-Gaurav Talwar Preparing for both CUET UG and board exams 2025 requires a strategic approach, as these exams differ significantly in their objectives, formats, and assessment methods. Here's a comparison highlighting the similarities and differences between CUET UG preparation and board exam preparations: CUET UG Vs Board Exams 2025: Similarities Syllabus Overlap Both CUET UG and board exams often cover similar subjects, especially core subjects like mathematics, physics, chemistry, English, History and biology. This overlap allows students to use some common study materials and strategies for both exams Importance of Fundamentals Understanding the basics is crucial for both exams. Students need to grasp fundamental concepts in their subjects to perform well in both CUET and board exams Time Management Effective time management is essential for both exams. Students must allocate time wisely to cover all subjects and practice questions for both CUET and board exams CUET UG Vs Board Exams 2025: Differences Exam Purpose and Focus The national-level exam focuses on assessing subject-specific knowledge and aptitude for university admissions. It is a standardised test aimed at evaluating readiness for higher education, on the other hand, board exams are meant to evaluate comprehensive academic performance at the secondary or senior secondary level, focusing on the completion of the curriculum set by different education boards Exam Format and Pattern CUET UG is conducted in a computer-based test (CBT) mode with multiple-choice questions (MCQs). The exam is objective. Each subject paper is typically 60 minutes long, with a marking scheme of +5 for correct answers and -1 for incorrect ones, while the board exams include a mix of descriptive, short-answer, and objective-type questions. The exams are usually three hours long, with no negative marking. CUET UG Vs Board Exams 2025: Syllabus and Subject Coverage CUET UG Aligns with the NCERT curriculum but focuses on core subjects and general aptitude. The syllabus is more streamlined and aligned with specific academic domains Board Exams Vary based on the education board (CBSE, ICSE, or state boards) and cover a broader range of subjects CUET UG Vs Board Exams 2025: Preparation Strategies CUET UG Requires practice with MCQs, focusing on speed, accuracy, and analytical skills. Students need to prepare for specific domain subjects and general aptitude Board Exams Emphasize detailed theoretical knowledge and writing skills. Students should focus on understanding concepts and practising long-answer questions. Candidates are required to explain the entire thought process through its workings. CUET UG Vs Board Exams 2025: Competitiveness and Scope CUET UG More competitive due to its national scope, with lakhs of students competing for limited seats in central universities Board Exams Focus on passing requirements and grades needed for university eligibility, which can be less competitive if students are consistent with their studies CUET UG Vs Board Exams 2025: Number of students Over 15 lakh students appear for the CUET exam, on the other hand, 1.4 crore students appear for the Class 12 board exam across different types of boards, out of which 15 lakh students appear for the CBSE board exam in Class 12. While both exams require strong foundational knowledge, CUET UG focuses on aptitude and competitive multiple-choice questions, whereas board exams emphasize comprehensive subject knowledge and written expression. Balancing preparation for both exams requires a strategic approach that leverages their similarities while addressing their distinct differences. -Talwar is Head of Academics at Allen Online
