CUET PG Vs IIT JAM: Which is Better for Master’s Degree

CUET PG Vs IIT JAM: Which is Better for Master’s Degree

9 mins read2.1K Views Comment
Manisha
Manisha Kumari
Associate Senior Executive
Updated on Feb 11, 2024 22:09 IST

Preparing for a Master’s degree? Confused between IIT JAM and CUET PG, which exam should I prepare for? MSc course aspirants can read out this Shiksha article to get all the significant information and comparison between the CUET PG and IIT JAM exams in order to get the proper direction for their preparation. 

CUET PG Vs IIT JAM Comparison; An Overview

With the emerging interest in MSc courses, every year, lakhs of BSc degree holders appear for IIT JAM and CUET PG exams. Both examinations are becoming popular because of the participating universities for which the exams are held. Many IITs and NITs provide MSc courses in seven different subject areas. Likewise, many central universities, like Delhi University, Jawaharlal Nehru University, AMU, and many other state universities, provide MSc degrees in plentiful subjects. Since both exams are going to be held in a gap of around 15-20 days, it becomes very crucial for candidates to decide which exam they want to appear for.

Discover top M.Sc. colleges explored by similar minds

Students like you who showed interest in this article are also exploring the following colleges

Mumbai
₹75 K - 9.43 L
Placements similar to IIT Madras
Noida
₹1.26 L - 7.5 L
Reputed private institution you should consider
Delhi
₹30 K - 3 L
Placements similar to Delhi University
Chandigarh
₹75 K - 3.2 L
Reputed private institution you should consider

Want better recommendations?

There is a 90% more chance of getting best college recommendations by sharing preferences.
Delhi
₹14.4 K - 1.8 L
Placements similar to BHU
Delhi
₹51.8 K
Placements similar to BHU
Delhi
₹432
Placements similar to IIT Madras
Delhi
₹29.51 K
Placements similar to Delhi University
Delhi
₹29.06 K - 32.34 K
Placements similar to IIT Madras
Roorkee
₹12 K - 10.71 L
Similar fee structure to IIT Madras
View allCollections

CUET PG is a common entrance test that will be used for admission to postgraduate programs at central universities and other participating institutions. It is a single exam that covers a wide range of subjects, including Science, arts, commerce, and humanities.

Q:   Is JNU better than DU?

A:

As per the NIRF 2024 rankings, JNU is ranked 2nd, while DU is ranked 6th under 'University' category. This clearly suggests that JNU is a better university overall. However, these rankings are based on a variety of factors. Furthermore, the best university for a student will depend on the individual needs and preferences. Here is the comparison of JNU and DU based on some key factors:

  • Academics: JNU is known for its strong academics and research focus. It has a number of world-renowned faculty members, and its students have gone on to achieve great things in their careers. DU is also a good university academically, but it is not as research-intensive as JNU.
  • Campus Life: JNU has a vibrant campus life with a strong student union. There are many student organizations and activities, and the university has a reputation for being a hotbed of political activism. DU also has a good campus life, but it is not as political as JNU.
  • Location: JNU is located in South Delhi, while DU is spread out across the city. This means that JNU students have a more central location, while DU students have more options when it comes to choosing a college or hostel.
  • Fees: The fees at JNU are lower than the fees at DU. This is because JNU is a central university, while DU is a state university.

Q:   Which university is better for MCA- JNU or BHU?

A:
Both Jawaharlal Nehru University and Banaras Hindu University are top central universities in India. Here is a comparison to help you decide which is better for the MCA course: 1. The MCA course fees are less at JNU than BHU. The course fee for MCA at JNU is Rs. 4,071, whereas it is around Rs. 30,528 at BHU. 2. The admission chances are higher at JNU due to more seats than at BHU for the MCA course. 3. You need to have more than 60% in graduation to get admission to BHU, whereas you only need 55% at JNU. 4. The placement opportunities are better at BHU than JNU. According to recent year's data, average salaries are around 9.7 LPA at BHU.

Q:   Which is better for MA in Urdu- JNU or BHU?

A:
Both Jawaharlal Nehru University and Banaras Hindu University are top central universities in India. Both have their advantages. Below mentioned are some of the distinct observations about both JNU and BHU: 1. You must have over 50% in your bachelor's degree to apply to BHU, whereas you can apply to JNU with 45%. 2. BHU has more seats for the MA in Urdu course than the JNU. 3. JNU's master programme is less expensive than BHU's. You can do a master's course at JNU for less than INR 1,000. 4. Job opportunities with a master's degree in Urdu from JNU are comparably greater than those with a master's degree in Urdu from BHU.

