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Second Year Undergrad: Lost in the Maze of CUET PG and Masters

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Career Coach  |49 Answers  |Ask -

Workplace Expert - Answered on Jan 03, 2025

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Asked by Anonymous - Jan 03, 2025Hindi
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Hi, I’m a second year undergraduate student, and my friend told me about the CUET PG exam . Honestly, I’m still a bit confused about what exactly this exam is for. Is it just for admissions into central universities, or do private and state universities also accept CUET PG scores? I want to pursue my master’s degree, but I’m not sure if this is the right exam for me or if there are other options I should consider. Could you please explain the purpose of CUET PG and how it works?

Ans: Dear Student,

It's great that you're thinking about your postgraduate options early on in your undergraduate degree. The CUET PG exam is indeed a significant one for students in India, and it's good you're seeking clarity. Let me break it down for you:

What is CUET PG?

CUET PG stands for Common University Entrance Test (Postgraduate). It's a national-level entrance exam conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) for admissions into various postgraduate programs. Think of it as a gateway to higher education after your bachelor's degree.

Who Accepts CUET PG Scores?

You're right to ask about the scope of this exam. Primarily, CUET PG scores are used for admission to Central Universities across India. However, its reach is expanding. Many State Universities and even some Private Universities have also started accepting CUET PG scores for their postgraduate programs. This means a wider range of options for you based on your performance in a single exam.

Is CUET PG Right for You?

Whether CUET PG is the "right" exam for you depends on where you want to study and what you want to study.

• If you're aiming for a Central University, CUET PG is essential.
• If you're considering State or Private Universities, check if they accept CUET PG scores. This information is usually available on the university's admission website or the CUET PG information bulletin.

Other Options to Consider:

While CUET PG is a major exam, there are other options depending on your chosen field:

• University-Specific Entrance Tests: Some universities, especially well-established ones, might conduct their own entrance tests in addition to or instead of CUET PG.
• National-Level Exams: For certain fields like management (CAT, XAT), engineering (GATE), or pharmacy (GPAT), there are specific national-level exams.

How CUET PG Works:

• Exam Format: CUET PG is a computer-based test (CBT) with multiple-choice questions (MCQs).
• Syllabus: The syllabus generally covers subjects you've studied in your undergraduate program.
• Scoring: You'll receive a score based on your performance, which you can then use to apply to participating universities.
• Counseling: Each university will have its own counseling process based on CUET PG scores.

My Advice:

1. Explore Your Interests: Decide on the specific master's program you want to pursue. This will help you narrow down your university options.
2. Research Universities: Make a list of universities offering your desired program and check their admission criteria, including whether they accept CUET PG scores.
3. Check CUET PG Eligibility: Ensure you meet the eligibility criteria for CUET PG, which usually involves having a bachelor's degree in a relevant field.
4. Prepare Strategically: If you decide to take CUET PG, start preparing early and focus on the syllabus relevant to your chosen program.

I understand the importance of making informed decisions about your education. I hope this explanation helps you understand CUET PG better.
Career

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Dr Nagarajan J S K

Dr Nagarajan J S K   |372 Answers  |Ask -

NEET, Medical, Pharmacy Careers - Answered on Apr 06, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Apr 03, 2025Hindi
Career
Hello sir, Saranya from chennai. Doing final year B pharm. Heard about gpat from my friends How to do this entrance exam for joining pg course Please tell me if any other entrance exam is there for pg
Ans: Hi Saranya,

As you mentioned, many pharmacy graduates are considering the GPAT after completing their undergraduate studies in pharmacy. However, there are several more options available for pursuing a postgraduate degree in pharmacy today.

Here are the options for pursuing a PG in pharmacy:

1. GPAT: You can appear for the GPAT exam, and if you qualify, you will be eligible for a scholarship.

2. NIPER: You can also take the entrance exam for NIPER (National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research) campuses, which include Ahmedabad, Guwahati, Hajipur, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Raebareli, and Mohali. Qualifying here also makes you eligible for a scholarship.

3. PG-CUET: A new option is the PG-CUET (Common University Entrance Test), which is being conducted by the NTA (National Testing Agency) under the Department of Higher Education.

4. Government Institutions: State governments will announce admission through advertisements. Admission will be based on marks or an entrance exam.

5. Deemed Universities: Some deemed universities offer admission through their own entrance exams.

Historically, GPAT and NIPER were the primary options for national-level aspirants. Starting from the academic year 2025-26, the NTA will also conduct the PG-CUET for national-level admissions.

