CUET Exam Pattern and Marking Scheme: What Every Student Should Know

CUET Exam Pattern and Marking Scheme: The Common University Entrance Test (CUET) is a national-level exam conducted annually by the National Testing Agency (NTA) for undergraduate admissions into central universities like Delhi University (DU), Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI), English and Foreign Languages University (EFLU), and the University of Allahabad. The CUET 2025 is tentatively scheduled to be held from May 15 to May 24, 2025, in 13 languages across 380 cities, including 26 international locations. Since CUET is now mandatory for admission to these universities, understanding its exam pattern and marking scheme is crucial for effective preparation. 

Check out: CUET Books

CUET Paper Pattern 2025 Highlights

Candidates can check the highlights of CUET Paper Pattern 2025 in table below. There are a total of three sections in the exam i.e., Section IA & IB, Section II, and Section III. 

CUET Exam Pattern 2025

Candidates who wish to participate in CUET UG exam must check CUET Paper Pattern 2025 here.

Mode of Exam: The CUET is a computer-based test (CBT), which means candidates will take the exam online.

• Pen and Paper Mode: Chemistry, English, Biology, General Test, Economics, Hindi, Physics, Mathematics, Geography, Physical Education, Business Studies, Accountancy, History, Political Science and Sociology

• Computer-Based Mode: Kannada, Odia, Punjabi, Telugu, Arabic, Chinese, French, Kashmiri, Konkani, Maithili, Nepali, Russian, Santhali, Sindhi, Tibetan, Agriculture, Fine Arts, Sanskrit, Psychology, Fashion Studies, Computer Science/ Informatic Practices, Sanskrit, Entrepreneurship, Home Science, Teaching Aptitude, Anthropology, Legal Studies, Assamese, Gujarati, Malayalam, Tamil, Urdu, Bodo, German, Manipuri, KTPI, Mass Media, Dogri, Persian, Spanish, Environmental Studies, Performing Arts, Bengali, Marathi, Italian, Japanese, Engineering Graphics, Tourism

Sections: The exam is divided into three main sections:

Section IA: This section contains questions from languages. Candidates can choose one language from the 13 offered, such as English, Hindi, or regional languages.

Section IB: This section also contains questions from languages but offers more choices. Candidates who wish to appear for more than one language can opt for additional languages in this section.

Section II: This section includes questions based on specific subjects that candidates want to pursue in their undergraduate course. It may cover subjects like Mathematics, Biology, Physics, Chemistry, History, Geography, etc.

Section III: This is an optional General Knowledge section, which tests candidates' awareness of current affairs, general knowledge, and logical reasoning.

Number of Questions:

• Section 1A and 1B consist of 40 questions each (20 questions for each language, candidates are required to attempt 40).

• Section 2 has 50 questions, and candidates can attempt a maximum of 40 questions.

• Section 3 has 25 questions, and candidates can attempt up to 20 questions.

Duration: The duration of the exam varies based on the number of sections and the subjects opted for, but generally, candidates will have between 2 to 3 hours to complete the exam.

Check out: CUET Mock Test

CUET Marking Scheme

Candidates who are preparing for CUET UG exam must go through CUET Marking Scheme before appearing for the exam.

Correct Answer: For every correct answer, candidates will be awarded 5 marks.

Incorrect Answer: For every incorrect answer, 1 mark will be deducted as negative marking. This means that answering incorrectly will reduce the overall score.

Unanswered Questions: If a candidate leaves a question unanswered, no marks will be awarded or deducted. However, candidates should be careful not to leave too many questions unattempted, as this may affect their overall score.

Total Marks: The total number of marks depends on the sections and the number of questions a candidate attempts. The maximum marks in the exam can range from 200 to 300.

Read More: CUET Negative Marking

CUET Preparation Tips 

Candidates must follow a proper strategy to prepare for CUET exam. Here are some essential CUET preparation tips that will help candidates approach the exam with confidence.

Understand the Exam Pattern: Before starting preparations, candidates must understand the CUET exam pattern thoroughly. This includes knowing the number of sections, types of questions, and the marking scheme. Knowing the format helps in managing time and avoiding confusion during the exam.

Create a Study Plan: A well-organized study plan is crucial for CUET preparation. Break down the syllabus into manageable sections and assign specific time slots for each topic. Set realistic goals for daily and weekly progress. This ensures comprehensive coverage of the syllabus.

Focus on Core Subjects: Since CUET tests candidates on specific subjects based on their chosen course, candidates should focus on their core subjects. Whether it's Mathematics, Science, or any language, mastering the core topics will help improve overall performance.

Practice Regularly: Regular practice is the key to mastering the concepts. Solve as many practice papers, mock tests, and sample papers as possible. This will help candidates get used to the exam format and improve their speed and accuracy.

Work on Time Management: Time management is crucial during the CUET exam. While practicing, candidates should time themselves to ensure they can complete the exam within the given time frame. Learn to prioritize easy and scoring questions first and leave challenging ones for later.

Strengthen Weak Areas: Identify weak areas and give them more attention. Whether it's a specific subject or a particular type of question, working on weaknesses will help candidates score better in the exam.

Use NCERT Books and Study Materials: For CUET Exam preparation, NCERT textbooks are an excellent resource, especially for subjects like Mathematics, Science, and General Knowledge. Using the right study materials helps in building a strong foundation for each topic.

Stay Updated on Current Affairs: For the General Knowledge section, stay updated on current affairs, important events, and general awareness topics. Reading newspapers, and magazines, or using online resources will help in stay informed.

Revise Regularly: Revision is essential to retain what you have studied. Set aside time for weekly and monthly revisions to ensure you are clear on all the concepts. Revise notes, formulas, and important points from time to time.

Stay Positive and Healthy: Staying mentally and physically healthy is important for effective CUET preparation. Get enough sleep, eat nutritious food, and take regular breaks to relax. A positive mindset and a healthy body will help in maintaining focus during study sessions and the exam.

Important Points Regarding CUET 2025 Exam Pattern

Check out the CUET Exam Pattern 2025:- 

CUET Pattern 2025 FAQs

Q1. What is the CUET 2025 exam mode?

Ans. CUET 2025 exam will be conducted in a computer-based test (CBT) mode, meaning it will be an online exam.

Q2. What subjects can I choose in Section 2?

Ans. In Section 2, candidates can choose from subjects based on their desired undergraduate program, such as Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Biology, History, etc.

Q3. What is the marking scheme for CUET 2025?

Ans. +5 marks for each correct answer, -1 mark for each incorrect answer (negative marking), No marks for unanswered questions.

Q4. Can I choose multiple languages in the exam?

Ans. Yes, candidates can choose multiple languages in Section 1A and Section 1B, but they need to adhere to the number of questions and time allotted for each language section.