How is CUET syllabus different from CBSE syllabus?
Candidates willing to pursue undergraduate courses in India must understand the nuance of entrance exams and board examinations. CUET is the biggest UG entrance examination conducted for admission to UG courses. Let’s understand the basic difference between the CUET and CBSE syllabus. Know the subject-wise important topics and exam pattern.
CUET V/s CBSE Syllabus
Are you getting ready for the CUET and wondering if it's just like prepping for your CBSE Class 12 exams? We've got it covered for you! Common University Entrance Test (CUET) is not based on the class 12th CBSE syllabus as stated by Ministry of Education. However, CUET syllabus is aligned with the CBSE syllabus with some minor differences. CUET syllabus assesses the candidate’s general understanding, whereas the CBSE class 12th syllabus is comprehensive and specific to assess the candidate’s in-depth knowledge. The Common University Entrance Test (CUET) for undergraduate courses has gained prominence as a pathway to central, state, deemed, or private universities. However, it often leaves students wondering, How is CUET UG syllabus different from the CBSE syllabus? In this article, we dive into the distinctions between these two syllabi.
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If you are preparing for CBSE class 12th examination and CUET UG must understand the basic difference between the pattern of both examinations. CUET UG 2025 exam date will be announced by NTA. The CUET 2025 UG will be scheduled tentatively in third week of May 2025 in CBT mode. CBSE class 12th datesheet is yet to be announced.
Q: Will class 12th syllabus be harder than 11th in CBSE board?
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Q: What are the major differences between GATE and CUET exams?
The GATE (Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering) and CUET (Common University Entrance Test) tests have different objectives and target audiences. GATE is largely intended for engineering graduates seeking admission to postgraduate programmes or positions in public sector organisations. It assesses thorough knowledge in certain engineering subjects. CUET, on the other hand, is for undergraduate admissions to India's central institutions, with a focus on general aptitude and subject-specific knowledge at the 10+2-level. While GATE focuses on technical skills in engineering fields, CUET covers a larger variety of subjects, including arts, science, and commerce, appealing to a diverse pool of undergraduate applicants.
Refer to the table below to know the key differences between CUET exam pattern and class 12th CBSE exam pattern:
| CUET V/s CBSE Exam Pattern | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features |
CUET |
CBSE |
| Format |
Objective-type questions with MCQs |
|
| Duration |
45-60 minutes per subject |
Three hours |
| Number of subjects |
Maximum six |
5-6 (as elected by student) |
| Maximum marks |
200 per subject |
100 (theory+practical) per subject |
| Passing marks |
N/A |
33% |
Also Read: CUET Commerce Previous Year Question Papers
CUET UG Syllabus Vs. CBSE Syllabus
CBSE releases the class 12th board syllabus, whereas the National Testing Agency (NTA) releases the CUET UG syllabus. While you prepare for both examinations, understand the key differences between the CUET syllabus and CBSE syllabus below:
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Scope and Coverage
CUET UG Syllabus:
- CUET is designed for admission to undergraduate programs in central, state, private, or deemed universities and encompasses a wider range of domain subjects and topics compared to the CBSE syllabus.
- While CUET does draw from CBSE and NCERT curriculum, it includes additional components and topics not covered by CBSE.
Also Read:
CUET Syllabus 2025 for Science Students
CUET Syllabus 2025 for Arts Students
CUET Syllabus 2025 for Commerce Students
CBSE Syllabus:
- The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) syllabus is designed for school-level education and typically covers subjects like Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, and Languages.
- The CBSE curriculum focuses on foundational knowledge for students up to the 12th grade.
Depth of Knowledge
CUET UG Syllabus:
- CUET demands a deeper understanding of domain subjects, often requiring candidates to delve into specific topics.
- It assesses students' readiness for higher education and expects them to have a general understanding of their chosen field of study.
CBSE Syllabus:
- CBSE syllabus, on the other hand, is primarily geared toward school-level education and lays the foundation for higher studies.
- While it provides essential knowledge, it covers subjects comprehensively.
Subject Variation
CUET UG Syllabus:
- CUET tailors its syllabus to different undergraduate courses.
- Each program has specific subject requirements, meaning that the syllabus can vary based on your intended field of study.
Also Read:
Domain Subjects in CUET 2025; Check Complete List, Course Mapping Criteria
CUET Previous Year Question Papers
CBSE Syllabus:
- The CBSE syllabus remains relatively consistent across different schools and regions, focusing on core subjects applicable to school education.
Also Read:
To excel in the CUET, students must acquaint themselves with the specific syllabus requirements for their desired program and prepare accordingly. This understanding is vital for those aspiring to secure admission to central universities in India through the CUET.
CUET UG and CBSE Syllabus
Candidates preparing for board and CUET UG examination can check and compare the subject-wise syllabus for CUET UG and CBSE in the table below:
| CUET UG Syllabus |
CBSE Syllabus |
|---|---|
Managing Boards and CUET UG Preparation
As an aspirant, you might find yourself standing at the crossroads of two significant academic milestones – your CBSE Class 12th board exams and the upcoming CUET 2025. The Common University Entrance Test (CUET) is your gateway to top universities- central, private, state or deemed, across the nation. To navigate this journey it's essential to maintain a balance between your board exam preparation and CUET UG readiness.
Read More:
Strategy to Manage CUET exam preparation along with Boards
Download CUET Question Paper PDFs
FAQs Related to CUET UG and CBSE Syllabus
Q. Is CUET syllabus based on CBSE?
Ans. No, CUET syllabus is not based on CBSE syllabus. CUET syllabus assesses the candidate’s general understanding of the subject chosen whereas, CBSE syllabus evaluates candidate’s comprehensive knowledge about the subject. Candidates preparing for CUET UG are advised to be thorough with the CUET syllabus to know the important topics and key areas to cover.
Q. Is CUET based on NCERT syllabus?
Ans. Yes, CUET is based on the NCERT syllabus. Candidates preparing for CUET UG can refer NCERT books for preparation to ace the examination. Students may note that CUET UG syllabus is not based on CBSE or ICSE boards syllabus.
Q. Is CUET different from class 12th syllabus?
Ans. Yes, CUET syllabus is different from class 12th syllabus. CUET syllabus is designed to examine candidate’s general understanding of the domain subjects he/she has applied for. Whereas, CBSE syllabus evaluates candidate’s specific and in depth understanding of the domain subjects he/she has chosen.
Q. Does CUET have different syllabus for different courses?
Ans. Yes, CUET syllabus is different for different courses. Candidates will be required to map subjects with the subjects studied in class 12th for the course they wish to apply for. For instance, if the candidate wishes to apply for B.Com (H) course, he/she will be required to map any one language from Section I + Mathematics/Applied Mathematics/ Accountancy/Book Keeping + Any other two subjects from Section II of CUET. Candidates must ensure that they must have studied the mapped subjects in class 12th.
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