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CUET Total Marks 2025: Exam Pattern, Marking Scheme & Score Calculation
January, 24 2025

Want to secure a top rank in CUET 2025? Your first step is understanding how the exam is structured and scored!

The Common University Entrance Test (CUET) 2025 is your gateway to securing admission in prestigious central universities across India.

But do you know how many marks CUET carries and how your score is calculated?

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Many aspirants focus solely on preparation but overlook CUET total marks, the marking scheme, and the score calculation process, which are crucial for strategic exam planning. A clear understanding of the total marks in CUET will help you allocate time effectively, avoid unnecessary negative marking, and maximize your final score.

In this blog, we’ll break down CUET 2025 total marks, the exam pattern, and how scoring works to help you ace the test with confidence

CUET 2025 Exam Pattern: Section-Wise Breakdown

The CUET 2025 exam is divided into multiple sections, assessing students on language skills, domain-specific knowledge, and general aptitude.

1. Section IA: Language Test

This section is designed to assess a candidate’s proficiency in language comprehension, vocabulary, and grammar. Students can choose from 13 different languages, including:

  • English

  • Hindi

  • Assamese

  • Bengali

  • Gujarati

  • Kannada

  • Malayalam

  • Marathi

  • Odia

  • Punjabi

  • Tamil

  • Telugu

  • Urdu

✅ Question Type: Reading comprehension, sentence correction, synonyms, antonyms, and grammar-based MCQs.

✅ Total Marks: 200 (50 questions, attempt any 40)

This section is essential for students applying to programs that require strong communication skills.

2. Section IB: Additional Language Test

Apart from the primary language, candidates can choose an additional language from 20 options, including French, German, Spanish, Chinese, Japanese, and Sanskrit, among others. This section is useful for students applying to language-based courses or institutions that require proficiency in a second language.

✅ Question Type: Similar to Section IA, focusing on comprehension and language skills.

✅ Total Marks: 200 (50 questions, attempt any 40)

3. Section II: Domain-Specific Subjects

This section allows students to choose from 27 different domain subjects, depending on their chosen field of study. Some of the popular subjects include:

  • Mathematics

  • Physics

  • Chemistry

  • Biology

  • Economics

  • Political Science

  • History

  • Geography

  • Accountancy

  • Business Studies

  • Legal Studies

✅ Question Type: Subject-specific MCQs that test conceptual understanding and application.

✅ Total Marks: 200 per subject (50 questions, attempt any 40)

Since students can select multiple domain subjects, the total marks in CUET vary based on the number of subjects chosen.

4. Section III: General Test

This section is designed for programs that require general aptitude and reasoning skills. It includes:

  • Logical Reasoning

    Syllogisms, puzzles, seating arrangements, coding-decoding


  • Numerical Ability


    Basic mathematics, arithmetic, percentages, ratios


  • General Knowledge & Current Affairs

    National and international events, sports, awards, science & technology

✅ Question Type: MCQs with analytical, problem-solving, and factual questions.

✅ Total Marks: 300 (75 questions, attempt any 60)

This section plays a crucial role for students applying to non-science programs, such as management, law, and humanities.

CUET 2025 Question Format & Mode of Exam

Understanding the CUET total marks and exam format is crucial for strategic preparation. The table below provides a clear overview of the question format, mode of exam, and shifts in which the test is conducted.

Exam Feature

Details

Mode of Exam

Computer-Based Test (CBT)

Question Type

Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs)

Marking Scheme

Correct Answer: +5 marks

Incorrect Answer: -1 marks

Exam Shifts

Conducted in multiple shifts based on subjects chosen

Total Marks in CUET

Varies based on the number of subjects selected (Ranges from 400 to 1200 marks)

Since CUET allows candidates to select multiple domain subjects, the total marks in CUET 2025 depend on the subject combination chosen. 

Preparing with a clear understanding of this structure will help you maximize your CUET total marks and improve your chances of admission to top universities

CUET Total Marks 2025: How Many Marks Does CUET Carry?

The total marks in CUET depend on the number of subjects a student selects. Each section carries a specific weightage.


Section

No. of Questions

Total Marks

Language Test (IA/IB)

50 (Attempt 40)

200

Domain-Specific Subject

50 (Attempt 40)

200 per subject

General Test

75 (Attempt 60)

300


How to Maximize Your CUET Score?

