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CUET Exam Pattern 2023 [UG] Marking Scheme, Paper Pattern & Marks Weightage

Author : Palak Khanna

Updated On : February 15, 2023

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Reader’s Digest: NTA has introduced changes to the last year's exam pattern; it is crucial to know about these changes before you start your preparations. We recommend you plan your preparation backwards, i.e. by choosing the course and college you wish to study and then understanding the CUET exam pattern. Why are we saying so? Read this blog to find the answer to this.

What do you need to know before initiating the preparation for any entrance exam in general? It is undoubtedly the question paper design, and the sections are included.

CUET Exam Pattern will give you insights into the sections, subjects, duration, number of questions and exam marking scheme. Don’t get confused while comprehending it since it varies as per the college and the course you chose! 

Did you know that NTA has officially released the exam dates and introduced new changes to the exam pattern? Continue reading to learn about the new CUET exam pattern 2023 updates.

Let’s gather some generic information about the CUET 2023 Exam Pattern:

  • This exam is divided into 3 sections– Language Paper (1A and 1B), Domain Paper & General Test.
  • Language Paper (1A and 1B): You will be asked questions based on 13 Indian languages in Section 1A and 20 Languages in Section 1B (Mix bag of regional Indian languages and Foreign languages). 40 questions are to be attempted out of 50 in each language.
  • NTA will test your knowledge of the subjects studied in your Class XI and Class XII in the Domain-specific Test of CUET. There are 27 such subjects included in this section. Pick and choose from the list as per your stream. 35/40 questions to be attempted out of 45/50. 
  • The General Test is a replica of the most heard Aptitude Test but with a level simpler to the ones you have seen or heard in IPMAT, NPAT or JEE Main B.Arch. 50 Questions to be attempted out of 60.

CUET 2023 Important Update: From the above subjects / languages, the candidate can choose maximum of 10 subjects from all three Section.
Examination will be conducted on multiple days in three shifts, depending on the number of candidates and subject choices.

CUET Revised Exam Pattern Highlights

The table below will provide helpful information about how NTA will design the CUET Question Paper.

Criteria Language Test Domain Test General Test
Mode Online Online Online
Medium Language Chosen English/Language Chosen in Section I English/Language Chosen in Section I
Duration To be notified later To be notified later To be notified later
Type of Questions Objective Objective Objective
Number of Questions (to be attempted) 40 questions are to be attempted out of 50 35/40 questions to be attempted out of 45/50 50 Questions to be attempted out of 60
Total Marks (+5) * number of questions to be attempted (+5) * number of questions to be attempted  (+5) * number of questions to be attempted
Marking Scheme Correct Answer: +5 Correct Answer: +5 Correct Answer: +5
Incorrect Answer: -1 Incorrect Answer: -1 Incorrect Answer: -1
Unattempted Answer: 0 Unattempted Answer: 0 Unattempted Answer: 0

CUET Exam Pattern

4 Details That You Must Know About CUET Exam Pattern 2023

CUET 2023 will be conducted in three slots per day. Details related to the slots will be disclosed later by NTA. 

Last year, the morning shift had 3 slots distributed for Language, Domain and General Tests. While in the afternoon, had only the language and domain paper.

All the tests will be Computer-based. But the tweak is that you don’t have to appear for all languages or all domain tests to qualify for admission to your desired college.

  1. All applicants must mandatorily appear for the 3 sections. An applicant can take a maximum of 10 subjects/ exams. 
  2. What combinations can you create to finalise your 10 exams? You can probably write 3 language papers, 6 domain papers and 1 general test, or you can write 3
  3.  language tests, 6 domain tests and 1 general test.
  4. Keeping in mind the diversity of students (in terms of streams and boards), NTA has decided to provide choices in all question papers. However, the total number of questions to be attempted by any candidate remains the same for all.
  5. For choosing the languages, domain test, or general test, it is a mandate to refer to the requirements of your intended university. Your choices MUST match the requirements of the University.

CUET 2023 Exam Timings & Duration (Expected)

This exam will be conducted on multiple days depending on the date allocated to you in your CUET Admit Card. There are 3 slots in a day for this exam.

Last year, there were 2 slots a day, and the details are as follows.

The morning shift had tests for all the 3 sections of this exam, and the afternoon shift had 2 sections.

  •  The total exam duration in slot 1 (morning shift) was 3 hours and 15 minutes.
  • The total duration for slot 2 (afternoon shift) was 3 hours 45 minutes.

Note: The exam timings are considering that the applicants shall appear for all the exams for the associated section in those slots.

Time Schedule Slot 1 Slot 2 Slot 3
Timing of the Exam To be announced To be announced To be announced
Entry to the Exam Hall To be announced To be announced To be announced
Attendance Marking and Admit Card Verification To be announced To be announced To be announced
Time to Read Instructions in the Question Paper (on their allocated computer systems) To be announced To be announced To be announced
Test Starts To be announced To be announced To be announced

The official website also describes the syllabus and CUET exam pattern in Hindi. 

