CUET Eligibility & Registration Guide 2024

CUET Eligibility & Registration Guide 2024

Step-by-step guide to CUET eligibility criteria, online registration process, document requirements, fee structure, and important tips for successful application.

🎯 Quick Overview

Aspect CUET UG CUET PG
Conducting Body National Testing Agency (NTA) National Testing Agency (NTA)
Registration Online only Online only
Age Limit No upper age limit No upper age limit
Attempts No restriction No restriction
Nationality Indian + Foreign nationals Indian + Foreign nationals

📋 CUET UG Eligibility Criteria

Academic Qualification:

For Undergraduate Programs:

Requirement Details
Minimum Qualification Passed/Appearing in Class 12 or equivalent
Board Any recognized board (CBSE, State boards, ICSE, NIOS, etc.)
Year 2022, 2023, or 2024 pass-outs eligible for 2024 admissions
Subjects As per university program requirements
Percentage No minimum % for CUET; universities have their own cut-offs

Important Notes:

  • 12th Appearing Students: CAN apply (results awaited)
  • Gap Year Students: Allowed (no restriction on gap years)
  • Improvement Exam Students: Eligible
  • Compartment Students: Check specific university rules

Age Criteria:

General Rule: No upper age limit for CUET UG

Exceptions (University-specific):

  • Some professional courses may have age limits (NDA, etc.)
  • Check individual university prospectus
  • Lower age limit: Must have passed 10+2 level

Nationality:

Eligible Candidates:

  • ✅ Indian Citizens
  • ✅ NRI (Non-Resident Indians)
  • ✅ PIO (Persons of Indian Origin)
  • ✅ OCI (Overseas Citizens of India)
  • ✅ Foreign Nationals

Note: Reservation benefits apply to Indian citizens only.


Category-Wise Eligibility:

All Categories Eligible:

  • General / Unreserved
  • OBC-NCL (Non-Creamy Layer)
  • SC (Scheduled Caste)
  • ST (Scheduled Tribe)
  • EWS (Economically Weaker Section)
  • PwD (Persons with Disabilities)

Important:

  • Category certificates must be valid and from competent authority
  • OBC certificate must be NCL (Non-Creamy Layer) and valid for current year
  • EWS certificate valid for financial year

📋 CUET PG Eligibility Criteria

Academic Qualification:

For Postgraduate Programs:

Requirement Details
Minimum Qualification Bachelor’s degree or equivalent
Recognition From UGC/AICTE recognized university
Year Passed or appearing in final year
Percentage Usually 50-55% (varies by university and program)
Subjects Relevant UG subject for most programs

Program-Specific Requirements:

Common Patterns:

PG Program UG Requirement Min % (Usually)
MA English BA English 50-55%
MSc Physics BSc Physics/Related 55%
MCom BCom 50%
MA Economics BA with Economics 50-55%
MSc Computer Science BSc CS/IT or BE/BTech 55%
MBA/MMS Any graduation 50% (may require General Test)

Important:

  • Percentage requirements vary by university
  • Some programs accept related subjects
  • Check specific university prospectus
  • Reserved category candidates usually get 5% relaxation

Age & Attempts:

  • Age Limit: Generally no upper age limit
  • Attempts: No restriction on number of attempts
  • Gap Years: Allowed

🖥️ Registration Process (Step-by-Step)

Prerequisites Before Starting:

1. Documents Required (Scanned):

  • Recent passport-size photograph (JPEG, <50 KB, white background)
  • Signature (JPEG, <30 KB, on white paper with black ink)
  • Class 10 Certificate (for date of birth proof)
  • Class 12 Mark sheet/Certificate
  • Category Certificate (if applicable: SC/ST/OBC/EWS)
  • PwD Certificate (if applicable)
  • Valid Email ID
  • Active Mobile Number

Photo Specifications:

Format: JPEG
Size: 10-50 KB
Dimensions: 200 x 230 pixels (approximately)
Background: White
Face: 70-80% of photo
Recent: Taken within last 3 months

Signature Specifications:

Format: JPEG
Size: 4-30 KB
Dimensions: 140 x 60 pixels (approximately)
Background: White
Ink: Black only

2. Payment Method:

  • Credit Card / Debit Card
  • Net Banking
  • UPI
  • Paytm wallet

Step 1: Visit Official Website

CUET UG: https://cuet.nta.nic.in CUET PG: https://cuetpg.nta.nic.in

Click on: “New Candidate Registration” or “Register”


Step 2: Create Account

Fill Basic Details:

1. Name (As per Class 10/12 certificate)
2. Date of Birth
3. Father's Name
4. Mother's Name
5. Email ID (OTP will be sent)
6. Mobile Number (OTP will be sent)
7. Create Password
8. Security Question & Answer

Verify:

  • Email OTP
  • Mobile OTP

Save:

  • Application Number (generated)
  • Password

Step 3: Fill Application Form

Login with Application Number and Password

Personal Details:

