CUET UG Vs Board Exams 2025: Can common preparation help to crack college entrance test?

CUET UG Vs Board Exams 2025: Similarities

Syllabus Overlap

Both CUET UG and board exams often cover similar subjects, especially core subjects like mathematics, physics, chemistry, English, History and biology. This overlap allows students to use some common study materials and strategies for both exams

Importance of Fundamentals

Understanding the basics is crucial for both exams. Students need to grasp fundamental concepts in their subjects to perform well in both CUET and board exams

Time Management

Effective time management is essential for both exams. Students must allocate time wisely to cover all subjects and practice questions for both CUET and board exams

CUET UG Vs Board Exams 2025: Differences

Exam Purpose and Focus

The national-level exam focuses on assessing subject-specific knowledge and aptitude for university admissions. It is a standardised test aimed at evaluating readiness for higher education, on the other hand, board exams are meant to evaluate comprehensive academic performance at the secondary or senior secondary level, focusing on the completion of the curriculum set by different education boards

Exam Format and Pattern

CUET UG is conducted in a computer-based test (CBT) mode with multiple-choice questions (MCQs). The exam is objective. Each subject paper is typically 60 minutes long, with a marking scheme of +5 for correct answers and -1 for incorrect ones, while the board exams include a mix of descriptive, short-answer, and objective-type questions. The exams are usually three hours long, with no negative marking.

CUET UG Vs Board Exams 2025: Syllabus and Subject Coverage

CUET UG

Aligns with the NCERT curriculum but focuses on core subjects and general aptitude. The syllabus is more streamlined and aligned with specific academic domains

Board Exams

Vary based on the education board (CBSE, ICSE, or state boards) and cover a broader range of subjects

CUET UG Vs Board Exams 2025: Preparation Strategies

CUET UG

Requires practice with MCQs, focusing on speed, accuracy, and analytical skills. Students need to prepare for specific domain subjects and general aptitude

Board Exams 

Emphasize detailed theoretical knowledge and writing skills. Students should focus on understanding concepts and practising long-answer questions. Candidates are required to explain the entire thought process through its workings.

CUET UG Vs Board Exams 2025: Competitiveness and Scope

CUET UG

More competitive due to its national scope, with lakhs of students competing for limited seats in central universities

Board Exams

Focus on passing requirements and grades needed for university eligibility, which can be less competitive if students are consistent with their studies

CUET UG Vs Board Exams 2025: Number of students

Over 15 lakh students appear for the CUET exam, on the other hand, 1.4 crore students appear for the Class 12 board exam across different types of boards, out of which 15 lakh students appear for the CBSE board exam in Class 12.

While both exams require strong foundational knowledge, CUET UG focuses on aptitude and competitive multiple-choice questions, whereas board exams emphasize comprehensive subject knowledge and written expression. Balancing preparation for both exams requires a strategic approach that leverages their similarities while addressing their distinct differences.

–Talwar is Head of Academics at Allen Online