Teaching & Higher Studies · Updated October 2026
CUET PG ExamEligibility, Syllabus, Exam Pattern, Salary, Cut-Off, PYQs and Free Mock Test
Administered annually by the National Testing Agency (NTA) under the Ministry of Education, CUET (PG) is the single-window national entrance examination for admission to Master's (M.A., M.Sc., M.Com., MBA, MCA, LL.M., M.Ed., B.Ed.) programmes across 190+ Central, State, Deemed, and Private Universities including DU, JNU, BHU, and TISS. The 90-minute CBT features 75 domain-specific questions carrying 300 marks.
- Type
- Entrance
- Level
- National
- Conducting body
- University
Start for free with CUET PG syllabus study notes, solved previous year papers, real-pattern mock tests and AI Tutor support.
CUET PG exam overview and highlights
About CUET PG
The Common University Entrance Test (Postgraduate) is conducted by the National Testing Agency for admission to postgraduate programmes in central universities and other participating universities. A single computer-based test in the chosen subject gives a score that participating universities use for admission through their own counselling. It is held once a year.
The examination process for CUET PG comprises 2 stages: Computer-based test, followed by University counselling. The official syllabus tests candidates across 5 core areas — General papers (where applicable), Humanities and Social Sciences, Sciences, Commerce and Management, Languages — focusing on conceptual clarity, speed, and accuracy. NTA releases the score; each participating university then prepares its own merit list and counselling or admission rounds based on the CUET PG score and its own criteria.
Key subjects
- General papers (where applicable)
- Humanities and Social Sciences
- Sciences
- Commerce and Management
- Languages
What clearing CUET PG leads to
- Admission to MA, M.Sc, M.Com, MCA, MBA and other postgraduate programmes in central universities
- Admission to participating state, deemed and private universities
- Admission & Seat Allotment: Admission to postgraduate programmes at central and other participating universities
- Centralised merit counselling and seat allocation through National Testing Agency (NTA) participating institutes
- Validity & Eligibility Window: CUET PG score is valid for that year's admission cycle only
- Access to premier teaching faculty, research laboratories, industry internships, and campus placement cells
Quick facts
- Conducting body
- National Testing Agency (NTA)
- Frequency
- Once a year
- Exam mode
- Online (computer-based test)
- Languages
- Bilingual (English and Hindi) for most papers, except language papers and some specific subjects
- Stages & papers
- 2 stages (1 paper total)
- Negative marking
- One mark deducted per wrong answer (four marks for each correct answer)
- Official website
- exams.nta.ac.in
CUET PG — Key Highlights & Official Particulars
Complete snapshot of CUET PG conducting authority, frequency, mode, stages, negative marking and official portal.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | CUET PG |
| Conducting Body | National Testing Agency (NTA) |
| Exam Category | Teaching & Higher Studies |
| Exam Level | National level |
| Exam Type & Purpose | Entrance (Academic Admission & Seat Allotment) |
| Exam Frequency | Once a year |
| Usual Notification & Exam Window | Once a year: notification around January or February, exam around March or April, results before university admissions begin |
| Mode of Application | Online on exams.nta.ac.in (CUET PG section) |
| Mode of Examination | Online (computer-based test) |
| Medium / Exam Languages | Bilingual (English and Hindi) for most papers, except language papers and some specific subjects |
| Selection Stages | 2 Stages (1 Paper Total): Computer-based test → University counselling |
| Negative Marking | One mark deducted per wrong answer (four marks for each correct answer) |
| Selection / Merit Process | NTA releases the score; each participating university then prepares its own merit list and counselling or admission rounds based on the CUET PG score and its own criteria. |
| Educational Qualification | Bachelor's degree or equivalent in a relevant discipline. Final-year students can apply. Minimum marks are set by each participating university for its programmes. |
| Age Limit | No upper age limit set by NTA; universities may apply their own rules |
| Admission Scope & Seats | Admission to postgraduate programmes at central and other participating universities |
| Scorecard / Certificate Validity | CUET PG score is valid for that year's admission cycle only |
| Competition Scale | A few lakh candidates appear across all test papers |
| Official Website | exams.nta.ac.in |
Summary for orientation only, last reviewed October 2026. Check eligibility, dates and pattern in the official notification.
