CUET 2025 Eligibility: Is CUET Exam Exclusive to Indian Students? Here’s What NTA Has to Say
Shruti | April 19, 2025
With registration for CUET 2025 in full swing, one key question students and parents are asking is: "Is CUET only for Indian students?" The response is broader than many realize. The National Testing Agency (NTA), which administers CUET UG, has issued unambiguous eligibility criteria encompassing both Indian nationals and certain foreign nationals.
CUET 2025 Eligibility Snapshot
| Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Conducting Body | National Testing Agency (NTA) |
| Eligible Nationalities | Indian citizens, certain foreign nationals |
| Foreign Nationals Eligible | Yes – under certain categories |
| Academic Qualification | Class 12 passed or appearing |
| Upper Age Limit | No upper age limit mentioned by NTA |
| CUET Website | cuet.nta.nic.in |
CUET 2025: Who Can Apply?
As per the official CUET UG eligibility, the examination is not strictly reserved for Indian citizens. Though students from India constitute the main applicant pool, the following groups are also eligible to apply:
Eligible Non-Indian Nationals:
- Nepal or Bhutan citizens
- Tibetan refugees who entered India prior to January 1, 1962
- People of Indian Origin (PIOs) from:
- Pakistan
- Sri Lanka
- Myanmar (Burma)
- Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi
- Zaire (Congo), Ethiopia, Vietnam
(Should have settled in India permanently)
Note: All such candidates should fulfill all other academic and identification criteria as laid down by NTA
Academic Eligibility for CUET 2025
- Candidates should have passed Class 12 or its equivalent from a recognized board.
- Students who are appearing for the Class 12 board exams in the year 2025 are also eligible to apply.
- There is no upper age limit to appear for CUET UG 2025.
- However, universities may also define their own age restrictions or other criteria.
What About Foreign Nationals?
CUET is not available to all foreign students. Foreign citizens who do not qualify in the PIO or refugee categories need to apply through independent admission processes specified by specific universities.
The majority of central universities such as DU, JNU, BHU, and others have separate NRI/foreign admission windows, mostly without the need for CUET scores.
Final Verdict: Is CUET Only for Indian Students?
No. CUET 2025 is not only for Indian citizens, but it is mainly intended for Indian nationals and limited foreign-origin persons who have established permanent residence in India. If you are an international student residing abroad without any Indian link, CUET is not your path—you'll have to verify the individual university's international admissions policy.
Candidates' Action Steps
- Verify your nationality eligibility according to NTA regulations.
- Verify academic qualifications and university-specific regulations.
- Go to cuet.nta.nic.in to register.
- Join student groups or coaching sites for regular updates.
FAQs on CUET 2025 Nationality Eligibility
Q1. Do foreign nationals apply for CUET 2025?
Yes, only if they belong to NTA-specified foreign-origin groups such as Nepalese, Bhutanese, Tibetan refugees, or PIOs of select countries.
Q2. Is it obligatory for NRI students to apply for CUET?
Not always. NRIs and overseas students in most cases have exclusive channels for admissions.
Q3. Does CUET 2025 impose an upper age limit?
No, no upper age restriction exists under the NTA's rules.
Q4. Are all universities CUET score followers for foreign students?
No. Foreign nationals typically have to apply directly through international student cells of universities.
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Also Reads :
CUET UG Result Date 2025 ( Expected ): Everything You Need to Know (July 2024 Update)
CUET General Test 2025: Is It Compulsory for All? Experts Clear the Confusion