This year’s CUET-UG (Common University Entrance Test-Undergraduate), one of the most popular competitive exams in the country, will start from May 15. With several modifications implemented for the upcoming session, here are some valuable tips to prepare effectively.
The CUET-UG serves as a national-level qualifying exam for admission into undergraduate programs across prestigious institutions, including Central universities. This year, major changes have been introduced, notably a revised paper selection process. Unlike previous years, where candidates could select up to 10 papers, this year limits the maximum to six, including the general test. Consequently, meticulous consideration is necessary when selecting papers, with candidates urged to align their choices with their aptitudes and desired courses.
Another significant change is the shift to pen-and-paper mode for subjects witnessing a high number of applicants, departing from the computer-based format of the previous year.
Candidates must approach the examination with a composed mindset, employing strategic study methods to hone time-management skills. It's essential to recognize that CUET-UG evaluates not just knowledge but also the ability to apply it effectively.
General test
While the General Test isn't mandatory for admission to all universities, several programs, such as the Business Economics and Management Studies courses at Delhi University, which have high demand, consider scores from this paper, reflecting its significance. The syllabus for General Test covers general knowledge, current affairs, general mental ability, numerical ability and logical & analytical reasoning. There would be 60 questions, of which 50 have to be answered.
General knowledge questions span various sectors, including science, humanities, and economics, while the current affairs section delves into crucial events, notable figures, and recent developments. In the current affairs section, candidates can expect questions on important days, matters related to prime ministers and chief ministers and places where major events took place recently.
The most important section in the General test is Maths-based. Questions on reasoning and numerical ability would be indirect, which could consume much time to answer. Candidates have to ensure that they do not run short of time in answering the other sections.
Similarly, spending too much time on the general knowledge section would lead to lack of time to answer reasoning questions.
Key points to remember
Questions will be based on NCERT textbooks. Candidates should study even the side-reading section in the textbooks.
Candidates can expect questions that test their aptitude for English and other languages as well as grammatical skills. They will also have to answer paragraph-based questions.
While answering the questions, initially attempt those which you are thorough with. The difficult questions could be attempted in the next round.
Check the previous years’ question papers on the CUET-UG website. Answer them to learn the pattern of questions and improve your time-management skills.
Varied admission criteria
Applicants have to be familiar with admission requirements of various institutions. In fact, each university conducts admissions based on its own rules for the same programme. For instance, for admissions to the Political Science course in colleges under Delhi University, candidates have to appear for English, Political Science and two other humanities papers in CUET-UG. At the same time, Hyderabad University admits students to the same course based only on scores in General Test and English papers of CUET-UG, with at least 50% marks in English.