CUET UG explained: who should take it and how to prepare

CUET-UG (Common University Entrance Test) is conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA). It's used for undergraduate admission to central universities like Delhi University, BHU, JNU and Jamia, and many state, deemed and private universities also accept it. Is it compulsory? Only for the universities that use it. If you want a central university, you'll almost certainly need CUET. Engineering (JEE), medicine (NEET), law (CLAT) and design (NID/UCEED) have their own exams. What's tested - Languages: reading comprehension and vocabulary. - Domain subjects: based on the Class 12 syllabus (NCERT), like accountancy, physics, history. - General Aptitude Test: general knowledge, current affairs, reasoning and basic maths, for courses that require it. Rules on how many subjects you can choose and the exact pattern can change between years, so read the current NTA information bulletin. How to prepare 1. Check what your target course needs. Each university lists required subject combinations. Pick CUET subjects to match. 2. NCERT Class 12 books are the core of domain-subject prep. 3. Practise previous papers and NTA mock tests for speed. 4. General Aptitude Test: daily current affairs and basic quant. Common mistake: choosing CUET subjects that don't match the course you want. For example, some economics honours courses require maths. Check before you register. Tip: your boards still matter for eligibility, so don't let CUET prep crowd them out. If you're unsure which course to target, Guidopia's Career DNA can suggest degrees and careers that fit your strengths.