I have included more details about the PG-CUET below.
PGCUET (CODE - SCQP23)
The Common University Entrance Test (CUET) is a National level Test conducted for admission into PG programmes in Central, State, and Participating Universities/ Institutions. The Common University Entrance Test CUET (PG) will provide a common platform and equal opportunity to candidates across the country, especially those from rural and other remote areas, and help establish better connections with the Universities. A single application form will enable the Candidates to cover a wide outreach and be part of the admission process to various Central and participating Universities. NTA has been assigned the responsibility of conducting the Common University Entrance Test (CUET).

Under Participating universities/instituttions are: Central and State Universities, Deemed and Private universities and Government institutuions.

Candidate must only select the test paper code. As the list of universities is dynamic and keeps on changing during the registration period.

A candidate can apply for two (02) Test Papers by paying the application fee (details mentioned at point 18).

A candidate can further apply for (02) additional Test Papers by paying additional application fees as applicable and maximum of four (04) test paper codes can be selected.

Mode of exam is CBT (Computer Based Test).
All Question Papers will be MCQ type. • Candidates can choose a maximum of four question paper codes. • The comprehension section in the General Paper will be available in either English or Hindi, based on the candidate's preference indicated during registration. • The duration of the Exam would be 90 Minutes. • The Question paper will have 75 Questions. • Four marks will be awarded for each correct answer and one mark will be deducted for each wrong answer.
• Language papers will be in the concerned language only.
• M.Tech/Higher Sciences will be in English only.
•Acharya papers will be in Sanskrit except for Hindu Studies, Indian Knowledge System, and Baudha Darshan.
• Humanities, Sciences, and Common papers would be bilingual (English and Hindi).
• The examination would be conducted in 2-3 shifts.
• The English version of the questions in all the question papers except languages and Acharya will be taken as final.

Syllabus: The Examination Syllabus will be uploaded on the Exam.

For the current year the examination dates (13.03.2025 to 31.03.2025) got over. iI THINK YOU HAVE MISSED IT. DONT WORRY. NEXT YEAR YOU CAN TRY OR YOU CAN ASSIST YOUR JUNIORS.

ADMISSION: Admissions will be handled at the level of each of the participating Universities for their respective programmes. After the declaration of the CUET(PG) 2025 results, the respective Universities will declare the counselling/admission schedule and merit list based on the CUET (PG) - 2025 score and any other criteria of participating universities. Please see the website of the concerned university for details regarding admission. There may be admission counselling by the universities with additional fees.

Applicants as per eligibility can apply for multiple test paper codes in one registration form. Candidates should not apply through duplicate or multiple forms, which may lead to the cancellation of all his/her Application Forms

CODE FOR PHARMACY: SCQP-23
SYLLABUS [POC, PIC, MATHS, OC - II, MICRO, APH (I&II), PHARM ENGINEERING, DCH PHARMACY, PHARM ANALYSIS (I -IV ), COGNOSY, CEUTICS-II, BIOCHEM, JURIS, COSMETICS, PHARM TECH, MED CHEM I-III, PHARMACOLOGY I-IV, BIOTECH, DRUG DESIGN, MARKETING, FOOD SCIENCE, QA, MANAGEMENT] HAS SHARED IN NTA WEBSITE.

THIS YEAR 57 INSTITUTIONS PARTICIPATED FOR THE SAID PURPOSE. NEXT YEAR THIS MAY INCREASE.

THE ADVANTAGES ARE NOT ONLY CAN PURSUE PHARMACY, APART FROM PHARMACY, YOU CAN PURSUE - DATA SCIENCE & AI, PUBLIC HEALTH, BIOINFORMATICS, PACKAGING TECH, ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT, GEOSPATIAL SCIENCE, PG DIP IN AI DIGITAL IMAGING, HEALTH CARE DATA, GEOINFORMATICS, PB-PHARMD, M.PHARM-PV, MSc- MICRO, MSc-NUTRITION, DIETICS.

I believe this information will be beneficial for your future education.

POOCHO. LIFE CHANGE KARO!

..Read more

Latest Questions
Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |4488 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on May 06, 2025

Career
Sir , i got 67000crl rank and 20000obc rank in jee mains . I also got 18000 rank in vit. I am also going to write cusat, met and bitsat , i think i might not crack jee advance . i am hoping to pursue mechanical or electrical, Could sir kindly tell me its scope. From my current options which college should i choose among GFTI,s North east nits, VIT, MET, BITSAT for me to develop a good career
Ans: Rohan, considering your JEE performance, disregard BITSAT as it requires a minimum score of 250 out of 390 for admission into Mechanical Engineering or Electrical branches. Designate CUSAT as your primary selection if your Home State is Kerala and you qualify for OBC Category consideration. Compile a list of 4-5 esteemed colleges affiliated with CUSAT that possess commendable placement records. Secondly, prioritize GFTIs and North East NITs over alternatives such as VIT and MET. Regarding GFTIs and NITs, it is prudent to examine the placement records of the past three years and assess them prior to selecting preferences in JoSAA. Consider MET as your final alternative. Here is a step-by-step guide for predicting your chances of admission into NIT, IIIT, or GFTI following the JEE Main results.

