CUET UG vs CUET PG: What's the Difference?
NTA’s Common University Entrance Test (CUET) is a national-level exam for admission to central, state, deemed, and government-funded universities. The exam is conducted separately for undergraduate and postgraduate level courses. CUET UG is the gateway to undergraduate courses across participating institutes, while CUET PG is for admission to postgraduate programs.
This article explains the differences between the two exams based on level, pattern, syllabus, marking scheme, eligibility, and participating universities.
All About the CUET UG Exam
The eligible courses for CUET UG exams are BA, B.Sc, BBA, B.Tech, B.Com, BFA, and more. Here’s everything you should know about the CUET UG exam before applying.
- Exam Name: Common University Entrance Test for Undergraduate Courses
- Exam Mode: Computer-Based Test (CBT) only
- Conducted at: Undergraduate level
- Eligibility: Must have passed Class 10+2
- Exam Duration: 60 minutes
- Total Questions: 50 questions for each test paper, and all questions are compulsory
- Sections: Three sections, including language, domain-specific, and general aptitude test
- Application Mode: Can be filled and submitted online only
- Shifts: Multiple shifts, depending on the number of applicants and choices of subjects.
- Application fee: ₹1000 for general category students applying for up to 3 subjects.
All About the CUET PG Exam
If you are planning to take the CUET PG exam, you should be familiar with the following details:
- Exam Name: Common University Entrance Test for Postgraduate Courses
- Exam Mode: Computer-Based Test (CBT)
- Conducted at: Postgraduate Level
- Eligibility: Bachelor’s or its equivalent
- Exam Duration: 90 minutes
- Total Questions: 75
- Application Mode: Online only
- Application fee: ₹1400 for general category students applying for up to 2 test papers
- Question Paper Medium: English and Hindi (Bilingual), except for languages, MTech/ Higher Sciences, and Acharya papers (excluding Hindu Studies, Buddhist Studies, and Indian Knowledge System).
- Question Paper Codes Choice: Candidates may select up to four question paper codes
Who Should Take CUET UG vs CUET PG?
Those who want to pursue their undergraduate or postgraduate degree from a central university or other participating universities should take the CUET UG or CUET PG exam.
- If you are in or have passed Class 12th, you should take the CUET UG exam.
- If you are in the final year of graduation or have completed graduation, then CUET PG is for you.
- If you are a working professional and want to pursue full-time higher education, then take the CUET PG exam.
- If you have completed Class 12th from open schooling, then you should give CUET UG.
CUET UG vs CUET PG Eligibility Criteria
Since the CUET UG and CUET PG exams are conducted for different course levels, the eligibility criteria for both exams differ. The table below outlines the important differences in CUET eligibility criteria:
| Eligibility Factor | CUET UG | CUET PG |
| Minimum qualification | Class 12th passed or appearing candidates can apply. | Bachelor’s degree or final-year candidates can apply. |
| Age limit | No age limit for CUET. Universities may have their own age criteria. | No age limit for CUET PG. Universities may have their own age criteria. |
| Minimum marks | Passing grades in Class 12th. | Minimum passing marks depend on the university and program. |
| Nationality | Indian citizens | Indian citizens |
Planning for CUET UG or PG? Understand Exam Pattern
Preparation for any exam begins with understanding the syllabus and exam pattern, as it gives an idea of the type of questions, the number of questions, and the marking scheme. Though both exams are conducted in computer-based mode, the exam patterns are different. Here’s the side-by-side comparison of the CUET UG and CUET PG exam patterns:
| Aspect | CUET UG Exam Pattern 2027 | CUET PG Exam Pattern 2027 |
| Exam Duration | 1 Hour | 1.5 Hours |
| Mode of Examination | Computer-Based Test | Computer-Based Test |
| Total Number of Questions | 50 per subject (all questions are compulsory) | 75 questions |
| Choice of Test Paper | Maximum 5 subjects, including language and General Aptitude Test | Select a maximum of four subjects |
| Marking Scheme | +5 for every correct answer
-1 for every wrong answer |
+4 for every correct answer -1 for every wrong answer 0 for unattempted questions |
| Medium of Paper | 13 Indian languages (English, Assamese, Gujarati, Hindi, Bengali, Malayalam, Kannada, Marathi, Punjabi, Tamil, Odia, Telugu, and Urdu) | Bilingual (English & Hindi) by default, except specific language and linguistic papers |
Which Universities Accept CUET UG vs CUET PG Scores?
Top central universities such as Delhi University, JNU, Jamia Millia Islamia, BHU, and University of Hyderabad accept scores of both exams. The table outlines the number of participating universities in both exams:
| University Type | No. of CUET UG Participating Universities | No. of CUET PG Participating Universities |
| Central Universities | 49 | 45 |
| State Universities | 41 | 40 |
| Deemed Universities | 27 | 15 |
| Private Universities | 120 | 74 |
| Other Government Institutions | 7 | 24 |
| Total Participating Universities | 244 | 194 |
Conclusion
NTA conducts both CUET UG and CUET PG for admission to participating universities, but they cater to different levels of higher education. CUET UG is for students who are seeking admission to undergraduate courses after Class 12, while CUET PG is for graduates seeking admission to postgraduate courses. Understanding the CUET UG vs CUET PG exam pattern, eligibility criteria, courses, and participating universities can help learners choose the right entrance exam and plan their preparation accordingly.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, you can not take both exams in the same year. Since CUET UG is for 12th pass-out students and CUET PG is for graduates.
No, CUET PG and CUET UG are not the same. They are two separate national-level entrance exams conducted by NTA.
The CUET PG exam provides a single national gateway for admission to master's and professional courses across 194 participating universities in India.
The CUET UG registration fee for OBC category candidates is ₹900 for up to 3 subjects and ₹375 per additional subject. If you are applying for CUET PG, then the application fee is ₹1200 for up to two papers and ₹600 per additional paper.
For admission to B.Ed programs across universities, CUET PG scores are considered.
The popular CUET PG courses are MBA, M.Sc., M.Ed., MPA, M.Com, MA, M.Li.Sc, M.Tech, M.El.Ed, and many more.
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