CUET Exam 2024: Exam Date, Eligibility, Registration, Pattern, Syllabus, Cut Off

Your comprehensive guide to CUET 2024: Everything you need to know about CUET 2024

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CUET 2024 overview

CUET is India’s premier exam for undergraduate admissions to the top central and state universities. It was started in 2022 to standardise the process for undergraduate admissions. With over 250+ colleges and universities participating in the process, it is the most popular route to get into prestigious institutions such as DU, BHU, JNU, Allahabad University, and Jamia Milia. 

Until 2021, the UGC conducted it in the paper-pencil mode on a much smaller scale. It was transformed into a two-hour online computer-based test by the NTA in 2022 to make it more contemporary and accessible across 500 cities in India. 

CUET 2024 exam date

The CUET 2024 exam dates are yet to be released. But you should still begin your preparations well in time. If previous trends are to be believed, then the application form should be released in early February, and the CUET should be slotted for the last week of May 2024. 

You can bookmark the official CUET website cuet.samarth.ac.in and the NTA website cuet.nta.nic.in to keep track of all the official announcements. 

Highlights of CUET 2024

We’ve collated all the essential information about CUET in the table below:

CUET 2024 eligibility criteria 

Aspirants must ensure that they meet the minimum eligibility requirements of the CUET 2024 exam. These requirements, while being generalised, also have institution-specific requirements. You can check out the Delhi University eligibility criteria for CUET to gain a better understanding. 

For the general criteria applicable across all colleges, read below. 

1. You need a minimum of 50% marks in your 12th boards as a general candidate and 45% as an SC/ST candidate. 
2. Your high school subjects should match the subject requirements of the course and college you’re opting for. 
3. While there is no age limit, many institutions have specific educational requirements that must be fulfilled. 
4. You need to apply to three participating universities and have a combination of three chosen programs while filling out your CUET forms. 
5. Even though you can register for the CUET exam without giving your 12th boards, you’ll be asked to furnish the mark sheet during counselling. 
6. You must be either of Indian nationality or a subject of Nepal and Bhutan. Tibetan refugees and people from the following countries who have permanently moved to India can also apply:

• Pakistan
• Myanmar
• Sri Lanka
• Kenya
• Uganda
• Tanzania
• Zambia
• Malawi
• Zaire
• Ethiopia 
• Vietnam

1. There are no limitations in this category. As long as you meet the educational requirements of the colleges, you’re free to re-apply as many times as you want. 
2. Apart from the above criteria, the following reservation quotas must also be met. 

• SC – 15%
• ST – 7.5%
• OBC (Non-creamy layer) – 27%
• PwD – 5%

Always make sure that you go through the official website and check out the qualification parameters pertaining to you and your preferred colleges. 

CUET 2024 application form and fee

The application fee for the CUET exam is Rs. 800 for general candidates and Rs. 350 for SC/ST/PwD candidates. 

Once the official registration starts in February next year, here are the steps you must take. 

1. First, read the official information bulletin to ensure you get all key pointers. 
2. Click on register and fill out all your details. Create a new password and enter the OTP received on your phone number. 
3. Validate your registration by completing the verification process. 
4. Once this is done, you can open the application form on your dashboard. 
5. Fill out your biodata, address, educational information, course and university preferences, and exam centre. 
6. Upload your photograph, relevant documents, signature, and declaration. 
7. Check for the confirmation received upon submission of the application. 

CUET 2024 exam pattern

CUET 2024 will be conducted in three slots every day. The exam will be divided into three sections – the language test, the domain-specific subject test, and the general test. Below is a more detailed overview of the exact pattern:

Students need to choose a minimum of three and a maximum of 10 subjects. Choosing one language out of Section 1A is compulsory. Many colleges have also made the general test mandatory. Individual subject requirements can be confirmed on the official website. For DU-specific subject requirements, you can read here. 

CUET marking scheme

The CUET marking scheme includes negative marking. You’ll be awarded +5 for the correct response and – 1 for an incorrect one. Unattempted questions will not be graded. 

Many times, questions also get dropped. A dropped question is one with no correct answer available. Students who attempt this question will get full marks,i.e., +5.

CUET 2024 syllabus 

Based on past trends, it can be concluded that each subject in the CUET exam will be based on the NCERT textbooks. 

For the General test syllabus, refer to the table below. 

CUET 2024 admit card

The admit card, also known as the hall ticket, is your key to entering the examination hall. Failing to bring it with you will keep you from being able to write the paper. You can download it from the official website. Another essential document is the exam city slip which, too, can be downloaded from your personal dashboard. 

How to download CUET admit card? 

All you need to do is log into your account on cuet.samarth.ac.in, click on the ‘Download Admit Card’ tab from the menu and enter your credentials. 

You’ll be taken to a separate window with your admit card. Take a printout and bring it with you to the examination centre. 

CUET 2024 preparation tips

Here’s an essential step-by-step guide to preparing for CUET:

1. Go through the CUET syllabus thoroughly to understand which topics to focus your energy on. Not all NCERT topics are covered in CUET. 
2. Understand the exam pattern and marking scheme. This will allow you to choose the questions you want to tackle. It’ll also let you prepare a detailed time management strategy, keeping you from wasting time on more challenging questions. 
3. Gather all your study material. There are previous years’ papers and sample tests available online. You can look up video lectures on YouTube here. 
4. Join a reputed coaching institute to ensure you access the proper training and mentorship necessary to do well in CUET. You can check out the IMS Live Online and Comprehensive Classroom courses here. You can also fill out this form to get in touch with experienced mentors from IMS who can guide you better. 
5. Create a monthly target list and break it into weekly and daily targets. Use this list to build a detailed timetable focusing on your weaknesses while brushing up on your strengths. Or you can give the IMS Potential Mapper test to identify the areas you need to work on. 
6. Lastly, solve as many mock tests as possible. The mock exams acquaint you with the actual exam pattern and conditions, prepping you to do well on Dday. Sign up for the IMS test series here. It has 15 mock tests that come with detailed analytics and answer analyses that allow you to benchmark yourself against the competition on a national level.

List of CUET 2024 participating universities 

IP from last year, over 250 universities have signed up to have the CUET entrance test as their primary mode of shortlisting eligible candidates for their programs. Below we’ve curated a list of the top-ranking institutions according to the NIRF that are participating in the selection process via CUET. 

FAQ – CUET 2024 

1. Who can give CUET exam? 

Candidates who have cleared their 12th boards or are appearing for the same can give the exam. 

2. How do I apply for CUET? 

You can fill out the online application on the official website mentioned above. 

3. Is CUET the only pathway for all Central Universities admissions? 

Yes, any student wishing to be admitted to any Central University or an affiliated college must give CUET. 

4. Which colleges consider CUET scores for admissions? 

250+ universities will use CUET to shortlist candidates. A more detailed list is available above. 

5. Who will determine the final merit list for admission? 

The individual colleges will determine the final merit list. NTA will only host the official scorecards on their website. The particular colleges will conduct all procedures beyond that. 

6. Do I need multiple forms to apply to different universities? 

No. The exact form and scorecard are valid for as many universities as you want.