Scoring well in CUET 2025 requires a well-planned approach to ensure you achieve the highest possible marks. Since the total marks in CUET vary based on the number of subjects chosen, focusing on accuracy, time management, and mock tests can significantly improve your performance. 

Here are some essential strategies to maximize your CUET total marks.

1. Focus on Accuracy

One of the most common mistakes candidates make is random guessing, which leads to negative marking. Since CUET follows a +5/-1 marking scheme, incorrect answers can lower your overall score.

  • Read each question carefully before selecting an answer.

  • Use the elimination method to rule out wrong options when unsure.

  • Avoid excessive guessing to minimize negative marking and protect your total score.

2. Time Management

Effective time management helps in attempting the maximum number of questions within the allotted time.

  • Prioritize high-scoring sections like domain-specific subjects.

  • Allocate time based on the number of questions and their difficulty level.

  • Practice solving MCQs quickly to improve speed and accuracy.

By managing time efficiently, you can attempt more questions with precision, ultimately increasing your CUET total marks.

3. Practice CUET Mock Tests

Mock tests are one of the best ways to familiarize yourself with the exam pattern and improve overall performance.

  • Attempt full-length CUET mock tests regularly to build exam stamina.

  • Analyze mistakes and focus on weak areas.

  • Improve time management and speed through consistent practice.

Mock tests help simulate the real exam experience and boost confidence, making it easier to score higher total marks in CUET.

4. Strengthen Domain Subjects

Domain-specific subjects carry significant weight in CUET. A strong foundation in these subjects ensures a higher score.

  • Focus on NCERT textbooks and recommended study materials.

  • Revise important formulas, concepts, and theories regularly.

  • Solve previous years’ CUET papers to understand frequently asked questions.

A solid grasp of your domain subjects ensures a better performance, directly impacting your CUET total marks.

5. Stay Updated for the General Test

If your chosen subjects include the General Test section, staying updated with current affairs and general knowledge is essential.

  • Read newspapers and follow reliable news sources daily.

  • Focus on topics related to history, geography, economy, and science.

  • Practice logical reasoning and numerical ability questions to improve accuracy.

A strong command of general knowledge and reasoning can help maximize your total marks in CUET and improve your overall ranking.

By implementing these strategies, you can enhance your CUET preparation and increase your chances of securing admission to your desired university

FAQs on CUET Total Marks and Score Calculation

1. What are the total marks in CUET 2025?

The total marks in CUET 2025 vary depending on the number of subjects a candidate selects. Each subject carries 200 marks, so the maximum possible marks can range from 400 to 1200, depending on the chosen combination.

2. What is the marking scheme for CUET 2025?

Each correct answer is awarded 5 marks, and 1 mark is deducted for each incorrect answer. Unattempted questions do not receive any marks.

3. What is the maximum CUET total marks a candidate can score?

The maximum CUET total marks depend on the number of subjects chosen. If a candidate appears for six subjects, the highest possible score is 1200 marks (200 marks per subject).

4. Does CUET have negative marking?

Yes, CUET has negative marking. 1 mark is deducted for every incorrect answer, so accuracy is crucial to maximize total marks in CUET.

5. How does CUET normalization affect total marks?

Since CUET is conducted in multiple shifts, the normalization process ensures fairness by adjusting scores based on difficulty variations in different shifts. The normalized score is used for ranking and admissions instead of the raw score.

6. Is the total marks in CUET the same for all students?

No, the total marks in CUET vary depending on the number of subjects chosen. Some students may take 4 subjects (800 marks), while others may take 6 subjects (1200 marks).

7. How is the CUET percentile score calculated?

The CUET percentile score is based on the relative performance of candidates in the same shift. It indicates how well a candidate performed compared to others. Universities consider the percentile score for admissions.

8. How can I maximize my CUET total marks?

To maximize your total marks in CUET, focus on:

  • Accuracy to avoid negative marking

  • Time management to attempt maximum questions

  • Mock tests to improve speed and familiarity with the pattern

  • Strengthening domain subjects and general test topics

9. Will universities consider raw or normalized CUET total marks?

Universities use normalized CUET total marks for admissions instead of raw scores. The normalized score ensures fairness across different exam shifts.

10. What role do domain-specific subjects play in CUET total marks?

Domain-specific subjects carry significant weight in CUET. A strong performance in these subjects can improve your total score and overall ranking, increasing your chances of admission to top universities.

These FAQs provide a comprehensive understanding of CUET total marks and how to maximize your score for better university admissions.