CUET UG 2024: Tips and Strategies to Succeed in the Common University Entrance Test – News18

With the 12th board exams nearing the end, students are gearing up for various entrance exams to colleges. Let us focus on one such exam – CUET UG 2024. Smart choice of questions and enough practice through mock tests to manage time is imperative.

The Common University Entrance Test is a national-level exam. It is one of India’s largest UG entrance events, accepted by over 250 universities. The test score forms the benchmark for admissions to various central universities and other participating universities. Top institutions include Delhi University (DU), Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), Banaras Hindu University (BHU), Jamia Millia Islamia and other central universities, state universities, deemed universities, and private universities.

The competition to get into premier colleges for the desired courses is tough, to say the least – close to 17 lakh students vying for 3 lakh plus seats through CUET. The cut-offs are not the board percentage, but the rank scored in CUET. The rule of the thumb is that the tougher to get into a college, the better the college.

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Know the admission process: The student has to keep in mind the marking scheme and the number of questions to be attempted in the stipulated time. The right answer is important, not the steps. The focus is on rank not percentage obtained. Since each university/college can decide its minimum eligibility criteria for admission as well as the cut-offs for the selection process, the decision to apply to which colleges has to be an informed one.

Exam pattern: Section I A of the test is a language paper – 40 questions to be attempted out of 50 questions, in 45 minutes. The same is the case for section I B. For section II, which is the domain subject test, the time duration may vary depending on the subject. Section III, the general test, requires you to answer 50 questions in 60 minutes. The question types are very different from the questions in the board exams.

Choose the questions to attempt carefully. Pick those questions where you are sure of the answer and can answer very fast. Be mindful of negative markings. Once you have decided on the domain subjects you are required to take the exams for, revise from the NCERT books. Make sure to focus on all details. The exam has objective-type questions. Avoid the tendency of making careless mistakes or blind guessing in a hurry. Stay calm yet alert. Attempt a number of mock tests to get acquainted with the test pattern. Make sure to answer fast yet not compromise on accuracy.

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Previous year’s papers: The CUET is in the hybrid mode – computer-based/ pen and paper mode. This will depend on how early or how late you apply for the test; it will also depend on the subject chosen. To enhance your efficiency, your practice should be according to the mode you will be taking the exam. Go through the previous year’s papers and get to know the different test areas and the question types.

— Written by Tarannum N Raza, Chief Knowledge Expert (Verbal), T.I.M.E.