CUET Expected Difficulty Level 2025: Is CUET Easy Or Complicated?
Common University Entrance Test 2025 ( CUET )
CUET 2025 exams will likely be held in May 2025. The mode of exam will be Computer Based Test (CBT) mode. Candidates preparing for the CUET UG exam often ask What is the Difficulty Level of CUET Exams? Read the article to know the expected difficulty level of the CUET UG 2025 exam and how to prepare to attain a good CUET score.
CUET Difficulty Level
The Common University Entrance Test (CUET) is an entrance test conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) for candidates seeking admission in UG courses offered by central universities, state, private, and deemed universities across India. The exam is conducted once a year in over 500 cities in India and abroad. To get admission, candidates preparing for the CUET 2025 exam must complete the CUET UG 2025 Application Form. NTA is expected to release the CUET registration form in the last week of February 2025, and will soon announce the CUET 2025 exam dates on its official website - nta.ac.in. To ensure CUET UG is conducted stress-free, NTA will schedule the exams with proper breaks between exams.
The difficulty level of the CUET UG 2025 exam is expected to be moderate to high, particularly for subjects like Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry. CUET exam's competition level increases every year as the number of candidates appearing for it rises with each academic session. Last year, over 13 lakh students appeared for the CUET exam, and this number is expected to increase significantly for the academic session 2025-26. The CUET exam is framed to evaluate the subject knowledge and logical, analytical, and critical thinking skills of a candidate. Although the difficulty level is expected to be moderate for some exams, given the increasing competition, students can expect tricky questions requiring a deep understanding of core concepts, especially in high-demand subjects. Candidates planning to take the exam should focus on thorough preparation as the difficulty level also depends on the CUET Subject Combination chosen. Check the article below for the subject-wise difficulty level of the exam.
Check Out: CUET 2025 Eligibility Criteria
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Candidates planning to appear in the CUET 2025 exam can check out the table below to learn about the CUET 2025 exam pattern.
| CUET UG Exam Pattern Highlights |
|
|---|---|
| Particulars |
Details |
| Mode of the examination |
Computer-based-test (CBT) |
| Number of Slots |
Three to four |
| Exam timing |
Mentioned in NTA CUET datesheet |
| Type of questions |
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) |
| Total sections in the question paper |
Section 1 - Language Section 2 - Domain Subject Section 3 - General Aptitude Test |
| Total number of Questions |
50 questions (all compulsory) |
| Negative marking |
Yes |
| Total Marks |
250 |
| Marking Scheme |
+5 for each correct answer -1 for each incorrect answer |
| Language of exam |
13 languages - English, Hindi, Assamese, Bengali, Gujarati, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, Odia, Punjabi, Tamil, Telugu, and Urdu |
| Number of domain subjects |
23 |
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Q: What is the difficulty level of the CUET exam?
Q: Which subjects are the most difficult in CUET?
Subjects like Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, and Economics are typically considered more difficult due to their analytical nature and requirement for in-depth understanding. Humanities and social Science subjects like History and Political Science are relatively easier but still require strong conceptual clarity.
Q: How is the CUET difficulty level as compared to board exams?
The CUET syllabus largely overlaps with the Class 12 board syllabus, but the MCQ format introduces a new challenge. While board exams focus on descriptive answers, CUET emphasizes critical thinking, problem-solving, and time management. Candidates must answer multiple questions accurately within a limited time, making speed and precision essential. Additionally, in CUET, there is a negative marking for incorrect answers, which adds pressure to make well-thought-out choices.
To excel in CUET, candidates should practice solving MCQs regularly and attempt mock tests to get familiar with the question pattern. Focusing on clarity of concepts is crucial, as simply cramming rules and concepts will not be sufficient. Candidates should also develop time management strategies by practicing under timed conditions and balancing preparation between CUET and board exams to avoid burnout.
CUET 2025 Exam Slots and Timing
CUET 2025 can be conducted in three slots. The exact exam timing will be released along with the release of the CUET 2025 admit card. Candidates can refer to the table below for slots-wise timing.
