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Every year, lakhs of students preparing for undergraduate admissions ask one common question: Will 12th marks be considered for CUET 2026? This question is at the heart of exam strategies and admission plans.
What Is CUET 2026 and Why Is It Important?
The Common University Entrance Test (CUET) is a national-level entrance exam conducted for admissions into undergraduate programs across India.
Full Form of CUET and Conducting Authority
CUET stands for Common University Entrance Test, and it is administered by the NTA, ensuring transparency, uniform evaluation, and equitable chances for students from all boards.
Will 12th Marks Be Considered for CUET 2026? (Official Answer)
Short Answer for Students (Yes or No?)
No,class 12th marks are not directly used in calculating the CUET score. Your CUET percentile or score strictly depends on how you perform in the exam itself.
They play a role in eligibility and later admission steps, such as eligibility checks and merit list tie-breaks.
Role of Class 12 Marks in CUET 2026 Admissions
The CUET eligibility criteria do require students to have passed class 12th or an equivalent qualifying exam. That means you must have passing marks in class 12 to be eligible for CUET.
But here’s the key:
-
CUET score does not combine with class 12 marks to calculate a final score.
-
Your 12th marks are not used in the CUET scorecard.
Read More - How to Get Admission in Central Universities Through CUET UG 2026: Registration Dates & Step-by-Step Process
CUET Marks vs Board Marks: What’s the Difference?
Here’s a clear breakdown in table form to understand CUET marks vs board marks:
|
Parameter |
CUET Score |
Class 12 Board Marks |
|---|---|---|
|
Exam Conducted By |
NTA |
Different State/Central Boards |
|
Scored Through |
CUET 2026 Exam |
Board Final Exam |
|
Used For |
University Admission |
Eligibility + Some University Requirements |
|
Score Scale |
Normalized Score / Percentile |
Percentage / CGPA |
|
Weightage in CUET |
Primary factor |
Not included in CUET Score |
How Much Weightage Is Given to 12th Marks in CUET 2026?
Is There Any Direct Weightage of Board Marks?
There is no direct weightage of 12th marks in CUET score calculation.
When Can 12th Marks Be Used by Universities?
Some universities may have minimum cutoffs for boards. For example:
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Minimum 50% in class 12th for certain programs.
-
Specific marks in subjects related to chosen courses.
Also, in the event of a tie in CUET scores, class 12 marks may be used as a tie-breaker, which connects to the CUET merit list criteria.
What Happens If You Have Low Class 12 Marks?
One advantage of CUET is that strong performance can help compensate for low board marks — especially in universities that give greater weightage to CUET score and less or no weightage to class 12 results.
|
Scenario |
Possible Outcome |
|---|---|
|
High CUET Score + Average Board Marks |
Good chances in many universities |
|
Low CUET Score + High Board Marks |
Limited chances unless university gives weightage to board marks |
|
High CUET + Low Board Marks |
Possible admission in many courses |
Can You Still Get Admission Through CUET 2026?
Yes — passing class 12th is mandatory to fulfill the CUET eligibility criteria. Students who have appeared for class 12 final exams (and are awaiting results) can apply, but they must produce the final result before admission.
Appearing vs Passed Candidates
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Appearing Students: Eligible to sit for CUET 2026.
-
Passed Students: Required to submit marks for university admission.
CUET 2026 Admission Process Explained Step-by-Step
Next, let’s understand the CUET admission process, from application to counselling:
Step 1 – CUET Application Form
Students must fill out the CUET form online on the official NTA portal, entering personal details, educational qualifications, and subjects.
Step 2 – Appearing in CUET Exam
Students appear for their chosen subjects in CUET 2026 based on preference and course requirements.
Step 3 – Result Declaration
NTA releases the CUET scorecards. These scores are used for university admissions.
Step 4 – University Counselling & Admission
Most universities start counselling based on CUET scores. They check:
-
CUET score
-
Class 12 eligibility
-
Additional criteria (if any)
|
Stage |
What Happens |
|---|---|
|
Application |
Form submission |
|
Exam |
CUET 2026 test |
|
Results |
Scorecard by NTA |
|
Counselling |
Seat allotment based on scores + eligibility |
CUET 2026 Eligibility Criteria (Updated Overview)
The eligibility set by NTA includes:
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Passing class 12th or equivalent from a recognized board.
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Minimum aggregate marks if required by specific universities or programs.
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Specific subject requirements for certain streams (e.g., Mathematics or Science basics for B.Sc programs).
Some universities also set their own thresholds for eligibility even after CUET eligibility is met.
Common Myths About CUET and 12th Marks
Myth 1 – CUET Replaces Class 12 Marks Completely
Not true — board marks are still required for eligibility.
Myth 2 – High Board Marks Guarantee Admission
Admission is primarily based on CUET performance, not just board marks.
Myth 3 – CUET Applies Only to CBSE Students
CUET is open to students from all recognized boards including CBSE, ISC, State Boards, IB, etc.
Final Verdict – CUET Score or 12th Marks: What Matters More?
Summary in 3 Clear Points
-
CUET Score is the key factor in admissions.
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Class 12 Results are mandatory for eligibility.
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Some universities may use board marks for tie-breaking or course eligibility.
Expert Tip for CUET 2026 Aspirants
Prepare smartly:
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Solve past papers and sample tests.
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Use nta cuet sample paper books regularly.
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Take timed mocks from the cuet question bank 2026.
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Stay updated with official CUET notifications.
CUET 2026 - Frequently Asked Questions
No, 12th marks are not directly considered for calculating the CUET 2026 score. Admissions are primarily based on CUET performance. However, passing Class 12 is mandatory for eligibility, and board marks may be checked during counselling or tie-breaking.
CUET 2026 does not require a specific Class 12 percentage for appearing in the exam. Candidates must have passed Class 12 or an equivalent exam. Some universities may set minimum percentage requirements during the admission process.
CUET marks are more important than board marks for undergraduate admissions. Universities primarily prepare merit lists based on CUET scores. Board marks are mainly used to check eligibility and may be applied only in tie-breaking situations.
Yes, passing Class 12 is compulsory for final admission through CUET 2026. Students appearing for Class 12 exams can apply, but they must submit proof of passing the qualifying examination during counselling or admission verification.
Yes, students with low Class 12 marks can still get admission through CUET if they score well in the entrance exam. A high CUET score can compensate for lower board marks, depending on the university’s eligibility rules.
The CUET merit list is primarily prepared based on candidates’ CUET scores. Universities may apply normalization, subject combinations, and reservation policies. Class 12 marks are usually considered only for eligibility verification or resolving ties.
No, not all universities completely ignore Class 12 marks. While CUET scores are the main criterion, some universities use board marks for eligibility conditions, minimum cutoffs, or tie-breaking during the final admission process.
After CUET results are declared, universities release merit lists based on CUET scores. Eligible candidates participate in counselling, submit documents including Class 12 marksheets, and complete seat allocation as per university-specific admission rules.
The minimum eligibility for CUET 2026 is passing Class 12 or an equivalent examination from a recognized board. Course-specific requirements such as subject combinations or minimum marks may vary across CUET participating universities.
Students should focus on CUET-oriented preparation using a structured study plan, regular mock tests, cuet question bank 2026, and nta cuet sample paper books. Strong conceptual clarity and exam practice matter more than board-focused memorization.
