How To Attempt the CUET Question Paper

How To Attempt the CUET Question Paper: CUET is an important entrance exam that helps students get admission to top universities in India. Every year, many students apply for the CUET exam to join their dream college or university. A common question among first-time candidates is how to attempt the CUET question paper in the right way.

To answer the CUET paper effectively, students should understand the exam pattern, manage their time well, and know how each section is structured. This knowledge helps in planning which questions to attempt first and how to avoid spending too much time on any one section.

A helpful way to prepare is by practicing CUET previous year papers from 2020, 2021, and 2022, along with CUET 2025 sample papers. This gives students real exam practice and boosts confidence. Candidates can check the complete details about how to attempt the CUET question paper, tips, and tricks below.

CUET Exam Overview

CUET UG 2025 is a key national-level entrance exam for students aiming to get admission into prestigious central universities across India. To avoid last-minute stress and confusion, candidates need to be familiar with all the important information related to the exam earlier. The table below offers a detailed overview of the CUET UG 2025:

CUET UG 2025 Exam Overview
Particulars	Details
Exam Name	CUET UG 2025 (Common University Entrance Test – Undergraduate)
Conducting Body	National Testing Agency (NTA)
Exam Mode	Computer-Based Test (CBT)
Exam Level	National
Exam Duration	60 minutes per subject
Medium of Exam	13 languages including English, Hindi, Punjabi, etc.
Number of Sections	Language SubjectDomain Subjects General Aptitude Test
Total Number of Questions	50 questions for each test papers
Type of Questions	Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
Negative Marking	Yes (-1 for every wrong answer)
Official Website	cuet.nta.nic.in

How To Attempt the CUET Question Paper? Step By Step Guide

CUET (Common University Entrance Test) exam is a computer-based test (CBT), which means all the instructions, questions, and answers are handled digitally on a computer. Many students feel nervous the first time they see the test screen, but knowing how to use the interface correctly can make a big difference. The following are some helpful tips and instructions on how to attempt the CUET exam efficiently.

1. Read the Instructions Carefully

Before starting the exam, candidates will see an instruction screen. This screen contains important information about the exam, including:

• The number of questions in the exam.
• The marking scheme (how marks are awarded).
• The negative marking criteria
• How to navigate through the exam.

It’s important to take the time to read these instructions carefully. Skipping them can lead to mistakes, such as misunderstanding the rules or misinterpreting how to answer questions. Reading the instructions thoroughly will give you a better understanding of the test environment and help you feel more confident during the exam.

2. Understand the Button Functions on the Exam Screen

Once the exam begins, candidates will see several buttons on the screen. These buttons are very important for managing your responses. Here is what each button does:

• Save and Next: This button saves your current answer and moves you to the next question. Use this when you are confident with your answer.
• Clear Response: If you want to change your answer, you can use this button to remove your previous response.
• Save and Mark for Review: Use this if you are unsure about a question but want to come back to it later.
• Mark for Review and Next: If you’re not sure about a question, you can use this to skip it while marking it for review later.

These options will help you stay organized and reduce confusion during the exam.

3. Make Use of the Question Palette

On the right side of the screen, you will see a question palette. This shows all the question numbers in small boxes. The color of each box indicates the status of each question:

• Green: The question has been answered.
• Purple: The question has been marked for review (you may want to return to it later).
• Grey/White: The question has not been attempted yet.

By clicking on any of the numbers in the palette, you can directly jump to that question, saving you time and helping you keep track of your progress. It’s also important to keep an eye on the countdown timer, which shows the remaining time for the exam. This will help you manage your time wisely.

4. Understand Extra On-Screen Features

The CUET exam interface has several features to make the exam experience more efficient:

• Language Change Option: If you find the language of the questions difficult, you can change it to another available language. To do this, click on the Profile icon in the top-right corner and select your preferred language.
• Hide/Unhide the Question Palette: If you need more screen space to view a question, you can hide the question palette by clicking on the small “<” arrow. You can also bring it back by clicking on the “>” arrow.
• Scroll Buttons for Long Questions: For questions that are too long to fit on one screen, you can use the scroll arrows at the top or bottom of the screen to read the full question.

These features will help you focus on the questions and avoid any distractions during the exam.

5. Smart Time Management During the Exam

Effective time management is essential to perform well in the CUET exam. Here are some smart tips to manage your time:

• Start with Easy Questions: Begin by answering questions that you find easier. This will help build your confidence and save time.
• Don’t Overstay on One Question: If a question is taking too long to solve, mark it for review and move on to the next one. It’s better to keep going and come back to tough questions later.
• Monitor the Timer: Regularly check the countdown timer to ensure you’re keeping up with the time and not running out of it.
• Finish Early: Aim to finish the test 10-15 minutes early. This will give you extra time to review the questions you marked for review.
• Practice Mock Tests: Taking mock tests will help you become familiar with the test interface and improve your ability to manage time under pressure.

Common Mistakes to Avoid While Attempting the CUET Exam

Even though students may be well-prepared, there are common mistakes that can negatively impact performance. Here are some mistakes to avoid:

• Skipping Instructions: Failing to read the instructions can lead to confusion about the exam format, question types, and marking rules. Always go through the instructions carefully.
• Spending Too Much Time on One Question: Many students get stuck on difficult questions. If you encounter a tough question, mark it for review and move on. Don’t waste too much time on one question.
• Ignoring the Timer: Losing track of time is a common mistake. Keep an eye on the timer to avoid rushing at the last minute.
• Not Reviewing Marked Questions: If you have marked any questions for review, make sure to check them before submitting your paper.
• Overlooking the Language Change Option: If you find the questions difficult in one language, use the language change option to switch to another language if available.

How To Attempt the CUET Question Paper FAQs