CUET PG exam schedule, vacancy, fee and online application process
Standard annual cycle and application workflow for CUET PG. Confirm exact notification and closing dates on the official University website.
| Examination Event | Typical Calendar Window | Cycle / Mode |
|---|---|---|
| CUET PG Official Notification & Information Bulletin | Once a year: notification around January or February, exam around March or April, results before university admissions begin | Once a year |
| Online Registration & Application Fee Window | Typically remains open for 21 to 30 days from the date of notification release | Online Portal |
| Application Form Correction / Edit Window | 2 to 5 days immediately following the close of the online registration window | As Notified |
| Exam City Intimation & Admit Card Release | City slip 10–15 days prior; Hall Ticket / E-Admit Card 4 to 10 days before the exam date | Via National Testing Agency (NTA) |
| CUET PG — Computer-based test | Once a year: notification around January or February, exam around March or April, results before university admissions begin | Online (computer-based test) |
| CUET PG — University counselling | Typically 6 to 12 weeks after declaration of Stage 1 results | Shortlisted Candidates |
| Provisional Answer Key & Objection Representation Window | Within 3 to 10 days after completion of the objective examination shifts | Online Challenge |
| Final Answer Key, Normalized Result & Merit List / Scorecard | Typically 3 to 6 weeks after conclusion of the examination stage | Merit List PDF / Login |
- Seat Intake & Competition
- A few lakh candidates appear across all test papers. Seat matrix and institute-wise intake across General, OBC-NCL, EWS, SC, ST, and PwBD categories are released by National Testing Agency (NTA) and participating counselling authorities prior to choice filling.
- Application Fee & Payment Norms
- Category-wise examination/registration fee is payable online via UPI, Net Banking, or Debit/Credit Card on the National Testing Agency (NTA) portal. Concessional fee slabs (typically 50% or lower) apply to SC, ST, PwBD, OBC-NCL/EWS, and female candidates as specified in the current CUET PG Information Bulletin.
How to apply online for CUET PG
One-Time Registration (OTR) & Portal Login
Visit exams.nta.ac.in and complete your candidate registration using a valid email ID, active mobile number, and Aadhaar / government photo ID details. Online on exams.nta.ac.in (CUET PG section).
Fill Academic, Personal & Exam Centre Preferences
Log in to open the CUET PG application form. Enter your qualifying degree/board details, category/reservation status, medium of examination (Bilingual (English and Hindi) for most papers, except language papers and some specific subjects), and choose 3 to 4 preferred test cities.
Upload Photograph, Signature & Category Certificates
Upload a recent passport-size photograph (in prescribed KB dimensions and light background), scanned running-hand signature, and valid SC/ST/OBC-NCL/EWS/PwBD/Domicile certificates where applicable.
Online Application Fee Payment & Confirmation Page
Pay the category-wise examination fee via UPI, Net Banking, Debit/Credit Card, or e-Challan before the closing deadline, then download and preserve the final CUET PG Confirmation Page / Application PDF for admit card and verification stages.
CUET PG eligibility criteria and age relaxation
Candidates applying for CUET PG must fulfil the academic qualification, age limit, nationality and category reservation rules notified by University.
Educational qualification
Bachelor's degree or equivalent in a relevant discipline. Final-year students can apply. Minimum marks are set by each participating university for its programmes.
Age limit & relaxations
No upper age limit set by NTA; universities may apply their own rules.
Number of attempts
Candidates may appear in every scheduled examination cycle subject to meeting the academic year/passing window and age criteria in the official brochure.
Nationality & domicile
Indian citizens and, where allowed by the university, foreign nationals.
Other conditions & standards
Candidates must satisfy the prescribed medical fitness, character verification, and document authenticity norms (including valid EWS/OBC-NCL/SC/ST/PwBD certificates in the prescribed format) at the time of verification.
