CUET UG 2026: The Admission Landscape
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CUET UG 2026 vs Board Marks: Which Colleges Still Weigh Class 12

Many colleges still consider Class 12 marks for admissions, even with CUET UG.

By Nishit Kumar · Updated Aug 5, 2026

The CUET UG exam is a major factor for university admissions in India. However, some institutions and courses continue to give weight to Class 12 board examination scores. This photo story examines colleges that still consider board marks for CUET UG 2026 admissions.

01CUET UG 2026: The Admission Landscape

CUET UG 2026: The Admission Landscape
Photo: Arunvrparavur / Openverse

The CUET UG exam is a national entrance test for undergraduate admissions. It was introduced to standardize university entry across India. Many central universities now primarily use CUET scores for admission decisions.

02Class 12 Marks: Continued Relevance

Class 12 Marks: Continued Relevance
Photo: Mostafi Ahamed / Openverse

Despite CUET UG, Class 12 board marks retain importance for some institutions. These marks often serve as a minimum eligibility criterion. They can also act as a tie-breaker in competitive admission scenarios.

03University of Delhi, DelhiEst. 1922

University of Delhi, Delhi
Photo: Wikimedia Commons / Wikimedia Commons

The University of Delhi is a central university established in 1922. It primarily uses CUET UG scores for most undergraduate programs. However, a minimum percentage in Class 12 is required for eligibility across its colleges.

04Banaras Hindu University, VaranasiEst. 1916

Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi
Photo: Wikimedia Commons / Wikimedia Commons

Banaras Hindu University, founded in 1916, is a prominent central university in Uttar Pradesh. Admissions to its undergraduate courses are largely based on CUET UG scores. Candidates must also meet specific Class 12 subject and percentage requirements.

05Aligarh Muslim University, AligarhEst. 1875

Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh
Photo: Wikimedia Commons / Wikimedia Commons

Aligarh Muslim University, established in 1875, is a central university in Uttar Pradesh. It admits students through CUET UG for many programs. A minimum aggregate percentage in Class 12 is a mandatory eligibility condition for all applicants.

06Jawaharlal Nehru University, DelhiEst. 1969

Jawaharlal Nehru University, Delhi
Photo: danchitnis / Openverse

Jawaharlal Nehru University, established in 1969, is known for its social sciences and humanities programs. While CUET UG is the primary admission criterion, JNU specifies minimum Class 12 marks for eligibility. These requirements vary by program and discipline.

07Visva-Bharati University, SantiniketanEst. 1921

Visva-Bharati University, Santiniketan
Photo: Wikimedia Commons / Wikimedia Commons

Visva-Bharati University, founded by Rabindranath Tagore in 1921, is a central university in West Bengal. It uses CUET UG scores for most undergraduate admissions. Specific Class 12 percentage criteria are applied for different courses.

08Pondicherry University, PuducherryEst. 1985

Pondicherry University, Puducherry
Photo: Wikimedia Commons / Wikimedia Commons

Pondicherry University, established in 1985, is a central university in Puducherry. Admissions are primarily through CUET UG scores. Candidates must also fulfill the minimum Class 12 academic requirements for their chosen program.

09Some State Universities and Private Institutions

Some State Universities and Private Institutions
Photo: Wonderlane / Openverse

Some state universities and private colleges also participate in CUET UG. They may use a combination of CUET scores and Class 12 marks. These institutions often set their own specific eligibility and merit calculation criteria.

10Specific Courses with Board Mark Weightage

Specific Courses with Board Mark Weightage
Photo: Office of Naval Research from Arlington, United States / Openverse

Certain specialized courses, especially in sciences or vocational fields, may give more weight to Class 12 marks. This is often to ensure foundational subject knowledge. Always check the specific program’s eligibility criteria.

11Minimum Eligibility Criteria

Minimum Eligibility Criteria
Photo: tedeytan / Openverse

For many universities, Class 12 marks serve as a basic eligibility threshold. Students must achieve a certain percentage to even be considered for admission. Failing to meet this minimum can disqualify an applicant regardless of CUET score.

12Future Trends in Admissions

Future Trends in Admissions
Photo: bobfamiliar / Openverse

The role of Class 12 marks in admissions continues to evolve. While CUET UG is gaining prominence, board marks remain relevant for eligibility and specific programs. Students should monitor official university notifications for 2026 admissions.

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Nishit Kumar
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Nishit Kumar is a senior EdTech industry leader with over a decade of experience in building and scaling education platforms, shaping their product, content, and growth strategy. At FindMyCollege, Nishit oversees content and editorial strategy, guiding topic selection and content frameworks to ensure accuracy, relevance, and student-first value across the website.

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