CUET PG vs State-Level PG Entrance Exams: Which One Should You Choose?

If you are planning to appear for the CUET PG 2026 must also consider and compare other entrance exams, or state level PG entrance exams to decide which one to appear for. This article brings you the factors to decide between CUET PG and state level PG entrance exams.

CUET PG Vs State Level PG Entrance Exam: Which One to Choose?

CUET PG is a national-level PG entrance exam conducted for admission to multiple disciplines across universities in India. Every year, around 4 lakh candidates appear for the entrance exam. Some of the most preferred streams for admission include Science, Humanities and Languages or Linguistics. On the other hand, the number of applicants for Engineering and Management is comparatively lower.

If you are planning to appear for the CUET PG 2026, you must also be considering and comparing other entrance exams, or state level PG entrance exams, to decide which one to appear for. In this article of Shksha, we provide you with the details of both CUET PG as well as the state level entrance exams, and which one you should choose.

CUET PG Exam Overview

CUET PG is one of the top postgraduate entrance exams in India. The table below brings the overview or the highlights of the exam.

CUET PG Exam Pattern

The CUET PG exam is conducted in a computer-based mode for a duration of 90 minutes. There are 75 objective type questions with four answer options. Test-takers have to choose and mark only one answer option.

The CUET PG exam pattern is given in the table below.

The marking scheme of the CUET PG exam is explained below.

The CUET PG 2026 exam will be conducted in a maximum of three shifts per day, which will be conducted in morning (9 AM to 10.30 AM), afternoon (12.30 PM to 2 PM) and evening (4 PM to 5.30 PM) shifts.

CUET PG Participating Universities

Last year, CUET PG scores were accepted by 191 universities in total, including Central, State Government, Government, and Private or Deemed Universities. The category-wise number of universities is as follows:

As can be seen in the above table, Private and Deemed Universities accepting CUET PG scores is the highest, followed by Central and State Government Universities, followed by the Government Institutes.

Also Read: CUET PG 2026: Over 200 Universities Expected to Participate; More State Institutions Likely to Join

List of Top State Level PG Entrance Exams

Here we bring the list of top state level PG entrance exams along with the courses for admission.

Factors to Decide Between CUET PG and State Level PG Entrance Exams

While there is no restriction in terms of taking PG entrance exams in India, you may consider the following factors while choosing between CUET PG and state level entrance exams.

Courses aiming for admission: The first and primary factor lies in the fact which course you are aiming for. The list of state level entrance exams mentioned above are mainly for Management, Engineering and Computer Applications. Hence, if you are aiming for admissions to Humanities, Commerce, or other professional courses, then CUET PG is the best choice.

Number of colleges and seats: The total number of participating institutes and seats offered through CUET PG exam is much higher than that of the state level PG entrance exams. However, if you are aiming for admission to a particular institute and course, then you should prioritise on the state level PG entrance exam.

Exam difficulty level: The difficulty level of CUET PG ranges from moderate to tough. Moreover, the difficulty level of state level PG entrance exams is generally tough. Hence, you are advised to appear for the exam based on your preparation level.

Participating institutes: The number of universities or institutes accepting the scores of CUET PG scores is much higher than the state level PG entrance exams. Moreover, the CUET PG participating institutes also include Central Universities, which is an opportunity which you must not miss, if you are planning to take admission to your preferred course at a Central or State University, or a Government Institute, then CUET PG is a better choice. But, on the other hand, if you are planning to take admission to a particular institute that accepts the scores of one of the state level PG entrance exams, then you should appear for the state level entrance exam.

Competition level: Every year, around four lakh candidates appear for the CUET PG exam. However, this is a cumulative number for all courses. You are advised to check the number of candidates for a particular course you are opting for. If the competition level for the course you are opting for is lower in CUET PG, then it will be a better choice to opt for this exam rather than the state level entrance exams for PG courses.

The final decision lies with you on whether you should choose CUET PG or a state level PG entrance exam. But the fact why you should prefer CUET PG exam is that is it a national level entrance exam, with multiple courses and participating institutes across India. Hence, if you plan to take a state level PG entrance exam, then you should also plan to take CUET PG to maximize your admission chances.  

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