By Kanak Gupta

Securing admission into a prestigious university is one of the most crucial turning points in a student’s academic journey. In the present era, the admission process for any preeminent central or state universities, such as Delhi University (DU), Banaras Hindu University (BHU), and Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), has been streamlined with the rollout of the Common Universities Entrance Test (CUET). 

The CUET UG is a national-level entrance examination that offers a single-window opportunity to students eyeing admission to any of the prestigious central state, deemed and private universities across the country.

However, the conventional board exams that students take to obtain a passing certificate and a mark sheet for 10th and 12th standard from any government-recognised board, such as CBSE, ICSE, IGCSE or state boards, hold equal significance in a student’s academic journey. 

Let us delve deeper into the format of CUET and traditional board exams to gain a comprehensive picture and a comparative analysis of both crucial examinations.

CUET Examination Format  

The CUET UG exam is a computer-based test (CBT) conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) on behalf of a host of prestigious universities. It is typically based on the 10+2 level NCERT syllabus of any specific domain subject picked by the candidate, along with a general aptitude test. 

The general aptitude section incorporates numerous additional topics such as quantitative aptitude, general mental ability, current affairs and general knowledge.

The CUET examination format comprises objective-type questions with Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs). This pattern is designed to assess the candidate’s eligibility to pursue a graduation course. In addition, the exam follows a uniform pattern that gauges a candidate’s analytical capabilities and practical application of knowledge.

One significant benefit of the CUET examination format is that it serves as a standardised evaluation of the candidate’s knowledge and skills. However, quantitative and logical reasoning sections are an additional task for students, especially those with non-mathematical backgrounds besides the chosen domain subjects.

Also, objective-type questions and a negative marking scheme make it challenging for students to score well, even if they are partially aware of some of the concepts.

Traditional board exams  

Board exams are mandatory for students to continue their academic journey and enrol in their desired undergraduate courses. One major advantage they offer over CUET is the step-wise marking scheme in which most students secure marks by writing some parts of the answer. 

However, unlike CUET, board exams are not choice-based and are mandatory for students to clear to become eligible for any undergraduate course. Students also meet the challenge of managing board exams with the CUET examination.

It is also important to mention that board exams and entrance tests like CUET, NEET and JEE are two entirely different examinations. While board exams need a minimum passing score to receive a passing certificate, there is no concept of a minimum cutoff for admissions into desired institutions.

Conversely, the limited number of seats available in leading universities and the increasing number of candidates has led to a significant rise in the cutoff marks of CUET. This makes the examination highly competitive for students when compared to the board examinations, and they must choose their preparation strategy based on their strengths and weaknesses to give their best performance in both CUET and Board exams.

The author is director of Seth M.R. Jaipuria Schools. Views are personal.