CUET UG 2025: Like NEET, JEE, should CUET preparation start early?

–Delhi University (DU)
–Banaras Hindu University (BHU)
–Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU)
–University of Hyderabad and many more…

With the Common University Entrance Test (CUET) gaining prominence as the gateway to top central universities in India, many students and parents are wondering if students should begin their preparation from the 11th standard onward. Here’s a breakdown to help you decide:

CUET UG 2025: Why Early Preparation Makes Sense

Importance of conceptual clarity

While CUET may not be as tough as JEE or NEET, it still demands strong conceptual clarity, especially in domain-specific subjects like Physics, Chemistry, Economics, or Political Science. Starting early helps reinforce NCERT-based fundamentals. Students with conceptual clarity will be able to manage the entrance exam comfortably.

Multi-tasking becomes easier

The CUET syllabus is largely aligned with the NCERT curriculum followed in Classes 11 and 12. So, early preparation means you are also building a solid foundation for your board exams—killing two birds with one stone. Since the students need to multi-task, starting early will make their lives easier.

Time for Practice and Strategy

Starting in Class 11 gives students more time to:

● Understand the exam pattern
● Practice mock tests
● Improve time management and accuracy
● Build confidence through gradual preparation
● Get their doubts clarified

Language and Aptitude Sections Need Practice, Too

The General Test (for specific programnes of some universities) and the English Language Test (the most frequently taken test out of the language tests) test reasoning, comprehension, and vocabulary—skills that improve over time, not overnight. Hence, in this case, too, starting early will be advisable. Unlike NEET or JEE, CUET isn’t heavily competitive in terms of difficulty level, though the number of applicants is large. So, if you start in Class 11, the key is smart preparation.

Ideal CUET Prep Strategy from Class 11

–Focus on your prescribed NCERT syllabus for the subjects you are taking the CUET– Build your base in the core subjects
–Keep an eye on current affairs and vocabulary – Especially useful for the General Test and Language sections
— Explore career goals – Use this time to decide which courses/universities you’re targeting so that you can narrow down the
specific exams under the CUET that you need to take.

So, in short, yes, beginning CUET UG preparation from Class 11 can be a smart move and might help the candidates as it can play a major role in ensuring that they come out with flying colours in both the boards as well as the CUET.

Akhtar is the General Manager-Operations at T.I.M.E