Top 10 CUET Exam Mistakes to Avoid for a Higher Score

Mistake 1: Ignoring NCERT and Relying Too Much on Reference Books

Many students believe NCERT books are insufficient and turn to advanced reference materials too soon. However, 80-90% of the domain-specific questions in CUET are based on NCERT concepts.

✅ Why This is a Mistake:

• NCERT provides a solid foundation with systematically explained concepts.

• Many CUET questions are directly taken from NCERT examples and exercises.

• Using too many reference books can create confusion and waste valuable time.

✅ How to Fix It:

• Master NCERT first before moving to additional resources for deeper understanding.

• Highlight important definitions, formulas, and diagrams for quick revision.

• Solve NCERT back exercises and exemplar problems.

• Use Ostello’s AI-powered quizzes to assess your NCERT knowledge and track weak areas.

Mistake 2: Not Practicing Enough Mock Tests and Previous Year Papers

Some students prepare well but fail to simulate exam conditions with full-length tests. This impacts confidence and time management.

✅ Why This is a Mistake:

• Without regular practice, students struggle with exam pressure and real-time decision-making.

• CUET often repeats question patterns, and without past paper practice, students miss key trends.

• Poor question selection strategy results in avoidable mistakes and wasted time.

✅ How to Fix It:

• Solve at least 5-10 years’ worth of CUET question papers.

• Take weekly mock tests under real exam conditions.

• Analyze mistakes after each test to identify weak areas.

• Boost your confidence with Ostello’s CUET Mock Tests.

Mistake 3: Mismanaging Time During the Exam

CUET is heavily time-bound, section-wise, and poor time management can prevent students from answering all questions.

✅ Why This is a Mistake:

• Students spend too much time on a particular question, leaving less time for others.

• Many delay the General Test preparation for the last, which affects overall performance.

• Without timed practice, students struggle with speed and accuracy.

✅ How to Fix It:

• Solve easy questions first for quick marks.

• Return to difficult questions later with the remaining time.

• Develop a time-allocation strategy based on question weightage.

• Take sectional mock tests to improve speed.

• Use Ostello’s AI-powered time-based tests to sharpen your speed.

Mistake 4: Neglecting the General Test and Language Section

Students concentrating purely on the subject areas under perceive the General Test and the Language Section which could greatly boost overall scores.

✅ Why This is a Mistake:

• The General Test involves logical reasoning, quantitative aptitude, and GK skills. Regular practice will be needed in all of them.

• The English Language section deals with reading comprehension and grammar, which cannot be mastered overnight.

✅ How to Fix It:

• Dedicate 30-45 minutes daily to practice logical reasoning and quantitative aptitude.

• Read one comprehension passage per day to improve speed and accuracy.

• Learn shortcut tricks for logical reasoning and quick mental calculations.

• Start preparing for GT and English early using CUET-specific courses.

  
  

CUET has a negative marking (-1 per wrong answer), meaning careless guessing can lower scores significantly.

✅ Why This is a Mistake:

• Blind guessing increases the chance of losing marks unnecessarily.

• Many students fail to use elimination techniques to improve accuracy.

✅ How to Fix It:

• Eliminate wrong options first, then attempt the question.

• If you cannot eliminate at least two options, it is safer to omit the question.

• Learn smart answering techniques with Ostello’s mock tests.

Mistake 6: Skipping Formula and Concept Revisions

Subjects like Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics require strong formula retention, but many students fail to revise them regularly.

✅ Why This is a Mistake:

• Without proper revision, students forget formulas under exam pressure.

• Many fail to practice formula-based questions, leading to calculation errors.

✅ How to Fix It:

• Keep a separate formula book and revise it daily.

• Practice formula-based MCQs daily.

• Use Ostello's AI-powered formula revision guides.

Mistake 7: Skipping Formula and Concept Revisions 

Subjects like Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics require strong formula retention, yet many students neglect this aspect.

✅ How to Fix It:

• Maintain a separate formula book and revise it daily.

• Practice formula-based MCQs regularly.

• Use Ostello’s AI-powered formula revision guides.

Mistake 8: Studying Too Many Topics at Once Without Focus

Jumping between multiple topics can lead to shallow learning and confusion.

✅ How to Fix It:

• Follow a structured study plan, focusing on one or two topics per week.

• Use weekly mock tests to assess progress.

• Get a personalized learning plan with Ostello.

Mistake 9: Ignoring Mental and Physical Well-Being

Excessive stress negatively impacts memory, concentration, and performance.

✅ How to Fix It:

• Follow the 50-10 Rule: Study for 50 minutes, then take a 10-minute break.

• Sleep 7-8 hours daily for better focus and retention.

Ace CUET UG 2025 with Smart Preparation

By avoiding these common mistakes, you can maximize your CUET score and secure admission to your dream college. With Ostello, you get expert guidance, structured learning resources, and AI-powered tools to boost your preparation.

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Check out these CUET courses to score a perfect 800!

• CUET English Course

• CUET Science Domain Course

• CUET Humanities Course

• CUET Commerce Course 1

• CUET Commerce Course 2