Step 1: Collect Your Key Details
Before starting, note down the following details:

Your JEE Main percentile
Your category (General-Open, SC, ST, OBC-NCL, EWS, PwD categories)
Preferred institute types (NIT, IIIT, GFTI)
Preferred locations (or if you're open to any location in India)
List of at least 3 preferred academic programs (branches) as backups (instead of relying on just one option)
Step 2: Access JoSAA’s Official Opening & Closing Ranks
Go to Google and type: JoSAA Opening & Closing Ranks 2024
Click on the first search result (official JoSAA website).
You will land directly on JoSAA’s portal, where you can enter your details to check past-year cutoffs.
Step 3: Select the Round Number
JoSAA conducts five rounds of counseling.
For a safer estimate, choose Round 4, as most admissions are settled by this round.
Step 4: Choose the Institute Type
Select NIT, IIIT, or GFTI, depending on your preference.
If you are open to all types of institutes, check them one by one instead of selecting all at once.
Step 5: Select the Institute Name (Based on Location)
It is recommended to check institutes one by one, based on your preferred locations.
Avoid selecting ‘ALL’ at once, as it may create confusion.
Step 6: Select Your Preferred Academic Program (Branch)
Enter the branches you are interested in, one at a time, in your preferred order.
Step 7: Submit and Analyze Results
After selecting the relevant details, click the ‘SUBMIT’ button.
The system will display Opening & Closing Ranks of the selected institute and branch for different categories both Home State (HS) i.e. State you belong to & also Other State (OS).
Step 8: Note Down the Opening & Closing Ranks
Maintain a notebook or diary to record the Opening & Closing Ranks for each institute and branch you are interested in, separately for HS & OS Categories for a quick reference.
This will serve as a quick reference during JoSAA counseling.
Step 9: Adjust Your Expectations on a Safer Side
Since Opening & Closing Ranks fluctuate slightly each year, always adjust the numbers for safety.
Example Calculation:
If the Opening & Closing Ranks for NIT Delhi | Mechanical Engineering | OPEN Category show 8622 & 26186 (for Home State), consider adjusting them to 8300 & 23000 (on a safer side).
If the Female Category rank is 34334 & 36212, adjust it to 31000 & 33000.

Follow this approach for Other State candidates and different categories.
Pro Tip: Adjust your expected rank slightly lower than the previous year's cutoffs for realistic expectations during JoSAA counseling.

Can This Method Be Used for JEE April & JEE Advanced?
Yes! You can repeat the same steps after your April JEE Main results to refine your admission possibilities.
You can also follow a similar process for JEE Advanced cutoffs when applying for IITs.

Want to Learn More About JoSAA Counseling?
If you want detailed insights on JoSAA counseling, engineering entrance exams, preparation strategies, and engineering career options, check out EduJob360’s 180+ YouTube videos on this topic!

Hope this guide helps! All the best for your admissions!

Follow RediffGURUS to Know more on 'Careers | Health | Money | Relationships'.

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Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |4488 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on May 06, 2025

Career
what are the college options i can look up to at 91.8% in jee and 1.21 lakh crl
Ans: Valerica, Providing precise admission chances for each student can be challenging. Some reputed educational websites offer ‘College Predictor’ tools where you can check possible college options based on your percentile, category, and preferences. However, for a more accurate understanding, here’s a simple yet effective 9-step method using JoSAA’s past-year opening and closing ranks. This approach gives you a fair estimate (though not 100% exact) of your admission chances based on the previous year’s data.

Here is, How to Predict Your Chances of Admission into NIT or IIIT or GFTI After JEE Main Results – A Step-by-Step Guide.

