What Is the Significance of Class 12 Board Marks for CUET UG Admission 2025, Important Factors

Class 12 board marks play a significant role in CUET UG admission, although CUET scores are the primary criteria for selection. Many universities use Class 12 marks as a tie-breaking mechanism when candidates have the same CUET score, giving preference to those with higher board marks. Some universities set minimum Class 12 percentage requirements for eligibility, especially for specific courses. 

While CUET UG scores largely determine admission, strong Class 12 performance can enhance a candidate's chances, especially in competitive programs, and may also influence eligibility for scholarships or merit-based opportunities. Thus, while CUET marks take precedence, Class 12 marks still contribute to the overall admission process.

CUET UG 2025 Overview

The Common University Entrance Test (CUET UG) 2025 is a crucial examination for students aiming to secure admission to undergraduate courses at various Central Universities and Participating Universities in India. This national-level exam is conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA), and it is created to evaluate the eligibility of candidates for entry into various undergraduate programs. Below is an overview of the essential details for CUET UG 2025:

Understanding the Role of Class 12 Marks in CUET UG Admission

The Class 12 marks play a significant role in the CUET (Common University Entrance Test) UG admission process. Here's how:

 1. Eligibility Criteria: One of the most significant roles that Class 12 marks play in the CUET UG admission process is as an eligibility criterion. Before candidates can even register for CUET UG, they must have completed their Class 12 education with a minimum required percentage of marks from a recognized board. This percentage varies depending on the university and the program they are applying for.

For example: Delhi University (DU) may have a specific minimum Class 12 percentage for applicants to be eligible for CUET UG. Similarly, other central and state universities will set their own cutoff criteria based on the student’s Class 12 performance, ensuring that only students who meet the academic standards of the program are eligible for admission. Therefore, while the CUET UG score is the primary admission criterion, meeting the minimum Class 12 percentage requirement is the first step for students to participate in the CUET UG admission process.

2. Tie-Breaking Mechanism: In highly competitive courses and universities, where a large number of students apply, a situation may arise where two or more candidates receive the same CUET UG score. In such cases, Class 12 marks come into play as a tie-breaking mechanism.

 If two students have the same CUET score, universities may use Class 12 board exam marks to decide who should be given the seat. For instance, students with higher marks in relevant subjects or overall may be given preference in such situations. This is especially important in competitive programs like B.A. (Hons) in Economics, B.Com (Hons), and others that attract a large number of applicants. This mechanism ensures that universities have a fair and transparent method for making decisions when multiple candidates score equally on the CUET UG.

 3. Secondary Factor in Admission: While CUET UG scores are the primary deciding factor for most universities, some may consider Class 12 marks as a secondary factor in the admission process. Many universities use CUET scores to shortlist candidates, but the board exam performance might still influence the final decision.

 Some universities may Combine CUET scores and Class 12 marks in their admission criteria. In such cases, Class 12 marks may account for a certain percentage of the overall admission score.

 Set minimum Class 12 percentage requirements for different courses, beyond which candidates may not be considered, regardless of their CUET scores. For example, a university may specify that only candidates who scored at least 60% in their Class 12 exams are eligible to apply for certain courses, even if their CUET score meets the eligibility criteria.In this context, Class 12 marks are still significant, as they can either help a candidate stand out or prevent them from being considered for admission if their performance falls short of the required standards.

 4. Course-Specific Importance : The significance of Class 12 marks can vary depending on the specific course or program a student is applying for. For instance : Courses with domain-specific knowledge (e.g., B.A. in Political Science, B.Sc. in Biology) may give more importance to Class 12 marks in related subjects. A student applying for B.Sc. in Physics may be required to have a high percentage in Class 12 Physics, as it indicates their foundational knowledge in the subject.

 Professional and competitive programs such as engineering, law, and medicine might give less weight to Class 12 marks if the students are applying through entrance exams or specific admission processes beyond CUET. Therefore, it’s important for students to check the specific admission guidelines of the university and program they are applying to, as Class 12 marks could be more or less important depending on the course.

 5. Opportunities for Scholarships and Other Benefits: High Class 12 marks can also open the door to scholarships, merit-based financial aid, and other academic opportunities. Many universities and institutions offer merit-based scholarships to students who perform exceptionally well in their Class 12 exams. These scholarships can reduce the financial burden of education and give students an added incentive to perform well.

 While CUET scores are essential for university admission, Class 12 marks can be a significant factor in securing merit-based financial aid or qualifying for academic honors. Therefore, students with high Class 12 marks can take advantage of various academic opportunities even after the CUET UG results are out.

Which Universities Consider Class 12 Marks in CUET UG 2025?

For CUET UG 2025, several universities, including central, state, and private institutions, may consider Class 12 marks alongside the CUET UG scores. 

• Central Universities: CUET Central universities like Delhi University (DU), Banaras Hindu University (BHU), and Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) primarily focus on CUET UG scores. However, they may still have Class 12 mark cutoffs for eligibility, particularly for specific courses or programs.
• State Universities : Some state universities, such as Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University (GGSIPU) and Mumbai University, combine CUET scores and Class 12 marks as part of their admission criteria for certain programs.
• Deemed and Private Universities: Deemed universities like Manipal University and Shiv Nadar University often take Class 12 marks into account for merit-based scholarships and other admission-related decisions, alongside CUET scores.
• Other Institutions: Specialized institutions like IISER may place emphasis on Class 12 marks in specific subjects related to the field of study (e.g., physics, chemistry) when selecting students for highly specialized programs.