams simultaneously?
Ans. Yes, many students prepare for CUET and other entrance exams simultaneously, but it’s essential to create a strategic study plan.
