Preparing for the Common University Entrance Test (CUET) Undergraduate (UG) exam is a pivotal step for students aiming to secure admission to their desired universities.
How to Prepare for CUET UG Without Coaching?
Begin by familiarizing yourself with the CUET UG exam structure and detailed syllabus for your chosen subjects. This foundational step ensures you know what to expect and can plan your studies accordingly.
CUET UG Scoring System Explained | How Are Marks Calculated?

The Common University Entrance Test (CUET) UG is a crucial examination for students aspiring to enter central universities in India. However, many candidates find the CUET UG scoring system complex and confusing. How are marks calculated? What factors influence the final score? In this article, we break down the CUET UG scoring system in a simple and easy-to-understand manner.
Table of Contents
What is CUET UG?
The CUET UG (Common University Entrance Test for Undergraduates) is an entrance exam conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA). It aims to streamline university admissions by providing a standardized assessment for students across different boards.
Understanding the CUET UG Scoring System
The CUET UG scoring system is designed to evaluate students based on their performance in multiple-choice questions. Here’s a detailed breakdown:
1. Marking Scheme
- Correct Answer: +5 marks
- Incorrect Answer: -1 mark (negative marking)
- Unattempted Question: 0 marks
2. Normalization Process
CUET UG is conducted in multiple shifts with different difficulty levels. To ensure fairness, NTA uses a normalization process. This method adjusts scores based on the relative difficulty of each shift.
3. Raw Score vs. Normalized Score
- Raw Score: The total marks obtained before normalization.
- Normalized Score: The adjusted score post-normalization to maintain uniformity across different shifts.
How is the CUET UG Score Calculated?
The CUET UG score calculation follows these steps:
- Calculate raw marks based on the marking scheme.
- Apply the normalization formula to balance out variations in question paper difficulty.
- Generate percentile scores to rank students.
What is the CUET UG Percentile Score?
The percentile score represents a candidate’s relative performance compared to others. It is calculated as:
Tiebreaker Rules in CUET UG
If two candidates secure the same score, the following tie-breaking criteria are applied:
- Higher percentile in the domain-specific subject.
- Higher percentile in the language subject.
- The older candidate gets preference.
Importance of CUET UG Normalization Process
- Ensures fairness across multiple shifts.
- Adjusts scores for varying difficulty levels.
- Provides an accurate ranking system.
Factors Affecting CUET UG Scores
Several factors influence the final CUET UG scores:
- Number of correct answers
- Negative marking for wrong answers
- Difficulty level of the shift
- Normalization adjustments
How to Interpret Your CUET UG Score?
Your CUET UG scorecard includes:
- Section-wise scores
- Total normalized score
- Percentile rank
- Qualifying status
How to Improve Your CUET UG Score?
Here are some tips to boost your score:
- Understand the syllabus thoroughly.
- Practice previous year’s papers.
- Attempt mock tests regularly.
- Manage time effectively in the exam.
- Avoid guessing to minimize negative marking.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the passing score for CUET UG?
There is no fixed passing score; it depends on university cutoffs.
2. Is there a negative marking in CUET UG?
Yes, 1 mark is deducted for each incorrect answer.
3. How is the CUET UG percentile calculated?
The percentile is based on the number of candidates scoring equal to or below your score.
4. Can I retake CUET UG if I get a low score?
You can attempt CUET UG in the next academic session.
5. Does every university accept CUET UG scores?
Most central universities accept CUET UG scores, but some may have additional criteria.
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