The Common University Entrance Test (CUET) has become one of the most important exam since its introduction, for students interested in Postgraduate Psychology Programs in India. Conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA), CUET PG Psychology serves as the main gateway to admission to the master’s programs in the field of psychology at many Central, State, and Private Universities.
With its rising popularity, the CUET PG Psychology is becoming competitive every year. It is crucial to have a clear understanding of the exam pattern and syllabus so that one can create effective preparation strategies to succeed.
CUET PG Psychology Exam Pattern
- Paper Code: HUQP20
- Number of Questions: 75 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) from Psychology only.
- Marking Scheme: +4 for correct; -1 for incorrect; 0 for unanswered questions
- Total Marks: 300
- Mode of Exam: Computer-Based Test (CBT)
- Purpose: Admission into Postgraduate Programs (like MA/MSc Psychology, etc.)
- Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree in Psychology or a related subject
Type of Questions
- According to the official CUET PG Psychology 2024 Question Paper, all questions are formally listed as Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs). However, within that format, students can expect different sub-types/styles of questioning, made to test both knowledge and application. These sub-types/styles of questions include:
- Direct MCQs: Straightforward, single-correct answer questions.
- Assertion–Reason Questions: Two statements are given; students decide if each is correct and whether one explains the other.
- Match-the-Following: Pair terms, theorists, or concepts with the correct descriptions.
- Statement-Based Questions: Identify which statements among a set are correct.
- Case/Scenario-Based MCQs: Apply psychological concepts to real-life or clinical situations.
Syllabus for CUET PG Psychology
CUET PG Psychology primarily covers undergraduate-level concepts. The key topics are as follows:
Preparation Strategies & Recommended Books
Preparing for CUET PG Psychology requires a mix of conceptual clarity, consistent regular practice, and an understanding of the exam format.
How to prepare for CUET PG Psychology
- Focus on the Week Areas: Find out the topics & areas from the syllabus that you don’t feel comfortable with and revise them regularly until you understand them fully.
- Test yourself with Mock Tests: Regularly test yourself with online mock tests to improve your speed, accuracy and timing.
- Practice using Previous Year Questions: Attempt the previous year’s CUET PG Psychology Exam papers, and other psychology exam papers too, to understand the question pattern.
- Make and Use Revision Notes: Create short notes to revise before the exam to recall the important points.
Recommended Books
- Introduction to Psychology by Ciccarelli and Baron
- Psychology by Baron
- Development Through the Lifespan by Laura Berk
- Abnormal Psychology by Sarason and Sarason or Davison & Neale
- Research Methods in Psychology by Lewin & Fox
- Biopsychology by James W. Kalat
- Biopsychology by Dr Arvind Otta (to understand the key points of the subject, often asked in the exam)
- Psychology Entrance Examination by Dr Arvind Otta (to practice using the previous year’s question papers)
- Psychology Question Bank by Dr Arvind Otta (to test yourself with Mock Tests)
Do You Need Coaching for CUET PG Psychology?
You can prepare for CUET PG Psychology by self-study, especially if you have had a strong foundation and clear understanding of the subject in your bachelor’s. Many students succeed with disciplined preparation, persistent practice, and reliable study resources.
However, for many students, structured guidance, expert mentorship, and collaborative learning make a really big difference, especially when it comes to motivation, time management, and or mastering tricky concepts. This is where the coaching institutes play a very supportive role.
Among many available options, UPS Education has earned the reputation of being the best in the field of psychology coaching. They provide:
- CUET PG-focused study resources and Test series (online & offline).
- They also provide specialized online and offline classes for the exam.
- Regularly test you with their CUET PG-focused Mock Tests with constant feedback on how to improve.
- Personalized mentorship and guidance to strengthen your weak areas.
Classes, Portal & Support from the Faculty
Candidates appearing for CUET PG Psychology can choose to prepare for the exam in multiple modes of learning offered at UPS Education:
- Regular Classroom Program: This mode is best suited for those candidates who prefer a schedule that is structured and in-person interaction with the faculty. Candidates also get a set of comprehensive and easy-to-understand study materials to prepare from, and access to a web portal where candidates can test themselves against various Test series and Mock tests.