CUET 2022 Exam Structure for Morning Shift

The morning shift starts at 9 am in the morning on exam day. The conclusion time for the exam will depend on the subjects you choose and will be mentioned on the admit card.

  • Any candidate can appear for 1 language test in the morning shift which shall last for 45 minutes.
  • A maximum of 2 domain subjects can be taken in the morning slot for which the time limit shall be 90 minutes (45 minutes per subject).
  • The general test is also a part of the morning shift and will last for 60 minutes.

Assuming that you appear for all the tests in the morning slot, here’s CUET's exam timing and structure.

Last year's marking scheme is as follows: 

Test/Subjects Total Marks Total Duration
Language Test (pick any one amongst the 13 Indian languages) 200 45 minutes
Domain-Specific Test (maximum 2 subjects as per your choice) 200 45 minutes for each subject (90 minutes; max duration)
General Test 300 60 minutes

** Note that NTA is yet to announce the slots, marks, and duration of the exam for the academic year 2023.

cuet online coaching

cuet online coaching

CUET 2022 Exam Structure for Afternoon Shift

The afternoon shift is a lengthier slot between the two. It starts at 3:00 pm and will end after 3 hours 45 minutes on the condition that you appear for the exams in this shift.

  • In this slot, you will be appearing in either 1 language or 2 languages (as per your choice). This slot shall include your chosen Section 1A or 1B language paper.
  • The second exam in this slot is the domain-specific test which shall have questions based on a maximum of 4 subjects this time.

Here’s a clear view of the CUET entrance exam pattern and structure for the Afternoon Slot:

Test/Subjects Total Marks Total Duration
Language Test (pick any one amongst the 13 Indian languages or any Section 1B Language) 200 45 minutes
Domain-Specific Test (maximum 4 subjects as per your choice) 200 45 minutes for each subject (180 minutes or 3 hours; max duration)

CUET exam pattern total marks distribution is listed above. 

The details listed above are from the previous year. 

CUET Exam Pattern 2023 for Language Test (Section 1A and 1B)

As per the CUET Syllabus, the Language test is for assessing your proficiency/ skills in the Language opted, and the question paper in respect of the same will be available to you in the medium opted by you. The Question Paper of the Language Test will not be bi-lingual. 

  • There are 13 languages in Section 1A and 20 languages in Section 1B to choose from.
  • Your proficiency will be tested through Reading Comprehension based on different types of passages–Factual, Literary and Narrative, [Literary Aptitude and Vocabulary] MCQ Based Questions. 
  • For whichever language paper you choose, you have to attempt 40 questions in each of the 50 questions given in the paper.
  • The duration of each language paper is expected to be 45 minutes, meaning if you choose to appear for 3 language papers, then the maximum duration of the exam shall be 2 hours 25 minutes. However, NTA has not confirmed the duration of exam as of yet.

CUET Exam Pattern

CUET 2023 Exam Pattern for Domain Test (Section II)

There are 27 domain subjects to choose from; however, you can appear for 5 or 6 domain subjects in the CUET Exam.

The number of domain subjects varies as per your choice of language test. These subjects will have questions based on the syllabus given by NTA in MCQ format.

  • You must be well aware of the course and university you are applying to make the choice of your domain subjects.
  • Attempt 35/40 Questions to be attempted out of 45/50.
  • The exam duration will increase with the increasing number of domain subjects.

CUET Exam Pattern 2023 for General Test (Section III)

This is an optional exam depending on the university and course requirements that you choose. 

Questions based on General Knowledge, Current Affairs, General Mental Ability, Numerical Ability, Quantitative Reasoning (Simple application of basic mathematical concepts arithmetic/algebra geometry/mensuration /stat taught till Grade 8), and Logical and Analytical Reasoning are asked in this section.

  • 50 questions out of the 60 displayed questions have to be answered for this section.
  • The total duration to attempt the questions in this section can be 60 minutes.
  • The questions will be in MCQ format in English, and the language is chosen in Section I.
  • The total mark that you can score in this section is 300.

Note: It is better to prepare a guided CUET Preparation Strategy for this section to make the most out of the scores obtained here.

CUET Total Marks 

We see so many of you posting this query, “CUET kitne marks ka hota hai?”. Just to clarify, the total marks for this exam will vary depending on the number of language papers & domain subjects given. So, it will be different for every college and every student.

Assuming that you are attempting the maximum number of tests (9 tests) in the exam, here is a representation of the marks allocated for each section/ subject chosen.