CUET PG — Category-Wise Upper Age Relaxation & Reservation Norms
| Category | Age Relaxation / Rule | Key Conditions & Documentation |
|---|---|---|
| General / Unreserved (UR) & EWS | No upper age limit set by NTA; universities may apply their own rules. | Must satisfy qualifying examination passing year and minimum aggregate marks criteria. |
| Scheduled Caste (SC) / Scheduled Tribe (ST) | Up to 5 years relaxation (wherever an age limit applies) + 5% relaxation in qualifying aggregate marks | Requires a valid SC/ST certificate issued by a competent authority in the prescribed central/state format. |
| Other Backward Classes — Non-Creamy Layer (OBC-NCL) | Up to 3 years relaxation (wherever an age limit applies) + 5% relaxation in qualifying aggregate marks | Candidate must belong to the central/state OBC-NCL list with a certificate issued within the notified financial window. |
| Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD / PwD) | Up to 5 to 10 years relaxation + scribe & compensatory time (20 minutes per hour) facility | Applicable to candidates with 40% or more benchmark disability under the RPwD Act, 2016. |
CUET PG selection process and exam pattern
Negative Marking & Evaluation Rule: One mark deducted per wrong answer (four marks for each correct answer). Selection & Merit Weightage: NTA releases the score; each participating university then prepares its own merit list and counselling or admission rounds based on the CUET PG score and its own criteria.
Stage 1: Computer-based test
Online (computer-based test) • 1 Paper (Subject paper) • 75 Questions • 300 Total Marks • Duration: 105 minutes • A single objective paper in the chosen subject.
A single objective paper in the chosen subject. Candidates can apply for several papers, each written in a separate slot. Scores are used by universities for merit lists.
Paper / Section Questions Marks Duration Subject paper 75 300 105 minutes Stage 2: University counselling
Online (computer-based test) • Each participating university prepares its own merit list and conducts counselling or admission on the basis of CUET PG scores.
Each participating university prepares its own merit list and conducts counselling or admission on the basis of CUET PG scores.
CUET PG subject-wise syllabus and study material
SmartRank organizes chapter-wise study notes for every subject below in 12 languages, with an AI Tutor on hand for doubts. Start exploring for free, and unlock the complete syllabus with Learn or SmartRank Pass.
General papers (where applicable): English language comprehension and verbal & General awareness
- English language comprehension and verbal ability
- General awareness
- Mathematical and quantitative ability
- Logical reasoning
Humanities and Social Sciences: History, Political Science, Sociology, Economics & Psychology and Education
- History, Political Science, Sociology, Economics
- Psychology and Education
- Geography
- Philosophy
Sciences: Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics & Life Sciences and Biotechnology
- Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics
- Life Sciences and Biotechnology
- Computer Science and Statistics
- Environmental Science
Commerce and Management: Accounting and finance & Business economics
- Accounting and finance
- Business economics
- Management principles
- Business statistics
Languages: English literature & Hindi and Sanskrit
- English literature
- Hindi and Sanskrit
- Other Indian and foreign languages
- Linguistics
Previous Year Trend Analysis & High-Weightage Topics (CUET PG)
- Recurring multi-concept questions from past CUET PG cycles
- High-yield chapters and section-wise mark distribution patterns
- Statement-based, assertion-reason and matching question formats
- Elimination techniques and negative-marking risk management
- Time allocation strategy across sections and papers
Analytical Problem Solving, Data Sufficiency & Applied Concepts
- Multi-step numerical and conceptual application problems
- Graphical, tabular and experimental data interpretation
- Cross-chapter synthesis and formula derivation problems
- Speed calculation, approximation and unit-dimension verification
- Caselets, comprehension passages and critical reasoning scenarios
Language Comprehension, Administrative / Academic Expression & Communication
- Reading comprehension of dense analytical, policy and scientific passages
- Contextual vocabulary, idioms, phrases, synonyms and antonyms
- Grammatical accuracy, sentence correction, para-jumbles and cloze tests
- Structured essay/précis writing or verbal reasoning inference
- Official terminology, formal communication and logical coherence
CUET PG admission scope, counselling, seat allotment & career pathways
Admission to postgraduate programmes at central and other participating universities. High percentiles / All-India Ranks unlock top-tier specialisations, scholarships, and high-placement campuses.
Programmes & Institutes Covered
Admission to postgraduate programmes at central and other participating universities.
Exam & Counselling Authority
National Testing Agency (NTA)
Scorecard Validity
CUET PG score is valid for that year's admission cycle only
Seat Reservation Norms
Statutory vertical & horizontal reservations (GEN-EWS, OBC-NCL, SC, ST, PwBD, Female Supernumerary / State Quota where applicable).
