CUET Exam Pattern 2023: Subjects-wise Exam Structure & Negative Marking

Central Universities Common Entrance Test 2023 ( CUET )

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Exam On: 21 May '23 - 6 Jun '23

Sreetama Datta Roy

Sreetama Datta RoyManager Content

Updated on May 21, 2023 00:25 IST

CUET 2023 exam pattern has been released by National Testing Agency (NTA), the exam conducting body along with the notification and information brochure, on February 10. The CUET UG 2023 exam is being conducted over a window of 14 days from May 21 to June 6. This year, there have been certain changes in the CUET exam pattern 2023. The number of questions and duration have changed. UGC had announced that the CUET UG exam pattern 2023 would be the same as that of last year, but after the exam announcement, changes came to light. The total number of questions, as well as the number of questions to be attempted, has changed. The exam will be conducted in a computer-based mode (CBT) for a duration of three hours. The exam will be divided into three parts which will carry objective-type Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs). The medium of the question paper will be English and the languages chosen by candidates among 12 regional languages. Each question will carry five marks and for each wrong answer, there will be a negative marking of one mark.

Also Read: CUET 2023 Analysis and Student Reactions

Candidates must note that the CUET (erstwhile CUCET) will have Section 1A, Section 1B, General Test and domain-specific subjects. Section 1A, which will be compulsory, will be conducted in 13 languages and candidates will be given the option to choose the language of their choice. The options are English, Hindi, Assamese, Bengali, Gujarati, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, Odia, Punjabi, Tamil, Telugu and Urdu. Section 1B will be optional and for students who want to opt for another language apart from the ones that are a part of Section 1A. Some of the languages on offer are French, Arabic, German, etc.

CUET UG 2023 Exam Pattern - Highlights 

CUET UG 2023 exam will be conducted in a computer-based mode or online mode. The questions will be given in a multiple-choice questions (MCQ) format. The following table brings the highlights of the CUET UG 2023 exam pattern

Particulars

Details

Mode of the examination

Computer-based-test (CBT)/Online

Duration of the examination

Slot I - 195 minutes

Slot II - 225 minutes

Number of Slots

Two to three (depending on number of applications in subjects)

Exam timing

To be notified

Type of questions

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

Total number of Questions

Slot I - 175 (140 to be attempted)

Slot II - 100 (80 to be attempted)

Total Marks

Slot I - 700

Slot II - 400

Negative marking

Yes

Marking Scheme

+5 for each correct answer

-1 for each incorrect answer

Total sections in the question paper

Section 1 - Language

Section 2 - Domain Subject

Section 3 - General Test (Optional)

Language of exam

13 languages - English, Hindi, Bengali, Assamese, Odia, Punjabi, Marathi, Gujarati, Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, UrduCUET 2023 Exam Structure

Number of domain subjects

27

CUET UG 2023 Exam Structure

The table below brings the broad structure of CUET (CUCET) in terms of the number of questions in each section along with the duration.

Section

Number of Questions

Duration

Question Types

Section IA

40 questions to be attempted out of 50 in each language

45 minutes for each language

Language to be tested through Reading Comprehension based on different types of passages–Factual, Literary and Narrative, (Literary Aptitude and Vocabulary)

Section IB

Section II

35/40 Questions to be attempted out of 45/50

45 Minutes for each Domain-Specific Subject

  • Input text can be used for MCQ Based Questions

  • MCQs based on NCERT Class 12 syllabus only

Section III

50 Questions to be attempted out of 60

60 minutes

  • Input text can be used for MCQ Based Questions

  • General Knowledge, Current Affairs, General Mental Ability, Numerical Ability, Quantitative Reasoning (Simple application of basic mathematical concepts arithmetic/algebra geometry/mensuration/s tat taught till Grade 8), Logical and Analytical Reasoning

Also Read: CUET 2023: NTA Changes Number of Questions in This Section, Check Details

CUET 2023 Marking Scheme

The total marks of the CUET exam vary as per slots and depend on the subjects chosen. The marking scheme as per NTA is given below.

i. Correct answer or the most appropriate answer: Five marks (+5)
ii. Any incorrect option marked will be given minus one mark (-1).
iii. Unanswered/Marked for Review will be given no mark (0).
iv. If more than one option is found to be correct then Five marks (+5) will be awarded to only those who have marked any of the correct options.
v. If all options are found to be correct then Five marks (+5) will be awarded to all those who have attempted the question.

vi. If none of the options is found correct or a question is found to be wrong or a question is dropped, then all candidates who have attempted the dropped question will be given five marks (+5) marks.