Section Total Questions to be Attempted Marks Allocated for Correct Answer Total Marks
Language Paper (For any 1 of the 13 languages, maximum of 3 languages can be chosen) 40 out of 50 5 200
Domain Subjects (maximum 6 subjects can be chosen) 45 out of 50 5 200
General Test 50 out of 60 5 300

CUET Exam Pattern 2023 Marking Scheme

For Multiple Choice Questions: To answer a question, you must choose one option corresponding to the correct answer or the most appropriate answer.

However, if any anomaly or discrepancy is found after the process of challenges of the key verification, it shall be addressed in the following manner: 

  • Correct answer or the most appropriate answer: Five marks (+5).
  • Any incorrect option marked will be given minus one mark (-1).
  • Unanswered/Marked for Review will be given no mark (0).
  • 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.
  • If all options are found to be correct, then Five marks (+5) will be awarded to all those who have attempted the question.
  • 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 mock tests

cuet mock tests

CUET UG Exam Pattern (Course-wise)

CUET UG exam pattern is as follows: 

Program/ Course offered Domain/ General/ Optional Languages mapped to the Programs
B.Sc. (Hons.) Anthropology Physics, Chemistry, Biology
B.Sc. (Hons.) Biological Sciences Physics, Chemistry, Biology
B.Sc. (Hons.) Botany Physics, Chemistry, Biology
B.Sc. (Hons.) Zoology Physics, Chemistry, Biology
B.Sc. (Hons.) Biomedical Science Physics, Chemistry, Biology
B.Sc. (Hons.) Biochemistry Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Mathematics
B.Sc. (Hons.) Chemistry Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics
B.Sc. (Hons.) Physics Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics
B.Sc. (Hons.) Polymer Science Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics
B.Sc. (Hons.) Computer Science Anyone from Section I + Mathematics+ Any two from Section II
B.Sc. (Hons.) Electronics Physics, Chemistry/ Computer Science, Mathematics
B.Sc. (Hons.) Instrumentation Physics, Chemistry/ Computer Science, Mathematics
B.Sc. (Hons) Environmental Science Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics/ Biology
B.Sc. (Hons.) Food Technology Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics/ Biology
B.Sc. (Hons.) Geology Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics/ Biology/ Geography
B.Sc. (Hons.) Mathematics Anyone from Section I + Mathematics+ Any two from Section II
B.Sc. (Hons.) Statistics Anyone from Section I + Mathematics+ Any two from Section II
B.Sc. (Hons.) Microbiology Physics, Chemistry, Biology
B.Sc. (Hons.) Home Science Biology, Physics/ Chemistry, Anyone from Section II
B.Sc. (Pass) Home Science Anyone from Section I + Any three from Section II OR Anyone from Section I+ Anyone from Section II + Section III
B.Sc. (Prog.) Applied Physical Sciences with Analytical Methods in Chemistry and Biochemistry Physics, Mathematics & Chemistry
B.Sc. (Prog.) Applied Physical Sciences with Industrial Chemistry Physics, Mathematics & Chemistry
B. Sc. (Prog.) Physical Science with Chemistry Physics, Mathematics & Chemistry
B. Sc. (Prog.) Physical Science with Electronics Physics, Mathematics & Chemistry/ Computer Science
B.Sc. (Prog.) Physical Science with Computer Science/ Informatics Practices Physics, Mathematics & Chemistry/ Computer Science
B.Sc. (Prog.) Life Science Physics, Mathematics & Chemistry+ Biology
B.Sc. (Prog.) Applied Life Science Physics & Chemistry+ Biology
B.Sc. (Prog.) Mathematical Science Anyone from Section I +Mathematics+ Any two from Section II
B.Tech. (Information Technology and Mathematical Innovation) Anyone from Section I +Mathematics+ Section III
B.Sc. in Physical Education, Health Education & Sports Anyone from Section I +Physical Education + Any two from Section II OR Anyone from Section I + Any three from Section II
B.A. (Hons.) Sanskrit Anyone from Section I + Sanskrit from Section I/ Section II + Any two from Section II OR Sanskrit from Section I+ Any three from Section II OR Anyone from Section I+ Three from Section II
B.A. (Hons.) English English+ Any three from Section II
B.A. (Hons) Hindi Hindi + Any three from Section II
B.A.(Hons.) Punjabi Punjabi + Any three from Section II OR Anyone from Section I + Any three from Section II
B.A. (Hons.) Bengali Bengali + Any three from Section II OR Anyone from Section I + Any three from Section II
B.A. (Hons.) Urdu Urdu + Any three from Section II OR Anyone from Section I + Any three from Section II
B.A. (Hons.) Arabic Arabic + Any three from Section II OR Anyone from Section I + Any three from Section II
B.A. (Hons) Persian Persian + Any three from Section II OR Anyone from Section I + Any three from Section II
B.A. (Hons.) French French + Any three from Section II OR Anyone from Section I + Any three from Section II
B.A. (Hons.) German German + Any three from Section II OR Anyone from Section I + Any three from Section II