Step-by-Step Guide to Check Your Admission Chances Using JoSAA Data
Step 1: Collect Your Key Details
Before starting, note down the following details:

Your JEE Main percentile
Your category (General-Open, SC, ST, OBC-NCL, EWS, PwD categories)
Preferred institute types (NIT, IIIT, GFTI)
Preferred locations (or if you're open to any location in India)
List of at least 3 preferred academic programs (branches) as backups (instead of relying on just one option)
Step 2: Access JoSAA’s Official Opening & Closing Ranks
Go to Google and type: JoSAA Opening & Closing Ranks 2024
Click on the first search result (official JoSAA website).
You will land directly on JoSAA’s portal, where you can enter your details to check past-year cutoffs.
Step 3: Select the Round Number
JoSAA conducts five rounds of counseling.
For a safer estimate, choose Round 4, as most admissions are settled by this round.
Step 4: Choose the Institute Type
Select NIT, IIIT, or GFTI, depending on your preference.
If you are open to all types of institutes, check them one by one instead of selecting all at once.
Step 5: Select the Institute Name (Based on Location)
It is recommended to check institutes one by one, based on your preferred locations.
Avoid selecting ‘ALL’ at once, as it may create confusion.
Step 6: Select Your Preferred Academic Program (Branch)
Enter the branches you are interested in, one at a time, in your preferred order.
Step 7: Submit and Analyze Results
After selecting the relevant details, click the ‘SUBMIT’ button.
The system will display Opening & Closing Ranks of the selected institute and branch for different categories both Home State (HS) i.e. State you belong to & also Other State (OS).
Step 8: Note Down the Opening & Closing Ranks
Maintain a notebook or diary to record the Opening & Closing Ranks for each institute and branch you are interested in, separately for HS & OS Categories for a quick reference.
This will serve as a quick reference during JoSAA counseling.
Step 9: Adjust Your Expectations on a Safer Side
Since Opening & Closing Ranks fluctuate slightly each year, always adjust the numbers for safety.
Example Calculation:
If the Opening & Closing Ranks for NIT Delhi | Mechanical Engineering | OPEN Category show 8622 & 26186 (for Home State), consider adjusting them to 8300 & 23000 (on a safer side).
If the Female Category rank is 34334 & 36212, adjust it to 31000 & 33000.

Follow this approach for Other State candidates and different categories.
Pro Tip: Adjust your expected rank slightly lower than the previous year's cutoffs for realistic expectations during JoSAA counseling.

Can This Method Be Used for JEE April & JEE Advanced?
Yes! You can repeat the same steps after your April JEE Main results to refine your admission possibilities.
You can also follow a similar process for JEE Advanced cutoffs when applying for IITs.

Want to Learn More About JoSAA Counseling?
If you want detailed insights on JoSAA counseling, engineering entrance exams, preparation strategies, and engineering career options, check out EduJob360’s 180+ YouTube videos on this topic!

Hope this guide helps! All the best for your admissions!

Follow RediffGURUS to Know more on 'Careers | Health | Money | Relationships'.

...Read more

Radheshyam

Radheshyam Zanwar  |1603 Answers  |Ask -

MHT-CET, IIT-JEE, NEET-UG Expert - Answered on May 06, 2025

Career
Dear Sir, as my son Inter bord got 91% but in Jee mains 1st attempt got 50% and 2nd attempt got 70%, but he was not eligible for Advance, and he was wrote other college exams as (IIIT Hyd + VIT+TSEAPCET) in that VIT got results as 1.20 Lakh rank and he was eligible for Round of Category of 5th for VIT-AP & VIT-Bhopal, and expecting results for IIIT Hyd and also waiting for other Exams as (COMEDK + MIT + BITS), he was sincerely trying the efforts private college entrance exams, but the results which is not satisfy for him, and getting disappoint, but I was giving the motivation for other exams and do the hard work and focus on, BITS & IIT-Hyd also very tuff and more competitive, as i need to think for the negative side, if he could not get any cut of marks, what is the next option....? I request you pls give any other alternate suggestions for which is alternate engineering university for the course of (CSE AI & ML), my son interested in CSE course only
Ans: Hello Rakesh
First and foremost, I would like to commend your son for his earnest efforts in preparing for a range of engineering entrance examinations. His dedication is commendable, even if the outcomes so far haven't aligned with expectations. As you’ve mentioned, he has not yet been able to meet the required cutoff, which understandably may lead to feelings of disappointment or frustration.
However, the journey isn't over. Significant opportunities still lie ahead with BITSAT and IIIT-Hyderabad, both of which are known to be less about difficulty and more about testing strategic thinking and conceptual clarity. It appears that your son may be facing challenges in effectively managing the vast syllabus or might not yet have identified the right approach to tackle these competitive exams. Understanding how to study smartly for such tests often makes all the difference.
It’s important to maintain a positive outlook and avoid negative assumptions at this stage. You haven’t mentioned your financial circumstances, but if your son is determined to pursue fields like Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, or Machine Learning, and if merit-based options don’t materialize, admission through the management quota could be a viable alternative. This route is typically available in reputed private engineering colleges, though it comes with a higher financial commitment.
Before considering this option seriously, I would recommend waiting for the results of all the remaining entrance exams. At the same time, it would be wise to proactively visit a few reputed institutions to inquire about the availability of management quota seats, associated costs, and relevant terms and conditions. Many parents secure such seats early on, anticipating the challenges their child might face in clearing competitive cutoffs.
Stay optimistic, there are still several promising pathways ahead.
Follow me if you like the reply. Thanks
Radheshyam

