CUET PG: Your Gateway to Postgraduate Programs in Indian Universities
by Abhay Prakash
CUET PG, formerly CUCET, is a crucial national exam for admission to PG courses across 45 Central Universities and several State and Deemed Universities in India. It offers a comprehensive MCQ test structure and is accepted by over 200 institutions. The application process begins between February-March, and aspirants should verify eligibility and reservation policies. CUET PG marks a significant stride in streamlining India's postgraduate admissions.
LAST UPDATED: Jul 20, 2023
Introduction
The Common University Entrance Test PG (CUET PG), formerly known as the Central Universities Common Entrance Test (CUCET), is an all-India examination conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) for admission to various Postgraduate and Certification courses in 45 Central Universities of India. It has also gained acceptance from several State Universities and Deemed universities across the country.
History and Evolution
The journey of CUET PG began in 2010 when it was first conducted for seven central universities, offering 1,500 seats in 41 undergraduate, postgraduate, and integrated courses. Initially managed by the Central University of Rajasthan, the responsibility for conducting the exam was later taken over by the National Testing Agency in 2021. The introduction of CUET PG is a result of the National Education Policy 2020, which now makes it mandatory for all 43 central universities to adopt this standardized entrance test.
Exam Pattern and Structure
CUET PG follows a Multiple Choice Question (MCQ) format with 100 questions, each carrying 4 marks. There is a negative marking of -1 for every wrong answer. Candidates have a time limit of 120 minutes (2 hours) to complete the test. The question paper is divided into two parts: Part A and Part B. Part A covers Language Comprehension/Verbal Ability, General Awareness, Mathematical/Quantitative Ability, and Analytical Skills. Part B, on the other hand, comprises 75 domain-specific questions.
Universities and Acceptance
CUET PG is widely accepted across more than 200 universities in India, including prominent institutions such as Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), Banaras Hindu University, University of Hyderabad, and The English and Foreign Languages University (EFLU), among others.
Exam Centers and Slots
The exam is conducted in 634 centers across India, with 13 additional foreign centers. Candidates can choose two exam centers in the state where they currently reside or where they have a permanent address. The test is held in three slots: morning, afternoon, and evening.
Eligibility Criteria and Reservation
After deciding the university and the course they wish to apply for, candidates need to ensure they meet the eligibility criteria specified in the appendix-VIII of the brochure. CUET PG offers reservations for various categories, including:
- Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) - 10% of seats
- Other Backward Classes (OBCs) - 27% of seats
- Scheduled Castes (SCs) - 15% of seats
- Scheduled Tribes (STs) - 7.5% of seats
- Persons with Disability (PWD) - 5% of seats in each category.
Application Process and Fee
The application process typically opens in February-March and remains open for at least 30 days. The application fee varies based on the number of test papers chosen and the applicant's category. Corrections can be made during a specified period, and candidates can use various platforms to receive NTA notifications.
Question Paper Structure and Marking Scheme
The question paper consists of a general section (Part A) and a domain-specific section (Part B) for most papers. Each correct answer fetches 4 marks, with a deduction of 1 mark for every wrong answer. The NTA score is calculated for multi-shift papers.
No Re-evaluation
The results and answers are not re-evaluated. Universities can use the CUET PG scores to prepare rank lists, but admission is subject to fulfilling the specific criteria of each university.
Conclusion
CUET PG has emerged as a game-changing examination, streamlining postgraduate admissions across numerous universities in India. It provides a standardized platform for candidates and simplifies the admission process for both universities and students alike. Aspiring candidates are encouraged to check the official website for the latest updates and prepare thoroughly to excel in CUET PG and secure a brighter future in higher education.
As the competition intensifies, a strategic approach to preparation becomes imperative. If you're looking to boost your CUET PG preparation, consider Prepwise UG Plus coaching programs. Our expert tutors and curated study materials can provide an extra edge to your efforts, helping you understand the nuances of the exam pattern and formulate effective study strategies. Remember, a wise investment in your preparation can be the key to unlocking your aspirations for higher education.
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