CUET (Common University Entrance Test) is a national entrance exam for admission to undergraduate programmes at many central, state and private universities in India. CUET-UG replaced separate cut-off-based admissions at several universities with a single common test, so students apply to multiple universities through one exam.

What subjects are there in CUET?

CUET-UG typically includes language papers, domain-specific subjects (such as Physics, Chemistry, Maths, Accountancy, History, Political Science and more) and a general test. Students choose the papers relevant to the courses and universities they are targeting.

Does CUET replace board exams?

No. Board exams still matter for your Class 12 qualification and eligibility, while CUET is the admission test used by participating universities. Both are important, and it helps to prepare for CUET alongside your boards rather than treating them as the same thing.

What is CUET? A Simple Guide for Students & Parents

Q: Who should take CUET?

Any Class 12 student aiming for undergraduate admission at a participating university — including Delhi University, BHU, Jamia, and many others — should consider CUET. It is relevant across streams, since it offers domain subjects in the sciences, commerce and humanities alongside a general test and languages.

By the Lume Live counselling team · Updated July 2026 · 7 min read

CUET quietly changed how lakhs of students enter university in India — yet many families are still unsure what it is or how to approach it. This is the plain-language version: what CUET is, who it's for, and how to prepare sensibly alongside your boards.

CUET-UGThe exam

All streamsWho it's for

One testMany universities

+ BoardsBoth matter

What CUET actually is

CUET — the Common University Entrance Test — is a single national entrance exam for undergraduate admission at a large number of central, state and private universities. Instead of chasing separate, sky-high cut-offs at each university, students take one common test and use the score to apply to many participating institutions. CUET-UG is the undergraduate version most Class 12 students care about.

Who should take CUET

Any Class 12 student aiming for a UG seat at a participating university — Delhi University, BHU, Jamia Millia Islamia, Allahabad, and many more. Because it offers domain subjects across the sciences, commerce and humanities, it's relevant whatever your stream. If a university on your list accepts CUET, it's on your radar.

What's in the exam

Language papers — comprehension and language skills.
Domain subjects — e.g. Physics, Chemistry, Maths, Accountancy, History, Political Science — you pick the ones your target courses need.
General test — general awareness, reasoning and basic aptitude.

Choose your CUET subjects to match the courses and universities you're targeting — not at random. Working backward from your desired course is the smart way to pick papers.

CUET vs board exams

They are not the same and don't replace each other. Your board exams qualify you and set eligibility; CUET is the admission test used by participating universities. The practical takeaway: prepare for CUET alongside your boards, since the syllabi overlap but the exam styles differ.

Key takeaways

CUET-UG is one common test for UG admission at many universities.
It's relevant across all streams via its domain subjects.
Pick your CUET subjects to match your target courses.
It complements board exams — both matter; prepare together.

Not sure which course to even target?

Choosing CUET subjects is much easier once you know the direction. Take the free Career Snapshot to clarify your interests, or book a ₹49 session to plan your course and university shortlist with a counsellor.

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