What is a Good Score in CUET? Marks and Percentile

What is a Good Score in CUET?:- In the CUET UG 2025 exam, raw scores are converted into percentiles based on candidates’ performance using a ranking system. It is important to understand that CUET marks and percentile are two different measures of performance. CUET marks, or CUET score, represent the total number of marks a candidate has obtained based on the exam’s marking scheme. In contrast, the CUET percentile is a relative score that reflects how a candidate has performed compared to others in the same and different exam sessions.

Each subject in CUET UG 2025 Exam carries a total of 250 marks, and percentile calculations depend on the highest scores achieved in each slot. A score of 240+ out of 250 is likely to secure a 100 percentile, placing candidates among the top rankers. Those scoring above 200 marks generally fall in the 95+ percentile range, making them strong contenders for admission to prestigious universities like DU, JNU, and BHU. Meanwhile, students scoring between 150-175 marks can expect to be in the 80-89 percentile, which is suitable for mid-tier universities and courses. Check out the below article to know more about What is a Good Score in CUET? and Marks and Percentile.

CUET Marks Vs Percentile

Check out the difference between CUET Marks and CUET Percentile:- 

CUET Marks (CUET Score)

CUET marks refer to the total number of marks a candidate has obtained in the exam based on the marking scheme. Each subject in CUET UG 2025 carries a total of 250 marks, and the final score is calculated by adding the marks earned for correct answers while deducting marks for incorrect ones (if negative marking applies).

CUET Percentile

CUET percentile is a relative score that indicates how a candidate has performed compared to others who appeared in the same and different exam sessions. It is calculated using a percentile-based ranking system, where the highest scorer in each shift is given the 100th percentile, and other candidates' scores are adjusted accordingly. The percentile score helps in normalisation, ensuring fairness across different exam slots with varying difficulty levels.

Read More: CUET Marks vs Percentile: What to Know for 2025 Admissions

What is a Good Score in CUET?

A good score in CUET 2025 depends on the target university and course. Since CUET follows a percentile-based ranking system, a high score increases the chances of admission to prestigious institutions. Here’s a general breakdown of CUET scores and their impact:

1. Excellent Score (225+ marks / 99+ percentile)

• Required for top universities like DU, JNU, BHU, and Jamia Millia Islamia.

• Essential for competitive courses like B.A. (Hons) Economics, B.Com (Hons), and B.A. (Hons) English in colleges like SRCC, Hindu, and St. Stephen’s.

2. Very Good Score (200-225 marks / 95-99 percentile)

• Strong chance for admission in good DU colleges and top central universities.

• Suitable for professional courses like BBA, Law, and Journalism.

3. Good Score (175-200 marks / 90-95 percentile)

• Acceptable for mid-tier universities and less competitive courses.

• Can secure admission in state universities and reputed private colleges.

4. Average Score (150-175 marks / 80-89 percentile)

• May qualify for regional universities and reserved category seats in central universities.

• Suitable for general courses in non-premier institutions.

5. Below Average Score (Below 150 marks / Below 80 percentile)

• Limited chances in central universities.

• More options available in private and state colleges.

CUET Marks vs Percentile: How is the CUET 2025 Percentile Calculated?

A good score in CUET depends on the target university and course. For admission to top institutions like DU, JNU, and BHU, candidates must aim for a CUET percentile of 95+, which generally requires 200+ marks in each subject.

How to Calculate CUET Marks?

CUET marks are calculated based on the marking scheme:

• Correct Answer: +5 marks

• Incorrect Answer: -1 mark (if negative marking applies)

• Unattempted Question: 0 marks

The total CUET score is obtained by summing up the marks from all attempted questions.

How is Percentile in CUET Calculated?

CUET percentile is determined using a ranking system that compares a candidate’s performance to others in the same and different exam shifts. The formula used is:

For DU admissions, a CUET percentile of 99+ is required for top colleges like SRCC, Hindu, and St. Stephen’s, while a percentile of 90-95 may secure admission in other reputed colleges.

Since CUET follows a normalisation process, the percentile score is a crucial factor in admissions, ensuring fair evaluation across different exam slots

What is a Normalised Score in CUET?

The normalised score in CUET is an adjusted score used to ensure fairness across different exam sessions. Since CUET is conducted in multiple shifts with varying difficulty levels, normalisation helps equalise the impact of easier and tougher question papers.

Why is Normalisation Important in CUET?

Normalisation in CUET ensures fairness and accuracy in evaluating candidates who appear in different shifts of the exam. Since CUET is conducted over multiple days and sessions, the difficulty level of each shift may vary. Normalisation adjusts for these variations, ensuring that no candidate is advantaged or disadvantaged due to the difficulty of their specific shift.

CUET Expected Percentile

Check out the expected CUET 2025 percentile here:- 

Is 300 a Good Score in CUET?

Yes, a 300 score in CUET can be considered good, depending on the university and course you are targeting. Since CUET consists of multiple subjects, a total score of 300 should be evaluated based on individual subject scores and the percentile achieved.

What Does a 300 Score Mean in CUET?

• If CUET is out of 800 (for multiple subjects), 300 might not be highly competitive for top universities like DU, JNU, and BHU.

• If CUET is out of 500, a 300+ score can be a decent score, but for competitive courses like B.A. (Hons) Economics or B.Com (Hons), a higher score may be required.

• If CUET is out of 400, a 300+ score is generally strong, likely placing you in the 90+ percentile.

CUET Preparation Books

Choosing the right CUET preparation books is crucial for scoring well in the exam. A good book should cover the entire syllabus, provide concept clarity, and include practice questions to help students prepare effectively. Since CUET consists of domain-specific subjects, general test, and language sections, selecting subject-wise books can enhance understanding and improve performance. Candidates aiming for top universities like DU, JNU, and BHU should focus on books that offer NCERT-based content, CUET previous years' papers, and mock tests for thorough preparation such as from Physics Wallah. 

Read More: Is CUET Exam Tough? 

Good Score in CUET FAQs

1. What is considered a good score in CUET?

A good score in CUET typically falls in the 85-99 percentile range, which means scoring 300+ out of 400 or 200+ per subject (out of 250) can secure admission to top universities.

2. How to calculate CUET marks to percentile?

CUET percentile is calculated using the formula:

P = (M/N) × 100,

where M is the number of candidates who scored equal to or less than you, and N is the total number of candidates.

3. Is 300 a good score in CUET?

Yes, 300 out of 400 can be a decent score, placing candidates in the 85-95 percentile range. However, for top-tier universities, scoring 350+ is ideal.

4. What CUET score is needed for the 99th percentile?

To be in the 99th percentile, candidates typically need 225+ per subject (out of 250) or 350+ overall (out of 400).

5. What CUET score is required for admission to JNU?

JNU admissions depend on the course and category, but a 90+ percentile score (320-350 out of 400) is generally required for popular programs.