 

CUET 2023 Negative Marking

There is a negative marking scheme involved in CUET 2023 exam. As mentioned above, CUET 2023 negative marking of one mark (-1) will be applied in the following conditions:

  • Marking the incorrect answer
  • Marking of multiple answer options (although it is not possible in computer-based test mode, but can be possible in case of technical error)

List of Languages for CUET 2023

The languages offered under Section IA of CUET 2023 are Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, Gujarati, Odia, Bengali, Assamese, Punjabi, English, Hindi and Urdu.

For Section IB, the languages include French, Spanish, German, Nepali, Persian, Italian, Arabic, Sindhi, Kashmiri, Konkani, Bodo, Dogri, Maithili, Manipuri, Santhali, Tibetan, Japanese, Russian, and Chinese.

Domain-Specific Subjects for CUET 2023

The domain-specific subjects are as follows:

1. Accountancy/ Book Keeping

2. Biology/ Biological Studies/ Biotechnology/Biochemistry

3. Business Studies

4. Chemistry

5. Computer Science/ Informatics Practices

6. Economics/ Business Economics

7. Engineering Graphics

8. Entrepreneurship

9. Geography/Geology

10. History

11. Home Science

12. Knowledge Tradition and Practices of India

13. Legal Studies

14. Environmental Science

15. Mathematics

16. Physical Education/ NCC /Yoga

17. Physics

18. Political Science

19. Psychology

20. Sociology

21. Teaching Aptitude

22. Agriculture

23. Mass Media/ Mass Communication

24. Anthropology

25. Fine Arts/ Visual Arts (Sculpture/ Painting)/Commercial Arts

26. Performing Arts – (i) Dance (Kathak/ Bharatnatyam/ Oddisi/ Kathakali/Kuchipudi/ Manipuri (ii) Drama- Theatre (iii) Music General (Hindustani/ Carnatic/ Rabindra Sangeet/ Percussion/ Non-Percussion)

27. Sanskrit [For all Shastri (Shastri 3 years/ 4 years Honours) Equivalent to B.A./B.A. Honours courses i.e. Shastri in Veda, Paurohitya (Karmakand), Dharmashastra, Prachin Vyakarana, Navya Vyakarana, Phalit Jyotish, Siddhant Jyotish, Vastushastra, Sahitya, Puranetihas, Prakrit Bhasha, Prachin Nyaya Vaisheshik, Sankhya Yoga, Jain Darshan, Mimansa, Advaita Vedanta, Vishihstadvaita Vedanta, Sarva Darshan, a candidate may choose Sanskrit as the Domain].

CUET UG 2023 Exam Pattern - Important Information

A Candidate can choose a maximum of any three languages from Section IA and Section IB together. However, the third language chosen needs to be in lieu of the sixth domain-specific Subject chosen by the candidate - as applicable (so the maximum number of tests to be taken remains nine only i.e. 2 Languages+six Domain-Specific Subjects+1 General Test OR three Languages+five Domain-Specific Subjects+1 General Test: flexibility is provided to help a candidate apply for many Universities depending on their eligibility conditions). Candidates can choose a maximum of 10 subjects. 

CUET UG 2023 Syllabus

NTA has released the CUET UG 2023 syllabus on the official website. One of the main differences of the CUET UG 2023 syllabus with other entrance exams such as JEE Main and NEET is that, while the former is only Class 12 syllabus, the other two exams test candidates' knowledge of both Class 11 and Class 12 chapters and topics. CUET UG 2023 syllabus varies from subject to subject. Prior to starting the preparation, candidates must have downloaded the subject-wise CUET UG syllabus PDFs. The syllabus of CUET 2023 has remained the same as that of last year. The number of units or chapters and topics varies from subject to subject. Hence, candidates must prepare according to the subjects opted by them.

CUET UG 2023 Preparation

To crack the CUET UG 2023 exam pattern, candidates must thoroughly prepare for the exam. The CUET preparation should be the same as that of Class 12 Board exam. Apart from the domain subjects, you should also prepare separately for the language subjects and General Test (if opted for). Some of the key CUET UG 2023 preparation strategies are as follows:

Step 1: Go through the CUET syllabus thoroughly.

