A simple and effective guide for the Common University Entrance Test (CUET)

Shinthoi Chingakham *

Since May 3rd, we have all been battling in various capacities and conditions. However, it is crucial that Manipuri students maintain their concentration. Certainly not everyone would be able to simply carry on their regular lives because it can be really challenging.

Additionally, it is more difficult for students to stay on top of everything connected to their studies in the present situation with little to no access to the internet. Because although we have halted the world moves on and students have stopped with their dreams and aspirations. It has had various degrees of impact on pupils' academic performance.

Until 2022, each central university had a distinct mechanism for taking admissions into their UG programs. In order to unify this process, the MoE (Ministry of Education) along with the UGC has introduced CUET (Common University Entrance Examination) , which is a common exam for UG and PG 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. The mode of this examination is computer based test (CBT).

To lend a small helping hand to the future of the State, this article will guide the students with the CUET Undergraduate (UG) and CUET Postgraduate (PG). This is for all the candidates that will write the examination next year and as well who have written the examination this year.

First and foremost, we need to understand the pattern and marking scheme of the examination.

The CUET UG is divided into four sections: two for languages, one for each domain subject, and one for the general test. As per the marking scheme, for every correct answer candidates will be awarded with 5 marks.

While, for every incorrect answer candidates will lose 1 mark. No marks will be deducted for not attempting any question. The CUET PG exam consists of 100 questions and the question paper will be divided into two parts. Part A will consist of 25 questions on Language Comprehension/Verbal Ability and Part B will consist of 75 domain-specific questions.

For CUET PG, every correct answer candidate will be awarded with 4 marks. While, for every incorrect answer candidates will lose 1 mark. No marks will be deducted for not attempting any question.

The National Testing Agency will release the CUET 2024 exam pattern on its official website. Students are recommended to review it to see if there have been any changes. This information includes information on the exam's duration, type of questions, marking scheme and mode of the CUET Exam 2024.

Students must research about their desired subject and find out which college or university offers the best course. It is urged that students conduct extensive research as it gets hectic later. Then, check if the universities and colleges that you want to attend accept CUET. It is critical to make sure that although your desired college accepts CUET, they might not accept it for your course.

For eg, for this academic year 2023-2024, Jamia Islamia considered CUET scores for only 5 courses. When you have all of this worked out, the next step is to register on the National Testing Agency (NTA) website. Please be mindful of the registration deadline.

Please be cautious while choosing your colleges or universities as well, it is advantageous to select all universities while filling the form as it would open up more admission opportunities for the student in the future.

Additionally, it is advised to start preparing early because the examinations only seem to get harder with each passing year. In 3–4 weeks after the test, the NTA will most likely issue their provisional answer key (this timetable is tentative). Students have a limited amount of time to object to the answer key by paying 200 rupees for each objection. The final answer key and results will then be made public by NTA.



You will receive your final scorecard, which you should download right away because there have been instances of technological difficulties leading to students losing their scorecards.

The following stage requires students to visit their selected institutions or universities and register, which is the most time-consuming and exhausting process. This is crucial since many students are misinformed and believe that NTA will automatically register to all the universities or colleges that the student opted for during the registration process.

Most institutions often offer students some time to review and analyze their scores before opening their registration portals. The student is solely responsible for analysing scores. Tips for analysis include doing online research and following YouTube channels to see how other people have performed.

You can begin submitting applications to other colleges and universities once you have a rough notion of where you stand. Another crucial point is that you need to be aware of all the deadlines for each university or college you apply to. As a side note, a university or college often announces its first merit list or begins its first counselling round 7–10 days after closing.

Each university or college will conduct a number of counselling rounds. A student's seat is confirmed only after the student pays the admission fees. And this is the final step for the student.

Even though it is a very drawn-out and hectic procedure that typically lasts for months, it may be quite easy if done correctly and effectively. It may seem impossible but students are urged to stay on course and make every effort to move and see beyond our current situation in the State.