The CUET UG 2025 exam is the golden ticket for students aiming to secure a seat in top central universities like Delhi University (DU), JNU, BHU, and others. But cracking the exam is just step one—understanding the selection process, admission criteria, and cut-off trends is crucial. With increasing competition (over 14 lakh applicants in 2024), knowing how universities shortlist candidates can make or break your chances. Let’s break down everything—from CUET scores and normalization to cut-offs and seat allocation—so you can plan your admission strategy smartly.
This means your normalized score determines your rank, not the raw marks.
Step 2: University Cut-Offs & Merit Lists
Each university releases its own cut-offs based on:
Factor
Impact on Cut-Off
Number of Applicants
More candidates → Higher cut-offs
Seat Availability
Limited seats → Stricter cut-offs
Course Popularity
B.A. (Hons) English, B.Com (Hons) have high competition
Real-Life Case:
Delhi University’s 2024 cut-off for B.A. (Hons) Political Science was 98.5 percentile at SRCC.
Lesser-known universities like Central University of Jharkhand had cut-offs around 85 percentile for the same course.
Step 3: Counseling & Seat Allocation
Some universities (like DU) use Common Seat Allocation System (CSAS), while others conduct their own counseling.
Process
Key Details
Choice Filling
Select preferred colleges/courses
Seat Locking
Freeze, Float, or Slide options
Document Verification
Submit Class 12 marksheets, category certificates
Pro Tip: Always keep multiple college preferences—don’t rely only on top-tier unis!
CUET Cut-Off Trends (2022-2024) 📊
Here’s how cut-offs have changed for top courses:
Course
2022 Cut-Off (Percentile)
2024 Cut-Off (Percentile)
B.Com (Hons)
95+
98+
B.Sc (Computer Science)
90+
93+
B.A. (Hons) Economics
96+
99+
B.A. (Hons) Psychology
88+
92+
Expert Insight:
“Cut-offs are rising by 2-3% yearly due to increasing competition. Students scoring below 90 percentile should have backup options.” — Prof. R.K. Singh, DU Admission Committee
Factors Affecting CUET UG Admission ⚖️
Your selection isn’t just about CUET scores. Universities also consider:
Factor
Weightage
CUET Score
80-100% (varies by university)
Class 12 Marks
Some unis like AMU consider 12th scores
Reservation Category
Relaxation in cut-offs (5-10% lower)
University-Specific Tests
JMI conducts interviews for some courses
Did You Know?
Banaras Hindu University (BHU) gives 10% weightage to 12th marks for UG admissions.
Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI) conducts entrance tests + interviews for courses like B.Tech.
Want to estimate where you might get in? Use this CUET Score vs. College Tier guide:
CUET Percentile
Expected College Tier
99+
DU SRCC, Hindu, LSR
95-98
IP College, Ramjas
90-94
State Central Universities
85-89
Lesser-Known Central Unis
Pro Strategy:
If you’re scoring <85 percentile, consider state universities or private colleges.
90-95 percentile? Apply for mid-tier DU colleges like Aryabhatta or Shivaji.
Common Mistakes to Avoid ❌
Many students mess up their CUET admission by:
Mistake
Why It’s Bad
Ignoring Cut-Off Trends
Applying only to high-cutoff colleges with low scores
Not Checking Reservation Benefits
Missing out on category relaxations
Skipping Choice Filling
Getting auto-rejected if no options are selected
Final Word: CUET UG 2025 isn’t just about the exam—it’s a strategic game of cut-offs, choices, and backups. Stay updated with university notifications, keep your documents ready, and always have a Plan B (and C!).
Nisha Joshi is an education content writer specializing in exam results and admit cards. With a Master’s in History and 5+ years of experience, Nisha loves crafting detailed and accurate content. She enjoys exploring historical sites.