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Dr Nagarajan J S K

Dr Nagarajan J S K   |372 Answers  |Ask -

NEET, Medical, Pharmacy Careers - Answered on May 06, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - May 06, 2025
Career
can i get admission in NFSU through jee mains score only ? because i gone on NFSU admission portal link for B.Tech-M.Tech Integrated program in Computer Science and Engineering (Cyber Security) but they asking about NFAT exam
Ans: Hi,
I apologize for any confusion, but I want to clarify that when the government asked for our support of the ONE NATION ONE CARD system, we did not accept it. Similarly, everyone is required to open a savings account at a bank, and many of us expressed our discontent. However, we can see the positive changes happening in India. If we support the government, they will reciprocate by providing benefits to the citizens.

In terms of education, the government is attempting to implement a new education policy, which has proven to be quite difficult. The education system has changed significantly before and after the pandemic. Now, the government is working on new policies that align with those of developed countries.

Therefore, we cannot expect the ONE STUDENT ONE EXAM system from the government at this time, as it is not included in the current guidelines. Each council or organization has its own set of guidelines, and synchronizing them will take time. At this moment, it is simply not feasible.

The NFAT exam is different from the JEE. In the case of the JEE, they did not notify the aspirants that they are eligible to apply for NFSU, and similarly, NFSU did not mention that JEE rank holders could also apply. Therefore, if you want admission to NFSU, you need to register and appear for the NFTA.

In the near future, we can expect the ONE STUDENT ONE EXAM system from this BJP government for the benefit of younger generations. For the benefit of postgraduate aspirants (for all courses except a few professional ones), the NTA is organizing the PGCUET exam nationwide. In this exam, you can opt for up to four different courses based on your eligibility.

A similar exam pattern is needed for engineering and medical fields as well. As I mentioned, we can expect this change; however, we, as citizens, should offer moral support for the benefit of younger generations. Unfortunately, we often do not provide this support to the government. For example, in the NEET exam, many aspirants do not follow the guidelines even when appearing for the exams.
BEST WISHES

POOCHO. LIFE CHANGE KARO.

...Read more

Dr Nagarajan J S K

Dr Nagarajan J S K   |372 Answers  |Ask -

NEET, Medical, Pharmacy Careers - Answered on May 06, 2025

Career
Hello sir I have taken a 1 year drop for neet 2025 from pw online . But now I am scoring only 300 in neet .Now i am very confused what to do should I take one more drop or chose any option. This time i want to join offline coaching and really want to work hard but afraid that the coaching centre after knowing my marks will give me their worst batch so what should i do ?
Ans: Hi Ritika,
You mentioned that you scored only 300 in NEET. While we can't make any judgments until the official results are published, I must say that a score of 300 is quite low.

If you're planning to reappear for NEET, that's a good decision! However, I understand you might be worried about the coaching classes placing you in a less suitable batch. I recommend attending for 2 or 3 days while attending the coaching just follow the below instructions.

Make a list of the subjects and chapters you find challenging. Discuss these areas with your coaching faculty and aim to ask at least 15-20 questions daily to clarify your doubts and enhance your understanding. Additionally, request tips and tricks for each chapter so that you can put in a lot of effort to reach your goal.

Alternatively, you can prepare 10 questions on your own and seek answers from your coaching faculty. If you maintain this practice throughout the course, you'll build your confidence, and the coaching staff may consider changing your group due to your proactive approach in asking questions.

Through NEET, you can also pursue other medical-related courses such as BAMS, BSMS, BHMS, BYMS, BNYS, and BDS.

If you don’t have confidence in yourself, you might consider dropping NEET and exploring other courses. However, I encourage you to take one chance and follow my suggestions.

Additionally, if you are not already practicing yoga and meditation, I recommend starting. These activities can help you concentrate better and reduce distractions while studying.

Best of luck!
POOCHO. LIFE CHANGE KARO.

...Read more

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