| CUET UG Exam in Pen and Paper/Computer Based Mode |
|||
|---|---|---|---|
| CUET Exam Date 2025 |
Shifts |
Slot Time |
CUET Subject/Code |
| To be notified |
Shift 1 |
9 AM to 11.15 AM |
To be updated |
| Shift Break: To be updated |
|||
| Shift 2 |
1.15 PM to 2.45 PM |
To be updated |
|
| Shift Break: To be updated | |||
| Shift 3 |
4.45 PM to 6.15 PM |
To be updated |
|
Also Read:
CUET UG Expected Cut Off 2025
Candidates can go through the table below to get an idea of the expected CUET UG cut off for UG courses at the University of Delhi (UoD or DU), Banaras Hindu University (BHU), Jamia Milia Islamia (JMI) and BR Ambedkar University:
| UG Courses |
DU Cut off Score |
BHU NTA Min Score |
Jamia Millia Islamia Cut off |
B R Ambedkar University Cut off Marks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| B.A (Hons) English |
534+ |
230+ |
65+ |
531+ |
| B.A. (Hons.) Political Science |
513+ |
223+ |
- |
- |
| B.Com |
608+ |
425+ (Hons) |
- |
- |
| B.Sc (Hons) Botany |
390+ |
428+ |
- |
- |
| B.Sc (Hons) Mathematics |
- |
313+ |
38+ |
- |
Is CUET Easy Or Complicated?
Whether CUET UG is easy or complicated depends on various factors, including a student’s preparation, familiarity with the syllabus, and exam strategy. For students with a strong grasp of their Class 12 subjects, CUET can be manageable, as it primarily tests knowledge from that level. However, time management is crucial for the students as the exam is in MCQ format and they get limited time to complete the exam. As the CUET 2025 exams are approaching in a few months, students must be juggling between board exams and CUET preparation, finding it difficult to balance both. Students can surely get a good CUET score if they practice mock tests regularly and follow a focused approach.
Also Read: CUET v/s Board Exams
CUET UG Subject-wise Difficulty Level
The CUET UG exam 2025 is expected to have a moderate to high difficulty level, although the experience may vary based on the subjects chosen by the candidates.
Science and Technical Subjects:
Subjects like Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry are expected to be more challenging as they include numerical problems, formulas, and conceptual applications. Students will require analytical thinking, problem-solving skills, and a strong grasp of core topics from Class 12 to do well in the exam.
- Mathematics: Questions may involve complex calculations, requiring both speed and accuracy.
- Physics: Concepts like mechanics and electricity may pose challenges due to complex problem-solving.
- Chemistry: Organic and inorganic chemistry sections can be tricky, with questions focusing on both theory and reactions.
- Humanities and Social Sciences: Subjects like History, Political Science, Sociology, and Psychology are relatively easier, focusing on theoretical concepts and factual knowledge. However, these subjects still demand critical thinking and retention of information to perform well.
General Test and Language Section:
The General Test evaluates logical reasoning, numerical aptitude, and general awareness. While not highly difficult, it requires good time management. The Language section focuses on reading comprehension and verbal ability, which most students find manageable with regular practice.
Check Out:
Q: What is a good score in CUET UG?
On analysing the CUET UG cut off for the academic year 2024-25, scoring above 700 marks can be considered a good score in CUET UG. Candidates scoring above 700 may fall in the category of 95+ percentile. Candidates can get admission to top universities like University of Delhi, Banaras Hindu University, Jawaharlal Nehru University and other top central universities in the desired course. Given below is the range that is considered good for admission to top universities:
- Very Good Score: 700 and above
- Good Score: 650 and above
Score range between 400-649 is considered an average score. Admission on the basis of the average score can et into any decent college in India accepting CUET scores.
Q: What is the total score in CUET UG?
CUET UG total marks is 250 Marks for each subject. Candidates can choose up to five CUET subjects. Each subject's total marks will be 250 marks. The CUET total marks will be uniform for all 37 subjects. Candidates can choose three to four domain subjects, one compulsory language, and a general test (optional).
Q: When should I start preparing for CUET UG?
The ideal time to begin the preparation for CUET UG may vary from person to person depending upon the familarity with the subject, understanding of the concepts, difficulty level of the subject and so forth. However, candidates are recomnmened to begin preparing for CUET UG along with the preparation of board examination. The CUET UG syllabus is similar to NCERT syllabus. Candidates must focus on solving CUET mock tests and CUET previous year question papers to become familar with the difficulty level of the exam. If a candidate has good familiarity with the subject must begin the preparation 3-4 months prio to exam date, whereas candidates must ideally start preparing for CUET UG 6 months prior to exam date. CUET UG 2025 exam will be held in May/June 2025.
Q: How do I prepare for CUET UG and Board examinations?
The syllabus for CUET UG domain subjects will be based on class 12th to reduce the stress of preparing for both the exams. To prepare for CUET UG and Board examination, here are few important tips:
- Start early preparation for CUET UG and board exams. This will give you enough time to cover the syllabus, practice the questions, and get familiar with the exam pattern.
- Create a study plan: Once you are familiar with the syllabus for both exams, create a study plan that will help you cover all the topics in a systematic manner. Make sure to allocate enough time for each subject and topic.
