Getting ready for CUET UG 2025? You might be wondering about the General Aptitude Test—sometimes just called the General Test. Do you have to take it? When does it matter? Let’s clear up the confusion so you can prepare without stress.
Table of Contents
Do You Need to Take the General Aptitude Test?
The short answer: It depends. The General Aptitude Test isn’t compulsory for every candidate taking CUET UG 2025—it’s optional unless the university or course you’re applying to says otherwise. The CUET exam is split into three sections: Language (Section I), Domain-Specific Subjects (Section II), and the General Test (Section III). This last section tests your general knowledge, current affairs, mental ability, numerical skills, and reasoning—think of it as a way to flex your all-around smarts. You only need it if the course or college you want says so.
For some courses—like B.A., B.Voc., or B.Com.—certain colleges will ask for it. Also, in 2025, some subjects (like Entrepreneurship, Teaching, Fashion Studies, Tourism, Legal Studies, and Engineering Graphics) aren’t offered anymore. If you want those programs, your General Test score will count instead. But if your course doesn’t need it—like for science or engineering—you can skip it.
Quick Tip: Check the rules for your university and course on cuet.nta.nic.in or their website. Don’t guess—know for sure!
Who Should Take the General Test?
Here’s who might need or want to take it:
- It’s Required for Some Courses: About 60% programs—like B.A. or B.Com.—might need the General Test, depending on the college. For example, a big university might say you have to take it for a B.A.
- If Your Subject Isn’t There: Want a subject CUET doesn’t offer? The General Test can help you still get in, based on your college’s rules.
- New Changes for 2025: Since some subjects got dropped (like Teaching or Legal Studies), those programs now use your General Test score. So, if you want to be a teacher or study law, this test matters.
- Languages Outside the List: CUET has 13 language papers (like English, Hindi, Tamil, etc.). But for other languages—like French or Sanskrit—or foreign language courses, they’ll look at your General Test score.
- Extra Options: Not sure about your course yet? Taking the General Test anyway can keep more doors open if you apply to different colleges.
Why This Matters
The General Test isn’t hard to understand—it’s about basic skills like solving puzzles or knowing what’s happening in the world. If your course doesn’t need it, you can focus on your main subjects instead. But if it’s required—or you’re applying to lots of places—it’s worth practicing for. A good score could help you stand out!
Courses that Require CUET UG General Aptitude Test
Several undergraduate programs require CUET General Aptitude Test scores for admission. The General Test is applicable for various courses, including B.A., B.Voc., and B.Com. Students should verify the specific requirements for their desired programs, as the necessity of the CUET General Test may vary based on the course they choose.
| CUET UG Courses |
| Bachelor of Vocation, Bachelor of Arts |
| B.A. (Hons.), B.A. (Hons.) LL.B., B.Com. (Hons.), Bachelor of Vocation |
| B.Voc., B.Com. (Hons.), BBA, Diploma in ECCE, B.A. |
| B.A. (Hons.), Certificate of Proficiency |
| B.A. in Journalism & Mass Communication (Hons. with Research), B.Lib.I.Sc. (Hons. with Research) |
| B.A. (Hons.) Journalism, Five-Year Integrated Journalism Program, B.Voc. Courses, B.Tech. (IT & MI), B.Com., B.A. (Hons.) Business Economics (BBE), BMS, Bachelor of Fine Arts |
General Aptitude Test Exam Pattern
The NTA has earlier notified the CUET UG 2025 Exam Pattern and Syllabus for General Aptitude. Candidates preparing for the examination must adhere to the same during their preparations. Go through the table below to know about the highlights of the General Aptitude exam pattern:
| General Aptitude Test Exam Pattern | |
| Mode of Examination | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| Subjects | GK & Current Affairs Logical Reasoning Quantitative Aptitude |
| Medium of Question Paper | 13 languages (English, Hindi, Urdu, Assamese, Bengali, Odia, Punjabi, Gujarati, Marathi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam) |
| Number of Questions | 50 (All compulsory) |
| Question Type | Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) |
| Marking Scheme | +5 for correct answer, -1 for incorrect answer |
FAQs
1. Is the CUET General Aptitude Test mandatory for all courses in 2025?
No, the CUET General Aptitude Test is not mandatory for all courses in 2025. It is optional and depends on the specific requirements of the university and the chosen program. To determine if it’s mandatory for you, carefully check the eligibility and subject mapping requirements of the university and course you’re applying to on their official website or the CUET portal (cuet.nta.nic.in).
2. Which undergraduate programs require the CUET General Aptitude Test?
The CUET General Aptitude Test is required for several undergraduate programs, including B.A., B.Voc., and B.Com. However, only 60% of programs necessitate this test, so candidates should verify their specific course requirements.
3. How can I find out if my chosen university requires the General Aptitude Test?
Candidates should check the admission criteria on the official website of their chosen university. Each university provides detailed information about whether the CUET General Aptitude Test is required for specific programs.
4. What should I do if my desired subject is not listed in the CUET subjects?
If your desired subject is not included in the CUET subject list, you may opt to take the General Aptitude Test instead, as per the guidelines of your chosen university. Always confirm with the university for specific instructions.
5. Will language proficiency be assessed in the CUET General Aptitude Test?
Yes, language proficiency will be assessed through papers in 13 languages, including English, Hindi, and others. Admissions for additional languages, including foreign languages, will also depend on performance in the General Aptitude Test.