Do your Class 12 Marks Matter in CUET PG?
If you want to know whether Class 12 marks matter in CUET PG, you should see the eligibility criteria for this exam. It states that you need a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent. So, Class 12 marks may help in admission, but not directly in CUET PG.
The Common University Entrance Test for postgraduate programs will ensure your entry into such programs offered by central and participating institutions. Now, many of you here may wonder if your Class 12 marks play any role at this step, that is, taking the CUET PG exam. The answer is in its eligibility criteria. Your Class 12 marks do not impact the CUET PG score directly. However, their indirect influence would be on the university’s admission rules for the program. Many universities ask for Class 12 scores + a bachelor’s degree for admission. So, let’s unpack this in detail here.
CUET PG = An Entrance Test Rather Than a Board Exam
CUET PG is for postgraduate programs. These programs come after graduation. It is not a continuation of CUET for UG admissions, which covers CUET UG and, before that, CUET 2026 and Class 12 marks. The CUET PG score calculation does not take your Class 12 marks.
Through CUET PG, your knowledge in subjects relevant to your postgraduate study is assessed. These come from your undergraduate program. You get a score and a percentile for admission decisions based on that. Universities usually prepare a merit list based on the CUET PG score. Sometimes, there’s additional criteria set by the admitting institution. But Class 12 is not part of the NTA’s core CUET PG scoring or eligibility formula.
Class 12 marks don’t directly affect |
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Official Eligibility Criteria for CUET PG
NTA’s principal qualification condition focuses on graduation and not the board (Class 12) performance. Some universities, however, set their own minimum graduation marks criteria (for example, 50% marks for general category applicants).
Eligibility Criteria | Description |
Bachelor’s Degree |
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Age Limit | None |
Class 12 Marks | No set requirement imposed by NTA for CUET PG |
Why or Where does Class 12 Marks Matter?
Class 12 marks matter for CUET UG and undergraduate program admissions/ merit lists. Some universities consider overall academic consistency, including school performance, in their internal merit rules. The confusion about the importance of 12th class marks for CUET PG may come from unofficial sources. Even online, there may be a mixing up of UG and PG admission criteria that may be problematic.
If you check the official brochure of CUET PG, the Class 12 certification is mentioned at the time of uploading documents or verifying identity. It’s not there for scoring or eligibility for the exam.
University-Specific Admission Policies for PG Programs
NTA, the CUET PG conductor doesn’t need Class 12 marks for the test. But universities and institutions might ask for it after the exam during admission. It may include:
Minimum Overall Undergraduate Percentage
Universities may need a minimum graduation percentage of 50% for general and 45% for reserved categories. It is to see your undergraduate performance.
Additional Merit Rules Beyond CUET PG
NTA doesn’t mandate, but universities may have additional criteria. It includes considering your academic history and interview performance. For example, universities like Delhi University School of Open Learning may choose undergraduate merit over CUET score for fallback admissions or alternative routes for students who missed the CUET PG. It’s not for general CUET PG practice, but in exceptional rounds or specific categories. So, even in these cases, undergraduate performance is important than Class 12 board marks.
Why is Graduation Considered for CUET PG?
PG programs require specialised knowledge that builds on the undergraduate curriculum. Undergraduate grades reflect your recent academic performance in relevant subject areas. It shows your alignment and readiness for PG studies. Moreover, Class 12 performance is already factored into undergraduate admissions earlier — CUET UG, state board admissions, and university placements.
Through its structural separation, you can be sure of fairness and uniformity in CUET PG, evaluating your postgraduate potential. Your admission, thus, relies on the most relevant academic indicator, that is, the Bachelor’s degree and the CUET PG score.
Low Class 12 Marks Impact on CUET PG
Low class 12 marks don’t disqualify you from theCUET PG 2026 exam. The test and its admissions focus exclusively on undergraduate attainment and CUET PG performance.
- You can appear for CUET PG regardless of your board scores.
- Your application will not be rejected if you scored low in Class 12. This is applicable until specific university conditions require otherwise. But that is rare for PG.
- Your CUET PG score, undergraduate marks, and specific college eligibility are considered for final admissions.
If your Class 12 performance was poor, your undergraduate program or institute choice might have been affected. But it’s not a factor for the CUET PG process.