CUET 2025 Ultimate Guide: Exam Dates, Syllabus, Pattern, Application, Eligibility & Latest Updates
Are you gearing up for the Common University Entrance Test (CUET) 2025? This all-in-one entrance exam opens doors to undergraduate (UG) programs at Central Universities and other top institutions for the 2025-26 academic year. Conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA), CUET levels the playing field, making higher education accessible to students from rural and urban India alike. Whether you’re aiming for Delhi University, JNU, or BHU, this guide has everything you need—dates, syllabus, exam pattern, eligibility, application steps, and insider tips—optimized to help you succeed!
What is CUET 2025?
CUET 2025 is a game-changer for UG admissions. It’s a single, standardized test that connects students with premier universities across India. Designed to promote fairness, CUET empowers candidates—especially from remote areas—to compete for seats at institutions like DU, BHU, and JMI. Ready to dive in? Let’s break it down.
CUET 2025 Important Dates
Mark your calendars with these key deadlines:
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Online Application Starts | March 1, 2025 |
| Application Deadline | March 22, 2025 (11:50 PM) |
| Correction Window | March 24–26, 2025 (11:50 PM) |
| CUET 2025 Exam Dates | May 8–June 1, 2025 |
Pro Tip: Check cuet.nta.nic.in regularly for updates!
CUET 2025 Exam Overview
- Registration: Online at cuet.nta.nic.in
- Subjects: 37 total (13 languages + 23 domain-specific + 1 General Test)
- Medium: 13 Indian languages (e.g., English, Hindi, Tamil, Urdu)
- Choice: Pick up to 5 subjects (no Class 12 subject restriction)
- Mode: Computer-Based Test (CBT)
- Marking: +5 (correct), -1 (incorrect), 0 (unanswered)
- Questions: 50 per paper (all compulsory)
- Duration: 60 minutes per paper
- Shifts: Multiple, based on registrations
CUET 2025 Exam Pattern
CUET is split into three sections. Here’s the rundown:
| Section | Details | Questions | Type | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Section IA | 13 Languages | 50 | Reading Comprehension | 60 min/language |
| Section II | 23 Domain Subjects | 50 | MCQs (NCERT Class 12) | 60 min/subject |
| Section III | General Test | 50 | GK, Reasoning, Numerical Ability | 60 min |
- Section IA: Tests language skills via passages (factual, literary, narrative).
- Section II: Domain knowledge from NCERT Class 12 books.
- Section III: Mandatory aptitude test—think GK, logic, and basic math.
CUET 2025 Syllabus
Know what to study:
- Section IA – Languages: Reading comprehension + vocabulary, Passage-based (factual, literary, narrative)
- Section II – Domain Subjects: 23 options (e.g., Physics, History, Economics), Strictly NCERT Class 12 syllabus
- Section III – General Test: General Knowledge & Current Affairs, Mental Ability & Logical Reasoning, Numerical Ability (Grade 8-level math: arithmetic, algebra, geometry)
Download: Grab the detailed syllabus from NTA’s site here for clarity.
CUET 2025 Eligibility: Who Can Apply?
- Age: No limit—open to all!
- Qualification: Passed Class 12 or appearing in 2025.
- Accepted Boards/Exams: CBSE, CISCE, State Boards, NIOS Senior Secondary, 3-Year Diploma (AICTE/State-approved), GCE A-Level, IB Diploma, or equivalent (AIU-certified for foreign boards)
Reservation:
| Category | % Reserved |
|---|---|
| SC | 15% |
| ST | 7.5% |
| OBC (Non-Creamy) | 27% |
| PwD | 5% |
Heads-Up: Confirm university-specific criteria (e.g., minimum marks) before applying.
How to Apply for CUET 2025
Simple steps to get started:
- Register: Visit cuet.nta.nic.in, Enter personal info, set a password, get your Application Number
- Fill the Form: Log in, add: Academic details, University/program choices, Up to 5 subjects, Exam city preferences, Upload photo/signature
- Pay the Fee: Use Net Banking, Card, or UPI, Fee depends on category/subjects (check NTA bulletin)
- Confirm: Download your Confirmation Page post-payment
Edit Window: March 24–26, 2025—fix mistakes then!
Fee Details for CUET(UG) – 2025
Candidates may choose up to a maximum of five (05) subjects including languages and General Aptitude Test. Fees will be calculated based on the number of subjects chosen by the candidates.
| Category | Up to 03 Subjects | For each Additional Subject |
|---|---|---|
| General (UR) | 1000/- | 400/- (each) |
| OBC (NCL)/EWS | 900/- | 375/- (each) |
| SC/ST/PwD/PwBD/Third gender | 800/- | 350/- (each) |
| Centres outside India | 4500/- | 1800/- (each) |
CUET 2025 Marking Scheme
| Response | Marks |
|---|---|
| Correct Answer | +5 |
| Wrong Answer | -1 |
| Unanswered | 0 |
Strategy: Guess smart—negative marking can hurt!
Top Preparation Tips for CUET 2025
- NCERT is King: Stick to Class 12 textbooks for domain subjects.
- Mock It Up: Practice CBT-style tests for speed.
- Stay Current: Follow news for Section III.
- Math Basics: Revise Grade 8 concepts.
- Time It: 60 minutes per paper—practice pacing.
Universities Accepting CUET 2025 Scores
Dream big—these top names use CUET:
- Delhi University (DU)
- Banaras Hindu University (BHU)
- Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU)
- Aligarh Muslim University (AMU)
- Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI)
- GGSIPU (IP University)
CUET 2025 FAQs
- Who is eligible to apply for CUET 2025?
Students who have completed or are appearing for their Class 12 board exams in 2025 are eligible. They must meet the minimum marks criteria set by the respective universities. - What is the marking scheme for CUET 2025?
+5 marks for each correct answer, -1 mark for each incorrect answer, No negative marking for unanswered questions - How many subjects can I choose in CUET 2025?
Candidates can select up to 5 subjects, including languages, domain-specific subjects, and the General Test. - Will CUET 2025 be conducted in offline or online mode?
CUET 2025 will be conducted in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode only. - How many times is CUET conducted in a year?
CUET is conducted once a year by the NTA for undergraduate admissions. - Can I apply for multiple universities through CUET?
Yes, candidates can apply to multiple universities and programs through a single CUET application. However, they must check each university’s eligibility criteria. - How should I prepare for CUET 2025?
Follow the NCERT syllabus for domain subjects, Practice previous year’s question papers, Improve speed and accuracy for the General Test, Stay updated with current affairs for better performance - What are the top universities accepting CUET 2025 scores?
Delhi University (DU), Banaras Hindu University (BHU), Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI), Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University (GGSIPU) - Can I edit my CUET application after submission?
Yes, NTA provides a correction window after the application deadline, allowing candidates to edit certain details. - What happens if my payment is deducted but the confirmation page is not generated?
If you do not receive a confirmation page after payment, contact your bank/payment gateway (details available in the CUET Information Bulletin) to check the transaction status.
Why CUET 2025 Matters
CUET isn’t just an exam—it’s your shot at India’s best universities. With a clear plan, the right resources (NCERT, mocks, this guide!), and timely prep, you’re set to shine. Start now, stay updated via cuet.nta.nic.in, and ace it!