CUET vs Board Marks — What Universities Really Prefer
Do universities prefer CUET scores or board marks? How DU, JNU, BHU and other central universities use CUET, and what Class 12 marks still decide.
Since central universities moved to CUET (UG) in 2022, the admission landscape has changed completely. Board marks are no longer the ranking criterion at Delhi University and most other central universities — they decide eligibility.
How CUET Changed Admissions
- Before CUET — DU cut-offs based on board marks went up to 99%+. Board marks were everything.
- After CUET — the CUET score is the ranking criterion at DU and most central universities. Board marks decide eligibility.
- Level playing field — students from all boards compete on the same test
What Different Universities Do
- Delhi University — admission to regular UG programmes is based on CUET scores in each programme's subject combination, through DU's CSAS. (School of Open Learning, NCWEB and foreign-national admissions are separate.)
- JNU — uses CUET scores for its UG programmes, mainly B.A. (Hons) in foreign languages, with a separate application on JNU's portal
- BHU — uses CUET (UG) scores for its UG admissions, with seats allotted through BHU's own counselling (CAP)
- Jamia and AMU — use CUET for some UG programmes and their own entrance tests for others
- Some state universities — may still use board marks or a combination
The Smart Strategy
CUET domain subjects and your boards both follow NCERT, so prepare for both simultaneously. Master NCERT = score well in both. Focus extra on MCQ practice for CUET and descriptive writing for boards.
Prepare for both boards and CUET
Super Tutor gives you chapter summaries, revision notes and practice quizzes for Class 12 — useful for both your board exams and CUET.
Start Preparing — FreeBased on Delhi University's 2026-27 bulletin and the 2026 undergraduate admission notices of JNU and BHU. Admission rules change every year — check each university's current bulletin.
Prepare for your entrance exam
Chapter-wise practice, revision notes and an AI doubt solver for JEE, NEET, CUET and state entrance exams, with full mock exams on paid plans. Free trial, no card needed.
Start freeFrequently Asked Questions
Are board marks still important after CUET?
Yes, for eligibility. You must pass Class 12, and some programmes set their own subject or minimum-mark rules. Delhi University also requires you to take CUET in the subjects you studied in Class 12. But at DU and most central universities, the CUET score is what ranks you for a seat. Some state universities may still use board marks or a combination.
Can low board marks affect CUET admission?
Only if your marks fall below a programme's eligibility requirement. Once you are eligible, universities such as DU rank candidates on their CUET scores, not their board percentage.
Should I focus more on boards or CUET?
Both. CUET's domain syllabi follow the Class 12 NCERT syllabus, so good board preparation from NCERT also helps CUET. Add timed MCQ practice for CUET, and practise descriptive answers for boards.