Common University Entrance Test

What is CUET, Why CUET is important, and CUET Full Form

Updated on 21st February 2024 | 13:09 pm | #CUETfullform

CUET Full Form: The UGC in accordance with the MoE, decided in 2022 to conduct a centralized entrance test (CUET) for UG admissions to the central and many other (state, deemed, and private) universities across the country. Common University Entrance Test is the full form of CUET. One year down the line, in CUET 2023 a total of 249 universities (including 45 central universities) participated and took UG admissions based on the CUET scorecard of the candidates. The number of participating universities is expected to increase significantly in CUET 2024. This whole initiative of CUET has revamped the entire UG admission scenario in the country.

The CUET full form is the Common University Entrance Test. What is CUET doing is that it has negated the difference in marking schemes and difficulty levels of various Boards. Now, none of the candidates have to compete in the high cut-offs of various top universities based on their Board results. This is why CUET is important from every student's perspective.

Follow this article till the end to learn briefly about the CUET full form, what the CUET exam is, why it is important, and the difference between the Boards & CUET. The CUET full form is the Common University Entrance Test, but what makes it unique from other entrance exams? Understand and clear all the doubts by going through this article.

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What is CUET

CUET full form is the Common University Entrance Test. Before delving into "Why CUET is important?" It is essential to understand what is CUET. It is a common entrance test for UG admissions into 45+ central universities and 250+ universities in total across the country. The CUET 2024 will be conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) in an online computer-based MCQ mode. It has already announced the dates for CUET 2024, which is going to be conducted from May 15 to May 31. The registration and application form for CUET 2024 is expected to be released in the first or second week of February 2024. Students should keep track of the announcements by the NTA regarding CUET 2024 and fill out the CUET application form as and when it is released.

A few crucial details regarding what is CUET:

Exam Name

CUET

CUET full form

Common University Entrance Test

What is CUET

Common entrance test for UG admission

Exam conducting body

NTA (National Testing Agency)

Exam mode

Computer-based (MCQ mode)

Exam schedule

Once a year (Feb-June)

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CUET full form

The CUET full form is Common University Entrance Test and it will be the sole gateway for UG admission to all the universities participating in it. CUET is not a completely new concept, then what is CUET? The CUET was earlier known as CUCET and only a mere 13-15 central universities participated. It was revamped and re-launched in 2022 when 90 universities participated. Now, in CUET 2024 more than 250 universities are expected to participate and take admission based on the CUET score of the candidate. The full form of CUET is the Common University Entrance Test and is self-explanatory that the exam is one common test for all the universities participating in it. This is why CUET is very important for all students aspiring for a seat in any of the top universities in the country for pursuing their UG.

Check out the important dates and details of CUET 2024. Click here

Top Reasons to Take CUET

What is CUET? It is a common UG entrance test for admissions to 250+ participating universities. Some of the advantages that you will gain in your higher education career by taking the CUET (Common University Entrance Test) include:

1. Access to Top Universities: CUET has since become the entryway into undergraduate admissions in more than 50 Central and State universities, including key institutions such as Delhi University, Jawaharlal Nehru University, and Jamia Millia Islami CUET is a crucial step for those who have dreams of studying at one of these reputed colleges and universities.

2. Standardized and Fair System: CUET discontinues the long-standing practice of university entry tests that were often found corrupt and unfair for those from particular boards. CUET provides a standardized test; hence, the student who belongs to a different board or background gets an equal opportunity to win this examination.

3. Wider Choice of Courses: CUET doesn’t limit you to one particular course or institution. The range of undergraduate courses in various fields available with the participating institutions is very wide. This structure provides you with an opportunity to identify your area of interest, develop it, and find a program that matches your career goals.

4. Reduced Costs and Stress: Sitting for many university entrance examinations is quite costly and stressful. One of the most compelling reasons to enroll in CUET is that you no longer have to waste your precious time, money, and energy preparing for separate entrance exams. Therefore, you will be able to concentrate on one test and every chance of getting admission to the program of your choice.

5. Improved Skills and Knowledge: The preparation for CUET requires the polishing of basic skills such as critical thinking, reasoning, and language proficiency. This procedure not only enables you to shine in the examination but also provides you with what is necessary in the educational and professional fields.

6. Scholarship Opportunities: Many universities provide scholarships according to merit based on CUET scores. Doing well in the test can include access to scholarship opportunities and reducing the financial pressures of education.

7. Early Exposure to Competitive Exams: Taking CUET can be a good trial for national-level competitive examinations like UPSC Civil Services or CAT. Starting with CUET early in your academic career will familiarize you with the competitive exam setting and allow you to perfect your strategies for taking the test.