  • Gender
  • Category (General/OBC/SC/ST/EWS)
  • PwD status
  • Nationality
  • Domicile State
  • Aadhar Number (optional)

Address Details:

  • Permanent Address
  • Correspondence Address (can be same)
  • State, District, PIN Code

Academic Details:

  • Class 10: Board, Year, Roll No, Marks%
  • Class 12: Board, Year, Roll No, Marks% (if passed)
  • OR Appearing in 2024 (select this if results awaited)

Step 4: Select Subjects (CUET UG)

Choose Carefully:

Section IA - Languages (Max 2):

  • Select 1-2 languages from 13 options
  • Most students choose: English or English + Hindi

Section IB - Domain Subjects (Max 6):

  • Select 3-6 subjects based on your target programs
  • Choose subjects you’re strong in
  • Refer to Subject Selection Guide

Section II - General Test (Optional):

  • Select if required by target programs
  • Or if you want to keep BBA/BMS options open

Example Selection:

Section IA: English
Section IB: Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Computer Science
Section II: Not selected
Total: 5 subjects

Step 4: Select Subject (CUET PG)

Choose ONE Subject:

  • Based on your PG program choice
  • Example: For MA Economics, choose Economics
  • Can apply separately for different subjects (new application)

Step 5: Select Exam Cities

Choose Exam City Preferences (4 cities):

1st Preference: Your home city
2nd Preference: Nearby major city
3rd Preference: State capital
4th Preference: Any other city

Important:

  • NTA will try to allocate from preferences
  • NOT guaranteed (allotted based on availability)
  • Final center will be on admit card

Step 6: Upload Documents

Upload Scanned Documents:

Document Required For Specifications
Photograph All candidates 10-50 KB, JPEG, white background
Signature All candidates 4-30 KB, JPEG, black ink
Category Certificate SC/ST/OBC/EWS PDF, <100 KB, valid certificate
PwD Certificate PwD candidates PDF, <100 KB, 40%+ disability

Preview:

  • Check all uploaded documents
  • Ensure photo and signature are clear

Step 7: Fee Payment

Fee Structure (CUET UG 2024):

Category Fee (₹) Details
General/OBC (Boys) Variable Based on number of subjects
SC/ST/PwD/Third Gender Reduced 50% concession usually
Female Candidates Same as general Some years had concession

Typical Fee Breakdown (Example):

Base Registration Fee: ₹200
Per Language (Section IA): ₹200 each
Per Domain Subject (Section IB): ₹200 each
General Test (Section II): ₹200

Example Calculation:
1 Language + 4 Subjects + General Test
= 200 + 200 + (4 × 200) + 200
= 200 + 200 + 800 + 200
= ₹1400

Fee Structure (CUET PG 2024):

Category Fee (₹)
General/OBC ₹800-1000 (per subject)
SC/ST/PwD/Third Gender ₹400-500 (50% concession)

Note: Exact fees announced by NTA during registration. Check official website.


Payment Options:

  • Credit Card (Visa, MasterCard, Rupay)
  • Debit Card (All banks)
  • Net Banking (SBI, ICICI, HDFC, etc.)
  • UPI (Google Pay, PhonePe, Paytm)
  • Paytm Wallet

After Payment:

  • Save transaction ID
  • Download payment receipt
  • Keep email confirmation

Step 8: Submit & Confirm

Final Steps:

  1. Preview entire application
  2. Check all details carefully (name, DOB, subjects, photo)
  3. Click “Final Submit”
  4. Download Confirmation Page

Download & Save:

  • Confirmation Page (PDF)
  • Fee Receipt
  • Application Form (for records)

Note: After final submission, NO changes allowed (except during correction window)


✏️ Correction Window

NTA Usually Provides:

  • Correction window for 2-3 days
  • Usually 1-2 weeks after registration closes
  • Check official notifications

What Can Be Corrected:

  • Spelling errors in name (with proof)
  • Date of birth (with valid documents)
  • Category changes (with certificate)
  • Subject selection changes
  • Photo/signature if unclear
  • Exam city preferences

What CANNOT Be Corrected:

  • Gender (usually)
  • Mobile number
  • Email ID
  • Nationality

Fee for Corrections:

  • Usually ₹200-500 per correction
  • Check NTA notification

📅 Important Dates (Tentative)

CUET UG 2024:

Event Tentative Date
Notification Release Early February
Registration Start Mid February
Registration End Mid March
Correction Window Late March
Admit Card Early May
Exam Dates Mid-Late May
Answer Key Late May
Results Mid June

CUET PG 2024:

Event Tentative Date
Registration January - February
Correction Window February
Admit Card March
Exam March - April
Results April - May

Note: Exact dates announced by NTA. Check official website regularly.


