Is general test compulsory for DU CUET 2026 admissions?

Overview: One of the most confusing questions that CUET aspirants have 'Is General Test compulsory for DU CUET 2026 admissions? Since DU offers nearly 70+ courses, each with a different CUET subject mapping, you can find answers to this question in the blog in detail.

If you are confused about what the GAT really is and whether is General Test compulsory for DU CUET 2026 Admissions or not? This blog will make things super clear:

• Which DU courses need it?
• How it can actually increase your admission chances

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Is General Test compulsory for DU CUET 2026 Admissions? 

The General Test is included in Section 3 of the CUET exam. Regarding 'is general test compulsory for DU admissions or not?' DU’s Bulletin of Information clarifies: Section III must be attempted for selected programs (e.g., Journalism, BMS, BBE, Integrated JL, etc.) and is optional elsewhere. This means: 

• All applicants must take CUET (UG), but Section III (GAT) is compulsory only for certain programs.
• Taking the GAT increases your chances of securing admission to more CUET courses offered at DU.

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Which UG Courses at DU Require General Aptitude Test? 

Now that you know the answer to 'Is General Test compulsory for DU CUET 2026 Admissions' is No, you may want to know the courses which require the General Aptitude Test. The table below shows the CUET exam pattern or DU CUET subject combination for UG courses that require GAT also: 

Course	DU CUET Subject Combination
B.Com	Combination II: Any one Language from List A + Any one subject from List B + SECTION III of CUET (General Aptitude Test)
BBA-FIA	Any one Language from List A + Mathematics/Applied Mathematics + SECTION III of CUET (General Aptitude Test)
B.A. (Hons.) Business Economics (BBE)	Any one Language from List A + Mathematics/Applied Mathematics + SECTION III of CUET (General Aptitude Test)
Bachlor of Management Studies (BMS)	Any one Language from List A + Mathematics/Applied Mathematics + SECTION III of CUET (General Aptitude Test)
B.Voc. Banking Operations	Any one Language from List A + Any one subject from List B + SECTION III of CUET (General Aptitude Test)
B.Voc. Healthcare Management	Any one Language from List A + Any one subject from either List B + SECTION III of CUET (General Aptitude Test)
B.Voc. Retail Management and IT	Any one Language from List A + Any one subject from List B+ SECTION III of CUET (General Aptitude Test)
B.Voc. Sofware Development	Any one Language from List A + Mathematics/Applied Mathematics + SECTION III of CUET (General Aptitude Test)
B.A. Vocational Studies	Any one Language from List A+ Any one subject from List B + SECTION III of CUET (General Aptitude Test)
Bachelor of Fine Arts	Any one Language from List A + General Aptitude Test (Section III) & Practical-Based Test (to be conducted by College of Art)

Benefits of Taking CUET GAT Even if Optional?

Now that you know, Is General Test compulsory for DU CUET admissions or not, here's why taking the CUET general test has many advantages, such as: 

1- Unlocks More Course Options

Many DU programs — especially B.Com, BMS, BBE, Journalism, and B.Voc — require the General Aptitude Test as part of their DU CUET subject combination. Even if you’re not currently targeting these programs, your interests may change. Attempting the GAT keeps your options open.

2- Opens Doors to Other Top Universities

Over 280 universities accept CUET, and many of them (including BHU, Jamia, JNU, Ambedkar University, etc.) consider or prefer GAT scores, especially for interdisciplinary or professional programs.

Take CUET GAT Mocks HERE to achieve a perfect score

3- Boosts Your CUET Score Potential

The GAT carries 250 marks, so even if your domain subject scores aren’t perfect, a high GAT score can compensate and improve your overall rank in CSAS (DU’s admission system). For example, a strong GAT score might help you get into the B.Com course at a top-tier college, even if your domain score is slightly low.

4- Gives You a Competitive Edge in High-Demand Courses

In high-competition courses like BA. Program (with Economics, Political Science, Psychology, etc.), a good GAT score can give you an edge if multiple students score similarly in domain subjects in CUET. Your GAT score can impact your overall score, allowing you to be ranked above among fewer students.

Download CUET General Test PYPs for Practice HERE

Is General Test compulsory for DU CUET for BTech Courses? 

According to the official CUET DU Eligibility Criteria PDF, BTech courses are not offered through the CUET exam. So, taking or not taking GAT doesn't affect the eligibility criteria for B.Tech courses.

CUET GAT Preparation Tips 2026

• Cover full syllabus thoroughly before attempting mocks.
• Solve 40–50 questions daily on each sub-topic, especially QA and logical reasoning. 
• Allow 30-40 minutes daily for reading credible sources, such as The Hindu, Indian Express, and Manorma Yearbook. 
• Analyse your performance in CUET mock tests to identify and strengthen weak areas.

Key Takeaways

The article answers frequently asked questions regarding 'is general test compulsory for DU CUET admissions'. In this regard, remember; 

• Check DU’s official website & CSAS FAQs to confirm your program’s subject combination.
• GAT is required only for specific programs; others can skip it if required.
• Even if not compulsory, consider opting for GAT as it opens more doors and boosts your score.
• Understand the syllabus, follow a structured study plan, and attempt mock tests regularly to prepare well for the GAT.