Difference Between Boards and CUET

Factors

Boards

CUET

Scope

Nationwide, various boards (CBSE, ICSE, State)

Specific to central universities in India

Examinations Covered

Class X and Class XII board exams

Entrance exam for undergraduate programs

Subjects

Wide range, including Science, Commerce, Arts

Depends on the university and the courses offered

Curriculum

Prescribed curriculum for each board

Determined by the UGC, NTA, & Central Universities

Exam Pattern

Theory-based exams, practical exams where applicable

Entrance test typically assesses knowledge and skills

Grading System

Varied (e.g., CGPA, percentage)

Varied (marks and percentile)

Eligibility Criteria

Based on passing the respective board exams

Usually based on Class XII results and entrance scores

Application Process

Application through respective board's process

Online application through CUET portal

Applicability

Used for school education certification

Used for UG admission to the participating universities in India

Commonly Accepted

Recognized across India

Accepted by 250+ universities, including 44+ central universities participating in CUET

Why CUET is important?

Until 2022, each central university had a distinct mechanism for taking admissions into their UG programs. To unify this process, the MoE along with the UGC has introduced CUET (The full form of CUET is the Common University Entrance Test), which is a common exam for UG admissions into all the central and many other universities of India. The Test will be conducted by the NTA (National Testing Agency) once a year.

Some of the reasons why CUET is important are listed below:

Equal Opportunity to Each Student

Every student wishes to get admission to their preferred university. However, due to the immense weightage of the 12th Board marks, not every student had an equal opportunity for admission to their dream college/university. Class 12th score-based cut-off gave all the importance to the Board marks. While the syllabus, difficulty level, and marking practices followed by various universities are hugely different. What is CUET? It will now provide every student with a fair chance to perform their best in this common entrance test and seek admission to the university of their choice based on their CUET score. The NTA & CUET has made it clear that from 2022 onwards UG admission will be completely based on the CUET score of the candidates only.

Some universities fear that with the introduction of the common entrance exam, the weightage and importance of the 12th standard results will perish. However, that’s probably not the case. The NTA has kept the syllabus for CUET completely based on the class 12th syllabus. Moreover, the University of Delhi has announced the consideration of class 12th marks for the tiebreaker scenario (students with equal CUET scores, choosing the same college and course). Many more universities are expected to follow the same. This certainly increases the importance of the class 12th results significantly.

Clarity of Rank

It was evident in the past admission procedures that students had little clarity over their ranks and standings among peers. For instance, DU did not reveal the ranks of students due to 12th merit-based admissions. It caused chaos among students and thus resulted in the hopping of students from one college to another. What is CUET provides a detailed scorecard to each candidate. It is quite expected that students will no longer remain unclear about their ranks and the colleges they will be eligible for. The CUET scores along with the respective university merit list will give the students a clear idea about their preferences and thus they can focus on getting admission to the particular college without any hassle and confusion.

End to cut-off Wrestling

The very popular system of cut-off at some universities will come to an end. The CUET full form is the Common University Entrance Test, and it will probably create its dimensions of a rush but the chaos of cut-off will be over. Now, each university will be involved in one common entrance test and will take admissions based on merit in the CUET. It's time students’ aspirations are put to priority and a fair mechanism is given to them for college admissions.

Equal Opportunity to Everyone

One of the most striking answers to "Why CUET is important?" is that equality serves everyone. So far, each university has its own set of UG admission processes which may or may not be fair to the reputation of each college. While some colleges had their cut-off system, some took admissions based on entrance exams. Due to this system, some universities gained massive popularity while some were stuck in the backseat. With a common entrance test, what is CUET hopes is that such disparities will be shortened and each university will get a fair chance of providing admission to the students.

As the full form of CUET suggests, it will give an equal and common opportunity to everyone.

Tips for Cracking CUET with Good Marks

Clearing the Central Universities Common Entrance Test (CUET) with a good score involves efficient strategies and systematic preparation. Let's explore them:

  • Understand the Exam Pattern: Make yourself aware of the CUET exam structure, such as the number of sections, type of questions, and time each section permits. This understanding will guide your study plan.
  • Create a study schedule. Design an organized study timetable incorporating all subjects and setting aside adequate time for revisions. It is essential to have consistency in studying, so make sure you spread your study sessions over weeks or months.
  • Practice Regularly: Solving previous years’ CUET papers and taking regular mock tests can be a practical approach. This type of practice will familiarize you with the examination format, help you improve your timing, and help you identify your strengths and weaknesses.
  • Time Management: Learn to manage your time efficiently while sitting for the exam. Set a timer for each section and question and stick to this time allocation; therefore, do not dwell too long on a single question.
  • Revision is Key: You should practice periodic revision of the topics covered to refresh your memory and ensure your comprehension. Prepare short summaries that will help condense faster revision just before the examination date.

Check out the list of universities participating in CUET 2024, below. Along with the CUET university list, also go through some other crucial details of CUET 2024.

Suggested Readings

CUET University List

Complete list of universities participating in CUET 2024

CUET Syllabus 2024

Brief section-wise syllabus for CUET 2024

CUET Preparation

Read on to get invaluable tips and strategies…

CUET Freezone

Explore free resources for your CUET preparation…


The aim is not only to make you aware of the CUET full form but the importance of the test as well. This article has tried to keep you updated and informed about what CUET is and when the exam will be, but also to aid our aspirants in the best way possible.

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Frequently Asked Questions

CUET 2024 covers about 3 lakh seats across the country.

No, DU does not take admissions without CUET.