Also Read: IIT JAM 2024 Answer Key Analysis Live: Check Subject Wise Answer Key, Exam Analysis, Result Date

IIT JAM 2024 Question Paper Analysis & Expected Cut off for All Subjects

IIT JAM, on the other hand, is a subject-specific exam that is used for admission to postgraduate programs in science and technology at IITs, NITs, and other participating institutions. It covers a wide range of science and technology subjects, including physics, chemistry, mathematics, biotechnology, Geology, etc.

Explore more Science exams with upcoming dates

TIFR GS 2025 Exam

8 Dec '24

IIT JAM 2025 Admit Card

3 Jan '25 - 9 Jan '25

ICAR AIEEA PG 2024 Counselling...

6 Jan '25 - 10 Jan '25

IIT JAM 2025 Exam Date

2 Feb '25

CUET PG 2025 Application Proce...

26 Dec '24 - 5 Feb '25

FRI Entrance Exam 2025 Applict...

4 Feb '25 - 8 Apr '25

NSI Admission Test 2025 Appli...

20 Apr '25 - 20 May '25

In this Shiksha article, candidates will get a detailed comparison between IIT JAM and CUET PG on various factors like exam difficulty level, pattern, syllabus, list of MSc courses, and many other aspects.

CUET PG Vs IIT JAM 

The following table presents a detailed comparative analysis between the IIT JAM and CUET PG exams:

Specifications

CUET PG 

IIT JAM

Full name

Common University Entrance Test (For Postgraduate Courses)

Joint Admission Test for MSc 

Conducting authority

National Testing Agency

IIT Madras for the academic session 2024

Courses for admission

MSc, MTech, MA, M.Com, MBA, MCA

MSc, Intergrated MSc, PhD

Number of test takers

+8 lakhs

5 lakh

Frequency of the exam

Once a year

Once a year

Exam Date

Between March 11 to March 28, 2024. 

February 11, 2024

Number of days

18 days (3 shifts each day)

Conducted in 1 day- 2 shifts

Duration of test

105 Minutes or 1 hour 45 minutes

3 hours

 

Mode of exam

Computer-based

Computer Based Test (CBT)

Total marks

300 marks

100 marks

Marking scheme

+4 for each correct answer

-1 for each incorrect answer

 

+1, +2 marks for each correct response depending upon the section.

1/3, 2/3 marks will be deducted for each incorrect response, depending upon the section.

No marks for unattempted questions

Subjects/sections

  • Domain Knowledge (Opted Subject Specific)
  • Domain Knowledge

Total number of questions

75

60

Official website

https://pgcuet.samarth.ac.in/ 

https://jam.iitm.ac.in/ 

CUET PG and IIT JAM Exam Pattern Comparison

This section will cover a detailed analysis of the CUET PG and IIT JAM 2024 Exam patterns.

CUET PG 2024 Exam Pattern (Changed)

The following table brings the structure of the CUET PG 2024 question paper.

Q:   Which university is better for B.Com among BHU and Allahabad University?

A:

Both Banaras Hindu University (BHU) and Allahabad University are reputable universities in India that offer a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses. BHU is renowned for its top-notch faculty, research infrastructure, and academic programs in the fields of the arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences. The teaching and research facilities at Allahabad University are renowned for their high calibre, it can be proven through the alumni such as Mahadevi Verma, Bhagwati Charan Verma, B D Pande, etc. The institution prioritises the Liberal Arts and provides a wide range of courses in the Humanities, Social Sciences, and Natural Sciences. According to the NIRF 2023 rankings, BHU is ranked fifth overall among all Indian universities, but Allahabad University is not included in the rankings.

Q:   Which is better for MCA: JNU or DU?

A:

Both JNU and DU offer a two-year full-time MCA course at the postgraduate level. However, the University of Delhi is more popular for its undergraduate courses and Jawaharlal Nehru University is popular for its postgraduate courses. However, Delhi University's median package offered to the MCA students was a bit higher than JNU. Further, during JNU PG placements 2023, the median package offered was INR 9.5 LPA, whereas, the median package stood at INR 16 LPA for DU MCA students.

Q:   Which college is better for BSc among DU and BHU?

A:

Both DU and BHU are among the top universities in India. However, to allow students to make a choice easily, we have mentioned the ranking and BSc course fee details for both universities in the following table:

BSc offering Universities

NIRF Ranking '23

Fee*

BHU

05

INR 600 - INR 35,460

DU

11

INR 540 - INR 2.4 lakh

As per the given statistics, BHU looks like a better choice for students. However, students can make a choice by considering the mentioned or more factors.

*The fee mentioned here is taken from external sources. Hence, the actual amount may vary. It also includes course fee at the affiliated colleges.

Q:   Do all JNU students get placed as compared with IITs?