Step 2: Understand the CUET exam pattern and marking scheme and prepare accordingly.

Step 3: Get all the study material for CUET such as prep books and previous years' question papers to help better understand what to expect in the exam.

Step 4: Create a monthly timetable on how much material to cover on a daily basis.

Step 5: Solve question papers, sample papers and mock tests.

CUET UG Question Papers

CUET UG question papers of last year have been released by NTA. You can download the last year's CUET question paper PDFs and solve those to get a thorough idea about the question types, difficulty level, topics, etc. You may also download and practice from the previous years' CUET question papers when the exam was named CUCET. Even though the pattern or structure would be different, the question papers of CUET will serve the purpose of giving an overview of the domain-specific subjects. The CUET question papers must be solved in a proctored environment within the stipulated duration and without break to get the best result. 

CUET UG 2023 Mock Test

NTA is likely to release CUET UG 2023 mock tests for practice purposes. Along with the question papers, mock tests are also important tools of preparation. To take CUET UG mock tests, you can enrol into the tests offered by different coaching institutes. Along with taking the tests, you should also get those analysed regularly by your mentors or teachers. Based on the analysis, you will get a thorough idea about your preparation level and the areas to improve. Taking regular CUET mock tests will also help you build a proper exam day strategy, which will help you decide the order of the sections to attempt, time management, strategy to select backup questions, etc. 

Read More: 

CUET Vs JEE Vs NEET

CUET 2023: NTA Changes Number of Questions in This Section, Check Details

FAQs Regarding CUET 2023 Exam Pattern 

Q. Will the CUET exam be conducted in pen and paper test?

A. The mode of the CUET exam is computer-based or online. Till 2020, the exam, which was then named as CUCET, was held in an offline or paper-pencil based mode.

Q. How many sections are there in the CUET UG question paper?

A. There are a total of three parts – Language, General Knowledge and Domain Knowledge. The number of questions for each section will vary.

Q. Will there be negative marking in CUET UG 2023?

A. Yes. One mark will be deducted for each wrong answer. No negative marking will be applicable for unattempted questions.

Q. How many sections will be there in CUET Paper B question paper?

A. In Part B, which is the Domain Knowledge section, four sub-sections will be there, out of which, candidates will have to attempt any three. Be it PCM or PCB.

Q. If I mark a wrong answer and mark another part on the OMR sheet, will I get marks?

A. Since CUET 2022 is a computer-based test, candidates will not be allowed to select more than one answer option.

Q. What will be the duration of CUET 2023?

A. The total duration of the CUET 2023 exam is two to three hours. The Slot 1 and Slot 2 duration is two hours whereas that of the Slot 3 is three hours.

Q. How many questions will be asked in BSc courses of CUET UG 2023?

A. For all programmes and courses, the Slot I question paper will carry 175 questions out of which 140 questions have to be attempted. For Slot II, 100 questions will be there out of which 80 questions have to be attempted.

Q. Can I take the CUET question paper after the entrance exam has been conducted?

A. Since CUET 2023 will be conducted in computer-based mode, candidates will not be given the hard copy of the question papers for carrying out of the exam centre with them.

Q. Will masks and hand sanitisers will be provided at the exam centre?

A. Candidates will have to carry their hand sanitisers (10 ml) with them. The exam centre officials provide mask to candidates which is compulsory to use. They have to dispose their previously worn mask at the centre's disposal bin and wear the mask given by exam centre officials.

Q. Will questions be asked in descriptive format?

A. No. All questions will be Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) type. Test-takers will have to select the correct answer option on screen and click on submit button. 

Q. Will the UG question paper be conducted online for the next year?

A. UGC has announced that CUET 2023 exam pattern will remain the same as last year. Hence, it will continue to be conducted in online or computer-based mode similar to last year. Clarity on the mode of the exam will be there after the release of the information brochure.

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Comments

D

When I selected a university for CUET exam ICAR colleges were not given. So, how can I get admission there?

M

Mohd Faizan

Contributor-Level 7

5 days ago

There is no provision of direct nomination for admission through ICAR in any Bachelor degree programme if you are not taken admission through CUET but you can check it out without CUET college.

a

Please provide me with the latest information on admit card for CUET.