- Focus on the subjects that you are struggling with. Consider taking a few practice CUET UG tests to see where you stand.
- Manage your time effectively. Practice answering questions under timed conditions so that you can get used to the pressure of the exam.
- Use the right resources. There are many resources available to help you prepare for the CUET UG and board exams. These include NCERT textbooks, practice questions, and mock tests. Use the resources that work best for you and that will help you improve your knowledge and skills.
Q: How should I select the centre for CUET exam?
Applicants must select CUET UG 2025 exam centre city from the dropdown, based on their permanent and contact address state/country. Candidates must not choose the state/country far from their permamnent address. Choose the CUET exam centre which is convenient to reach on time.
Important Points Affecting CUET Difficulty Level
Many factors contribute to the difficulty level of the CUET 2025 exam. Refer to the space below to know about the same:
- Syllabus Complexity: The CUET UG syllabus largely overlaps with the board syllabus, making the difficulty level dependent on how well students are already familiar with the concepts. Students who excel in board exams might find CUET manageable in terms of content but challenging in terms of format and application of knowledge.
- Nature of Questions: CUET primarily focuses on objective-type questions (MCQs), which demand clarity of concepts, quick problem-solving, and critical thinking. The complexity of the questions varies by subject. For instance, science and technical subjects like Mathematics and Physics are often considered more difficult than others.
- Number of Applicants: The increasing popularity of CUET increases the competition. In the last year, over 13 lakh applicants appeared for the CUET exam, and the increasing number of top-performing students makes the exam more competitive each year.
- Variety of Subjects: Since CUET allows students to choose from a wide array of subjects, including language, CUET domain subjects, and a general test, difficulty level may vary depending on the subjects chosen by the candidates. Some subjects like Economics, Business Studies, and Mathematics may pose greater challenges due to their analytical and problem-solving nature.
- Time Management: The exam requires candidates to solve multiple sections (50 questions) within a limited time; i.e., 60 minutes. The pressure to finish the paper with accuracy adds another layer of difficulty. Balancing time between answering questions correctly and completing the exam can be challenging for many students.
- Previous Year Trends: Exam trends from previous years show that while some subjects remain consistently difficult, others may fluctuate. Mock tests, practice papers, and understanding the question pattern can provide a better insight into the expected CUET difficulty level.
How to Manage CUET Difficulty Level?
Preparing for the CUET UG exam requires a well-rounded strategy. Here’s a detailed breakdown of how you can effectively manage the exam’s difficulty and maximize your score:
1. Focus on NCERT Books to Strengthen your Basics
- NCERT textbooks provide a comprehensive and straightforward understanding of key concepts, especially for science subjects like Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics.
- Since most of the CUET syllabus is from the Class 12 topics, mastering NCERT content ensures you're well-prepared for most sections.
- Highlight important topics and solve NCERT exercises given at the end of each chapter to build a strong foundation for the concept.
- Once you are comfortable with NCERT concepts, start learning from additional reference books for more practice.
2. Practice Previous Years' Papers and Mock Tests
- Solving CUET previous years' question papers offers insight into the exam’s structure, types of questions asked, and recurring exam patterns. It helps predict which topics may carry more weight and thus need more practice.
- Regularly solve CUET mock tests as it simulate real exam conditions, familiarizing you with time constraints and the pressure of the actual test day.
- Regular practice improves speed and accuracy which are the two most important factors in scoring well in MCQs.
- Analyze your performance after each test—identify mistakes and take corrective action for improvement.
3. Identify Weak Areas and Allocate Extra Time to Those Subjects
- Conduct a self-assessment at the beginning of your preparation to identify subjects or topics where you struggle.
- Create a study schedule that allocates more time to these weak areas while also maintaining revision of subjects you are confident about so you don't forget those concepts.
- Focus on understanding concepts rather than rote learning, especially for subjects like Mathematics, Economics, and Physics, where questions test application skills.
- Use online resources, video tutorials, or study groups to get help on difficult topics if needed.
4. Develop Time Management Strategies by Practicing Under Timed Conditions
- The MCQ format and time-limited nature of CUET require strategic time management. You must allocate time per section and avoid getting stuck on challenging questions.
- Practice with stopwatches or timers during mock tests to simulate exam conditions and track how much time you spend on each section.
- Develop the habit of skipping difficult questions initially and returning to them later if time permits. This prevents wasting time and ensures you attempt all sections.
5. Maintain Mental Well-Being Through Regular Breaks and Stress Management
- For effective preparation, it is essential to manage your mental health and avoid burnout.
