Preparing for a major entrance exam like the Common University Entrance Test (CUET) can feel overwhelming. But savvy applicants know that success isn’t just about the syllabus; it’s about mastering the surprising procedural rules in the official Information Bulletin that can make or break your final score
1. The Marking Scheme Has a Hidden Bite
The CUET marking scheme is +5 for a correct answer and -1 for an incorrect one. The hidden bite lies in the cost-benefit analysis of guessing. Leaving a question unanswered results in 0 marks, while guessing incorrectly results in a -1 penalty. This means a blind guess is a high-risk gamble where the potential loss is strategically significant compared to the safe option of skipping the question. The total point swing between a wrong guess (-1) and a right answer (+5) is a massive 6 points. This rule underscores a key piece of advice: the penalty makes a wrong guess more damaging than leaving a question blank.
2. “Marked for Review” Might Not Work How You Think
During the Computer Based Test, the “Marked for Review” feature is a useful tool, but it comes with a critical distinction that many candidates misunderstand. If you answer a question AND mark it for review, that answer will be considered for evaluation if you don’t change it before time runs out. In contrast, if you simply mark a question for review but leave it unanswered, it will not be considered for evaluation. Understanding this nuance is vital to prevent accidentally submitting answers you were unsure about.
3. Your Application Form is Final. Absolutely Final.
The National Testing Agency’s (NTA) policy on application forms is absolute: once submitted, no information can be edited, modified, or altered under any circumstances. This makes it essential to double-check every detail with the utmost care before final submission.
NTA does not edit/modify/alter any information entered by the candidates after completion of the application process under any circumstances. Any request for change in information thereafter will not be entertained.
4. Your Class 12 Subjects Don’t Box You In
One of the most powerful rules of the CUET is the flexibility it offers in subject selection. Candidates can choose up to five subjects, including languages and the General Aptitude Test, and these choices are not restricted by the subjects you took in class XII. This means a student from the Science stream who excels in Political Science can now choose it as a domain subject to boost their score, an option unavailable in many other entrance exams. This flexibility allows you to build an application profile that showcases the full breadth of your academic strengths, not just those confined to your Class 12 stream.
5. There Are No Second Chances for a Missed Exam
The NTA’s policy on missed exams is unambiguous and severe. If a candidate is unable to appear for the test on their scheduled date, for any reason whatsoever, a re-test will not be conducted. There are no exceptions to this rule, which means that ensuring your availability and arriving at the test center on time is non-negotiable.
For those who are unable to appear on the scheduled date of the test for any reason, a re-test shall not be held by the NTA under any circumstances.
Conclusion
Success in the CUET isn’t just about academic knowledge; understanding these procedural nuances is just as important as mastering the syllabus. These rules directly impact your preparation, exam-day conduct, and final admission. Knowing these rules, what’s the one change you’ll make to your preparation strategy today?