- Live Online Classes: Live online classes are flexible, interactive, and accessible from anywhere; all a candidate needs is a laptop or phone and an internet connection. They also get study material to prepare from and portal access to test themselves to better prepare.
- Virtual/Recorded Classes: Virtual Classes are best for candidates who balance between college/work and study and prefer self-paced learning. Candidates enrolled in virtual class also get study material and access to portal services.
- Distance Mode Resources: In this mode of study, candidates only get access to the study material to prepare from and a portal to access test series and mock tests to test themselves.
ALSO READ: Why Offline Coaching is Best for Psychology Entrance Exam Preparation
Some of the Best Universities, Colleges & Institutions to Study Psychology at Postgraduate Level
Qualifying the CUET PG Psychology exam can open doors to some of the best universities in India for Post-Graduate studies in Psychology. The following are some of the top names among others:
- University of Delhi (DU) – DU has strong Psychology departments with diverse specializations.
- Banaras Hindu University (BHU) – BHU offers a balanced mix of research, practical exposure, and theory/coursework related to psychology and Mental Health, through its MA/MSc courses in psychology.
- Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) – TISS is known for its strong focus on Applied Psychology and Counselling focus. It offers a Postgraduate Master’s of Arts (MA) in Applied Psychology (Clinical and Counselling Practice).
- Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI) – JMI is a central university known for its reputed psychology department and applied focus. It offers Applied Psychology at Postgraduate level.
- Dr BR Ambedkar University Delhi (AUD) – AUD offers interdisciplinary approach with good faculty support. It offers psychology through its MA Psychology (Psychosocial Clinical Studies) program.
- Christ University, Bangalore – Christ University offers rigorous PG programs in psychology with exposure to applied fields. It offers psychology at postgraduate level through its MA/MSc (Clinical and Counselling) programmes.
- Amity University, Noida – Amity, Noida, is known for strong infrastructure, applied training, and research facilities in psychology.
- Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) – MAHE offers global exposure and practical training opportunities in psychology. It offers psychology at postgraduate level through its MSc in Clinical Psychology programme.
- Pondicherry University – PU is a central university offering postgraduate programs in psychology (applied and research-focused). It offers psychology at postgraduate level through its MSc in Applied Psychology programme.
Conclusion
While coaching is not mandatory for success, those who find themselves in need of some extra support or a push can find a helping hand in UPS Education. CUET PG Psychology is a highly competitive exam, but with disciplined preparation and proper guidance, it is absolutely achievable. So start early, practice persistently, and stay confident.
ALSO READ: GATE Psychology vs. UGC NET Psychology: Which One Should You Prepare For?
FAQs
Q1. Who is eligible for CUET PG Psychology?
To be eligible, candidates must hold a bachelor’s degree in Psychology or a related subject (such as Applied Psychology, Clinical Psychology, or Social Work with psychology papers). Final-year students may also apply.
Q2. How many questions are asked in CUET PG Psychology?
The exam consists of 75 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs), each carrying 4 marks, with 1 mark deducted for every wrong answer.
Q3. What types of questions come in CUET PG Psychology?
Apart from direct MCQs, the paper includes Assertion–Reason questions, Match-the-Following, Statement-based, and Case/Scenario-based questions.
Q4. What is the syllabus for CUET PG Psychology?
The syllabus broadly covers undergraduate-level topics such as History and Schools of Psychology, Sensation and Perception, Learning, Memory, Motivation & Emotion, Personality, Intelligence, Social Psychology, Biopsychology, Research Methods, Statistics, and Abnormal/Clinical Psychology.
Q5. Do I need coaching for CUET PG Psychology?
Students with strong fundamentals can prepare through self-study, but many benefit from structured guidance, mock tests, and mentorship. Coaching institutes like UPS Education provide specialised CUET PG Psychology programs for aspirants.