54473867
Ankit Kumar

Contributor-Level 10

2 weeks ago

The CUET 2023 admit card will be released on the official website of CUET by the national testing agency NTA in the second week of May 2023. The candidates who successfully registered for the exam from 9 February 2023 to 30 March 2023, will be able to download their admit card from the official w...The CUET 2023 admit card will be released on the official website of CUET by the national testing agency NTA in the second week of May 2023. The candidates who successfully registered for the exam from 9 February 2023 to 30 March 2023, will be able to download their admit card from the official website.

D

I have got an exam city which I had not opted for during my CUET registration. How can I change it?

41228179
Anshika Maurya

Contributor-Level 9

2 weeks ago

If you have received an exam city that you did not select during your CUET (Christ University Entrance Test) registration, you should reach out to the official authorities or the admissions office of Christ University for assistance. They will be able to guide you on the process for changing the ...If you have received an exam city that you did not select during your CUET (Christ University Entrance Test) registration, you should reach out to the official authorities or the admissions office of Christ University for assistance. They will be able to guide you on the process for changing the exam city. To initiate the change, you can try the following steps:
1. Contact the Admissions Office: Reach out to the admissions office of Christ University through phone or email. Explain the situation and mention that you have received an exam city that you did not opt for during registration. They will provide you with the necessary guidance and instructions to proceed.
2. Provide Details: Be prepared to provide your registration details, such as your application number or registration ID, while communicating with the admissions office. This will help them identify your application and assist you more effectively.
3. Follow the Instructions: The admissions office will inform you about the specific process for changing the exam city. They may require you to submit a written request or provide certain documents. Follow their instructions carefully and provide the requested information within the given timeline.
4. Seek Clarification: If you have any doubts or questions regarding the process or requirements for changing the exam city, don't hesitate to ask for clarification from the admissions office. They are there to assist you throughout the process. Remember to initiate this process as soon as possible to allow enough time for the necessary changes to be made before the exam date. The admissions office will provide you with the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding the procedure for changing the exam city for CUET.

V

Does Punjab Engineering College come under CUCET Chandigarh University?

53246003
Sukhminder singh

Beginner-Level 2

3 weeks ago

Chandigarh University is a private university located in Mohali, Punjab, India. It was established in 2012 and has since become one of the fastest-growing universities in India. The university offers undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs in various fields such as engineering, managem...Chandigarh University is a private university located in Mohali, Punjab, India. It was established in 2012 and has since become one of the fastest-growing universities in India. The university offers undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs in various fields such as engineering, management, law, humanities, and sciences. The university is known for its innovative approach to education, with a focus on experiential learning, research-oriented teaching, and industry-academia collaborations. It has tie-ups with numerous international universities and offers exchange programs for its students.

53246003
hiteshxartist

Contributor-Level 7

3 weeks ago

No, Punjab Engineering College (PEC) does not come under CUCET Chandigarh University. PEC is a separate engineering college located in Chandigarh, which is affiliated with Punjab University. It is a prestigious engineering college that has been consistently ranked among the top engineering colleg...No, Punjab Engineering College (PEC) does not come under CUCET Chandigarh University. PEC is a separate engineering college located in Chandigarh, which is affiliated with Punjab University. It is a prestigious engineering college that has been consistently ranked among the top engineering colleges in India. Chandigarh University, on the other hand, is a separate university located in the same city, which was established in 2012. It is a private university that offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs in various disciplines, including engineering, management, law, journalism, and more. It is recognised by the University Grants Commission (UGC) and accredited by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC). Chandigarh University has a strong focus on research and innovation and provides excellent facilities and opportunities for students to engage in research activities. It also has collaborations with various national and international universities and research institutions, which further enhances its research capabilities. The university has a vibrant campus life, with various clubs, societies, and events that help students develop their skills and interests beyond the classroom. The university also provides excellent facilities such as hostels, sports facilities, library, and more, to ensure that students have a comfortable and enriching academic experience. With its focus on holistic education, industry interface, and research, Chandigarh University has become one of the top universities in India.

A

I am late on filling the Tezpur University CUET application form. Now what can I do?

