University admission tests (CUET)
CUET UG 2027: Exam Pattern, Syllabus & Eligibility
Common University Entrance Test (Undergraduate) · conducted by National Testing Agency (NTA)
CUET UG is the common entrance test for undergraduate admission to central universities such as Delhi University, BHU and JNU, and to many state, deemed and private universities that accept its scores. Conducted by the National Testing Agency as a computer-based test, it lets you choose up to five subjects from languages, domain subjects and a General Aptitude Test; each test has 50 compulsory questions in 60 minutes, marked +5 for a correct answer and −1 for a wrong one.
When is CUET UG?
CUET UG is held once a year, usually between May and June, over several days and shifts.
CUET UG at a glance
- Conducted by
- National Testing Agency (NTA)
- Mode
- Computer-based test
- Subjects
- Up to 5, from languages, domain subjects and the General Aptitude Test
- Per test
- 50 compulsory questions, 60 minutes
- Marks per test
- 250
- Marking
- +5 correct, −1 wrong
- Languages
- 13 mediums
- Used by
- Central universities and many state, deemed and private universities
CUET UG exam pattern
| Section | What it tests | Questions per test | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Languages | Reading comprehension, vocabulary, grammar and literary aptitude | 50 | 60 minutes |
| Domain subjects | Class 12 syllabus of the chosen subject (Physics, Accountancy, History…) | 50 | 60 minutes |
| General Aptitude Test | GK, current affairs, mental ability, numerical ability and reasoning | 50 | 60 minutes |
- Choose your subjects from the requirements of each programme you are applying to — they differ by university and course.
- When a subject is held in several shifts, scores are normalised.
CUET UG syllabus
Languages
- Reading comprehension (factual, literary and narrative passages)
- Vocabulary: synonyms, antonyms, word usage
- Grammar and sentence correction
- Literary aptitude
Domain subjects
- The Class 12 NCERT syllabus of each chosen subject, e.g. Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Biology, Accountancy, Business Studies, Economics, History, Political Science, Geography, Psychology
General Aptitude Test
- General knowledge and current affairs
- General mental ability
- Numerical ability and quantitative reasoning (arithmetic, algebra, geometry, mensuration, statistics)
- Logical and analytical reasoning
NTA publishes subject-wise syllabi; domain subjects follow the Class 12 NCERT books.
CUET UG eligibility
- Class 12 (or equivalent) passed or appearing.
- No age limit for CUET itself.
- Each university sets its own eligibility for each programme (required subjects and minimum marks).
How to prepare for CUET UG
- 1Shortlist your target universities and programmes first, then choose CUET subjects that satisfy all of them.
- 2For domain subjects, revise the Class 12 NCERT books thoroughly — questions follow them closely.
- 350 questions in 60 minutes per test leaves about 70 seconds per question, so practise timed sets.
- 4With −1 for a wrong answer, skip questions you cannot narrow down.
CUET UG FAQs
How many subjects can I choose in CUET UG?
Up to five subjects in total across languages, domain subjects and the General Aptitude Test.
Is there negative marking in CUET UG?
Yes. Each correct answer gets +5 and each wrong answer −1. Unanswered questions get 0.
How many questions are there in each CUET UG test?
Each test has 50 compulsory questions to be answered in 60 minutes, for 250 marks.
Is CUET required for Delhi University?
Yes. Admission to most undergraduate programmes at Delhi University and other central universities is based on CUET UG scores.
Is there an age limit for CUET UG?
No. NTA sets no age limit, but each university may have its own requirements.
Practise CUET UG on GyanBook
Timed quizzes and mock tests that follow the real marking scheme, instant scores with step-by-step solutions, and progress tracking for every subject. Free to start.
Related exams
GyanBook India is an independent practice platform and is not affiliated with the body that conducts CUET UG. These details were checked against official sources on 13 October 2026. Exam dates, eligibility rules and patterns can change — always confirm them on the official website (cuet.nta.nic.in) before you apply.