A:

The average package offered during JNU School of Engineering placements 2023 was INR 11 LPA. However, the average package of top ranked (NIRF) IITs such as IIT Bombay and IIT Madras in 2023 stood at INR 21.82 LPA and INR 17 LPA. Other than this, the average package of lower ranked (NIRF) IITs such as IIT Tirupati and IIT Jammu stood at INR 17.58 LPA and INR 17 LPA, respectively.

Q:   Which is better for MBA: BHU or JNU?

A:

Both the universities are popular for their programmes. However, BHU has an edge as it has got a good ranking under Management category by NIRF. For candidates reference, the NIRF ranking and MBA fees for both the universities is presented in the following table:

MBA Universities

NIRF Ranking '23

MBA Fees*

BHU

56

INR 10,230 - INR 1 lakh

JNU

-

INR 12 lakh

*The above-mentioned fees are taken from an unofficial source. Hence, are indicative. Moreover, the fee range might include course fees at university-affiliated colleges as well. 

Part

Sections/Subjects

Number of Questions

A

Domain knowledge

75

Candidates must note that for the academic session 2024-2025, Section A, i.e., Language Comprehension and General Ability Test, which had 25 questions, has been removed. Now, candidates will have 75 questions from Domain Knowledge.

IIT JAM 2024 Exam Pattern (Changed)

IIT JAM 2024 exam pattern states that each test paper is of three hours duration. In the exam, candidates need to attempt 60 questions which were of 100 marks weightage. These 60 questions are divided into three sections – A, B, and C. All these sections are compulsory and candidates need to attempt questions from all the sections. The medium of instruction for JAM test papers is English. 

The detailed IIT JAM exam pattern 2024 is mentioned in the table below:

Section Type of Questions No of Question
A

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

Each question has four choices with one correct answer.

30
B

Multiple Select Questions (MSQs)

Each question has four choices with one or more correct answers.

10
C

Numerical Answer Type (NAT)

The answer for each question is a signed real number that needs to be entered using the virtual numeric keypad on the monitor. No choices will be shown for these questions.

20
Total 60
The IIT JAM exam is a more challenging exam than the CUET PG exam. It covers a wider range of subjects and requires a deeper understanding of the subject matter. The CUET PG exam is a more general exam that is designed to assess the student's knowledge and skills in the chosen subject.
Which exam is better for you depends on your specific goals and interests. If you are interested in pursuing a postgraduate program in science and technology at a top institution, then IIT JAM is a good option. If you are interested in pursuing a postgraduate program in a wide range of subjects at a central university or other participating institution, then CUET PG is a good option.

CUET PG and IIT JAM Exam Subjects Comparison

In this section, candidates will get the details about the list of subjects for which the both the exams are being conducted annually. 

CUET PG 2024 MSc Courses List

Candidates can check the below table for all the CUET PG 2024 MSc Subject Courses for which the examination will be concluded. The MSc subject course code is also mentioned, which will be helpful for the aspirants while downloading the previous year question paper and choosing the subject course while filling out the CUET PG application form.

QP Code Subjects
SCQP01 Communication; Genetics & Plant Breeding; Horticulture, Plant Pathology, Plant Physiology;
Soil Science & Agricultural Chemistry,Agriculture Technology (Informatics),
SCQP02 Agro-forestry
SCQP03 Microbiology/Applied Microbiology
SCQP04 Architecture and Planning,Sustainable Architecture,Architecture and Design,Urban & Regional
Planning
SCQP05 Biochemistry,Anatomy,Pharmacology,Bio Science
SCQP06 Bioinformatics,Food Science and Nutrition,Bio Science - Bioinformatics,
SCQP07 Botany, Bio Sciences
SCQP08 Biochemistry,Anatomy,Pharmacology,Bio Science
SCQP09 Computer Science, Information Technology, Computer Application, Big Data Analytics, Cyber, Security, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, etc.
SCQP10 Criminology
SCQP11 Environmental Sciences/Studies,Ecology etc
SCQP12 Food Science and Technology, Nutrition,Food Processing and Management,Food Safety and Quality Control etc.
SCQP13 Forensic Science
SCQP14 Geology , Earth Sciences,Applied Geology
SCQP15 Geophysics
SCQP16 Horticulture,Forestry & Biodiversity,Seed Science & Technology,Plant
Breeding,Agronomy,Genetics,Fruit Science, Floriculture, Vegetable Science etc
SCQP17 Life Science-Molecular Biology,Biotechnology,Microbiology,Biochemistry,Botany,Bioinformatics,Molecular
Medicine,Zoology,Biomedical Engineering & Science,Virology and Immunology,
Optometry,Bio-Physics,Genetics,Health Science,
SCQP18 Material Science
SCQP19 Mathematics, Applied Mathematics,Electronics
SCQP20 Medical Laboratory Technology, Medical Physics etc
SCQP21 MPT
SCQP22 Nanoscience/Integrative Biosciences
SCQP23 Pharmacy-Pharmacology,Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Pharmacognosy, Pharmaceutics,
Pharmaceutical Science, Pharmaceutical Analysis etc.
SCQP24 Physics, Computational and Integrative Sciences, Electronics, Applied Physics, Applied Physics + Electronics Engineering
SCQP25 Plant Biotechnology
SCQP26 Soil Science - Soil & Water Conservation
SCQP27 Statistics , Applied Mathematics, Statistics & Computing, Data Science and Applied Statistics etc
SCQP28 Zoology, Sericulture, Human Genetics
SCQP29 Atmospheric Science
SCQP30 Animal Science (Poultry)