49191919
Om prakash sahoo

Contributor-Level 10

a month ago

If you have missed the deadline for filling the Tezpur University CUET application, there is unfortunately not much that can be done to submit your application. The deadline is usually set to ensure that the university has sufficient time to process all applications and make admissions decisions ...If you have missed the deadline for filling the Tezpur University CUET application, there is unfortunately not much that can be done to submit your application. The deadline is usually set to ensure that the university has sufficient time to process all applications and make admissions decisions in a timely manner. However, you can try contacting the admissions office of Tezpur University to explain your situation and see if they can make an exception for you. They may be able to advise you on any alternative options available, such as applying for admission in the next available intake or considering other universities. It's important to note that missing a deadline can have consequences, and it's always best to try to meet application deadlines to increase your chances of admission to the university of your choice.

S

I have applied to University of Delhi through CUCET, but I have not included any language for the exam. Will there be a problem?

A

Aparna Lilith

Contributor-Level 6

a month ago

As per the official CUET and Delhi University website, Candidates must appear in at least one language from the following: Arabic, Gujarati, Manipur, Sindhi, Assamese, Hindi Marathi, Spanish, Bengali, Italian, Nepali, Tamil, Bodo, Japanese, Odia, Telugu, Chinese, Kannada, Persian Tibetan, Dogri K...As per the official CUET and Delhi University website, Candidates must appear in at least one language from the following:
Arabic, Gujarati, Manipur, Sindhi, Assamese, Hindi Marathi, Spanish, Bengali, Italian, Nepali, Tamil, Bodo, Japanese, Odia, Telugu, Chinese, Kannada, Persian Tibetan, Dogri Kashmir Punjabi, Urdu, English Konkani, Russian, French Maithili Sanskrit, German, Malayalam, Santhali.

44378669
Kartik Sharma

Beginner-Level 5

2 months ago

Hi there!Yes it will create a problem because as I remember almost all courses offer under CUET do require atleast one language subject as a criteria for admission. So the solution is you have to wait until the correction window is being open by the official and then choose the language that you ...Hi there!
Yes it will create a problem because as I remember almost all courses offer under CUET do require atleast one language subject as a criteria for admission. So the solution is you have to wait until the correction window is being open by the official and then choose the language that you have already studied in 12th standard. Hope it helps you. Best of luck.

A

What will be the length of the Japanese paper in CUET?

A

Aparna Lilith

Contributor-Level 6

a month ago

The language section of the exam consists of 50 questions in total, out of which 40 questions are to be attempted in a duration of 45 minutes.

51047897
Anshika Maurya

Contributor-Level 9

2 months ago

The length of the Japanese paper in CUET (Central University of Tamil Nadu Entrance Test) depends on the specific exam pattern and syllabus prescribed by the university for that particular year. Typically, the duration of the CUET exam is two hours, and the question paper consists of multiple-cho...The length of the Japanese paper in CUET (Central University of Tamil Nadu Entrance Test) depends on the specific exam pattern and syllabus prescribed by the university for that particular year. Typically, the duration of the CUET exam is two hours, and the question paper consists of multiple-choice questions (MCQs) in various subjects, including Japanese. The number of questions and the overall length of the Japanese paper in CUET may vary from year to year, depending on the university's discretion. To get the most accurate information on the CUET exam pattern and syllabus, it is advisable to check the official website of the Central University of Tamil Nadu or contact the university directly.

g

Can I change my course to B.Tech instead of BCA in CUET form?

A

Aparna Lilith

Contributor-Level 6

a month ago

You can change your course in the CUET application form during the correction window timeline. However, certain additional charges may be applicable.

H

Hari Om Chouhan

Beginner-Level 5

2 months ago

Yes,
NTA has given the opportunity to the candidates to correct/add courses that they have selected during the filling of the CUET application form.

S

How do I apply for admission in a government college after CUCET exam's result?

A

Aparna Lilith

Contributor-Level 6

a month ago

After the declaration of the CUET earlier CUCET result by NTA the respective Central University will declare the counselling/ admission schedule and merit list based on the CUET scores. The candidates are required to visit the website of their desirous colleges and fill out the application form.

M

Muhammed Adhil Pt

Contributor-Level 6

a month ago

After the results of the CUCET exams are declared, you will have to go to the respective websites of the colleges you are willing to apply to and fill up the form for their application procedure.

V

Where can I get CUCET mock tests for Chandigarh University?

S

Sanjeev Gupta

Beginner-Level 5

a month ago

The dates will be announced on the respective website.

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