- Take short breaks between study sessions to stay refreshed and avoid fatigue. A study routine with 40-50 minutes of focused study followed by 10-15 minutes of rest is ideal.
- Perform physical activities or use relaxation techniques like meditation, yoga, or breathing exercises to manage stress.
- Adequate sleep and a balanced diet are essential to keep your mind sharp and ensure you stay energized during both preparation and exam days.
- Stay motivated by setting small achievable goals, rewarding yourself for progress, and maintaining a positive mindset.
By following these strategies, you can approach the CUET exam with confidence and efficiency. Consistent practice, conceptual clarity, and balanced preparation will help you overcome the exam’s difficulty level and improve your chances of securing admission to your desired university.
Also Read: Strategy to Manage CUET exam preparation along with Boards
Books for CUET Preparation
Candidates can refer to the table below to learn about the important books for CUET exam preparation to thoroughly understand the subjects.
| Books |
Author |
|---|---|
| A Problem Book in Mathematical Analysis |
GN Berman |
| Higher Algebra |
Hall & Knight |
| Problems in Calculus of One Variable |
IA Maron |
| Elementary Mathematics |
DoroFeev Patapov |
| Fundamental Methods of Mathematical Economics |
Chiang A.C. and K. Wainwright |
| International Economics |
Bo Soderstien and Geoffrey Reed |
| International Economics |
Dominick Salvatore |
| Economics |
Lipsey R. and A Chrytal |
| Indian Economy: Performance & Policies |
Uma, Kapila |
| Concepts of Physics |
HC Verma |
| A Textbook of Organic Chemistry |
RK Gupta |
| ABC Chemistry |
S.P. Jauhar |
| Objective Biology |
Dinesh |
| A Class-book Botany |
AC Dutta |
| Methodology and Perspectives of Social Science |
Abhijit Kundu |
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Download CUET Section/Domain Wise Syllabus and Question Paper
Candidates preparing for CUET can download the CUET 2025 Syllabus and CUET Question Papers for the subjects mentioned in the table below:
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FAQs on CUET Difficulty Level
Q. Which subjects are the most difficult in CUET?
Ans. Subjects like Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, and Economics are typically considered more difficult due to their analytical nature and requirement for in-depth understanding. Humanities and social science subjects like History and Political Science are relatively easier but still require strong conceptual clarity.
Q. Does the difficulty level vary between sections in CUET?
Ans. Yes, the difficulty level of the CUET UG exam varies between sections due to the nature of the subjects and the skills tested. Here’s a detailed breakdown of each section and how their difficulty levels differ:
1. Section I – Language: This section focuses on language comprehension, grammar, and vocabulary. While it may appear easier compared to other sections, the challenge lies in:
- Reading comprehension passages that require careful analysis within a limited time.
- Grammar and vocabulary-based questions, which can sometimes be tricky if not practiced regularly.
- Familiarity with idiomatic phrases, sentence rearrangement, and contextual usage of words is also necessary.
Difficulty Level: Moderate to easy, especially for students who regularly read and practice comprehension and grammar.
2. Section II – Domain Subjects: The domain subject section covers topics from specific academic disciplines like Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Economics, Political Science, and History, among others. This section is generally more difficult because:
- It requires in-depth conceptual clarity and application-based understanding.
- Science subjects like Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry are particularly demanding due to their problem-solving and analytical nature.
- Subjects like Economics involve numerical calculations and analytical thinking, which can also be challenging.
- The variety of domain subjects allows candidates to choose their strong areas, but this also increases competition as many focus on popular subjects like Economics or Business Studies.
Difficulty Level: Moderate to high, varying across disciplines. Technical subjects like Physics or Mathematics tend to be more difficult than theoretical ones like History.
3. Section III – General Test (Optional): The General Test assesses candidates on logical reasoning, general knowledge, quantitative aptitude, and current affairs. Although this section offers a mix of topics, the key challenges include:
- The need for quick mental calculations and proficiency in basic math skills for quantitative aptitude questions.
- Logical reasoning questions, as they demand critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
- Staying updated with current events and general knowledge adds another layer of difficulty, as questions may cover a broad range of topics.
Difficulty Level: Varies from easy to moderate, depending on a candidate’s aptitude for reasoning and awareness of current affairs.
Q. Is time management difficult during CUET?
Ans. Time management is crucial in CUET. Each section must be completed within a limited time, adding pressure to solve questions accurately and quickly. This becomes even more challenging in subjects like Math and Physics, which involve complex calculations and problem-solving. Candidates must avoid spending too much time on one question, as unanswered questions can significantly impact their scores.