B.A. (Hons.) Italian Italian + Any three from Section II OR Anyone from Section I + Any three from Section II
B.A. (Hons.) Spanish Spanish + Any three from Section II OR Anyone from Section I + Any three from Section II
B.A.(Hons.) Applied Psychology Anyone from Section I + Any three from Section II
B.A.(Hons.) Psychology Anyone from Section I + Any three from Section II
B.A.(Hons.) Philosophy Anyone from Section I + Any three from Section II
B.A. (Hons) Hindi Patrakarita Hindi + Any three from Section II / Section III
B.A. (Hons.) Journalism English + Any three from Section II / Section III
B.A. Hons. (Humanities and Social Sciences) (offered by Cluster Innovation Centre) Anyone from Section I + Any three from Section II
B.A.(Hons.) Geography Anyone from Section I + Any three from Section II
B.A.(Hons.) History Anyone from Section I + Any three from Section II
B.A.(Hons.) Political Science Anyone from Section I + Any three from Section II
B.A.(Hons.) Social Work Anyone from Section I + Any three from Section II
B.A.(Hons.) Sociology Anyone from Section I + Any three from Section II
B.A.(Hons.) Economics Anyone from Section I + Mathematics+ Any two from Section II
B.A. (Hons.) Multi-Media and Mass Communication Anyone from Section I + Mass Media+ Section III
Five Year Integrated Program in Journalism English/ Hindi + Section III
B.A. (Program) Anyone from Section I + Any three from Section II OR Anyone from Section I+ Anyone from Section II + Section III
B.A. (Vocational Studies) Anyone from Section I + Any three from Section II OR Anyone from Section I+ Anyone from Section II + Section III
B.Voc. (Printing Technology) Anyone from Section I + Any three from Section II OR Anyone from Section I+ Anyone from Section II + Section III
B.Voc. (Health Care Management) Anyone from Section I + Any three from Section II OR Anyone from Section I+ Anyone from Section II + Section III
B.Voc. (Retail Management and IT) Anyone from Section I + Any three from Section II OR Anyone from Section I+ Anyone from Section II + Section III
B.Voc. (Banking Operations) Anyone from Section I + Any three from Section II OR Anyone from Section I+ Anyone from Section II + Section III
B.Voc. (Web Designing) Anyone from Section I + Any three from Section II OR Anyone from Section I+ Anyone from Section II + Section III
B.Voc. (Software Development) Anyone from Section I + Any three from Section II OR Anyone from Section I+ Anyone from Section II + Section III
B.A. (Hons) in Karnatak Music- Vocal/ Instrumental (Veena/ Violin) Anyone from Section I +Performing Arts + Any two from Section II OR Anyone from Section I + Any three from Section II
B.A. (Hons) in Hindustani Music- Vocal/ Instrumental (Sitar/ Sarod/ Guitar/ Violin/ Santoor Anyone from Section I +Performing Arts + Any two from Section II OR Anyone from Section I + Any three from Section II
B.A. (Hons) in Hindustani Music – Percussion (Tabla/ Pakhawaj) Anyone from Section I +Performing Arts + Any two from Section II OR Anyone from Section I + Any three from Section II
B. Com. (Hons.) Anyone from Section I + Mathematics/ Accountancy + Any two from Section II
B. Com. Anyone from Section I + Any three from Section II OR Anyone from Section I+ Anyone from Section II + Section III
Bachelor of Management Studies [BMS] Anyone from Section I + Mathematics + Section III
Bachelor of Business Administration (Financial Investment Analysis) [BBA(FIA)] Anyone from Section I + Mathematics + Section III
Bachelor of Business Economics [BBE] Anyone from Section I + Mathematics + Section III
Bachelor of Elementary Education (B.El.Ed.) Anyone from Section I + Any three from Section II

Conclusion

No matter the course or the university, the shortcut to success in this exam is thoroughly preparing your domain subjects during the boards to reduce the burden of preparing for CUET.

For the language, it is suggested to read the newspaper since it will build the foundation for GK in the GT and strengthen Section I too!

The other subjects in the General Test would require memorising important formulae practised during class 8. To recall and revise all such topics and solve questions on the same, follow us on YouTube. Attempt our exclusive NTA CUET Mock Test Series to analyse your scores and know where you stand with your preparations.

Frequently Asked Questions

CUET is a computer-based online test consisting of three sections: language test, domain-specific test, and general aptitude test.
Yes, there is a negative marking of -1 mark for every wrong answer in the CUET Exam. 
The subjects vary for each section. Languages in sections 1 A and B, followed by 27 domain subjects and GT. Go through the post to know section-wise subjects for CUET Exam. 
As per the latest notice, the CUET exam is conducted in computer-based test mode i.e., online mode.
NTA is yet to confirm the duration of CUET Exam 2023.

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