Key Benefits & Institutional Opportunities
- Centralised multi-round online choice filling and merit-based seat upgrades
- Eligibility for AICTE / UGC / Ministry / Institute merit-cum-means scholarships and tuition waivers
- Access to funded research laboratories, industry-sponsored capstone projects, and international exchange semesters
- Direct campus placement eligibility across marquee technology, consulting, core engineering, finance, clinical, or legal recruiters
- PSU recruitment shortlisting or direct fellowship stipends where scores are accepted by public sector enterprises
Academic & Career Progression Roadmap
- Qualify CUET PG with a strong All-India Rank (AIR) / Percentile
- Participate in Centralised / Institute Counselling, GD-PI / Clinical / Studio rounds & Document Verification
- Core Academic Curriculum, Specialisation Electives & Summer Research / Corporate Internships
- Final Campus Placements, PSU Recruitment, Clinical Residency, or Higher Doctoral / Global Studies
- Long-Term Domain Leadership in Industry, R&D, Academia, or Public Policy
CUET PG cut-off trends, score normalization and safe target score
National Testing Agency (NTA) releases the official CUET PG qualifying cut-off and opening/closing ranks (or percentiles) after each exam cycle. While clearing the qualifying cut-off makes you eligible for counselling, admission to top participating institutes depends on your All-India Rank (AIR) and category seat matrix.
CUET PG — Qualifying Standards & Safe Target Benchmarks
| Category | Qualifying Floor / Standard | Recommended Safe Target |
|---|---|---|
| General / Unreserved (UR) | 30% to 40% Minimum Qualifying Floor | 72% to 82% of Total Marks (95+ Percentile in Mock Tests) |
| General — Economically Weaker Section (GEN-EWS) | 25% to 35% Minimum Qualifying Floor | 68% to 78% of Total Marks |
| Other Backward Classes (OBC-NCL) | 25% to 35% Minimum Qualifying Floor | 68% to 78% of Total Marks |
| Scheduled Caste (SC) / Scheduled Tribe (ST) / PwBD | 20% to 30% Minimum Qualifying Floor | 58% to 70% of Total Marks |
Score Normalization & Marking Impact
When CUET PG is conducted across multiple shifts or sessions, National Testing Agency (NTA) applies standard score normalization (Equi-Percentile or Mean-Standard Deviation method) to account for any variation in paper difficulty across shifts. Because raw marks are governed by one mark deducted per wrong answer (four marks for each correct answer), maintaining high accuracy (85%+) significantly boosts your normalized score.
Factors Determining CUET PG Cut-Off
- Total number of notified vacancies / available seats across participating cadres and institutions
- Total number of registered vs actual appearing candidates in the CUET PG cycle
- Relative difficulty level of the question paper (and shift-wise variation in multi-shift CBT exams)
- Category-wise vertical (UR, EWS, OBC-NCL, SC, ST) and horizontal (PwBD, ESM, Women) reservation ratios
- Previous year cut-off trajectory and candidate score distribution at the top percentiles
CUET PG admit card, answer key and result guide
City slip 10–15 days prior • Admit Card 4–10 days before exam
CUET PG Exam City Intimation & Admit Card
National Testing Agency (NTA) releases the advance Exam City Intimation Slip followed by the official CUET PG Hall Ticket / e-Admit Card on exams.nta.ac.in. No hard copy is sent by post; candidates must log in with their Registration Number and Date of Birth / Password to download it.
- Clear A4 printout of the CUET PG e-Admit Card with visible barcode and photograph
- Original valid Government Photo ID (Aadhaar Card, Passport, Voter ID, Driving Licence, or PAN Card)
- 2 recent passport-size photographs matching the image uploaded in the online application
- PwBD / Scribe certificate and undertaking (if availing compensatory time or scribe facility)
Within 3–10 days after the examination
CUET PG Provisional Answer Key & Objection Window
After conclusion of the objective test, National Testing Agency (NTA) uploads the candidate response sheet and Provisional Answer Key on exams.nta.ac.in. Candidates can calculate their raw score and submit online representations against any ambiguous question or key discrepancy within the stipulated 48–72 hour window.
- Download your recorded Response Sheet PDF and match Question IDs with the Master Answer Key
- Calculate raw score using the official positive and negative marking formula
- Attach standard textbook / NCERT / official gazette proof if challenging any provisional key
- Review the Final Answer Key published after subject-expert scrutiny of all representations
3–6 weeks after stage completion
CUET PG Result, Scorecard & Merit List / Counselling
National Testing Agency (NTA) declares the CUET PG result as a stage-wise Merit List PDF (with roll numbers and category cut-offs) and individual Normalized Scorecards on exams.nta.ac.in. Shortlisted candidates proceed to the next stage, Document Verification, or Centralised Counselling.
