Confused about whether you’re eligible for CUET UG 2025.You’re not alone! With over 13.4 lakh candidates registering last year, the Common University Entrance Test (CUET UG) is the gateway to 280+ universities, including top institutions like Delhi University (DU), BHU, and JNU . But before you dive into preparation, let’s break down the eligibility criteria because clearing CUET isn’t just about acing the exam; you must also meet the NTA’s requirements and university specific rules.
Here’s the good news: No age limit! But there’s a catch your Class 12 marks and subject choices matter. Miss the fine print, and even a top CUET score won’t secure your seat. Let’s simplify everything from minimum marks to reservation policies so you don’t miss out.
Key Highlights🎯
| Key Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Conducting Body | National Testing Agency (NTA) |
| Age Limit | No upper age limit (Check university-specific rules) |
| Educational Qualification | Class 12 passed/appearing (Recognized board) |
| Minimum Marks (General) | 50% in Class 12 (45% for SC/ST) |
| Subjects Required | Depends on course (e.g., PCB for B.Sc. Biology, PCM for B.Sc. Physics) |
| Reservation Policy | SC (15%), ST (7.5%), OBC (27%), EWS (10%), PwD (5%) |
| Attempts Allowed | Unlimited (If eligibility met) |
| Nationality | Indian nationals, Nepali/Bhutanese citizens, Tibetan refugees |
| Official Website | cuet.nta.nic.in |
CUET UG 2025 Age Limit🎂
Short answer: No! Unlike exams like NEET or JEE, CUET UG has no upper age limit . But here’s the twist:
- Universities may set their own age criteria. For example, JNU’s BA programs might have different rules than DU’s B.Sc. courses .
- Example: If you’re 23+, you can take CUET, but check if your target university has restrictions.
Pro Tip: Always verify age rules on the university’s admission page—don’t assume CUET’s flexibility applies everywhere!
Educational Qualifications🏫
To sit for CUET UG 2025, you must:
- Pass Class 12 (or equivalent) from a recognized board (CBSE, ICSE, State Boards) .
- Appearing in 2025? You’re eligible! But you’ll need your pass certificate during counselling .
- Diploma holders: A 10+3 diploma from a State Board of Technical Education also qualifies .
Minimum Marks Required 📊
| Category | Minimum Class 12 Marks | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| General | 50% | Some universities may demand higher cuts |
| SC/ST | 45% | Relaxation varies by institution |
| OBC/EWS | Check university norms | E.g., DU requires 30% in language paper |
Real-life case: Riya, a Delhi student, scored 48% in Class 12 (General category). She couldn’t apply for DU’s B.Com (Hons.) but qualified for AMU’s program with 45% cuts.
Subject-Wise Eligibility 📖
Your CUET subjects must align with your target course. Here’s how it works:
Top CUET UG Courses & Subject Requirements 🎓
| Course | Mandatory CUET Subjects | University Example |
|---|---|---|
| B.Sc. (Hons) Physics | Physics + Chemistry + Maths | Delhi University |
| B.Sc. (Hons) Botany | Physics + Chemistry + Biology/Biotech | BHU |
| B.Com (Hons) | Language + Maths/Accounts + Any 2 subjects | DU |
| BA (Hons) English | English + General Test | JNU |
Expert Insight: “Students often mismatch subjects. If you want B.Sc. Chemistry, don’t skip Maths in CUET!” — Prof. A. Kumar, DU Faculty .
New Rule (2025): You can now choose CUET subjects unrelated to Class 12 (e.g., a Science student can opt for History or Economics) .
Reservation Policies♿
CUET follows Govt. of India’s reservation rules, but universities may tweak them. Here’s the breakdown:
| Category | Reservation | Documents Needed |
|---|---|---|
| SC/ST | 15% / 7.5% | Caste/Tribe certificate |
| OBC (Non-Creamy) | 27% | OBC-NCL certificate (issued after Jan 2025) |
| EWS | 10% | Income & Asset certificate |
| PwD | 5% | 40% disability certificate (UDID) |
Note: DU reserves 85% seats for Delhi students in some courses another reason to check university rules! .
Common Mistakes to Avoid 🚫
- Ignoring university-specific criteria: CUET eligibility ≠ admission eligibility.
- Example: DU’s B.Sc. requires 30% in language paper, even if NTA doesn’t .
- Wrong subject combo: Picking Maths for BA English? That’s a red flag!
- Missing documents: No Class 12 marksheet? Your application gets rejected.
Pro Tip: Bookmark the official CUET website and your target university’s admission portal for updates.
Meera Patel is an education consultant specializing in exam results and admit cards. With a Master’s in Education and 6+ years of experience, Meera loves helping students achieve their goals. She enjoys reading and practicing meditation.
