The Common University Entrance Test (CUET) has emerged as a revolutionary step in the Indian higher education system. Introduced by the National Testing Agency (NTA), CUET aims to create a unified platform for admissions to various undergraduate courses in central and other participating universities. One of the most important aspects of CUET is its subject structure, which plays a crucial role in shaping a student’s academic path. This article explores the various CUET subjects, their categories, and how students can make informed choices based on their career goals.
What is CUET?
CUET (UG) is a standardized test that evaluates students’ aptitude and knowledge across various disciplines. Instead of applying separately to different universities, students can now appear for CUET and apply to multiple universities based on their score. The exam is divided into different sections, each assessing specific skills and subject knowledge.
Structure of CUET Subjects
CUET (UG) is primarily divided into four sections:
- Section IA – Languages (13 languages)
- Section IB – Additional Languages (20 languages)
- Section II – Domain-Specific Subjects (27 subjects)
- Section III – General Test
Let’s look at each of these in detail.
Section IA & IB: Language Papers
CUET gives a wide choice of languages to students. Section IA includes widely spoken languages such as:
- English
- Hindi
- Bengali
- Gujarati
- Kannada
- Malayalam
- Marathi
- Odia
- Punjabi
- Tamil
- Telugu
- Urdu
- Assamese
Section IB includes additional options like:
- French
- German
- Spanish
- Tibetan
- Bodo
- Santhali
- Kashmiri
- Konkani
- Manipuri
- Nepali
- Persian
- Arabic
Students are required to choose at least one language paper, and universities may specify a preferred language based on the course. The language paper tests reading comprehension, vocabulary, grammar, and verbal ability.
Section II: Domain-Specific Subjects
This is perhaps the most important section for students aspiring to pursue specialized undergraduate degrees. CUET offers 27 domain-specific subjects, including:
- Accountancy
- Biology / Biological Studies / Biotechnology / Biochemistry
- Business Studies
- Chemistry
- Computer Science / Informatics Practices
- Economics / Business Economics
- Engineering Graphics
- Entrepreneurship
- Geography / Geology
- History
- Home Science
- Legal Studies
- Mathematics / Applied Mathematics
- Physical Education / NCC / Yoga
- Physics
- Political Science
- Psychology
- Sociology
Students can choose up to six domain subjects depending on the course and university requirements. For example, a student applying for B.Sc. Chemistry must choose Chemistry and probably Physics and Mathematics. Similarly, for B.A. in History, one must opt for History as a domain subject.
Section III: General Test
This section tests a student’s general aptitude and is often required for vocational courses or programs that do not require specific domain subjects. It includes:
- General knowledge
- Current affairs
- Numerical ability
- Logical and analytical reasoning
- Quantitative reasoning (basic mathematics)
- Reading comprehension
It is especially useful for students aiming to apply for programs like BBA, BMS, or law in some universities.
Choosing the Right Subjects
Making the right subject choices is critical for success in CUET and securing admission to your preferred course and university. Here are a few tips:
- Check University Requirements: Each university and course has its own subject requirements. Refer to official CUET and university websites before making your choices.
- Play to Your Strengths: Choose subjects you are confident in. Strong performance in domain subjects can significantly boost your chances of admission.
- Balance Your Selections: If unsure about your course, pick a combination of science and humanities subjects to keep multiple options open.
- Language Matters: Even if your course does not require a language subject, scoring well in it can increase your overall score.
Conclusion
The CUET offers a fair and transparent system of admissions based on merit. With a wide range of subjects to choose from, students can align their academic interests with their career aspirations. However, success in CUET depends not just on what subjects you choose, but also how well you prepare for them.
