In the case of entrance exams in India, both CUET (Common University Entrance Test) and NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test) are the doors to the renowned institutions. However, the question that is frequently raised by the aspirants is Is CUET More Difficult Than NEET?
What Is the Main Difference Between CUET and NEET?
Feature |
CUET |
NEET |
Purpose |
Admission to UG courses in Central Universities |
Admission to MBBS, BDS, and other medical courses |
Exam Pattern |
Subject-wise multiple-choice questions |
Biology, Physics, Chemistry MCQs |
Number of Questions |
Varies (based on subject combination) |
200 questions (180 to be attempted) |
Negative Marking |
Yes |
Yes |
Subjects |
Language, Domain Subjects, General Test |
Physics, Chemistry, Biology |
Which Exam Is Tougher: CUET or NEET?
NEET is regarded as harder than CUET since it is highly competitive and emphasizes on the conceptual understanding of the core science subjects. CUET, however, gives a student many options to select his/her subjects and thus makes the exam relatively easy based on the combination of subjects taken.
But the challenge also lies in:
- Academic background of the student
- University or course of interest
- Preparation level
Read More: How to Score 100 Percentile in CUET Maths: Step-by-Step Guide
Is the NEET Syllabus More Complicated?
Yes. NEET is mostly a test that requires in-depth knowledge of Physics, Chemistry, and Biology, which are considered to be complex subjects at the 11th and 12th grade level. Even though CUET is also NCERT-based, it provides greater flexibility in subjects and can be more scoring in case students possess a solid base at the school level.
Do You Need More Time to Prepare for NEET or CUET?
A majority of NEET aspirants start preparing from Class 11. On the contrary, preparation for CUET can be done in the last months of Class 12 with regular practice. In case you are also preparing for boards, you can resort to CUET UG 2026 books to save time, as they can be aligned with your syllabus.
Serious NEET aspirants need to have well-planned schedules daily practice, and revision of books on a regular basis.
Can CUET Be Cleared Without Coaching?
Yes, a lot of students pass CUET without coaching by solving CUET PYQ books sets and CUET mock tests. Because CUET is a general aptitude and school-level knowledge test, self-study is more practical than NEET, which frequently needs professional training owing to the competition level.
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Conclusion: Which Exam Should You Choose?
Choose CUET if:
-
You’re aiming for a non-medical UG program.
-
You’re confident in your language, general aptitude, and domain subjects.
-
You prefer flexibility in subjects.
Choose NEET if:
-
You are determined to pursue a career in medicine.
-
You’re ready for intense preparation in PCB subjects.
-
You are comfortable with high-stakes competition.
Ultimately, the difficulty is subjective and depends on your interests, academic strengths, and career goals.
Pro Tip: Whether preparing for CUET or NEET, referring to previous year question papers and staying consistent is key. Use quality material like a good CUET PYQ book, practice from reliable CUET UG 2026 books, and revise regularly using books for NEET to stay ahead in the game.