IIT JAM 2024 MSc Courses Subject List

Here are list of MSc courses for which IIT JAM 2024 exam will be held on February 11, 2024: 

Subject Code Subject
BT Biotechnology
MA Mathematics
MS Mathematical Statistics

CY

Chemistry
PH Physics
EN Economics
GG Geology
CUET PG offers a wider range of MSc courses than IIT JAM, including courses in arts, humanities, commerce, and law. IIT JAM focuses on science and engineering courses. If you are interested in pursuing a MSc degree in a science or engineering discipline, then IIT JAM is a good option. If you are interested in pursuing a MSc degree in a wider range of disciplines, then CUET PG is a good option. It is important to note that the specific courses offered by CUET PG and IIT JAM may vary from year to year. It is always best to check the official websites of the exams for the latest information on the courses offered.

CUET PG Vs IIT JAM; Know the Exam Difficulty Level 

As per the previous year's exam trend, it is observed that IIT JAM is generally considered to be more difficult than CUET PG. This is because IIT JAM is a specialized exam for admission to MSc programs in science and engineering, while CUET PG is a more general exam for admission to postgraduate programs in multiple disciplines. Another significant reason is that the  IIT JAM syllabus is more in-depth and covers more advanced topics than the CUET PG syllabus. Additionally, the IIT JAM exam pattern is more challenging, with a mix of multiple choice, multiple select answer, and numerical type questions.
However, the difficulty level of both exams can vary depending on the specific subject and the candidate's preparation level. It is important to note that both CUET PG and IIT JAM are competitive exams, and candidates need to put in a significant amount of effort to prepare for them.
The following table gives a summary of key differences in exam difficulty level between the IIT JAM and CUET PG exam:
 
Features CUET PG IIT JAM 
Exam Focus Focused on General aptitude and Domain Knowledge Specialized in Domain Subject Knowledge
Syllabus Depth Less in depth More in depth
Exam Format Less challenging More challenging
Competition Level Competitive Highly competitive

Overall, IIT JAM is generally considered to be more difficult than CUET PG. However, the difficulty level of both exams can vary depending on the specific subject and the candidate's preparation level.

How to Prepare for CUET PG and IIT JAM Exam Together?

It is possible to prepare for CUET PG and IIT JAM exams together, but it is important to be strategic in your approach. Here are some tips:

  • Identify the overlapping topics: There are a number of topics that are covered in both CUET PG and IIT JAM exams, such as mathematics, physics, chemistry, and biology. Identify these overlapping topics and focus your preparation on them.
  • Use common study materials: There are a number of study materials that are available for both CUET PG and IIT JAM exams. You can use these common study materials to prepare for both exams simultaneously.
  • Create a study plan: Create a study plan that covers all of the topics that are covered in both exams. Make sure to give yourself enough time to prepare for each topic.
  • Take practice tests: Take practice tests for both CUET PG and IIT JAM exams. This will help you to identify your strengths and weaknesses, and to track your progress over time.
Here are some additional tips for preparing for CUET PG and IIT JAM exams together:
  • Form a study group: Studying with other students can be a great way to stay motivated and to learn from each other. Find a group of students who are also preparing for the exams and meet regularly to study and discuss the material.
  • Use online resources: There are a number of online resources that can be helpful for preparing for CUET PG and IIT JAM exams. These resources include video lectures, practice questions, and discussion forums.
  • Seek help from teachers or mentors: If you are struggling with a particular topic, do not hesitate to seek help from your teachers or from a mentor. They can provide you with additional guidance and support.

Read More:

About the Author
author-image
Manisha Kumari
Associate Senior Executive

Being a post-graduate and BEd degree holder, I'm an innovative, task-driven and immensely motivated science enthusiast, making me a passionate content writer. I love providing meaningful and constructive articles in... Read Full Bio