The Common University Entrance Test (CUET) has become one of the most significant entrance tests in recent years in India among students who want to continue their higher studies. Administered by the National Testing Agency (NTA), CUET will be used to simplify the admission process to central universities and various other institutions involved. However, one of the frequent doubts that students usually have is: Is it possible to do MBBS through CUET?
The short answer is- No, CUET is not the qualifying test to take admission in MBBS in India. Admission to MBBS is done via the NEET-UG (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test for Undergraduate), an independent examination. The confusion, however, comes as both are national-level entrance examinations, CUET and NEET, which are administered by NTA.
In this blog, we shall discuss in detail why CUET cannot be used in MBBS admissions, what students should concentrate on to get MBBS, the comparison between CUET and NEET, and how CUET can be used even though you want to do a medical-related course (but not MBBS directly).
Understanding CUET and Its Purpose
The CUET is envisaged as a single-window entrance examination to different undergraduate, postgraduate, and research courses in the participating universities. It encompasses several subject areas, including Science, Arts, Commerce, Humanities among others. Class 12 students may appear in CUET in the subjects pertaining to their academic background.
Professional degrees in medicine, dentistry, and related areas that have licensure requirements will not be offered by CUET. Rather, it specializes in courses such as B.Sc., B.A., B.Com., B.Tech., and other non-medical professional degrees.
Why MBBS Admissions Don’t Happen Through CUET
MBBS is a professional medical degree under the regulation of the National Medical Commission (NMC). Government or private MBBS colleges can only be admitted to through NEET-UG. The NEET syllabus consists of Physics, Chemistry, and Biology of Class 11 and Class 12, and general aptitude in certain instances.
CUET, however, does not examine students in the medical knowledge that is needed to get an MBBS admission. Although CUET can include Biology as a subject, it cannot be compared to the depth and structure of NEET. Besides, the NMC requires that only NEET scores can be used in admissions to MBBS.
Read More: How to Study Business Studies for CUET?
Comparison Between CUET and NEET
|
Feature |
CUET |
NEET-UG |
|
Conducted By |
National Testing Agency (NTA) |
National Testing Agency (NTA) |
|
Purpose |
Admission to central universities and other participating institutes |
Admission to MBBS, BDS, and other medical courses |
|
Subjects Tested |
Multiple domains (Science, Arts, Commerce, etc.) |
Physics, Chemistry, Biology (PCB) |
|
Eligibility for MBBS |
Not applicable |
Mandatory |
|
Exam Pattern |
Multiple domain combinations |
Fixed syllabus from Class 11 & 12 PCB |
|
Result Usage |
University-level course admissions |
Medical college admissions (all India) |
Can I use the CUET score for MBBS?
No, you can not use CUET scores to take MBBS admissions. To get admission into MBBS, every student who has applied to the program must pass NEET-UG with the necessary percentile (50th percentile in the General category, 40th percentile in reserved categories). The MBBS admission does not rely on CUET scores.
But say you are interested in paramedical courses, biotechnology, microbiology or allied health sciences, then CUET scores can get you into undergraduate courses in these fields, not MBBS.
If Not MBBS, Then What Can I Do Through CUET in the Medical Field?
While CUET doesn’t lead to MBBS, it can open doors to medical-related academic courses such as:
-
B.Sc. in Biology, Biochemistry, Microbiology
-
B.Sc. in Nutrition & Dietetics
-
B.Sc. in Biotechnology
-
B.Sc. in Zoology or Botany
-
Bachelor’s in Physiotherapy (at some universities that accept CUET scores)
-
Bachelor’s in Public Health
These courses can lead to careers in research, laboratory science, public health administration, or allied health services.
CUET-Based Medical-Related Courses
|
Course Name |
Duration |
Career Scope |
|
B.Sc. in Biotechnology |
3 Years |
Research labs, Pharma companies, Genetic engineering |
|
B.Sc. in Microbiology |
3 Years |
Diagnostic labs, Hospitals, Food safety |
|
B.Sc. in Biochemistry |
3 Years |
Clinical labs, Research institutions |
|
B.Sc. in Nutrition & Dietetics |
3 Years |
Hospitals, Wellness industry, Sports nutrition |
|
Bachelor’s in Physiotherapy |
4.5 Years |
Rehabilitation centers, Hospitals |
|
B.Sc. in Public Health |
3 Years |
NGOs, Government health programs |
How CUET Preparation Differs from NEET Preparation
Many students preparing for MBBS through NEET wonder if their preparation for CUET would be similar. The reality is — the strategies are quite different.
-
NEET focuses on deep conceptual knowledge of PCB subjects.
-
CUET tests both subject knowledge and general aptitude (depending on chosen sections).
-
CUET also has an English language proficiency section for many courses.
-
Time management differs — NEET is 3 hours with 200 questions (180 to be attempted), whereas CUET varies depending on the subject combination.
Key Differences in Preparation Approach
|
Factor |
CUET Preparation |
NEET Preparation |
|
Focus |
Subject knowledge + aptitude |
In-depth PCB |
|
Resources Used |
CUET preparation books, CUET question bank, practice tests |
NCERT textbooks, NEET-specific guides |
|
Practice Method |
Mock test for CUET, previous year papers |
NEET mock tests, PYQs |
|
Time Management |
Depends on chosen sections |
Uniform timing for all questions |
If I prepare for NEET, can I also appear for CUET?
Certainly, you can take CUET when you are preparing to take NEET, but you need to be eligible to take the course and the university you are applying. Nevertheless, to achieve a high score in CUET, one has to practice using CUET preparation books, CUET question bank, and attend several mock tests for CUET sessions to get used to its original pattern.
How to Balance CUET and NEET Preparation (If Attempting Both)
In case you intend to take both NEET and CUET in the same academic year, here is a tactical move:
1. Focus on NEET syllabus as NEET is the only way to get into MBBS.
2. Dedicate time each week to CUET preparation - particularly on domain subjects not covered by NEET.
3. At least one CUET mock test should be taken each week to be conversant with the format.
4. Practice domain-specific MCQs and general aptitude questions using a CUET question bank.
5. Check answers and keep error records of both tests.
Is CUET easier than NEET?
Generally, CUET is less challenging than NEET since it has a broader scope of subjects with less detail. The Biology part of NEET alone is as demanding as the whole of the CUET science sections. With that said, it is still necessary to prepare and practice with CUET preparation books and mock tests for CUET papers to score well in CUET.
Practice Comprehensively with Oswaal360 Online Courses for CUET Exam
Practice Now with Free Oswaal360 Online Mock Test Papers for CUET Exam
Final Verdict
If you are mostly interested in becoming a doctor with an MBBS degree, CUET is not the way- NEET is. CUET will be a good choice in case you want to pursue undergraduate degrees in science and allied health subjects, but it will not guarantee you admission to an MBBS course.
Prepare instead based on your career goal rather than mixing the two:
• For MBBS → NEET-focused study.
• In science or medical-allied disciplines that do not require a license of the doctor → CUET-centered study.
It is by knowing these differences and by planning that you can focus your time and energy on the exam that counts in the career you have chosen.