⚠️ Common Registration Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Mistake 1: Wrong Name Spelling

Problem: Name doesn’t match Class 10 certificate Solution: Enter EXACTLY as in Class 10 certificate Impact: May need NOC from school/board, admission issues


❌ Mistake 2: Incorrect Date of Birth

Problem: DOB mismatch with certificates Solution: Cross-check with Class 10 certificate before submitting Impact: Admission rejection, verification issues


❌ Mistake 3: Poor Quality Photo/Signature

Problem: Photo blurred, wrong background, old photo Solution:

  • Recent photo (within 3 months)
  • White background only
  • Clear face visibility
  • Professional attire recommended Impact: Application rejection, admit card issues

❌ Mistake 4: Wrong Subject Selection

Problem: Selecting subjects not required by target universities Solution: Research university requirements FIRST Impact: Wasted preparation, ineligible for programs


❌ Mistake 5: Invalid Category Certificate

Problem: Old OBC certificate, non-NCL certificate Solution:

  • OBC certificate must be NCL (Non-Creamy Layer)
  • Valid for current financial year
  • From competent authority Impact: Category benefits denied, fee refund issues

❌ Mistake 6: Multiple Registrations

Problem: Creating multiple accounts/applications Solution: ONE application per candidate Impact: All applications may be cancelled


❌ Mistake 7: Not Saving Confirmation Page

Problem: Lost application number, can’t download admit card Solution:

  • Save confirmation page PDF
  • Note application number
  • Keep fee receipt Impact: Difficulty retrieving admit card

💡 Registration Tips & Best Practices

✅ Before Registration:

1 Week Before:

  • Prepare all documents
  • Scan photo and signature (check size)
  • Research subject requirements
  • Arrange payment method

Day Before:

  • Check internet connection
  • Keep all documents ready in one folder
  • Have details memorized (Class 10/12 details)

✅ During Registration:

Browser Tips:

  • Use updated Google Chrome or Firefox
  • Clear cache and cookies
  • Stable internet connection
  • Avoid mobile browser (use desktop/laptop)

Time Management:

  • Start early in registration period (avoid last day rush)
  • Choose off-peak hours (early morning or late night)
  • Keep 1-2 hours for complete process

Data Entry:

  • Fill carefully, don’t rush
  • Double-check before proceeding
  • Use CAPITAL LETTERS where required
  • Match spelling with certificates exactly

✅ After Registration:

Save These:

  • Application Number
  • Password
  • Confirmation Page (PDF)
  • Fee Receipt
  • Email confirmations

Create Backup:

  • Print confirmation page
  • Email yourself the PDF
  • Save on cloud (Google Drive)

Next Steps:

  • Note correction window dates
  • Wait for admit card announcement
  • Continue preparation

📱 Helpline & Support

Official Contact:

CUET UG:

Website: https://cuet.nta.nic.in
Email: cuet-ug@nta.ac.in
Phone: 011-40759000
Timings: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Weekdays)

CUET PG:

Website: https://cuetpg.nta.nic.in
Email: cuet-pg@nta.ac.in
Phone: 011-69227700
Timings: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Weekdays)

Exam Preparation:

Study Resources:

Study Plans:

Community:


📋 Registration Checklist

Before Registration:

  • Read official notification completely
  • Checked eligibility criteria
  • Prepared photo (10-50 KB, JPEG, white background)
  • Prepared signature (4-30 KB, JPEG, black ink)
  • Class 10 certificate handy
  • Class 12 details ready
  • Category certificate ready (if applicable)
  • Decided subject selection
  • Payment method ready
  • Stable internet connection
  • 1-2 hours free time

During Registration:

  • Using desktop/laptop (not mobile)
  • Latest Chrome/Firefox browser
  • Filled all details carefully
  • Matched name with Class 10 certificate exactly
  • DOB matches with certificate
  • Selected correct subjects
  • Uploaded clear photo and signature
  • Reviewed entire application
  • Made payment successfully
  • Downloaded confirmation page

After Registration:

  • Saved application number and password
  • Downloaded confirmation page PDF
  • Printed confirmation page
  • Saved fee receipt
  • Backed up documents on cloud
  • Noted correction window dates
  • Set reminder for admit card release

🚀 Quick Start Guide

First-Time CUET Applicant? Follow This:

Step 1: Read CUET Exam Pattern first Step 2: Use Subject Selection Guide to choose subjects Step 3: Prepare all documents (photo, signature, certificates) Step 4: Register on official NTA website Step 5: Wait for admit card & start preparation using Study Strategies


❓ Quick FAQs

Q: Can I apply if I’m in Class 12? A: Yes, appearing students can apply. Results awaited option available.

Q: Is there an age limit? A: No upper age limit for CUET.

Q: Can I apply for both UG and PG? A: Yes, separate applications for each.

Q: Can I change subjects after registration? A: Usually yes, during correction window only.

Q: What if I don’t have Aadhar? A: Aadhar is optional, not mandatory for CUET.

Q: Fee refund if I cancel? A: No refund for withdrawal. Fees are non-refundable.

For detailed FAQs: CUET Comprehensive FAQ


Register early, prepare well, succeed! 🎓✨

Need help? Ask on CUET Forum