To manage time effectively, candidates should practice mock tests under timed conditions to simulate the exam environment. Identifying easier questions and attempting them first can build confidence and save time for more challenging ones. Developing shortcuts and techniques for calculations and maintaining a calm, focused mindset during the exam are also essential strategies for optimal time management.
Q. Does competition affect CUET’s difficulty level?
Ans. Yes, the growing popularity of CUET has significantly increased competition. With over 13 lakh candidates appearing in recent years, even a difference of a few marks can greatly impact admission to top universities. As more students with strong academic backgrounds compete, the overall standard and difficulty rise, especially for high-demand courses.
Candidates preparing for the CUET Exam must follow the given below tips to handle the difficulty level of the exam:
- Start Early: Begin preparation months in advance to stay ahead of others.
- Identify High-Weight Topics: Focus on topics frequently asked in previous years.
- Take Mock Tests Regularly: Simulate exam conditions to boost speed and accuracy.
- Stay Updated on Cut-off Trends: This helps set realistic score goals.
- Maintain a Healthy Routine: Proper sleep, nutrition, and stress management are essential for peak performance.
By staying focused and strategic, candidates can manage the competitive pressure and maximize their chances of success.
Q. Are questions tricky or straightforward in CUET?
Ans. While some questions may be straightforward, many require conceptual understanding and application of knowledge. In subjects like Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, and Economics, questions are often designed to test not just rote learning but problem-solving abilities and analytical thinking. These subjects may include multi-step problems or questions that seem simple but require careful interpretation. Additionally, time pressure during the exam can make even relatively easy questions feel challenging. Whereas, subjects like History or Political Science may have direct questions, and answering them accurately demands a thorough reading of topics and attention to detail. Overall, CUET questions aim to evaluate both depth and breadth of knowledge across different subjects.
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Student Forum
Anything you would want to ask experts?Answered 8 hours ago
Es, Delhi University (DU) also permits its students to option CUET subjects which are outside the Class 12 streams as well. Limiting factors which are described next.
1. *Stream Change*:
U suggests that, in order to make up the requirement, it is preferable candidates should choose from the CUET subje
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 11 hours ago
sage university
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Beginner-Level 1
Answered 14 hours ago
The CUET 2024 syllabus for Informatics Practices covers key topics from Class 12 CBSE curriculum. Below is the detailed syllabus:
Unit-wise Topics:
Unit 1: Database Query using SQL
- Database concepts
- Relational databases
- SQL commands: DDL, DML, DCL
- Joins, Aggregate functions, and Query operations
Unit 2: In
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 17 hours ago
The latest information regarding CUET 2025 application form includes these brief points:
Start Date: February 2025
End Date: April 2025 (first week)
Eligibility:
The applicant needs to either complete their Class 12 education or be enrolled in it for 2025.
Correction Window: Available in the first week
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Contributor-Level 10
Answered 18 hours ago
Chandigarh University Admission 2025-26
Chandigarh University conducts admission processes through the Chandigarh University Common Entrance Test (CUCET) that runs in two successive stages.CUCET Admission Phases.
CUCET Phase I – Runs from December to May, with the expected deadline in May 2025.
CUCET P
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered Yesterday
The CUET (Common University Entrance Test) is typically conducted in May or June. However, the exact dates can vary each year, so it's important to check the official announcements or the website for the most accurate and updated information.
S
Contributor-Level 7
Answered Yesterday
If you have passed class 12th with a Science stream and want to pursue graduation in humanities from Delhi University (DU), you will need to take the Common University Entrance Test (CUET).
According to CUET criteria, to get admission into humanities courses, you generally need to have studied Engli
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Contributor-Level 7
Answered Yesterday
CUET for BCA includes three sections: Language, Domain-specific, and General Aptitude. You get 60 minutes for each section. The language will be tested: Literary Aptitude and Vocabulary. The domain-specific questions will be MCQs based on the subject. Lastly, General aptitude will question your Gene
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Beginner-Level 5
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No, candidates are not required to appear in the CUET UG for admission to BTech at Dr. Subhash University. However, to get admission, candidates must complete their Class 12 in Science stream with decent scores. Moreover, candidates must apply for the course through the official website of the unive
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Contributor-Level 8
The difficulty level of the CUET exam ranges from moderate to tough. Since the CUET UG exam is held for multiple subjects and slots, the difficulty level of the exam varies from subject to subject. Sometimes, the difficulty level may also vary for different slots. The difficulty level of exam is also relative and the same exam's level of difficulty may vary for different candidates. While for the well prepared candidates, the difficulty level will be low, for the underprepared students, the level of difficulty will be on the higher side.