- Download and save your official CUET PG Scorecard / Rank Letter PDF immediately upon release
- Verify category-wise and sectional cut-off marks in the official result write-up notice
- Keep original matriculation, degree, caste/EWS, and domicile certificates ready for verification
- Track reserve list / multi-round seat allotment updates on the official website
CUET PG mock tests
Practice in the official CUET PG pattern on the Free plan, and unlock 10 full or sectional mocks every month, unlimited chapter and topic tests, and the CBT Exam Simulator with SmartRank Pass.
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CUET PG Full Mock Test 1
Computer-based test · 75 questions · 105 minutes
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CUET PG Full Mock Test 2
Computer-based test · 75 questions · 105 minutes
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CUET PG Full Mock Test 3
Computer-based test · 75 questions · 105 minutes
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CUET PG Full Mock Test 4
Computer-based test · 75 questions · 105 minutes
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CUET PG Full Mock Test 5
Computer-based test · 75 questions · 105 minutes
CUET PG previous year papers
Papers come with a solution for every question. Read them, or attempt them as timed tests. See all CUET PG previous year papers by year
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Recent CUET PG question papers
Included on the Free plan with step-by-step solutions
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Complete 10-year CUET PG paper archive
Up to 10 years of solved papers with SmartRank Pass (4 years with Learn)
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Predicted questions for CUET PG
High-probability questions and topics for your next exam
How to prepare for CUET PG
- Check which universities accept CUET PG for your programme before choosing papers, because paper codes map to specific courses.
- The paper gives 105 minutes for 75 questions, so time is generous; use it to avoid wrong answers that cost one mark each.
- Base your subject preparation on the undergraduate syllabus, since questions are set at bachelor's level.
- Download the official syllabus for your paper code from the NTA site and prepare unit by unit.
- Take the NTA mock test to get used to the interface and the bilingual question display.
- Read the official CUET PG syllabus and information bulletin before you start, and keep it next to your study plan.
CUET PG FAQs
What is the CUET PG exam pattern?
Each paper has 75 objective questions for 300 marks in 105 minutes, with four marks for a correct answer and one mark deducted for a wrong one.
Is there any age limit for CUET PG?
NTA does not set an upper age limit. Individual universities may apply their own eligibility rules.
Can final-year graduation students apply for CUET PG?
Yes. Candidates appearing in the final year of their bachelor's degree can apply, subject to completing it before admission.
Does CUET PG have a common general test?
No. Candidates write subject-specific papers; some papers include general aptitude components depending on the subject code.
Which universities accept CUET PG?
Central universities and a number of state, deemed and private universities accept CUET PG scores. The list is published by NTA each year.
What is the selection process and exam pattern for CUET PG?
CUET PG is conducted by National Testing Agency (NTA) across 2 stages: Computer-based test → University counselling. NTA releases the score; each participating university then prepares its own merit list and counselling or admission rounds based on the CUET PG score and its own criteria.
What is the age limit and educational qualification for CUET PG?
Educational Qualification: Bachelor's degree or equivalent in a relevant discipline. Final-year students can apply. Minimum marks are set by each participating university for its programmes. Age Limit: No upper age limit set by NTA; universities may apply their own rules.
Is there negative marking in the CUET PG exam?
Yes — One mark deducted per wrong answer (four marks for each correct answer). Candidates should use a two-pass attempt strategy during mock tests to keep accuracy above 85% and minimise negative marking deductions.
Which institutes and programmes accept CUET PG scores?
Admission to postgraduate programmes at central and other participating universities. Validity: CUET PG score is valid for that year's admission cycle only.
When is the CUET PG notification released and how can I apply online?
CUET PG is held once a year (Once a year: notification around January or February, exam around March or April, results before university admissions begin). Online on exams.nta.ac.in (CUET PG section).
How can I prepare for CUET PG on SmartRank?
Select CUET PG as your target exam on SmartRank to get chapter-by-chapter study material built around its syllabus covering General papers (where applicable), Humanities and Social Sciences, Sciences, Commerce and Management, solved previous year question papers, topic and full-length mock tests in the exact CUET PG pattern, a timed exam simulator, subject-wise analytics, an adaptive daily study plan and an AI Tutor.